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Explore air quality monitors, masks, and air purifiers.","handle","@airvisual","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/newsroom?cursor=eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjQ4NTU2Njg4MTQsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE2MTgzNTE2MzYwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6NTl9&direction=next&tag=Community","jsonLd",{"_1013":1014,"_1015":1016,"_12":1017,"_405":1018,"_1019":1020,"_1029":1030,"_205":1010,"_1041":1042},"@context","https://schema.org","@type","Organization","IQAir","https://www.iqair.com/dl/web/logos/ic-logo-iq-air-blue.svg","sameAs",[1021,1022,1023,1024,1025,1026,1027,1028],"https://www.facebook.com/iqair","https://twitter.com/IQAir","https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-iqair-group","https://www.instagram.com/iqair/","https://www.youtube.com/IQAir","https://www.pinterest.com/IQAir/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airvisual&hl=en_US&gl=US","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/iqair-airvisual-air-quality/id1048912974","contactPoint",[1031,1039],{"_1015":1032,"_1033":1034,"_1035":1036,"_1037":1038},"ContactPoint","telephone","+1-866-488-1918","contactType","customer service","areaServed","US",{"_1015":1032,"_1033":1040,"_1035":1036,"_1037":19},"+86-400-108-5117","potentialAction",{"_1015":1043,"_1044":1045,"_1046":1047},"SearchAction","target","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/search-results?q={search_term}","query","required name='search_term'","robots","requestInfo",{"_1051":1052,"_1066":1067},"userPreferences",{"_1053":1054,"_1063":1038,"_1064":1065},"units",{"_1055":1056,"_1057":1058,"_1059":1060,"_1061":1062},"distance","kilometer","temperature","celsius","pressure","millibar","system","metric","AQI","timezone","America/Los_Angeles","userLocation",{"_18":1038,"_1068":1069,"_1070":1071,"_1072":1073,"_1064":1065,"_1074":118,"_1075":118},"countryName","United States","countryRegion","CA","city","Los Angeles","lat","lng",["P",1076],"ENV",{"_1079":1080,"_1081":1082,"_1083":1084,"_1085":1086,"_1087":1088,"_1089":1090,"_1091":1092,"_1093":1094,"_1095":-7,"_1096":1097,"_1098":1099,"_1100":1101,"_1102":1103,"_1104":1105,"_1106":-7},"MODE","production","GOOGLE_TAG_MANAGER_ID","GTM-PPQMD6","FACEBOOK_LOGIN_APP_ID","398656046993675","GOOGLE_LOGIN_CLIENT_ID","351521898-5bj7u78k0elfc3pod2gkejvfnju8hncf.apps.googleusercontent.com","APPLE_LOGIN_CLIENT_ID","4235W294QP.com.airvisual.airvisual","PUBLIC_STORE_DOMAIN","cms-cn.iqairint.com","PUBLIC_SHOP_ID","1844117571","IQAIR_DASHBOARD_DOMAIN","dashboard.iqair.cn","WAF_SDK","CUSTOM_EMBEDDABLE_MAP_CONSTANTS_HOST","https://www.airvisual.com","AIRVISUAL_CDN_DOMAIN","https://cdn.airvisual.net","AIRVISUAL_OSM_DOMAIN","https://osm.airvisual.net","AIRVISUAL_WIND_URL","https://website-api.airvisual.com/prod/current-wind-surface-level-gfs-1.0.json","AIRVISUAL_EARTH_URL","https://earth.airvisual.io","VERCEL",["P",1107],"consent",{"_1110":1111,"_1112":1113},"checkoutDomain","shop.iqair.cn","storefrontAccessToken","dccfc25fe657ff3be10ed75de20a9463","selectedLocale",{"_1116":1117,"_1118":1119,"_1120":19,"_1121":1122,"_1123":17,"_1124":1125,"_1126":1127,"_1128":1129},"label","China","language","EN","country","pathPrefix","cn-en","currency","flag","/flags/china.jpg","continent","Asia Pacific","websiteApiLang","en-CN","userAgent","Amazon CloudFront","dismissedCountryBanner","requestOrigin","http://www.iqair.cn","routes/$(locale)",{},"routes/$(locale).newsroom._index",{"_1139":1140,"_1362":705,"_1003":1363,"_1367":1368},"blog",{"_599":695,"_1003":1141,"_1142":1143},{"_599":-5,"_1006":-5},"articles",{"_1144":1145,"_1354":1355},"nodes",[1146,1178,1193,1209,1225,1241,1257,1273,1290,1306,1322,1338],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1150,"_1139":1152,"_1154":1155,"_1156":1155,"_1157":1158,"_1159":1160,"_1008":1161,"_10":1162,"_1163":1164,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1167,"_635":1168,"_599":1170,"_1171":1172},"__typename","Article","author",{"_12":1151},"IQAir Staff Writers",{"_1008":1153},"news","excerpt","A partnership between IQAir and Greenpeace estimated deaths from PM2.5 in 2020. See the results.","excerptHtml","content","Jakarta, Indonesia, 18 February – PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)air pollution was behind approximately 160,000 deaths in the world’s five most populous cities in 2020, according to a Greenpeace Southeast Asia analysis of IQAir data from a live Cost Estimator.1,2 While some cities saw small improvements in air quality as a result of lockdowns due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), the devastating impact of air pollution underscores the need to rapidly scale up clean energy, build electrified, accessible transport systems and end reliance on fossil fuels. “When governments choose coal, oil and gas over clean energy, it’s our health that pays the price. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels increases our likelihood of dying from cancer or stroke, suffering asthma attacks and of experiencing severe COVID-19. We can’t afford to keep breathing dirty air when the solutions to air pollution are widely available and affordable,” said Avinash Chanchal, climate campaigner at Greenpeace India. Delhi sustained an estimated 54,000 avoidable deaths due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020, or one death per 500 people. Jakarta suffered an estimated 13,000 avoidable deaths due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020 and sustained air pollution-related losses of USD 3.4 billion, equivalent to 8.2% of the city’s total gross domestic product (GDP). In 2020, the estimated economic cost of PM2.5 air pollution exceeded USD 5 billion in 14 cities included in the analysis. Of the included cities, the highest estimated total financial cost from air pollution was recorded in Tokyo, which suffered approximately 40,000 avoidable deaths and an economic loss of USD 43 billion due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020. Los Angeles recorded the highest per capita financial cost of PM2.5 air pollution of all cities on the estimator, at approximately USD 2,700 per resident. Estimated air pollution impacts in the world’s five biggest cities (2020) Name Population Estimated Deaths Estimated Cost (USD) Delhi 30 million 54,000 8.1 billion Mexico City 22 million 15,000 8.0 billion São Paulo 22 million 15,000 7.0 billion Shanghai 26 million 39,000 19 billion Tokyo 37 million 40,000 43 billion Greenpeace urges that governments at all levels invest in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, and clean-energy powered, accessible public transport to protect residents from lethal air pollution. “Breathing should not be deadly. The fact that poor air quality claimed an estimated 160,000 lives in the five largest cities alone should give us pause, especially in a year when many cities were seeing lower air pollution levels due to less economic activity. Governments, corporations and individuals must do more to eliminate the sources of air pollution and make our cities better places to live,” said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir. “In most parts of the world it is now cheaper to build clean energy infrastructure than to continue investing in polluting fossil fuels, even before taking the cost of air pollution and climate change into account. As governments look to recover from the economic impact of COVID, they must create green jobs, build accessible, clean-energy powered public transport systems and invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. We demand a better normal, not only for the sake of our air, but also to address the flooding, heat waves and intensified storms that we’re experiencing as a result of climate change,” said Bondan Andriyanu, campaigner at Greenpeace Indonesia.","contentHtml","

Jakarta, Indonesia, 18 February – PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)air pollution was behind approximately 160,000 deaths in the world’s five most populous cities in 2020, according to a Greenpeace Southeast Asia analysis of IQAir data from a live Cost Estimator.^1,2 While some cities saw small improvements in air quality as a result of lockdowns due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), the devastating impact of air pollution underscores the need to rapidly scale up clean energy, build electrified, accessible transport systems and end reliance on fossil fuels.

“When governments choose coal, oil and gas over clean energy, it’s our health that pays the price. Air pollution from burning fossil fuels increases our likelihood of dying from cancer or stroke, suffering asthma attacks and of experiencing severe COVID-19. We can’t afford to keep breathing dirty air when the solutions to air pollution are widely available and affordable,” said Avinash Chanchal, climate campaigner at Greenpeace India.

Delhi sustained an estimated 54,000 avoidable deaths due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020, or one death per 500 people. Jakarta suffered an estimated 13,000 avoidable deaths due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020 and sustained air pollution-related losses of USD 3.4 billion, equivalent to 8.2% of the city’s total gross domestic product (GDP).

In 2020, the estimated economic cost of PM2.5 air pollution exceeded USD 5 billion in 14 cities included in the analysis. Of the included cities, the highest estimated total financial cost from air pollution was recorded in Tokyo, which suffered approximately 40,000 avoidable deaths and an economic loss of USD 43 billion due to PM2.5 air pollution in 2020. Los Angeles recorded the highest per capita financial cost of PM2.5 air pollution of all cities on the estimator, at approximately USD 2,700 per resident.

Estimated air pollution impacts in the world’s five biggest cities (2020)

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Name	Population	Estimated Deaths	Estimated Cost (USD)
Delhi	30 million	54,000	8.1 billion
Mexico City	22 million	15,000	8.0 billion
São Paulo	22 million	15,000	7.0 billion
Shanghai	26 million	39,000	19 billion
Tokyo	37 million	40,000	43 billion

Greenpeace urges that governments at all levels invest in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, and clean-energy powered, accessible public transport to protect residents from lethal air pollution.

“Breathing should not be deadly. The fact that poor air quality claimed an estimated 160,000 lives in the five largest cities alone should give us pause, especially in a year when many cities were seeing lower air pollution levels due to less economic activity. Governments, corporations and individuals must do more to eliminate the sources of air pollution and make our cities better places to live,” said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir.

“In most parts of the world it is now cheaper to build clean energy infrastructure than to continue investing in polluting fossil fuels, even before taking the cost of air pollution and climate change into account. As governments look to recover from the economic impact of COVID, they must create green jobs, build accessible, clean-energy powered public transport systems and invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar. We demand a better normal, not only for the sake of our air, but also to address the flooding, heat waves and intensified storms that we’re experiencing as a result of climate change,” said Bondan Andriyanu, campaigner at Greenpeace Indonesia.

","iqair-greenpeace-2020-air-pollution-deaths","gid://shopify/Article/564856127566","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/iqair-greenpeace-2020-air-pollution-deaths","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2021-02-17T22:02:02Z",[1169,705,907],"Air Quality","IQAir and Greenpeace report 2020 air pollution deaths","image",{"_10":1173,"_202":1174,"_205":1175,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269464502350","City with air pollution","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Greenp_PR_Desk_b_aef94687-ba55-406d-853a-12976a5f9ab1.jpg?v=1751449767",2880,1500,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1179,"_1139":1180,"_1154":1181,"_1156":1181,"_1157":1182,"_1159":1183,"_1008":1184,"_10":1185,"_1163":1186,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1187,"_635":1188,"_599":1189,"_1171":1190},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how IQAir and Greenpeace calculated the deaths caused by air pollution in 2020.","The year 2020 will be remembered as tragic by people around the globe because of COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus). In 2020, air pollution claimed over 160,000 lives in the world’s five largest cities. The economic cost of air pollution from reduced productivity for just these five cities has been estimated to be over $85.1 billion. Many of these deaths were preventable – they may not have occurred had these 160,000 people not been exposed to air pollution. These sobering estimates speak to the need for greater public emphasis on air pollution prevention and control as well as investment in air cleaning and monitoring technologies. In 2020, air pollution claimed over 160,000 lives in the world’s five largest cities. In response to this global crisis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia partnered with IQAir to create the Cost of Air Pollution estimator. Using the IQAir air quality database, drawn from over 80,000 sensors worldwide, the estimator calculates deaths and economic costs incurred in select cities during 2020. Air pollution’s avoidable and lethal impacts have been felt globally, sparing none of the world’s five largest cities. Tokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths, $43 billion USD lost Delhi, India: 54,000 deaths, $8.1 billion USD lost Shanghai, China: 39,000 deaths, $19 billion USD lost Mexico City, 15,000 deaths, $8 billion USD lost Sao Paulo, Brazil: 15,000 deaths, $7 billion USD lost Total Deaths: 163,000Total Cost: $85.1 billion USD These five cities have a combined population of 137 million people, or nearly 2 percent of the world’s total population. The IQAir platform measures ground-level particulate matter (PM2.5) in real time. This data is then combined with a city’s population, health data, and scientific risk models to determine mortality and cost estimates. PM2.5 is particulate matter pollution measuring 2.5 microns or less. These microscopic particles are considered a grave threat to human health. PM2.5 can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, impacting both the respiratory and cardiovascular system.1 Global health costs of air pollution Though early 2020 lockdowns for COVID-19 slowed global air pollution by reducing travel and associated pollutants, the impact proved to be brief. The Cost of Air Pollution estimator demonstrates that air pollution still claimed many lives in major metropolitan cities around the world. New Delhi, Tokyo, and Shanghai were the top three cities for estimated deaths among the selected cities. Delhi, India: 54,000 deaths Tokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths Shanghai, China: 39,000 deaths Beijing, China: 34,000 deaths Mumbai, India: 25,000 deaths Pictured: Shanghai’s air quality index levels on 14 January, 2021 at 1 pm (PST) varied from moderate downtown to unhealthy in suburban areas. In Thailand, more than 15.2 million people in six cities were strongly impacted by air pollution, experiencing over 13,000 deaths. Bangkok accounted for most of the losses, with 9,400 avoidable deaths recorded in 2020. Pictured: Bangkok’s air quality on 15 January, 2021 at 9 am (PST). The air quality index levels for the city range from \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" to \"unhealthy for the public.\" Four cities in Indonesia with a population of 17.5 million people lost 19,750 people. In Jakarta, 13,000 people died due to air pollution, or 1,200 people per million. While the COVID-19 lockdowns may have provided a temporary respite by reducing air pollution, emerging research suggests that exposure to pollutants may have increased COVID-19 deaths. A 2020 study published in Science Advances found that if a U.S. county had a history of higher exposure levels to PM2.5- an increase of 1 microgram per cubic meter (μg/m3) in the county’s long-term PM2.5 exposure -that county experienced an 11% increase in their COVID-19 mortality rate.2 Global economic cost of air pollution The economic costs of air pollution for humanity have been devastating. Air pollution’s economic consequences carry huge implications for people and their communities, including: reduced work hours and shifts increased health care costs from disability, asthma, and chronic respiratory disease lost household income from caregiving for ill family members For communities, air pollution’s economic costs can translate to lowered economic productivity from work absences and overall reduced life expectancy. The Cost of Air Pollution estimator considers these factors, among others, in calculating a city’s economic cost. In terms of absolute cost, five global cities lost an estimated $135 billion inU.S. dollars (USD)to air pollution in 2020. Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York City carried the highest air pollution losses among the cities examined in 2020. Tokyo, Japan: $43 billion USD lost Los Angeles, California: $32 billion USD lost New York City, New York: $25 billion USD lost Shanghai, China: $19 billion USD lost Beijing, China: $16 billion USD lost Los Angeles, California had the greatest per capita air pollution cost in the world, at $2,700 USD per person. Residents in the next three cities after Los Angeles experienced $1,400 USD per capita or more in air pollution costs: Berlin, Germany: $1,900 USD Canberra, Australia: $1,700 USD Yunlin, Taiwan: $1,400 USD Combined, five global cities lost an estimated $135 billion USD to air pollution in 2020. Two cities in northern India lost at least 13 percent of their gross domestic product, or GDP, in 2020 to air pollution: Lucknow: 14 percent of GDP Delhi: 13 percent of GDP Pictured: On 13 January, 2021 at 2:30 pm (PST), New Delhi registered an air quality of 346 and Lucknow registered 262. Numerous northern Indian cities were rated with very unhealthy to hazardous air. India’s projected national GDP for 2020 was $2.6 trillion USD, the sixth highest GDP in the world.3 But despite India’s high-ranking national GDP, northern Indian cities carried a disproportionate amount of financial burden from air pollution compared to residents of other global cities. The takeaway Poor air quality is taking a calculable toll on the world’s largest cities. The calculations provided through the Cost of Air Pollution estimator capture a real-time snapshot of the key health and economic costs that result from air pollution. These estimates tell us that not enough is being done to save lives and improve global quality of life. Air pollution’s extreme human and financial costs demand greater need for air quality activism, accountability, pollution prevention, and clean air technologies. You can find out where your city ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Monthly PM2.5 air quality index levels for the prior year are provided for thousands of cities.","

The year 2020 will be remembered as tragic by people around the globe because of COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus).

