| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S70661/01 |
| Title: |
Controlling house dust mites by environmental means: Validation of a combined hygrothermal population model |
| Principal Investigator: |
Crowther, Dr D |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Architecture |
| Organisation: |
University of Cambridge |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 May 2004 |
Ends: |
30 April 2006 |
Value (£): |
94,530
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Building Ops & Management |
Population Ecology |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
In a recently completed two-year EPSRC research project (ref: GR/M93963), a multidisciplinary team has successfully developed a prototype model for predicting how house dust mite populations are affected by hygrothermal conditions in dwellings. This combined hygrothermal population model makes it possible to assess the impact of manipulating environmental conditions, such as by changing the building fabric, heating/ventilation regime, or occupant use patterns. We can now show that the impact of such changes can be radical. The model thus has the potential to make a significant contribution to controlling mites, which are known to play a significant role in asthma and other allergic diseases. This proposal covers the next vital stage in the model's development, in particular its validation, without which it will be of little use as a predictive tool. A major field study involving 60 houses is planned. The population model is currently derived from very incomplete data sets and a programme of laboratory experiments, designed in consultation with international experts, will be carried out to remedy this. At the same time, in collaboration with a separately funded study, the model will be extended to include a new allergen production submodel. Finally the model will be used to determine viable control strategies for a range of UK house types.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cam.ac.uk |