The
GERIE study (Geriatric study in Europe on
health effects of air quality in nursing homes) is an European
collaborative study coordinated by dr. Isabella Annesi-Maesano,
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris et
partially funded by the DG-SANCO (General
Directorate of health and consumers) of the European Commission
through the the Executive Agency
for Health and Consumers, Project
N° 2006343 under
EU Health Programme 2008-2013
The main
long-term purpose of the GERIE study is to improve the
health ofelderly
people who permanently reside in nursing homes or of those
who are exposed
to indoor air pollution (IAP) because of reduced mobility. This is
the first study to address the issue of indoor air quality in
nursing homes at the European level.
The
GERIE study
aims to:
The
HNHEAT Tool
In the Tools page we provide the
HNHEAT Tool, a set of recommendations, questionnaires and
checklists to help NH operators to deal with environmental
issues.
Strategic
relevance and contribution to the public health
programme
Indoor air
pollution (IAP) is a major global public health problem requiring
increasing efforts in research and policymaking. IAP may have
special significance for elderly that appear to be particularly
susceptible to the adverse respiratory and cardiovascular effects
of air pollutants, among which morbidity and mortality, and are
likely to spend most of their day indoors.
Methods and means
Eight nursing
homes have been randomly selected in seven European countries. In
each nursing home, 20 individuals were randomly selected. Major
indoor air pollutants were assessed with standardised procedures.
Major health status indicators were assessed including symptoms,
diseases, neuropsychological status and medical records.
Furthermore, the prognostic value in terms of severe morbidity and
mortality of non-invasive clinical tests and blood and urine
biomarkers assessed at the inclusion of the individuals in the
study was determined. Standardised protocols and devices were used
to assess both clinical indicators and biomarkers. Exposures to
occupational hazards and outdoor pollution were modelled
retrospectively. In the long-term, gene-environment interactions
will be searched for.
Expected outcomes
The GERIE study
will provide an inventory of air quality and thermal conditions in
nursing homes across Europe and the knowledge of potential
air-related hazardsto which elderly people are exposed in nursing
homes. The study will bring up also information on mechanisms
underlying the response of the organisms to air pollutants in the
elderly.