In 2020, air pollution claimed over 160,000 lives in the world’s five largest cities. The economic cost of air pollution from reduced productivity for just these five cities has been estimated to be over $85.1 billion.

Many of these deaths were preventable – they may not have occurred had these 160,000 people not been exposed to air pollution. These sobering estimates speak to the need for greater public emphasis on air pollution prevention and control as well as investment in air cleaning and monitoring technologies.

In 2020, air pollution claimed over 160,000 lives in the world’s five largest cities.

In response to this global crisis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia partnered with IQAir to create the Cost of Air Pollution estimator.

Using the IQAir air quality database, drawn from over 80,000 sensors worldwide, the estimator calculates deaths and economic costs incurred in select cities during 2020.

Air pollution’s avoidable and lethal impacts have been felt globally, sparing none of the world’s five largest cities.

\nTokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths, $43 billion USD lost
\nDelhi, India: 54,000 deaths, $8.1 billion USD lost
\nShanghai, China: 39,000 deaths, $19 billion USD lost
\nMexico City, 15,000 deaths, $8 billion USD lost
\nSao Paulo, Brazil: 15,000 deaths, $7 billion USD lost

Total Deaths: 163,000
Total Cost: $85.1 billion USD

These five cities have a combined population of 137 million people, or nearly 2 percent of the world’s total population.

The IQAir platform measures ground-level particulate matter (PM2.5) in real time. This data is then combined with a city’s population, health data, and scientific risk models to determine mortality and cost estimates.

PM2.5 is particulate matter pollution measuring 2.5 microns or less. These microscopic particles are considered a grave threat to human health. PM2.5 can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, impacting both the respiratory and cardiovascular system.¹

Global health costs of air pollution

Though early 2020 lockdowns for COVID-19 slowed global air pollution by reducing travel and associated pollutants, the impact proved to be brief. The Cost of Air Pollution estimator demonstrates that air pollution still claimed many lives in major metropolitan cities around the world.

New Delhi, Tokyo, and Shanghai were the top three cities for estimated deaths among the selected cities.

Delhi, India: 54,000 deaths
Tokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths
Shanghai, China: 39,000 deaths
\nBeijing, China: 34,000 deaths
\nMumbai, India: 25,000 deaths

$\"picture1\"$

Pictured: Shanghai’s air quality index levels on 14 January, 2021 at 1 pm (PST) varied from moderate downtown to unhealthy in suburban areas.

In Thailand, more than 15.2 million people in six cities were strongly impacted by air pollution, experiencing over 13,000 deaths. Bangkok accounted for most of the losses, with 9,400 avoidable deaths recorded in 2020.

$\"picture$

Pictured: Bangkok’s air quality on 15 January, 2021 at 9 am (PST). The air quality index levels for the city range from \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" to \"unhealthy for the public.\"

Four cities in Indonesia with a population of 17.5 million people lost 19,750 people. In Jakarta, 13,000 people died due to air pollution, or 1,200 people per million.

While the COVID-19 lockdowns may have provided a temporary respite by reducing air pollution, emerging research suggests that exposure to pollutants may have increased COVID-19 deaths.

A 2020 study published in Science Advances found that if a U.S. county had a history of higher exposure levels to PM2.5- an increase of 1 microgram per cubic meter (μg/m3) in the county’s long-term PM2.5 exposure -that county experienced an 11% increase in their COVID-19 mortality rate.²

Global economic cost of air pollution

The economic costs of air pollution for humanity have been devastating.

Air pollution’s economic consequences carry huge implications for people and their communities, including:

reduced work hours and shifts
increased health care costs from disability, asthma, and chronic respiratory disease
lost household income from caregiving for ill family members

For communities, air pollution’s economic costs can translate to lowered economic productivity from work absences and overall reduced life expectancy.

The Cost of Air Pollution estimator considers these factors, among others, in calculating a city’s economic cost.

In terms of absolute cost, five global cities lost an estimated $135 billion inU.S. dollars (USD)to air pollution in 2020. Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York City carried the highest air pollution losses among the cities examined in 2020.

Tokyo, Japan: $43 billion USD lost
Los Angeles, California: $32 billion USD lost
New York City, New York: $25 billion USD lost
Shanghai, China: $19 billion USD lost
Beijing, China: $16 billion USD lost

Los Angeles, California had the greatest per capita air pollution cost in the world, at $2,700 USD per person.

Residents in the next three cities after Los Angeles experienced $1,400 USD per capita or more in air pollution costs:

\nBerlin, Germany: $1,900 USD
\nCanberra, Australia: $1,700 USD
\nYunlin, Taiwan: $1,400 USD

Combined, five global cities lost an estimated $135 billion USD to air pollution in 2020.

Two cities in northern India lost at least 13 percent of their gross domestic product, or GDP, in 2020 to air pollution:

\nLucknow: 14 percent of GDP
Delhi: 13 percent of GDP

$\"picture$
Pictured: On 13 January, 2021 at 2:30 pm (PST), New Delhi registered an air quality of 346 and Lucknow registered 262. Numerous northern Indian cities were rated with very unhealthy to hazardous air.

India’s projected national GDP for 2020 was $2.6 trillion USD, the sixth highest GDP in the world.³ But despite India’s high-ranking national GDP, northern Indian cities carried a disproportionate amount of financial burden from air pollution compared to residents of other global cities.

The takeaway

Poor air quality is taking a calculable toll on the world’s largest cities. The calculations provided through the Cost of Air Pollution estimator capture a real-time snapshot of the key health and economic costs that result from air pollution. These estimates tell us that not enough is being done to save lives and improve global quality of life.

Air pollution’s extreme human and financial costs demand greater need for air quality activism, accountability, pollution prevention, and clean air technologies.

You can find out where your city ranks among the world’s most polluted cities. Monthly PM2.5 air quality index levels for the prior year are provided for thousands of cities.

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During the fall, farmers set fire to bare stalks of harvested crops to clear the land for the following season’s cultivation. As these agricultural fields burn, regional air pollution spikes to “very unhealthy” and “hazardous'' levels, often for days or weeks at a time. Pictured: Delhi and Lahore top the Major City Ranking for worst air pollution globally on 9 November, at 8:00am (MST). The severe air pollution levels in these two cities is largely attributed to agricultural fires. On 10 November at 10:30 AM, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached a record high for the season: 1092. PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)concentration levels at this time measured 813 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), roughly 32 times the World Health Organization (WHO) target for daily exposure (25 μg/m3). Pictured: Hourly air quality index (AQI) levels reach 1039 on Tuesday, November 10. As of mid-November 2020, as many as 4,000 agricultural fires were burning at any given time in the 409 km (254 mi) stretch between Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan. The region, which spans Punjab and Haryana province, is known as India’s agricultural “breadbasket.” Farms here alternate between two harvesting seasons: a winter wheat crop reaped in April and May and a summer rice crop reaped in October and November.1 Harvesting the fall’s rice crop is most often associated with open burning. This is because mechanized rice harvesters tend to leave behind a significant amount of waste. In order to prepare the fields for the next sow in a few short weeks, farmers resort to burning the remaining residue. In 2020, fires commenced around mid-October. Since then, air quality levels in the region have remained “very unhealthy” or worse. This air quality designation indicates that all 50 million residents exposed are likely to experience some adverse health effects as a result. The stubble burning season of 2020 has already greatly exceeded the 2019 season. Between 1-23 October, a total of 11,796 fires burned in Punjab as compared to just 4,889 fires during the same period in 2019.2 This year, a much larger area was harvested, hence the increase in fires. Why is crop burning such a major air quality concern? At first glance, crop burning can appear to be an atrocious but preventable air quality concern. But from a farmer’s perspective, stubble burning not only shortens and eases the transition to the next season but also rids the land of pests and weeds and returns plant-stored nitrogen back to the soil. In an industry where margins are thin, schedules must be kept, and time is money, the convenience and cost savings afforded by crop burning supersedes all else. But these short-term economic benefits come at a high cost to the environment and human health. Worldwide, open burning represents the leading cause for air pollution-related illness in outdoor environments and contributes significantly to climate change.3 Why is Delhi so polluted? Delhi has the reputation of having some of the world’s worst air quality, even without the impact of crop burning in November. In 2019, Delhi was ranked the most polluted capital city in the world, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of, 98.6 μg/m³, nearly 10 times the World Health Organization annual exposure target of 10 μg/m³. While November, peak stubble burning season, is typically the city’s most polluted month, averaging a PM2.5 concentration of 200.7 μg/m³ in 2019, high pollution levels tend to be sustained through January, well after the Pawali season is over. Pictured: Yearly and monthly PM2.5 averages across major cities in Pakistan and Northern India. India’s SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) program estimates that smoke blown into Delhi from agricultural farms only contributes to roughly 20-40 percent of Delhi’s city-wide emissions on any given day in Pawali season.4 Other sources of Delhi’s pollution mix include: transportation emissions biomass burning for household cooking and heating industry coal combustion High wintertime air quality levels are not simply indicative of emissions alone. Delhi’s geography and weather often play a role by preventing normal emission dispersion. The rice harvest season coincides with post-monsoon conditions that stagnate air. During winter, the average wind speed in Delhi varies between 1-3 m/s, roughly one third slower than average summer speeds. Winds are typically considered the most powerful weather condition for dispersing air pollution. Without winds to carry pollutants away, emissions accumulate in the valley and pollution levels rise. Making matters worse is Delhi’s geographic location in a “bowl” surrounded by mountains. As coastal winds blow in, they become trapped by the foothills of the Himalayas, with only a narrow outlet to escape. Notoriously polluted cities, Beijing, China and Los Angeles, California, have similar geographic conditions to these. The combination of unideal conditions result in Delhi’s frequently unhealthy air quality. In 2019, 60.5 percent of hours in Delhi were classified as “unhealthy” or worse, with 7.8 percent deemed “hazardous.” Only 1.1 percent of hours were deemed to have “good” air quality. As a result of such severe and unrelenting pollution levels, it is estimated the city suffered a loss of 41,000 deaths annually and at least $6 billion in economic costs from January to November 2020. What are the health impacts of crop burning pollution? Agriculture is an essential industry, but commercial crop production can have negative impacts on human health. In countries like India and Pakistan, crop burning is a primary contributor to poor air quality and can be very detrimental to human health. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that people living in northern India, where stubble burning was most common, experienced a three-fold higher risk of acute respiratory infection.5 Children under the age of 5 were especially found to be at risk. Exposure to these pollutants can have numerous short-term effects, such as: coughing and wheezing weakness vomiting upset stomach headaches dizziness confusion chest pain and tightness shortness of breath lung, eye, throat, and nose irritation irregular heartbeat increased risk of respiratory infection more frequent and intense asthma attacks Longer-term health effects of exposure to crop burning pollution may include: respiratory illness and chronic lung disease neurological disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) emphysema increased carcinogenesis risk change in lung function cardiovascular illness premature death Crop burning also contributes high concentrations of toxic air pollutants, including:6 carbon dioxide carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides sulphur oxides methane PM10 PM2.5 black carbon What are Delhi & Lahore doing to curb crop burning pollution? 2019 marked the first year of India’s National Clean Air Program (NCAP), a roadmap for tackling air pollution through monitoring, regulation, and enforcement. Major targets include reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20-30% in key cities by 2024 (as compared to 2017 levels).7 The state of Punjab has long banned stubble-burning, but enforcement has been lack-luster. Prompted by exceedingly high pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, the central government announced it would dissolve the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) on 29 October and replace it with the Commission on Air Quality Management in the jurisdiction of the Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh provinces.8 This new commission has been encouraged to take all measures necessary to stop stubble burning and improve regional air quality. Non-compliance with the new Commission’s measures will result in a maximum jail sentence of five years, a high fine, or both. Even in the face of such severe penalties, however, stubble burning continues unabated. Farmers have protested that they lack financial incentives to make a switch to cleaner waste management practices. The Punjab government has attempted to incentivize farmers to reduce this practice by, for example, offering 27,000 stubble removing machines. To date, only 14,000 have been distributed. More incentives are likely needed for cooperation, as farms (especially small-scale farms) lack resources for making the transition alone. With government incentives and rebates as well as fines and penalties, the Commission is hopeful that emissions can be driven down. However, it may take years before farmers are able to transition to environmentally-friendly waste management practices. Some progress has been made. As compared to 2018, 2019 saw improvements in PM2.5 concentrations across all Indian cities (except for in Nagpur). These reductions, however, appear to be more attributable to economic slowdown and favourable meteorological conditions than air pollution mitigation measures. It’s unclear whether improvements in air quality will continue. The lockdown measures due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) during the spring of 2020 resulted in short-term improvements to air quality. However, the fall of 2020 has already experienced a 240 percent increase in stubble burning as compared to 2019. Such a sharp increase in agricultural fires could jeopardize overall improvements for the year. However, many other countries have also worked to outlaw crop burning. Crop burning illegal England, Wales, and China.9,10 The practice is banned in the European Union except for plant health reasons and discouraged in Australia.11,12 It is allowed in Canada by permit and in the United States, though it is regulated in certain states and tribal governments with Smoke Management Programs.13,14 The takeaway Many farmers in India, Pakistan, and around the world are aware that their practices contribute to poor air quality. However, many believe they have little choice in the matter – they simply can’t afford to rid themselves of excess straw by other means.15 A number of conservation agriculture mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce burning in the region that may be possible in other countries as well, including:16 zero-tillage agriculture biomass used as animal feed bio-composting biomass-based thermal power plants mushroom cultivation With a combination of legislation and new agricultural practices, progress is possible in reducing and ultimately ending the poor air quality linked to crop burning for good.","

Since the beginning of October, a thick brown smog has shrouded Northern India and Pakistan. To residents, it’s a familiar sight: “Parali” season, or stubble-burning, has begun.

