Participate

Participation

How can I take part?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the health impact and associated health benefits of energy renovation in domestic dwellings.

To take part in this part of the study you will also need to meet the following criteria:

• You have to undergo renovations to higher energy efficient standards (at least BER B3)

You are free to choose whether you would like to take part in Part 1 and/or Part 2 of this project.

Part 1 – Air Quality Survey

In our study, air quality and thermal comfort will be measured in a sample of 30 homes. We will measure the following common air pollutants (link to pollutant sidetab):

• Particulate matter (PM_2.5)
• Pollutant gases: Carbon monoxide (CO), Formaldehyde, Radon

How will we measure indoor air quality and ventilation performance in homes?

If you agree to participate, a member of the project team will be in contact to agree a suitable day for them to visit your home and perform the measurements. Due to the Pandemic, we have devised sampling plans which will allow us to perform this element of the study without having to enter your home, thus maintaining social distancing. A trained researcher will deliver and collect the air sampling equipment to your home. The researcher will provide instructions to you on where to place the devices in your home.  They will use small, discrete equipment which should not interfere with the day-to-day activities in your home. You will be provided with study paperwork and asked to provide a brief overview of the activities that took place in your home over the measurement period.  Ventilation performance measurements will be completed in the home after the renovation work has been completed, it is estimated to take approximately 30 mins. HSE advice in relation to COVID-19 will be followed to protect you and our researchers when collecting these measurements.

Part 2 – Health Questionnaire Survey

All study participants will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire before and after the energy renovation. The questionnaire includes information on the home, family, personal health and respiratory illness/disease questions.  The questionnaire will either be delivered to you during the indoor air quality assessment or posted to you if you are not taking part in Part 1 of this study. The questionnaire will also be available electronically and we can email it to you. Once you have completed the questionnaire, you can use the stamped addressed envelope to return the questionnaire to the research team or email it back to us. You will receive a second similar questionnaire to complete after the renovation work has been completed.

If you match the above criteria and would like to take part in both or just one part, please contact Nina Wemken. Nina’s contact details are available on the Contact Us web page.