During the fall, farmers set fire to bare stalks of harvested crops to clear the land for the following season’s cultivation. As these agricultural fields burn, regional air pollution spikes to “very unhealthy” and “hazardous'' levels, often for days or weeks at a time.

$\"Dehli$

Pictured: Delhi and Lahore top the Major City Ranking for worst air pollution globally on 9 November, at 8:00am (MST). The severe air pollution levels in these two cities is largely attributed to agricultural fires.

On 10 November at 10:30 AM, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached a record high for the season: 1092. PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller)concentration levels at this time measured 813 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), roughly 32 times the World Health Organization (WHO) target for daily exposure (25 μg/m³).

$\"Pictured:$

Pictured: Hourly air quality index (AQI) levels reach 1039 on Tuesday, November 10.

As of mid-November 2020, as many as 4,000 agricultural fires were burning at any given time in the 409 km (254 mi) stretch between Delhi, India and Lahore, Pakistan. The region, which spans Punjab and Haryana province, is known as India’s agricultural “breadbasket.” Farms here alternate between two harvesting seasons: a winter wheat crop reaped in April and May and a summer rice crop reaped in October and November.¹

Harvesting the fall’s rice crop is most often associated with open burning. This is because mechanized rice harvesters tend to leave behind a significant amount of waste. In order to prepare the fields for the next sow in a few short weeks, farmers resort to burning the remaining residue.

In 2020, fires commenced around mid-October. Since then, air quality levels in the region have remained “very unhealthy” or worse. This air quality designation indicates that all 50 million residents exposed are likely to experience some adverse health effects as a result.

The stubble burning season of 2020 has already greatly exceeded the 2019 season. Between 1-23 October, a total of 11,796 fires burned in Punjab as compared to just 4,889 fires during the same period in 2019.² This year, a much larger area was harvested, hence the increase in fires.

Why is crop burning such a major air quality concern?

At first glance, crop burning can appear to be an atrocious but preventable air quality concern.

But from a farmer’s perspective, stubble burning not only shortens and eases the transition to the next season but also rids the land of pests and weeds and returns plant-stored nitrogen back to the soil. In an industry where margins are thin, schedules must be kept, and time is money, the convenience and cost savings afforded by crop burning supersedes all else.

But these short-term economic benefits come at a high cost to the environment and human health. Worldwide, open burning represents the leading cause for air pollution-related illness in outdoor environments and contributes significantly to climate change.³

Why is Delhi so polluted?

Delhi has the reputation of having some of the world’s worst air quality, even without the impact of crop burning in November.

In 2019, Delhi was ranked the most polluted capital city in the world, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of, 98.6 μg/m³, nearly 10 times the World Health Organization annual exposure target of 10 μg/m³. While November, peak stubble burning season, is typically the city’s most polluted month, averaging a PM2.5 concentration of 200.7 μg/m³ in 2019, high pollution levels tend to be sustained through January, well after the Pawali season is over.
$\":$

Pictured: Yearly and monthly PM2.5 averages across major cities in Pakistan and Northern India.

India’s SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) program estimates that smoke blown into Delhi from agricultural farms only contributes to roughly 20-40 percent of Delhi’s city-wide emissions on any given day in Pawali season.⁴

Other sources of Delhi’s pollution mix include:

transportation emissions
biomass burning for household cooking and heating
industry
coal combustion

High wintertime air quality levels are not simply indicative of emissions alone. Delhi’s geography and weather often play a role by preventing normal emission dispersion.

The rice harvest season coincides with post-monsoon conditions that stagnate air. During winter, the average wind speed in Delhi varies between 1-3 m/s, roughly one third slower than average summer speeds. Winds are typically considered the most powerful weather condition for dispersing air pollution. Without winds to carry pollutants away, emissions accumulate in the valley and pollution levels rise.

Making matters worse is Delhi’s geographic location in a “bowl” surrounded by mountains. As coastal winds blow in, they become trapped by the foothills of the Himalayas, with only a narrow outlet to escape. Notoriously polluted cities, Beijing, China and Los Angeles, California, have similar geographic conditions to these.

The combination of unideal conditions result in Delhi’s frequently unhealthy air quality. In 2019, 60.5 percent of hours in Delhi were classified as “unhealthy” or worse, with 7.8 percent deemed “hazardous.” Only 1.1 percent of hours were deemed to have “good” air quality.

As a result of such severe and unrelenting pollution levels, it is estimated the city suffered a loss of 41,000 deaths annually and at least $6 billion in economic costs from January to November 2020.

What are the health impacts of crop burning pollution?

Agriculture is an essential industry, but commercial crop production can have negative impacts on human health. In countries like India and Pakistan, crop burning is a primary contributor to poor air quality and can be very detrimental to human health.

A 2019 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that people living in northern India, where stubble burning was most common, experienced a three-fold higher risk of acute respiratory infection.⁵ Children under the age of 5 were especially found to be at risk.

Exposure to these pollutants can have numerous short-term effects, such as:

coughing and wheezing
weakness
vomiting
upset stomach
headaches
dizziness
confusion
chest pain and tightness
shortness of breath
lung, eye, throat, and nose irritation
irregular heartbeat
increased risk of respiratory infection
more frequent and intense asthma attacks

Longer-term health effects of exposure to crop burning pollution may include:

respiratory illness and chronic lung disease
neurological disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
emphysema
increased carcinogenesis risk
change in lung function
cardiovascular illness
premature death

Crop burning also contributes high concentrations of toxic air pollutants, including:⁶

What are Delhi & Lahore doing to curb crop burning pollution?

2019 marked the first year of India’s National Clean Air Program (NCAP), a roadmap for tackling air pollution through monitoring, regulation, and enforcement. Major targets include reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20-30% in key cities by 2024 (as compared to 2017 levels).⁷

The state of Punjab has long banned stubble-burning, but enforcement has been lack-luster.

Prompted by exceedingly high pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, the central government announced it would dissolve the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) on 29 October and replace it with the Commission on Air Quality Management in the jurisdiction of the Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh provinces.⁸

This new commission has been encouraged to take all measures necessary to stop stubble burning and improve regional air quality. Non-compliance with the new Commission’s measures will result in a maximum jail sentence of five years, a high fine, or both.

Even in the face of such severe penalties, however, stubble burning continues unabated. Farmers have protested that they lack financial incentives to make a switch to cleaner waste management practices.

The Punjab government has attempted to incentivize farmers to reduce this practice by, for example, offering 27,000 stubble removing machines. To date, only 14,000 have been distributed. More incentives are likely needed for cooperation, as farms (especially small-scale farms) lack resources for making the transition alone.

With government incentives and rebates as well as fines and penalties, the Commission is hopeful that emissions can be driven down. However, it may take years before farmers are able to transition to environmentally-friendly waste management practices.

Some progress has been made. As compared to 2018, 2019 saw improvements in PM2.5 concentrations across all Indian cities (except for in Nagpur). These reductions, however, appear to be more attributable to economic slowdown and favourable meteorological conditions than air pollution mitigation measures.

It’s unclear whether improvements in air quality will continue. The lockdown measures due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) during the spring of 2020 resulted in short-term improvements to air quality. However, the fall of 2020 has already experienced a 240 percent increase in stubble burning as compared to 2019. Such a sharp increase in agricultural fires could jeopardize overall improvements for the year.

However, many other countries have also worked to outlaw crop burning.

Crop burning illegal England, Wales, and China.^9,10 The practice is banned in the European Union except for plant health reasons and discouraged in Australia.^11,12 It is allowed in Canada by permit and in the United States, though it is regulated in certain states and tribal governments with Smoke Management Programs.^13,14

The takeaway

Many farmers in India, Pakistan, and around the world are aware that their practices contribute to poor air quality. However, many believe they have little choice in the matter – they simply can’t afford to rid themselves of excess straw by other means.¹⁵

A number of conservation agriculture mitigation measures have been proposed to reduce burning in the region that may be possible in other countries as well, including:¹⁶

zero-tillage agriculture
biomass used as animal feed
bio-composting
biomass-based thermal power plants
mushroom cultivation

With a combination of legislation and new agricultural practices, progress is possible in reducing and ultimately ending the poor air quality linked to crop burning for good.

","poor-air-quality-delhi-lahore-crop-burning","gid://shopify/Article/564856324174","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/poor-air-quality-delhi-lahore-crop-burning","2020-11-13T23:10:14Z",[1169,705,725],"Emergency-level air pollution in India and Pakistan",{"_10":1206,"_202":1207,"_205":1208,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269687160910","Fires in India","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/BreakingNews_DelhiFires_Desk_111620_7678c457-5dc7-4c0a-a32a-4f39227d744d.jpg?v=1753343381",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1210,"_1139":1211,"_1154":1212,"_1156":1212,"_1157":1213,"_1159":1214,"_1008":1215,"_10":1216,"_1163":1217,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1218,"_635":1219,"_599":1220,"_1171":1221},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how to take the Clean Air Pledge for the 2020 virtual Clean Air Day.","It’s that time again – time for California Clean Air Day! Founded and organized by the Coalition for Clean Air, the annual Clean Air Day event is meant to inspire thousands to take a pledge to do their part to help improve the air around the world. But due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), Clean Air Day’s going to be a bit different this year. Normally, thousands of people, companies, and community organizations plan and gather for a series of some of the world’s biggest air quality events during the month of October. For example, in 2019, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) made all their public transport free for the entire day, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation led volunteers in the planting of hundreds of new trees. The necessity for social distancing presents a unique challenge for such events this year. 2020 Air quality highlights Air quality has had highs and lows in 2020. This helps to illustrate how important it is to take action to help improve air quality throughout the world. For example, in March 2020, several major cities around the world experienced some of their best air quality in decades due to shutdowns related to COVID-19.In Delhi, India, PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller) levels dropped 60%, and Seoul, South Korea saw an enormous 54% drop in PM2.5. Yet the air quality story didn’t end there – many cities soon started to experience dangerous levels of air quality again mere months later. During Independence Day celebrations on July 4th and 5th, the United States experienced some of the world’s worst air quality due to widespread local fireworks air pollution – some cities saw spikes in PM2.5 levels of over 900% compared to the days leading up to the holiday. These events in world air quality show that much work still must be done to improve air quality for good. Slowdowns in economic activity have only brought temporary relief from PM2.5 and other toxic pollutants that continue to come from some of the world’s biggest polluters. Take the Clean Air Pledge Clean Air Day is a global event – but it starts with people like you. So here’s what you can do for Clean Air Day this year. Start by taking the Clean Air Pledge. There’s a lot you can do in your daily life to help reduce air pollution – from little things like changing your home air filter to big things like buying a hybrid or electric car. Go to the official Clean Air Day pledge site to commit within your means to help clear the air. Just fill out the checklists to switch to more sustainable habits to reduce fuel emissions, plant something to help the air, or change your driving behavior to lower how much vehicle emissions you produce. Every little thing helps! Here are some ideas to get you started thinking about what you can do: Make only one trip a week to the grocery store or to run errands to reduce emissions from travel Buy local produce to support your local economy and reduce emissions from shipping Change your home air filter Use an air quality monitor to check air pollution levels both indoors and outdoors Buy a plant for your home or plant a garden in your yard Walk or bike to work, to run local errands, or just to get exercise instead of driving Bring your lunch to work instead of going out to eat to reduce travel emissions Don’t keep your car engine idling when you’re not driving Replace your gas-powered car to a hybrid, electric, or hydrogen-powered vehicle Keeping our air clean starts with little decisions that we make every day – and if we all do our part, billions of us together can slowly but surely empower the world to breathe cleaner air.","

It’s that time again – time for California Clean Air Day!

Founded and organized by the Coalition for Clean Air, the annual Clean Air Day event is meant to inspire thousands to take a pledge to do their part to help improve the air around the world. But due to COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), Clean Air Day’s going to be a bit different this year.

Normally, thousands of people, companies, and community organizations plan and gather for a series of some of the world’s biggest air quality events during the month of October.

For example, in 2019, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) made all their public transport free for the entire day, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation led volunteers in the planting of hundreds of new trees. The necessity for social distancing presents a unique challenge for such events this year.

2020 Air quality highlights

Air quality has had highs and lows in 2020. This helps to illustrate how important it is to take action to help improve air quality throughout the world.

For example, in March 2020, several major cities around the world experienced some of their best air quality in decades due to shutdowns related to COVID-19.In Delhi, India, PM2.5(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller) levels dropped 60%, and Seoul, South Korea saw an enormous 54% drop in PM2.5.

Yet the air quality story didn’t end there – many cities soon started to experience dangerous levels of air quality again mere months later.

During Independence Day celebrations on July 4^th and 5^th, the United States experienced some of the world’s worst air quality due to widespread local fireworks air pollution – some cities saw spikes in PM2.5 levels of over 900% compared to the days leading up to the holiday.

These events in world air quality show that much work still must be done to improve air quality for good. Slowdowns in economic activity have only brought temporary relief from PM2.5 and other toxic pollutants that continue to come from some of the world’s biggest polluters.

Take the Clean Air Pledge

Clean Air Day is a global event – but it starts with people like you. So here’s what you can do for Clean Air Day this year.

Start by taking the Clean Air Pledge. There’s a lot you can do in your daily life to help reduce air pollution – from little things like changing your home air filter to big things like buying a hybrid or electric car.

Go to the official Clean Air Day pledge site to commit within your means to help clear the air.

Just fill out the checklists to switch to more sustainable habits to reduce fuel emissions, plant something to help the air, or change your driving behavior to lower how much vehicle emissions you produce. Every little thing helps!

Here are some ideas to get you started thinking about what you can do:

\nMake only one trip a week to the grocery store or to run errands to reduce emissions from travel
\nBuy local produce to support your local economy and reduce emissions from shipping
Change your home air filter
\nUse an air quality monitor to check air pollution levels both indoors and outdoors
\nBuy a plant for your home or plant a garden in your yard
\nWalk or bike to work, to run local errands, or just to get exercise instead of driving
\nBring your lunch to work instead of going out to eat to reduce travel emissions
\nDon’t keep your car engine idling when you’re not driving
\nReplace your gas-powered car to a hybrid, electric, or hydrogen-powered vehicle

Keeping our air clean starts with little decisions that we make every day – and if we all do our part, billions of us together can slowly but surely empower the world to breathe cleaner air.

","how-to-take-the-2020-clean-air-day-pledge","gid://shopify/Article/564856586318","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-take-the-2020-clean-air-day-pledge","2020-10-02T16:51:43Z",[1169,705],"Take the Clean Air Day pledge!",{"_10":1222,"_202":1223,"_205":1224,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269463650382","Clean Air Day","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/CleanAirDay_Desk_b_13ba3ff9-aab2-4453-94c6-4b36868c9ed6.jpg?v=1751445656",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1226,"_1139":1227,"_1154":1228,"_1156":1228,"_1157":1229,"_1159":1230,"_1008":1231,"_10":1232,"_1163":1233,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1234,"_635":1235,"_599":1236,"_1171":1237},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"See how IQAir air quality data can quantify how much air pollution costs our health and our economies.","On a particularly smoggy day, it’s not hard to imagine the toll that air pollution takes on our health and lives. But what many don’t realize is that the total impact of air pollution on human life and the global economy may be far more severe than previously thought. In response to increased demand for data on the human cost of air pollution, IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia have developed a cost estimator that calculates the health and economic costs of air pollution in some of the world’s biggest cities using the IQAir global air quality database. This estimate is based on an algorithm combining the following data inputs to calculate costs throughout an entire calendar year: real-time data from ground-level air quality sensors managed by the IQAir air quality database, including particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) data (where available) scientific risk models population and health data The cost estimator can then automatically calculate deaths and economic impact for many of the world’s major cities, some of which regularly appear on IQAir’s Most Polluted Cities ranking. Mortality and cost estimates are based on the total impact attributable to PM2.5 and NO2 over the preceding 365 days, apportioned day by day according to daily recorded pollutant levels. Inclusion of NO2 is dependent on data availability. 2020: Over 160,000 deaths in top 5 cities In 2020, our counter provided an alarming estimate of the cost of air pollution for the world’s top five most populous cities for the entire year in terms of lives and productivity lost:1 Tokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths, $43 billion U.S. dollars (USD) (population: 37,000,000) New Delhi, India: 54,000 deaths, $8.1billion USD (population: 30,000,000) Shanghai, China: 39,000 deaths, $19billion USD (population: 27,100,000) Sao Paulo, Brazil: 15,000 deaths, $7.8 billion USD (population: 22,000,000) Mexico City, Mexico: 15,000 deaths, $7billion USD (population: 21,800,000) Total Deaths: 163,000Total Cost: $85.1billion USD That’s over 160,000 lives and $85.1billion USD lost in 2020 alone – in only five cities. And those five cities represent only 1.7% of the world population.2 In the top five most populous cities alone, air pollution caused over 160,000 deaths and cost $85.1billion USD during 2020 – and those five cities represent only 1.7% of the world population. The real cost of air pollution In a single year, major cities around the world lost hundreds of thousands of lives and well into the hundreds of billions of dollars. Data from 2021 already suggests that this alarming trend will continue. Try to imagine what those numbers look like for a world of nearly 8 billion people. It leaves us heavy-hearted. And when it comes to fighting against air pollution, knowledge is power. Data on lives and dollars lost is one of the most powerful tools we have to hold polluters and policy makers to account and change the air pollution story forever. That’s why IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia partnered to produce the Cost of Air Pollution Counter. The Cost of Air Pollution Counter uses the same methodology as a 2020 report by Greenpeace that calculated shocking estimates of the costs of using of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas:3 4.5 million premature deaths each year due to air pollution from fossil fuels US $8 billion (3.3% of the world’s total gross domestic product or GDP) lost each day from reduced life expectancy, premature birth, illnesses that result in hospital visits and missed work, and financial burdens resulting from illnesses 40,000 deaths of children under five every year from PM2.5 exposure from fossil fuels 1.8 billion days of work lost from illnesses related to PM2.5from fossil fuels, resulting in economic losses of US$101 billion Fossil fuels cause 4.5 million premature deaths each year, cost $8 billion every day, cause 40,000 deaths of children younger than 5, and resulted in 1.8 billion days of work lost from illnesses related to PM2.5. The cost of reducing air pollution The cost of reducing air pollution by switching from polluting fuels like coal, oil, and gas to zero-emissions alternative energy sources like wind and solar may seem high. But the health costs and economic costs of air pollution are clearly much higher – and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are actually increasingly cheaper than polluting fossil fuels.4 The cost of reducing air pollution may seem high. But the health costs and economic costs of air pollution are clearly much higher. If nothing changes, the costs will continue to mount as the world population grows and climate change poses new risks that will make global capitalism in its current form untenable. The solutions to the global air pollution problem are in front of us. Renewable energy applications like wind farms and solar panels have already experienced immense growth and investment over the past decade. In the U.S. alone, renewable energy use has grown by 100% since 2000, comprising 17% of net electricity use in 2018.5 Furthermore, renewable energy sources are projected to grow by at least 7% in the coming year and account for nearly 90% of the total increase in global power capacity worldwide, with roughly 150% growth projected from 2010 to 2025 (see Figure 1).6 Figure 1: Projected growth in renewable energy sources, 2010-2025 (Source: International Energy Agency). The takeaway Deaths from air pollution showed alarming trends in 2020 and continue to reflect these trends in 2021. The death toll may be even higher given the lack of air quality data coverage across large swathes of the world, with the estimated death toll thought to be over 500,000 as more cities are accounted for in the algorithm. Fortunately, investment in renewable energy is helping gradually replace deadly and expensive fossil fuels with cheaper, sustainable sources of wind, solar, and other renewables. This means that we are moving in the right direction, but still have a long way to go.","

On a particularly smoggy day, it’s not hard to imagine the toll that air pollution takes on our health and lives. But what many don’t realize is that the total impact of air pollution on human life and the global economy may be far more severe than previously thought.

In response to increased demand for data on the human cost of air pollution, IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia have developed a cost estimator that calculates the health and economic costs of air pollution in some of the world’s biggest cities using the IQAir global air quality database.

This estimate is based on an algorithm combining the following data inputs to calculate costs throughout an entire calendar year:

real-time data from ground-level air quality sensors managed by the IQAir air quality database, including particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) data (where available)
scientific risk models
population and health data

The cost estimator can then automatically calculate deaths and economic impact for many of the world’s major cities, some of which regularly appear on IQAir’s Most Polluted Cities ranking.

Mortality and cost estimates are based on the total impact attributable to PM2.5 and NO₂ over the preceding 365 days, apportioned day by day according to daily recorded pollutant levels. Inclusion of NO₂ is dependent on data availability.

2020: Over 160,000 deaths in top 5 cities

In 2020, our counter provided an alarming estimate of the cost of air pollution for the world’s top five most populous cities for the entire year in terms of lives and productivity lost:¹

\nTokyo, Japan: 40,000 deaths, $43 billion U.S. dollars (USD) (population: 37,000,000)
\nNew Delhi, India: 54,000 deaths, $8.1billion USD (population: 30,000,000)
\nShanghai, China: 39,000 deaths, $19billion USD (population: 27,100,000)
\nSao Paulo, Brazil: 15,000 deaths, $7.8 billion USD (population: 22,000,000)
\nMexico City, Mexico: 15,000 deaths, $7billion USD (population: 21,800,000)

Total Deaths: 163,000
Total Cost: $85.1billion USD

That’s over 160,000 lives and $85.1billion USD lost in 2020 alone – in only five cities. And those five cities represent only 1.7% of the world population.²

In the top five most populous cities alone, air pollution caused over 160,000 deaths and cost $85.1billion USD during 2020 – and those five cities represent only 1.7% of the world population.

The real cost of air pollution

In a single year, major cities around the world lost hundreds of thousands of lives and well into the hundreds of billions of dollars. Data from 2021 already suggests that this alarming trend will continue.

Try to imagine what those numbers look like for a world of nearly 8 billion people. It leaves us heavy-hearted. And when it comes to fighting against air pollution, knowledge is power. Data on lives and dollars lost is one of the most powerful tools we have to hold polluters and policy makers to account and change the air pollution story forever.

That’s why IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia partnered to produce the Cost of Air Pollution Counter.

The Cost of Air Pollution Counter uses the same methodology as a 2020 report by Greenpeace that calculated shocking estimates of the costs of using of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas:³

\n4.5 million premature deaths each year due to air pollution from fossil fuels
\nUS $8 billion (3.3% of the world’s total gross domestic product or GDP) lost each day from reduced life expectancy, premature birth, illnesses that result in hospital visits and missed work, and financial burdens resulting from illnesses
\n40,000 deaths of children under five every year from PM2.5 exposure from fossil fuels
\n1.8 billion days of work lost from illnesses related to PM2.5from fossil fuels, resulting in economic losses of US$101 billion

Fossil fuels cause 4.5 million premature deaths each year, cost $8 billion every day, cause 40,000 deaths of children younger than 5, and resulted in 1.8 billion days of work lost from illnesses related to PM2.5.

The cost of reducing air pollution

The cost of reducing air pollution by switching from polluting fuels like coal, oil, and gas to zero-emissions alternative energy sources like wind and solar may seem high. But the health costs and economic costs of air pollution are clearly much higher – and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are actually increasingly cheaper than polluting fossil fuels.⁴

The cost of reducing air pollution may seem high. But the health costs and economic costs of air pollution are clearly much higher.

If nothing changes, the costs will continue to mount as the world population grows and climate change poses new risks that will make global capitalism in its current form untenable.

The solutions to the global air pollution problem are in front of us.

Renewable energy applications like wind farms and solar panels have already experienced immense growth and investment over the past decade.

In the U.S. alone, renewable energy use has grown by 100% since 2000, comprising 17% of net electricity use in 2018.⁵ Furthermore, renewable energy sources are projected to grow by at least 7% in the coming year and account for nearly 90% of the total increase in global power capacity worldwide, with roughly 150% growth projected from 2010 to 2025 (see Figure 1).⁶

$\"Projected$

Figure 1: Projected growth in renewable energy sources, 2010-2025 (Source: International Energy Agency).

The takeaway

Deaths from air pollution showed alarming trends in 2020 and continue to reflect these trends in 2021.

The death toll may be even higher given the lack of air quality data coverage across large swathes of the world, with the estimated death toll thought to be over 500,000 as more cities are accounted for in the algorithm.

Fortunately, investment in renewable energy is helping gradually replace deadly and expensive fossil fuels with cheaper, sustainable sources of wind, solar, and other renewables. This means that we are moving in the right direction, but still have a long way to go.

","cost-of-air-pollution","gid://shopify/Article/564856717390","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/cost-of-air-pollution","2020-07-09T19:38:24Z",[1169,705,720],"The real cost of air pollution",{"_10":1238,"_202":1239,"_205":1240,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269530890318","Factory exhaust","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/CostofAir21_Desk_a_c44c9817-1d93-4958-9e88-bc2fa166ccd9.jpg?v=1752058052",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1242,"_1139":1243,"_1154":1244,"_1156":1244,"_1157":1245,"_1159":1246,"_1008":1247,"_10":1248,"_1163":1249,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1250,"_635":1251,"_599":1252,"_1171":1253},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"NOx pollution doesn’t just come out of a tailpipe — it also results from large-scale fertilizer use. Learn more.","Do you ever wonder what gives smog its grotesque brown hue?The answer: nitrogen oxides.Nitrogen oxides, collectively called NOx, are a family of poisonous, highly reactive gases. Three of the most notorious nitrogen oxides are:1 nitric oxide (NO) nitrogen dioxide (NO2) nitrous oxide (N20) NOx is a powerful oxidizing agent. It plays a significant role in the atmospheric reactions with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce smog on hot summer days.2NOx is also a major part of acid rain and contributes considerably to global climate change.Health effects of NOx pollutionNOx pollution isn’t just offensive to look at — it’s also toxic to breathe. Short-term exposure to nitrogen oxides can cause a variety of serious health effects, including:3 irritation of the respiratory system, eyes, and skin aggravation of respiratory diseases, especially asthma coughing and choking nausea headache abdominal pain difficulty breathing Long-term exposure to low levels of NOx can cause asthma and respiratory infections. The health effects from very high concentrations of nitrogen oxides can include: death genetic mutations harm to a developing fetus decreased female fertility spasms swelling of the throat Significant sources of NOx pollutionVolcanoes, oceans, and lightning strikes naturally produce nitrogen oxides. But the prominent presence of this noxious pollutant is largely attributed to man-made sources like vehicle exhaust gases and emissions from electrical power plants.4Most governments concentrate most of their NOx-reducing initiatives on regulating vehicle and industrial emissions because these are traditionally the most significant sources of NOx pollution.But there’s been a flurry of recent research that reveals another huge source of NOx emissions that’s been underreported — agriculture.Agriculture’s role in NOxBig Agriculture (a term for the corporatization of agriculture) regularly gets blowback for employing farming practices that undermine the environment, but its excessive use of fertilizer plays the biggest role in increasing NOx pollution.How does excessive fertilizer use add to NOx pollution?Farmers add fertilizer to their crops (basically a load of nitrates) because plants use nitrogen to produce chlorophyll, which is essential for growth. Microbes in the soil feed on nitrate-rich organic matter in the soil not consumed by plants. These microbes produce NOx during their feeding frenzy that contaminates the air.5This may not seem like a big deal since microbes are microscopic – how much NOx could these tiny soil dwellers possibly produce? Well, multiply the thousands of microbes in the soil by millions of acres of farmland, and the amount of NOx released into the air reaches astounding levels.California’s Central Valley: A breeding ground for NOxNowhere else is this link between NOx pollution and widespread fertilizer application more clear than in California, home to one of the most prosperous agricultural regions in the world.Researchers from the University of California, Davis found that California could have 20% to 51% more NOx pollution than previously thought, thanks to its farmland. That would mean that NOx pollution from farming could result in up to 40% of the total NOx pollution in the Golden State.6This represents a dramatic departure from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) estimate that only 3.8% of the state’s total NOx pollution derives from farmland soil.7To obtain these figures, the UC Davis research team, funded by the National Science Foundation, took soil samples and flew over cropland on a plane equipped with a gas-sampling tool to take measurements of NOx emissions.The study found that six of the worst air quality districts in the US were found in the area of California covered by the study.8The smog that has such a stranglehold in these areas may help explain why children in the Central Valley suffer the highest rates of asthma in California — and the San Joaquin Valley region within the Central Valley, where one in six children have asthma, has the highest rate in the entire country.9The Central Valley is home to a significant number of underserved communities, which are more acutely impacted by air pollution due to greater levels of exposure than are other communities. Additionally, these communities are also more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution exposure than other groups at the same levels of exposure.10Excessive fertilizer use is a global air quality issueIrresponsible large-scale fertilizer use doesn’t just affect the air quality in California — approximately 30-40% of all NOx pollution worldwide is a result of excess fertilizer in farm fields.11A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley used nitrogen isotope data to find the unmistakable fingerprint of fertilizer use in archived air samples from Antarctica and Tasmania.The air samples showed a long-term trend in isotopic composition that confirms that nitrogen-based fertilizer is mainly responsible for a 20% increase in atmospheric NOx since the Industrial Revolution.12This dramatic rise in global NOx levels proves particularly worrisome for two primary reasons: After carbon dioxide (CO) and methane, nitrous oxide (NO2) is the most potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat and contributing to global warming. NOx destroys stratospheric ozone, which protects our planet from harmful ultraviolet rays. All this to say, fertilizer shouldn’t be vilified — many parts of the world need more of it. The distribution and timing of fertilization on a large scale are what truly need to be overhauled.How the Asthma Impact Model helps Natalie Sua manage her sons’ asthmaUndaunted by the dire statistics around regional NOx pollution in California, the Central California Asthma Collaborative and Clinica Sierra Vista launched a program to help low-income families in the Central Valley take control over their health and well-being.Launched in 2013, the group’s Asthma Impact Model focuses on helping low-income families better manage their children’s asthma, thus avoiding visits to the ER.Witnessing one of her sons struggle to breathe was a disturbingly routine occurrence for Natalie Sua, Fresno mother of six. Three of her six children, all boys, have been diagnosed with asthma.13In the past, when one of her sons suffered a severe asthma attack, Natalie would rush him to the emergency room. But, now, thanks to Fresno’s Asthma Impact Model, Sua has learned how to reduce asthma triggers in her home and effectively manage her son’s asthma through environmental control.A care coordinator with the program paid visits to Natalie’s home and suggested ways to reduce indoor environmental asthma triggers, like pet dander, dust, and mold. Natalie also was given tips on using natural cleaning products and how to remove mold.Since working with the Asthma Impact Model, Natalie has noticed a huge difference in the health of her sons — one has even been able to play flag football for the entire season.Using fertilizer responsiblySince NOx is produced mostly from excess available nitrogen in soils, one way to reduce NOx emissions is to apply fertilizer sensibly — adding just enough at the right place and time to meet crop demands but avoiding excess amount left over. This measure not only decreases fertilizer costs to producers but also reduces the amount of nitrogen that’s lost through excess fertilizer application.Fertilizer can be used more efficiently by:14 adjusting fertilizer rates to coincide with plant needs placing fertilizer near plant roots (but not too deep in the soil) applying fertilizers to certain plants, such as turfgrass, twice or more a year, rather than only once15 using slow-release forms Other farming practices that can sometimes reduce NOx emissions on farms include: using manure efficiently (less NOx is released from manure) using cover crops (sown between successive crops) to remove excess available nitrogen adjusting tillage intensity (occasionally, no-till practices can reduce emissions) Fertilizer isn’t inherently bad for the environment – it’s been used for thousands of years without leaving lasting impacts on the planet.But using it wisely and taking measures to reduce the impact of NOx pollution from fertilizer is key to making sure that fertilizer can continue to support global agricultural efforts without harming our health.And if you’re concerned that local agricultural practices are affecting your community’s air quality, go to local city council meetings and make your voice heard.Individual city governments are often close collaborators with big agricultural companies whose farming practices affect local air pollution, so going straight to the source of your local government’s decision-making can often be the beginning of a huge, positive change.","

Do you ever wonder what gives smog its grotesque brown hue?

The answer: nitrogen oxides.

Nitrogen oxides, collectively called NOx, are a family of poisonous, highly reactive gases. Three of the most notorious nitrogen oxides are:1

nitric oxide (NO)
nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
nitrous oxide (N₂0)

NOx is a powerful oxidizing agent. It plays a significant role in the atmospheric reactions with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce smog on hot summer days.²

NOx is also a major part of acid rain and contributes considerably to global climate change.

Health effects of NOx pollution

NOx pollution isn’t just offensive to look at — it’s also toxic to breathe. Short-term exposure to nitrogen oxides can cause a variety of serious health effects, including:³

irritation of the respiratory system, eyes, and skin
aggravation of respiratory diseases, especially asthma\n
coughing and choking
nausea
headache
abdominal pain
difficulty breathing

Long-term exposure to low levels of NOx can cause asthma and respiratory infections. The health effects from very high concentrations of nitrogen oxides can include:

death
genetic mutations
harm to a developing fetus
decreased female fertility
spasms
swelling of the throat

Significant sources of NOx pollution

Volcanoes, oceans, and lightning strikes naturally produce nitrogen oxides. But the prominent presence of this noxious pollutant is largely attributed to man-made sources like vehicle exhaust gases and emissions from electrical power plants.⁴

Most governments concentrate most of their NOx-reducing initiatives on regulating vehicle and industrial emissions because these are traditionally the most significant sources of NOx pollution.

But there’s been a flurry of recent research that reveals another huge source of NOx emissions that’s been underreported — agriculture.

Agriculture’s role in NOx

Big Agriculture (a term for the corporatization of agriculture) regularly gets blowback for employing farming practices that undermine the environment, but its excessive use of fertilizer plays the biggest role in increasing NOx pollution.

How does excessive fertilizer use add to NOx pollution?

Farmers add fertilizer to their crops (basically a load of nitrates) because plants use nitrogen to produce chlorophyll, which is essential for growth. Microbes in the soil feed on nitrate-rich organic matter in the soil not consumed by plants. These microbes produce NOx during their feeding frenzy that contaminates the air.⁵

This may not seem like a big deal since microbes are microscopic – how much NOx could these tiny soil dwellers possibly produce? Well, multiply the thousands of microbes in the soil by millions of acres of farmland, and the amount of NOx released into the air reaches astounding levels.

California’s Central Valley: A breeding ground for NOx

Nowhere else is this link between NOx pollution and widespread fertilizer application more clear than in California, home to one of the most prosperous agricultural regions in the world.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis found that California could have 20% to 51% more NOx pollution than previously thought, thanks to its farmland. That would mean that NOx pollution from farming could result in up to 40% of the total NOx pollution in the Golden State.⁶

This represents a dramatic departure from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) estimate that only 3.8% of the state’s total NOx pollution derives from farmland soil.⁷

To obtain these figures, the UC Davis research team, funded by the National Science Foundation, took soil samples and flew over cropland on a plane equipped with a gas-sampling tool to take measurements of NOx emissions.

The study found that six of the worst air quality districts in the US were found in the area of California covered by the study.⁸

The smog that has such a stranglehold in these areas may help explain why children in the Central Valley suffer the highest rates of asthma in California — and the San Joaquin Valley region within the Central Valley, where one in six children have asthma, has the highest rate in the entire country.⁹

The Central Valley is home to a significant number of underserved communities, which are more acutely impacted by air pollution due to greater levels of exposure than are other communities. Additionally, these communities are also more vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution exposure than other groups at the same levels of exposure.¹⁰

Excessive fertilizer use is a global air quality issue

Irresponsible large-scale fertilizer use doesn’t just affect the air quality in California — approximately 30-40% of all NOx pollution worldwide is a result of excess fertilizer in farm fields.¹¹

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley used nitrogen isotope data to find the unmistakable fingerprint of fertilizer use in archived air samples from Antarctica and Tasmania.

The air samples showed a long-term trend in isotopic composition that confirms that nitrogen-based fertilizer is mainly responsible for a 20% increase in atmospheric NOx since the Industrial Revolution.¹²

This dramatic rise in global NOx levels proves particularly worrisome for two primary reasons:

After carbon dioxide (CO) and methane, nitrous oxide (NO₂) is the most potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat and contributing to global warming.\n
\nNOx destroys stratospheric ozone, which protects our planet from harmful ultraviolet rays.

All this to say, fertilizer shouldn’t be vilified — many parts of the world need more of it. The distribution and timing of fertilization on a large scale are what truly need to be overhauled.

How the Asthma Impact Model helps Natalie Sua manage her sons’ asthma

Undaunted by the dire statistics around regional NOx pollution in California, the Central California Asthma Collaborative and Clinica Sierra Vista launched a program to help low-income families in the Central Valley take control over their health and well-being.

Launched in 2013, the group’s Asthma Impact Model focuses on helping low-income families better manage their children’s asthma, thus avoiding visits to the ER.

Witnessing one of her sons struggle to breathe was a disturbingly routine occurrence for Natalie Sua, Fresno mother of six. Three of her six children, all boys, have been diagnosed with asthma.¹³

In the past, when one of her sons suffered a severe asthma attack, Natalie would rush him to the emergency room. But, now, thanks to Fresno’s Asthma Impact Model, Sua has learned how to reduce asthma triggers in her home and effectively manage her son’s asthma through environmental control.

A care coordinator with the program paid visits to Natalie’s home and suggested ways to reduce indoor environmental asthma triggers, like pet dander, dust, and mold. Natalie also was given tips on using natural cleaning products and how to remove mold.

Since working with the Asthma Impact Model, Natalie has noticed a huge difference in the health of her sons — one has even been able to play flag football for the entire season.

Using fertilizer responsibly

Since NOx is produced mostly from excess available nitrogen in soils, one way to reduce NOx emissions is to apply fertilizer sensibly — adding just enough at the right place and time to meet crop demands but avoiding excess amount left over. This measure not only decreases fertilizer costs to producers but also reduces the amount of nitrogen that’s lost through excess fertilizer application.

Fertilizer can be used more efficiently by:¹⁴

adjusting fertilizer rates to coincide with plant needs
placing fertilizer near plant roots (but not too deep in the soil)
applying fertilizers to certain plants, such as turfgrass, twice or more a year, rather than only once¹⁵\n
using slow-release forms

Other farming practices that can sometimes reduce NOx emissions on farms include:

using manure efficiently (less NOx is released from manure)
using cover crops (sown between successive crops) to remove excess available nitrogen
adjusting tillage intensity (occasionally, no-till practices can reduce emissions)

Fertilizer isn’t inherently bad for the environment – it’s been used for thousands of years without leaving lasting impacts on the planet.

But using it wisely and taking measures to reduce the impact of NOx pollution from fertilizer is key to making sure that fertilizer can continue to support global agricultural efforts without harming our health.

And if you’re concerned that local agricultural practices are affecting your community’s air quality, go to local city council meetings and make your voice heard.

Individual city governments are often close collaborators with big agricultural companies whose farming practices affect local air pollution, so going straight to the source of your local government’s decision-making can often be the beginning of a huge, positive change.
\n\n

","agricultural-fertilizer-use-dirties-our-air","gid://shopify/Article/564857733198","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/agricultural-fertilizer-use-dirties-our-air","2020-01-22T17:05:30Z",[700,705,715],"NOx pollution and agriculture",{"_10":1254,"_202":1255,"_205":1256,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269464436814","Fertilizer, NOx","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Fert_Desktop_b_a343d92b-4319-4636-ad05-c5eb673085ce.jpg?v=1751448816",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1258,"_1139":1259,"_1154":1260,"_1156":1260,"_1157":1261,"_1159":1262,"_1008":1263,"_10":1264,"_1163":1265,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1266,"_635":1267,"_599":1268,"_1171":1269},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn to recognize how microplastics affect your air and what you can do about it.","You’ve probably heard of microplastics – tiny, nearly invisible plastic particles that have seeped into our global ecosystem.And while you may have heard about the damage that microplastics have caused to the oceans, experts are starting to find pieces of plastic in air pollution, too.In fact, you may be inhaling up to 16.2 plastic bits from your own clothes and plastic debris every hour. That can add up to breathing in the equivalent of an entire credit card every week.1You may be inhaling up to 16.2 bits of plastic every hour – the equivalent of an entire credit card every week.That’s according to a breakthrough 2019 study by a research team in Denmark who opened the floodgates to the idea that microplastics are everywhere – including the air.So let’s focus on how microplastics affect air pollution – we’ll cover: where microplastics come from how microplastics get into the air you breathe what effects microplastics have on your body when they’re inhaled what you can do to protect yourself from inhaling microplastics how to reduce the amount that gets into the air in the first place What exactly are microplastics?According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are chunks of plastic pollution that measure less than five millimeters (mm) across.2NOAA researchers have found microplastics in both the air and water, including: drinking water oceans (including the deep sea) lakes snowfall rainfall This is because microplastics are small enough to get transferred from water to air and back again in the evaporation and precipitation parts of the water cycle.3NOAA researchers have found microplastics in both the air and water, including oceans, lakes, snowfall, and rainfall.Microplastics are also produced as a byproduct of sewage treatment. This can send wastewater containing microplastics into the ocean, where microplastics then evaporate into the atmosphere in huge volumes.4These microplastics can originate from a huge number of possible sources, including:5 synthetic materials washed off clothes during laundry cycles, such as polyester and polypropylene abrasions to vehicle tires or brake componentsduring transporton the road that cause tiny tire shreds or brake wear particles to fly off abrasions to everyday plastic or synthetic objects, like the soles of shoes and cooking utensils runoff from plastic components used to develop and mark roads coatings used on marine equipment and infrastructure, such as container ships plastic components used in personal care products, such as plastic microdermabrasion beads in face wash plastic pellets used in manufacturing Are microplastics bad for you?Many microplastics are small enough to be inhaled straight into your lungs.Like other foreign objects, microplastics can be harmful when they get into your airways. They can cause swelling and damage to your windpipe and to the tissue of your lungs, making you feel mild chest pain or shortness of breath.Over time, microplastics can build up and damage the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. This can increase your risk of developing lung conditions like emphysema and lung cancer.6,7Microplastics can build up and damage the air sacs in your lungs. This can increase your risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer.Some of the smallest microplastics can even get into your bloodstream.A 2020 review article in Science of the Total Environment found that one of the most common microplastics, synthetic fibers used in textile manufacturing, range in size from 1-5 microns.8 This is small enough to enter your respiratory system and pass through the lungs into the bloodstream.Combined with arterial plaque and other pollutant particles like PM2.5 building up in your bloodstream, microplastics can contribute to hardening of your arteries (atherosclerosis) and blockages that lead to coronary artery disease and heart attacks.9Many airborne microplastics also carry other dangerous pollutants on their surface.In big cities with the highest concentrations of microplastics, many of these particles adsorb pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that originate from:10 production of chemicals smoking cigarettes burning fuel in cars or factories Inhaling pollutant-covered microplastics has also been linked to other human health effects, such as:11,12 eye irritation trouble breathing nausea vomiting feeling disoriented kidney and liver damage cataracts jaundice infertility cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, liver, or stomach How do microplastics get into the air?Although some microplastics get into the atmosphere when water containing microplastics evaporates, that’s not the only source.Microplastics can also get into the air when any plastic object gets damaged, scraped, abraded, and so on.Here are a couple of examples to illustrate: When you drive a car, your tires are slowly wearing down due to friction and heat. This is because millions of tiny microscopic pieces of rubber and plastic used to make tires fly off the tire and into the air. Many pieces of clothing made of polyester contain tiny plastic components that are added during production. When you rub the surface of polyester clothing, thousands of tiny fibers are released into the air (think of when you itch your skin and tons of skin cells flake off into the air). In both cases, microplastics can become airborne and be breathed in by anyone who happens to take a breath of air containing those microplastics.Once they become airborne, microplastics can also travel for thousands of miles through the planet’s atmosphere. A 2020 study in Nature Communications found that a combined 3,082 kilotonnes of tire shreds and brake wear particles contributed significantly microplastics in global air pollution.13Microplastics can travel on wind and weather patterns from North America, Europe, and Asia as far away as the North Atlantic and the Arctic, especially during winter and spring.Estimating a lifespan of about 28 days for PM2.5-sized tire shred particles in particular, the study suggests that microplastics can travel on wind and weather patterns from emission sources in North America, Europe, and Asia as far away as the North Atlantic and the Arctic, especially during the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in winter and spring.What does the research say?The study by that research team in Denmark we mentioned earlier, published in 2019 in Scientific Reports, illustrates this idea well.The researchers built a mannequin (like the kind you see in clothing stores modeling clothes) that was designed to mimic a human body, complete with a breathing system made of glass and aluminum to accurately show how microplastics affect the human respiratory tract. (They even created a heating system so that the mannequin had the same 98.6°F body temperatures as a real human!)Then, they set the breathing mannequin to inhale indoor air at three different apartments in the city of Aarhus, Denmark, each for 24 hours straight. Here’s what they found: up to 4 percentof the total air volume of each apartment over 24 hours was contaminated with airborne microplastics – meaning that you’d inhale at least some microplastics with every breath in one of these environments the amount of microplastics in the air could vary widely between different areas in the same environment – one part of the environment could hold air containing up to a 77 percent concentration of microplastics, while other areas may have as low as a 24 percent concentration the vast majority of airborne microplastics came from synthetic polymers common in clothing, manufactured furniture, and plastic goods most airborne microplastics were much smaller than other airborne pollutants like skin flakes, making them more likely to get into your airways So microplastics may be present in 4-77 percent of the air you breathe on a regular basis.Microplastics may be present in 4-77% of the air you breathe on a regular basis.Many other studies have corroborated these findings.A 2020 study in Environment International from a research team in London, England found 575 to 1008 microplastics per square meter of air in every air sample collected from the top of a 9-story building twice a week for a month.14A 2019 study in Science Advances found high levels of microplastics, especially varnish particles and nitrile rubber shreds, in snowfall around the world as far as the Alps and the Arctic. Even locations as remote as Greenland and Svalbard (a tiny, isolated island close to the Arctic in Norway) contained as much as 1,760 microplastics per liter of air. This further illustrates that microplastics can travel throughout the upper atmosphere and get deposited anywhere in the world.15And another 2019 study from researchers at the Université Paris-Est found that plastic fibers – the most common source of airborne microplastics – make up 60 billion kilograms of the world’s plastic production.16 These microplastics can also carry other air pollutants, such as chemicals, on their surfaces resulting in widespread health effects like lung inflammation as well as increasing risk of infertility and cancer.How can I protect myself from microplastics air pollution?Microplastics are becoming a significant air quality problem across the world.A 2020 review article in Earth-Science Reviews found that microplastics in air pollution may be the biggest contributor to microplastics pollution around the world, especially in remote regions like the Arctic and in most of the planet’s oceans.17But there’s plenty you can do to start protecting yourself from the health impacts of microplastics pollution and reducing microplastics produced by your lifestyle.Buy everyday objects that are compostable or biodegradablePlastic objects are made of synthetic components that can take thousands of years to fully break down.Products that are labeled as compostable can be broken down in the soil, and products that are biodegradable can be consumed by microorganisms and contribute more sustainably to the ecosystem.Look for a label that indicates that the product is compostable – almost everything you could think of buying has a biodegradable or compostable alternatives.A 2009 study looked into the best alternatives to plastic and suggested the following materials that break down the fastest:18 starch-based polymers plant-based silvergrass wood fiber coconut fiber But while it’s good to minimize single-use plastic products like sealed bags and grocery bags, some substitutes can do more harm than good, such as:19 “biodegradable” single-use plastic water bottles or plastic bags: this type of plastic can still take many years to biodegrade and introduce harmful chemicals into the environment bamboo-based products like straws or silverware: bamboo sources may not be sustainable if scaled up for mass consumption and could threaten bamboo forest ecosystems clothes or shoes made of “recovered” plastic: re-used plastic still keeps plastic in the manufacturing and consumption cycle, leading to further environmental pollution by microplastics Consider eco-friendly, sustainable plastic alternativesThe 21st century has experienced growth in industries that are striving to move away from plastics as a key ingredient in their products.Many businesses offer alternatives to plastic, like glass or stainless steel, that are much sturdier and longer-lasting than plastic versions. They may cost a bit more, but a glass or steel plate, bowl, container, etc. can last for years without generating microplastics.B CorporationsB Corporations are businesses that have committed to reducing their global waste and observing fair hiring and manufacturing processes throughout the global supply chain, including the reduction of materials that generate microplastics.20Just look for a little logo that looks like a B in a circle and consider making more of your purchases from companies that commit to B Corporation sustainability practices.Buy recycled plastic goods – and recycle them accordingly!Cheap, disposable plastic objects are some of the biggest contributors to global microplastics pollution, since we use them once and throw them away immediately.Think about all the single-use plastic things you use every day and multiply that by nearly 8 billion people – that’s more or less how much plastic waste is thrown away every day.Think about all the single-use plastic things you use every day and multiply that by nearly 8 billion people – that’s more or less how much plastic waste is thrown away every day.So try to buy plastic goods that are recyclable – look for that universal recycling logo with the arrows.And look for a number inside the little recycling logo printed or designed into the object – not all recyclable goods can be recycled in the same way.Here’s our quick cheat sheet for recycling:1. PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate Throw it in your recycling bin. Don’t reuse it. This includes water bottles, soda cans, and food packaging. 2. HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene Throw it in your recycling bin Don’t reuse it. Try to avoid buying products with this label. Includes grocery bags and packaging for products like milk and bleach. 3 – PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride Not recyclable, but can be re-made into other products. Avoid buying products with this label. Includes plastic wrap and many outdoor garden hoses. 4. LDPE Low-density Polyethylene Difficult to recycle. Consider reusing products with this label. Includes squeezable bottles and the plastic used to wrap loaves of bread. 5. PP – Polypropylene Throw it in your recycling bin if your local recycling program takes it. Used in many cereal bags, food containers, and diapers. 6. PS – Polystyrene Difficult to recycle. Avoid buying or consider reusing products with this label. Includes foam plates and cups as well as packing peanuts. 7. Other This covers a huge number of plastics – some are recyclable and some are not. Avoid buying products with this label or reuse them often. Use a high-performance air purifierAlthough a significant percentage of airborne microplastics can be as small as 1 micron and pose major health risks, microplastics particles are typically much bigger than most airborne pollutant particles like PM10 and PM2.5.This makes them much easier to capture using ahigh-performance air purifier that filters out particles as small as 0.003 microns, the smallest particles that exist (and thousands of times smaller than even the tiniest microplastics).But keep in mind that because of their size, microplastics are much heavier than typical airborne pollutants and can’t be sucked in by the small, weak motors of most cheap air purifiers.High-performance, centrifugal fans are designed to trap and collect even large, heavy microplastics pollutants.A personal air purifier can help filter microplastics from the air in environments like bedroom or workspaces, where microplastics can be emitted at high levels from clothing, desktop appliances, and containers.A car air purifier can also help filter microplastics from tire and brake wear that enter your vehicle interior, especially on highways or busy roads.The takeawayMicroplastics are a huge problem – but all of us can do our part to decrease how dependent we are on plastic-based products.Consumers have the power of the dollar to stop buying plastic products, especially if you have the means to sacrifice a little disposable income to buy natural, plastic-free products.Multiplied by millions of people, buying sustainable products can help reduce (and someday eliminate) the sheer volume of plastic that chokes the water, the air, and human bodies with pollutants and chemicals.","

You’ve probably heard of microplastics – tiny, nearly invisible plastic particles that have seeped into our global ecosystem.

And while you may have heard about the damage that microplastics have caused to the oceans, experts are starting to find pieces of plastic in air pollution, too.

In fact, you may be inhaling up to 16.2 plastic bits from your own clothes and plastic debris every hour. That can add up to breathing in the equivalent of an entire credit card every week.¹

You may be inhaling up to 16.2 bits of plastic every hour – the equivalent of an entire credit card every week.

That’s according to a breakthrough 2019 study by a research team in Denmark who opened the floodgates to the idea that microplastics are everywhere – including the air.

So let’s focus on how microplastics affect air pollution – we’ll cover:

where microplastics come from
how microplastics get into the air you breathe
what effects microplastics have on your body when they’re inhaled
what you can do to protect yourself from inhaling microplastics
how to reduce the amount that gets into the air in the first place

What exactly are microplastics?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are chunks of plastic pollution that measure less than five millimeters (mm) across.²

NOAA researchers have found microplastics in both the air and water, including:

drinking water
oceans (including the deep sea)
lakes
snowfall
rainfall

This is because microplastics are small enough to get transferred from water to air and back again in the evaporation and precipitation parts of the water cycle.³

NOAA researchers have found microplastics in both the air and water, including oceans, lakes, snowfall, and rainfall.

Microplastics are also produced as a byproduct of sewage treatment. This can send wastewater containing microplastics into the ocean, where microplastics then evaporate into the atmosphere in huge volumes.⁴

These microplastics can originate from a huge number of possible sources, including:⁵

\nsynthetic materials washed off clothes during laundry cycles, such as polyester and polypropylene
\nabrasions to vehicle tires or brake componentsduring transporton the road that cause tiny tire shreds or brake wear particles to fly off
\nabrasions to everyday plastic or synthetic objects, like the soles of shoes and cooking utensils
\nrunoff from plastic components used to develop and mark roads
\ncoatings used on marine equipment and infrastructure, such as container ships
\nplastic components used in personal care products, such as plastic microdermabrasion beads in face wash
plastic pellets used in manufacturing

Are microplastics bad for you?

Many microplastics are small enough to be inhaled straight into your lungs.

Like other foreign objects, microplastics can be harmful when they get into your airways. They can cause swelling and damage to your windpipe and to the tissue of your lungs, making you feel mild chest pain or shortness of breath.

Over time, microplastics can build up and damage the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. This can increase your risk of developing lung conditions like emphysema and lung cancer.^6,7

Microplastics can build up and damage the air sacs in your lungs. This can increase your risk of developing emphysema and lung cancer.

Some of the smallest microplastics can even get into your bloodstream.

A 2020 review article in Science of the Total Environment found that one of the most common microplastics, synthetic fibers used in textile manufacturing, range in size from 1-5 microns.⁸ This is small enough to enter your respiratory system and pass through the lungs into the bloodstream.

Combined with arterial plaque and other pollutant particles like PM2.5 building up in your bloodstream, microplastics can contribute to hardening of your arteries (atherosclerosis) and blockages that lead to coronary artery disease and heart attacks.⁹

Many airborne microplastics also carry other dangerous pollutants on their surface.

In big cities with the highest concentrations of microplastics, many of these particles adsorb pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that originate from:¹⁰

production of chemicals
smoking cigarettes
burning fuel in cars or factories

Inhaling pollutant-covered microplastics has also been linked to other human health effects, such as:^11,12

eye irritation
trouble breathing
nausea
vomiting
feeling disoriented
kidney and liver damage
cataracts
jaundice
infertility
cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder, liver, or stomach

How do microplastics get into the air?

Although some microplastics get into the atmosphere when water containing microplastics evaporates, that’s not the only source.

Microplastics can also get into the air when any plastic object gets damaged, scraped, abraded, and so on.

Here are a couple of examples to illustrate:

When you drive a car, your tires are slowly wearing down due to friction and heat. This is because millions of tiny microscopic pieces of rubber and plastic used to make tires fly off the tire and into the air.
Many pieces of clothing made of polyester contain tiny plastic components that are added during production. When you rub the surface of polyester clothing, thousands of tiny fibers are released into the air (think of when you itch your skin and tons of skin cells flake off into the air).

In both cases, microplastics can become airborne and be breathed in by anyone who happens to take a breath of air containing those microplastics.

Once they become airborne, microplastics can also travel for thousands of miles through the planet’s atmosphere. A 2020 study in Nature Communications found that a combined 3,082 kilotonnes of tire shreds and brake wear particles contributed significantly microplastics in global air pollution.¹³

Microplastics can travel on wind and weather patterns from North America, Europe, and Asia as far away as the North Atlantic and the Arctic, especially during winter and spring.

Estimating a lifespan of about 28 days for PM2.5-sized tire shred particles in particular, the study suggests that microplastics can travel on wind and weather patterns from emission sources in North America, Europe, and Asia as far away as the North Atlantic and the Arctic, especially during the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in winter and spring.

What does the research say?

The study by that research team in Denmark we mentioned earlier, published in 2019 in Scientific Reports, illustrates this idea well.

The researchers built a mannequin (like the kind you see in clothing stores modeling clothes) that was designed to mimic a human body, complete with a breathing system made of glass and aluminum to accurately show how microplastics affect the human respiratory tract. (They even created a heating system so that the mannequin had the same 98.6°F body temperatures as a real human!)

Then, they set the breathing mannequin to inhale indoor air at three different apartments in the city of Aarhus, Denmark, each for 24 hours straight. Here’s what they found:

\nup to 4 percentof the total air volume of each apartment over 24 hours was contaminated with airborne microplastics – meaning that you’d inhale at least some microplastics with every breath in one of these environments
\nthe amount of microplastics in the air could vary widely between different areas in the same environment – one part of the environment could hold air containing up to a 77 percent concentration of microplastics, while other areas may have as low as a 24 percent concentration
\nthe vast majority of airborne microplastics came from synthetic polymers common in clothing, manufactured furniture, and plastic goods
\nmost airborne microplastics were much smaller than other airborne pollutants like skin flakes, making them more likely to get into your airways

So microplastics may be present in 4-77 percent of the air you breathe on a regular basis.

Microplastics may be present in 4-77% of the air you breathe on a regular basis.

Many other studies have corroborated these findings.

A 2020 study in Environment International from a research team in London, England found 575 to 1008 microplastics per square meter of air in every air sample collected from the top of a 9-story building twice a week for a month.¹⁴

A 2019 study in Science Advances found high levels of microplastics, especially varnish particles and nitrile rubber shreds, in snowfall around the world as far as the Alps and the Arctic. Even locations as remote as Greenland and Svalbard (a tiny, isolated island close to the Arctic in Norway) contained as much as 1,760 microplastics per liter of air. This further illustrates that microplastics can travel throughout the upper atmosphere and get deposited anywhere in the world.¹⁵

And another 2019 study from researchers at the Université Paris-Est found that plastic fibers – the most common source of airborne microplastics – make up 60 billion kilograms of the world’s plastic production.¹⁶ These microplastics can also carry other air pollutants, such as chemicals, on their surfaces resulting in widespread health effects like lung inflammation as well as increasing risk of infertility and cancer.

How can I protect myself from microplastics air pollution?

Microplastics are becoming a significant air quality problem across the world.

A 2020 review article in Earth-Science Reviews found that microplastics in air pollution may be the biggest contributor to microplastics pollution around the world, especially in remote regions like the Arctic and in most of the planet’s oceans.¹⁷

But there’s plenty you can do to start protecting yourself from the health impacts of microplastics pollution and reducing microplastics produced by your lifestyle.

Buy everyday objects that are compostable or biodegradable

Plastic objects are made of synthetic components that can take thousands of years to fully break down.

Products that are labeled as compostable can be broken down in the soil, and products that are biodegradable can be consumed by microorganisms and contribute more sustainably to the ecosystem.

Look for a label that indicates that the product is compostable – almost everything you could think of buying has a biodegradable or compostable alternatives.

A 2009 study looked into the best alternatives to plastic and suggested the following materials that break down the fastest:¹⁸

starch-based polymers
plant-based silvergrass
wood fiber
coconut fiber

But while it’s good to minimize single-use plastic products like sealed bags and grocery bags, some substitutes can do more harm than good, such as:¹⁹

\n“biodegradable” single-use plastic water bottles or plastic bags: this type of plastic can still take many years to biodegrade and introduce harmful chemicals into the environment
\nbamboo-based products like straws or silverware: bamboo sources may not be sustainable if scaled up for mass consumption and could threaten bamboo forest ecosystems
\nclothes or shoes made of “recovered” plastic: re-used plastic still keeps plastic in the manufacturing and consumption cycle, leading to further environmental pollution by microplastics

Consider eco-friendly, sustainable plastic alternatives

The 21st century has experienced growth in industries that are striving to move away from plastics as a key ingredient in their products.

Many businesses offer alternatives to plastic, like glass or stainless steel, that are much sturdier and longer-lasting than plastic versions. They may cost a bit more, but a glass or steel plate, bowl, container, etc. can last for years without generating microplastics.

B Corporations

B Corporations are businesses that have committed to reducing their global waste and observing fair hiring and manufacturing processes throughout the global supply chain, including the reduction of materials that generate microplastics.²⁰

Just look for a little logo that looks like a B in a circle and consider making more of your purchases from companies that commit to B Corporation sustainability practices.

Buy recycled plastic goods – and recycle them accordingly!

Cheap, disposable plastic objects are some of the biggest contributors to global microplastics pollution, since we use them once and throw them away immediately.

Think about all the single-use plastic things you use every day and multiply that by nearly 8 billion people – that’s more or less how much plastic waste is thrown away every day.

Think about all the single-use plastic things you use every day and multiply that by nearly 8 billion people – that’s more or less how much plastic waste is thrown away every day.

So try to buy plastic goods that are recyclable – look for that universal recycling logo with the arrows.

And look for a number inside the little recycling logo printed or designed into the object – not all recyclable goods can be recycled in the same way.

Here’s our quick cheat sheet for recycling:

1. PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate

Throw it in your recycling bin.
Don’t reuse it.
This includes water bottles, soda cans, and food packaging.

2. HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene

Throw it in your recycling bin
Don’t reuse it.
Try to avoid buying products with this label.
Includes grocery bags and packaging for products like milk and bleach.

3 – PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride

Not recyclable, but can be re-made into other products.
Avoid buying products with this label.
Includes plastic wrap and many outdoor garden hoses.

4. LDPE Low-density Polyethylene

Difficult to recycle.
Consider reusing products with this label.
Includes squeezable bottles and the plastic used to wrap loaves of bread.

5. PP – Polypropylene

Throw it in your recycling bin if your local recycling program takes it.
Used in many cereal bags, food containers, and diapers.

6. PS – Polystyrene

Difficult to recycle.
Avoid buying or consider reusing products with this label.
Includes foam plates and cups as well as packing peanuts.

7. Other

This covers a huge number of plastics – some are recyclable and some are not.
Avoid buying products with this label or reuse them often.

Use a high-performance air purifier

Although a significant percentage of airborne microplastics can be as small as 1 micron and pose major health risks, microplastics particles are typically much bigger than most airborne pollutant particles like PM10 and PM2.5.

This makes them much easier to capture using ahigh-performance air purifier that filters out particles as small as 0.003 microns, the smallest particles that exist (and thousands of times smaller than even the tiniest microplastics).

But keep in mind that because of their size, microplastics are much heavier than typical airborne pollutants and can’t be sucked in by the small, weak motors of most cheap air purifiers.

High-performance, centrifugal fans are designed to trap and collect even large, heavy microplastics pollutants.

A personal air purifier can help filter microplastics from the air in environments like bedroom or workspaces, where microplastics can be emitted at high levels from clothing, desktop appliances, and containers.

A car air purifier can also help filter microplastics from tire and brake wear that enter your vehicle interior, especially on highways or busy roads.

The takeaway

Microplastics are a huge problem – but all of us can do our part to decrease how dependent we are on plastic-based products.

Consumers have the power of the dollar to stop buying plastic products, especially if you have the means to sacrifice a little disposable income to buy natural, plastic-free products.

Multiplied by millions of people, buying sustainable products can help reduce (and someday eliminate) the sheer volume of plastic that chokes the water, the air, and human bodies with pollutants and chemicals.

","microplastics-effects-on-air-pollution","gid://shopify/Article/564856946766","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/microplastics-effects-on-air-pollution","2019-12-31T21:39:16Z",[1169,705],"How do microplastics get in the air?",{"_10":1270,"_202":1271,"_205":1272,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269420068942","Microplastics","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Microplastics_Desktop_b.jpg?v=1751016298",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1274,"_1139":1275,"_1154":1276,"_1156":1276,"_1157":1277,"_1159":1278,"_1008":1279,"_10":1280,"_1163":1281,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1282,"_635":1283,"_599":1284,"_1171":1285},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"In 2019, the Trump administration announced rollbacks of air pollution regulations on the oil and gas industry from the Obama administration. Learn more.","On August 29, 2019, the Trump administration in the United States announced plans to roll back air pollution regulations placed on the oil and gas industry during the administration of President Barack Obama.1These regulations, which were previously enacted to mitigate the industry’s effects on air pollution and climate change, urged companies to install controls in several places, including drilling and production operations, pipelines, and storage facilities, in order to monitor and curb methane emissions.Andrew Wheeler, former energy lobbyist and current head of the EPA, claims that since methane is valuable, the industry is naturally incentivized to minimize leaks. As a result, he stated that current regulations are “unnecessary and duplicative.”2According to the Agency, the new proposals will allow the oil and gas industry to save $17 million to $19 million a year, or up to $123 million by 2025.3Consequently, however, the EPA will be removed of any authority to regulate operations as they pertain to VOC emissions, the largest source of methane from the sector.4A new study published by the Imperial College London and Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Air estimated that air pollution has caused 30,000 American deaths in a single year.5 Recent moves by the EPA to rollback United States air quality regulations raise concerns that even more American lives may be threatened for the sake of industry profits.","

On August 29, 2019, the Trump administration in the United States announced plans to roll back air pollution regulations placed on the oil and gas industry during the administration of President Barack Obama.¹

These regulations, which were previously enacted to mitigate the industry’s effects on air pollution and climate change, urged companies to install controls in several places, including drilling and production operations, pipelines, and storage facilities, in order to monitor and curb methane emissions.

Andrew Wheeler, former energy lobbyist and current head of the EPA, claims that since methane is valuable, the industry is naturally incentivized to minimize leaks. As a result, he stated that current regulations are “unnecessary and duplicative.”²

According to the Agency, the new proposals will allow the oil and gas industry to save $17 million to $19 million a year, or up to $123 million by 2025.³

Consequently, however, the EPA will be removed of any authority to regulate operations as they pertain to VOC emissions, the largest source of methane from the sector.⁴

A new study published by the Imperial College London and Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Air estimated that air pollution has caused 30,000 American deaths in a single year.⁵ Recent moves by the EPA to rollback United States air quality regulations raise concerns that even more American lives may be threatened for the sake of industry profits.
\n\n

","epa-moves-to-overturn-obama-air-quality-regulations","gid://shopify/Article/564860911694","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/epa-moves-to-overturn-obama-air-quality-regulations","2019-09-12T14:59:49Z",[1169,705],"Selling our health? EPA moves to overturn Obama-Era air quality regulations",{"_10":1286,"_202":1287,"_205":1288,"_207":1176,"_203":1289},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269419806798","EPA logo superimposed over a smokestack.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/EPA-1440_12190280-2941-46ae-94a6-5481e1c2d3a3.jpg?v=1751015881",1000,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1291,"_1139":1292,"_1154":1293,"_1156":1293,"_1157":1294,"_1159":1295,"_1008":1296,"_10":1297,"_1163":1298,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1299,"_635":1300,"_599":1301,"_1171":1302},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"The Lagos, Nigeria State Government has committed to deploying a network of six air quality monitors to fight local smog. Get the full story here.","In cities from Krasnoyarsk, Russia to Lahore, Pakistan, air pollution data has often served as an important first step in tackling the air pollution problem. Access to real-time, public air quality data is essential for its ability to generate public awareness, encourage protective measures, and drive action to combat emissions. While the African continent faces numerous air quality-related challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, limited infrastructure, agricultural burning, and reliance on high-polluting fuels, such as coal, the continent also has a noticeable lack of accessible air quality monitoring data, making it difficult to understand the severity of the problem as well as benchmark trends.1 For the 2019 World Environment Day, however, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, of the Ministry of Environment in Lagos, announced that theLagos State Governmenthas committed to deploying a network of six air quality monitors to fight local smog.2 PM2.5 heat map of Nigeria on June 19, 2019, created using estimated satellite data. The yellow pin indicates the single air quality monitoring station, at present, located in Kano, Nigeria. In addition to the new landmark monitoring network, the Lagos State Government will continue working with local and international governments to develop effective programs and policies aimed at combating air pollution in the state.3","

In cities from Krasnoyarsk, Russia to Lahore, Pakistan, air pollution data has often served as an important first step in tackling the air pollution problem.

Access to real-time, public air quality data is essential for its ability to generate public awareness, encourage protective measures, and drive action to combat emissions.

While the African continent faces numerous air quality-related challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, limited infrastructure, agricultural burning, and reliance on high-polluting fuels, such as coal, the continent also has a noticeable lack of accessible air quality monitoring data, making it difficult to understand the severity of the problem as well as benchmark trends.¹

For the 2019 World Environment Day, however, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, of the Ministry of Environment in Lagos, announced that theLagos State Governmenthas committed to deploying a network of six air quality monitors to fight local smog.²

$\"\"$

PM2.5 heat map of Nigeria on June 19, 2019, created using estimated satellite data. The yellow pin indicates the single air quality monitoring station, at present, located in Kano, Nigeria.

In addition to the new landmark monitoring network, the Lagos State Government will continue working with local and international governments to develop effective programs and policies aimed at combating air pollution in the state.³

","lagos-nigeria-to-establish-air-quality-monitoring-stations-to-battle-air-pollution","gid://shopify/Article/564860584014","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/lagos-nigeria-to-establish-air-quality-monitoring-stations-to-battle-air-pollution","2019-06-20T17:24:39Z",[1169,705],"Lagos, Nigeria to establish six air quality monitoring stations in landmark effort to battle state-wide air pollution",{"_10":1303,"_202":1304,"_205":1305,"_207":1176,"_203":1289},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269383336014","Lagos skyline","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Lagos_2C_20Nigeria_Web_1_c9ec33c7-3589-4d10-98e5-fa5cd4682ffe.png?v=1750677902",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1307,"_1139":1308,"_1154":1309,"_1156":1309,"_1157":1310,"_1159":1311,"_1008":1312,"_10":1313,"_1163":1314,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1315,"_635":1316,"_599":1317,"_1171":1318},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Jakarta residents urge the government to enact regulations legislated years ago. Learn more.","Cyclists protest in front of the Jakarta City Hall on 6 December, 2018 (Image courtesy of Gisela Swaragita, Jakarta Post) In 2018, the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, observed an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 45.3 µg/m³ or micrograms per cubic meter, more than three times greater than the target set by the government (15 μg/m³), and four and a half times the guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 10 μg/m³. PM2.5 is particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. Pictured: Jakarta air quality status, \"Unhealthy\" to “Very Unhealthy,” 7 May 2019 (10:15, UTC-7). Source: IQAir Jakarta observed an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 45.3 µg/m³, more than 3 times greater than the target set by the government, and 4.5 times the guideline set by the WHO. The alarming figure made headlines, as the 2018 World Air Quality Report determined Jakarta to be the most polluted city in Southeast Asia. This data only reconfirmed what citizens already knew: that Jakarta’s air pollution is on the rise and taking a toll on the health of local residents, the city’s most vulnerable population in particular. Pictured: Annual data as recorded by IQAir AirVisual reveals Jakarta’s annual PM2.5 concentration rose by over 150% from 2017. Source: IQAir Activists warn of lawsuitOn December 6, 2018, citizens within and supporting the Gerakan Inisiatif Bersihkan Udara Koalisi Semesta (Coalition for the Clean Air Initiative), came together to protest government inaction to improve city-wide air quality.1The group warned that unless urgent action was taken in the following 60 business days, they would file a citizen lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.The group warned that unless urgent action was taken in the following 60 business days, they would file a citizen lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.After several mediation meetings were held between activists and the government, a lawsuit was filed on July 4, 2019.2The suit was directed against seven officials, including the president of Indonesia, three government ministers, and three governors.In 2019, thirty-two citizens came forward and became witnesses in the suit.Activists’ message: Implement existing legislationThe sources of pollutants are understood by the government. Pictured: Daily averages of air pollution over the month of April 2019, show consistently high pollution levels in Jakarta. Source: IQAir Sources of airborne pollutants impacting the city include vehicle and factory emissions as well as coal-fired power plants. Apart from PM2.5, airborne pollutants identified from these sources include: PM10 sulfur dioxide ozone carbon dioxide nitrogen dioxide lead Other regions of Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia and Singapore are seasonally affected by forest fires and crop stubble burning that runs from July to October in nearby Sumatra and Kalimantan.3 Crop burnings are common in South and Southeast Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The Coalition outlined 36 governmental regulations previously in place which need stronger enforcement from the government. Regulations include: emission tests cleaner-energy public vehicles commitments to more green spaces laws against burning household waste Jakarta faces continuing air quality challengesConcerns about air quality in Jakarta have grown in the years following the demonstration. According to the 2020 World Air Quality Report, Jakarta’s annual average airborne particle concentrations were still measuring as high as 39.6 μg/m3.Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan acknowledged that air pollution was a major threat to the city and was responsible for over 5 million illnesses per year.In 2020, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan acknowledged that air pollution was a major threat to the city and was responsible for over 5 million illnesses per year.4The takeawayWithout effective governance in support of local laws, the over 10 million Jakarta residents suffer.Without effective governance in support of local laws, the over 10 million Jakarta residents find their health avoidably at risk from poor air quality.While cheap energy and rapid growth can be achieved in the status quo, mobilized action as presented by the Coalition and supporters is required to ensure economic progress doesn’t come at the high cost of human health and livelihood."," $\"Annual$ Cyclists protest in front of the Jakarta City Hall on 6 December, 2018 (Image courtesy of Gisela Swaragita, Jakarta Post)

\n\nIn 2018, the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, observed an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 45.3 µg/m³ or micrograms per cubic meter, more than three times greater than the target set by the government (15 μg/m³), and four and a half times the guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 10 μg/m³. PM2.5 is particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller.
\n\n

$\"Current$ Pictured: Jakarta air quality status, \"Unhealthy\" to “Very Unhealthy,” 7 May 2019 (10:15, UTC-7). Source: IQAir

\n
\n\nJakarta observed an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 45.3 µg/m³, more than 3 times greater than the target set by the government, and 4.5 times the guideline set by the WHO.\n

\n\nThe alarming figure made headlines, as the 2018 World Air Quality Report determined Jakarta to be the most polluted city in Southeast Asia. This data only reconfirmed what citizens already knew: that Jakarta’s air pollution is on the rise and taking a toll on the health of local residents, the city’s most vulnerable population in particular.
\n\n

$\"Annual$ Pictured: Annual data as recorded by IQAir AirVisual reveals Jakarta’s annual PM2.5 concentration rose by over 150% from 2017. Source: IQAir

\n
\n\nActivists warn of lawsuit

On December 6, 2018, citizens within and supporting the Gerakan Inisiatif Bersihkan Udara Koalisi Semesta (Coalition for the Clean Air Initiative), came together to protest government inaction to improve city-wide air quality.¹The group warned that unless urgent action was taken in the following 60 business days, they would file a citizen lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.

The group warned that unless urgent action was taken in the following 60 business days, they would file a citizen lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.

After several mediation meetings were held between activists and the government, a lawsuit was filed on July 4, 2019.²The suit was directed against seven officials, including the president of Indonesia, three government ministers, and three governors.

In 2019, thirty-two citizens came forward and became witnesses in the suit.

Activists’ message: Implement existing legislation

The sources of pollutants are understood by the government.
\n\n

$\"Daily$ Pictured: Daily averages of air pollution over the month of April 2019, show consistently high pollution levels in Jakarta. Source: IQAir

\n\nSources of airborne pollutants impacting the city include vehicle and factory emissions as well as coal-fired power plants. Apart from PM2.5, airborne pollutants identified from these sources include:

PM10
sulfur dioxide
ozone
carbon dioxide
nitrogen dioxide
lead

Other regions of Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia and Singapore are seasonally affected by forest fires and crop stubble burning that runs from July to October in nearby Sumatra and Kalimantan.³ Crop burnings are common in South and Southeast Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Thailand. The Coalition outlined 36 governmental regulations previously in place which need stronger enforcement from the government. Regulations include:

emission tests
cleaner-energy public vehicles
commitments to more green spaces
laws against burning household waste

Jakarta faces continuing air quality challenges

Concerns about air quality in Jakarta have grown in the years following the demonstration. According to the 2020 World Air Quality Report, Jakarta’s annual average airborne particle concentrations were still measuring as high as 39.6 μg/m³.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan acknowledged that air pollution was a major threat to the city and was responsible for over 5 million illnesses per year.

In 2020, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan acknowledged that air pollution was a major threat to the city and was responsible for over 5 million illnesses per year.⁴

The takeaway

Without effective governance in support of local laws, the over 10 million Jakarta residents suffer.

Without effective governance in support of local laws, the over 10 million Jakarta residents find their health avoidably at risk from poor air quality.

While cheap energy and rapid growth can be achieved in the status quo, mobilized action as presented by the Coalition and supporters is required to ensure economic progress doesn’t come at the high cost of human health and livelihood.

","environmental-campaigners-in-jakarta-indonesia-demand-action-against-air-pollution-threaten-lawsuits","gid://shopify/Article/564860256334","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/environmental-campaigners-in-jakarta-indonesia-demand-action-against-air-pollution-threaten-lawsuits","2019-05-07T17:24:39Z",[1169,705],"Jakarta demands action against air pollution",{"_10":1319,"_202":1320,"_205":1321,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269465550926","Jakarta city air pollution","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/JakartaAQL_Desktop_0304d4f6-9c07-41cd-8764-6c44aeb9cd40.jpg?v=1751455418",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1323,"_1139":1324,"_1154":1325,"_1156":1325,"_1157":1326,"_1159":1327,"_1008":1328,"_10":1329,"_1163":1330,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1331,"_635":1332,"_599":1333,"_1171":1334},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Join citizen scientists and become a public air pollution data contributor.","With your AirVisual Series air quality monitor, outdoor air quality readings and air pollution data collection can be shared globally. The AirVisual Series provides reliable air quality data to communities anywhere and brings us all one step closer to breathing the cleanest air possible around the world. Follow the steps below to set up your AirVisual Pro or AirVisual Outdoor as a public outdoor air quality monitoring station. How to install your AirVisual Outdoor Follow these steps to install your AirVisual Outdoor as a public air quality resource. 1. Connect to your app Use your mobile device to install the AirVisual app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Once the app is installed, login with your IQAir account or create a new account within the app. Go to the Devices tab in the app and select Add Device. Scan the QR code on the outside of your AirVisual Outdoor device, or manually select a device to add. Note: If you’re manually adding the device, have the serial number or share code ready to enter into the app. Follow the app instructions to designate your AirVisual Outdoor location. Fill in the details about your monitor and name the monitor. When finished, select Next. Allow the app to geolocate your monitor if you wish to share your location as a public air quality monitor. If you’ve decided not to, skip this step by selecting I don’t want to locate my device. 2. Power and connect the monitor to the network If you’ve connected to a 4G monitor or ethernet cable, you should be automatically connected. The LED monitor will light up red when successfully powered. If you are connecting wirelessly to Wi-Fi: Go to the Devices tab in the AirVisual app. Select Configure Network. Choose your device and follow the prompts. The LED on the monitor will light up in this order: green, red, off, and red again. When successfully connected, the LED turns bright blue. The process takes up to 60 seconds. 3. Choose a location Select a location that meets the following criteria: access to an electrical outlet and a dependable Wi-Fi connection make sure power or network cables are free from exposure to rain, snow, and ice an outdoor location sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, snow, ice, and winds a sheltered location, such as eaves, awnings, balconies, or covered patios steady, natural airflow around the device mount the monitor vertically on a wall or pole, with sensor openings facing downward position at least five feet off the ground away from localized pollution sources, such as cigarette smoke or outdoor grills 4. Mount the device outdoors Use the included Allen wrench to loosen the hex socket screw and remove the mounting plate from the monitor. You can also remove the air inlet cover to install or replace air pollution sensors or 4G modem hardware. Use the supplied mounting hardware, including anchors and screws or cable ties, to attach the mounting plate to your desired location. Slot the monitor into the mounting hook on the plate. Make sure the air inlet cover is attached. Push the monitor gently into the mounting plate and use the Allen wrench to tighten the hex socket screw until it’s snug. How to install your AirVisual Pro Follow these steps to install your AirVisual Pro as a public air quality resource. 1. Choose a location The optimal location for your AirVisual Pro public air quality monitoring station includes: access to an electrical outlet and a dependable Wi-Fi connection an outdoor location sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, snow, ice, and winds a sheltered location, such as a porch, covered patio, under an awning, or in a garage steady, natural airflow around the device position no higher than 30 feet away from localized pollution sources, such as cigarette smoke or outdoor grills IQAir may be able to help you in securing an outdoor shelter for the AirVisual Pro air quality monitor. Please contact IQAir at (866) 488-1918 for assistance. Pictured: An AirVisual Pro protected by a homemade shelter. 2. Add your AirVisual sensor to your login profile You can add your AirVisual sensor to your profile through either the IQAir website or mobile app for iOS and Android. Follow these steps to add to the AirVisual sensor to a mobile app. Open My Devices tab. Tap Add a new device. Follow the instructions on the screen for adding a device. Follow these steps to add to the AirVisual Pro through the IQAir website. Create an account on the website and log in. Click your profile image to open a drop-down menu. Under Personal Dashboard, select your name. From the top menu bar, select Devices. Select the button Register A Device. Enter the device serial number. Add your device. From the My Devices page, select your device. Click Settings, the three dots on the right. Click the Location tab. On the menu select Make Public. Set the Station name on IQAir as you want it to be seen on the public data map. We recommend naming it by referencing a nearby recognizable landmark, park, or street name. You’ll see a link to help you determine your GPS coordinates. When supplying these, please consider your own privacy and safety. We typically recommend reporting a location at least 300 feet away from your actual location. If you don’t see your country on the drop-down list, choose Add new country/state/city from the drop-down list. Submit three required photos to show how you’ve set up your device. Send at least one photo from 1 meter in front of the device and one photo from 1 meter behind. Also include one photo from 10 meters away so that we can verify the environment. Note: These photos are confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of IQAir. They’re simply meant to help us verify that your AirVisual sensor has been set up in an environment that will provide the most accurate local air quality data. Click Submit. 4. Data validation Wait about 1 to 2 weeks for IQAir to analyze the readings before publishing your device's data to the public air quality map. Note: If we note any issues with the data that your AirVisual Pro is reporting, we’ll get in touch with you via your IQAir account email to sort them out. Pictured: An outdoor shelter protecting an AirVisual Pro. Join a network of citizen scientists You’re now a citizen data scientist, contributing outdoor air quality data to the world. Your friends, family, neighbors, and air quality enthusiasts around the world can view and act on live data from your community’s air. You’re now a citizen data scientist, contributing outdoor air quality data to the world. IQAir crowdsourced air quality monitoring data has exposed air pollution in communities around the world since the AirVisual Series air quality monitor was first launched. Air pollution is the leading environmental health hazard facing our planet. According to a 2021 study published in Environmental Research, an estimated 8.7 million deaths could be attributed to fossil fuel air pollution in 2018.1 An estimated 8.7 million deaths could be attributed to fossil fuel air pollution in 2018. According to a health and economic cost estimator developed by IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia, over 160,000 deaths in the world’s five most populous cities were attributable to air pollution. Awareness is growing, but air pollution is often difficult to see or quantify. Tackling the air pollution problem can be complex. Specific measurements are needed to reveal how pollution affects different areas, and different communities must respond to the problem in their own way. The takeaway Since the AirVisual Series was first deployed, we’ve witnessed incredible achievements from community networks and activists taking local air quality into their own hands. In Lahore, Pakistan, one activist kickstarted an air quality monitoring revolution by publishing the first live readings of air pollution data in Pakistan, leading to a landmark court case that shaped government smog policy. In the Philippines, a socially conscious enterprise installed AirVisual Pro monitors in its nationwide network of clean fuel stations. The Philippines then supported a national air quality improvement framework using IQAir data. From Cape Town, South Africa toCasablanca, Morocco, Bangkok, Thailand to Nome, Alaska, Krasnoyarsk, Russia to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, people around the world are publishing their communities onto the air pollution map, helping people make informed decisions and making local pollution hard to ignore. If you have any questions, contact us and our team of Air Quality Experts. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and help get your community online. Note: Per regulations, non-government data is prohibited in China. No data from AirVisual monitors within China national borders is made public.","

With your AirVisual Series air quality monitor, outdoor air quality readings and air pollution data collection can be shared globally. The AirVisual Series provides reliable air quality data to communities anywhere and brings us all one step closer to breathing the cleanest air possible around the world.

Follow the steps below to set up your AirVisual Pro or AirVisual Outdoor as a public outdoor air quality monitoring station.

How to install your AirVisual Outdoor

Follow these steps to install your AirVisual Outdoor as a public air quality resource.

1. Connect to your app

Use your mobile device to install the AirVisual app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Once the app is installed, login with your IQAir account or create a new account within the app.
Go to the Devices tab in the app and select Add Device.
Scan the QR code on the outside of your AirVisual Outdoor device, or manually select a device to add. Note: If you’re manually adding the device, have the serial number or share code ready to enter into the app.
Follow the app instructions to designate your AirVisual Outdoor location.
Fill in the details about your monitor and name the monitor.
When finished, select Next.
Allow the app to geolocate your monitor if you wish to share your location as a public air quality monitor. If you’ve decided not to, skip this step by selecting I don’t want to locate my device.

2. Power and connect the monitor to the network

If you’ve connected to a 4G monitor or ethernet cable, you should be automatically connected. The LED monitor will light up red when successfully powered.
If you are connecting wirelessly to Wi-Fi:\n
1. Go to the Devices tab in the AirVisual app.
2. Select Configure Network.
3. Choose your device and follow the prompts.
\n
The LED on the monitor will light up in this order: green, red, off, and red again.
When successfully connected, the LED turns bright blue. The process takes up to 60 seconds.

3. Choose a location

Select a location that meets the following criteria:

access to an electrical outlet and a dependable Wi-Fi connection
make sure power or network cables are free from exposure to rain, snow, and ice
an outdoor location sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, snow, ice, and winds
a sheltered location, such as eaves, awnings, balconies, or covered patios
steady, natural airflow around the device
mount the monitor vertically on a wall or pole, with sensor openings facing downward
position at least five feet off the ground
away from localized pollution sources, such as cigarette smoke or outdoor grills

4. Mount the device outdoors

Use the included Allen wrench to loosen the hex socket screw and remove the mounting plate from the monitor. You can also remove the air inlet cover to install or replace air pollution sensors or 4G modem hardware.
Use the supplied mounting hardware, including anchors and screws or cable ties, to attach the mounting plate to your desired location.
Slot the monitor into the mounting hook on the plate. Make sure the air inlet cover is attached.
Push the monitor gently into the mounting plate and use the Allen wrench to tighten the hex socket screw until it’s snug.

How to install your AirVisual Pro

Follow these steps to install your AirVisual Pro as a public air quality resource.

1. Choose a location

The optimal location for your AirVisual Pro public air quality monitoring station includes:

access to an electrical outlet and a dependable Wi-Fi connection
an outdoor location sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, snow, ice, and winds
a sheltered location, such as a porch, covered patio, under an awning, or in a garage
steady, natural airflow around the device
position no higher than 30 feet
away from localized pollution sources, such as cigarette smoke or outdoor grills

IQAir may be able to help you in securing an outdoor shelter for the AirVisual Pro air quality monitor. Please contact IQAir at (866) 488-1918 for assistance.

$\"An$

\nPictured: An AirVisual Pro protected by a homemade shelter.
\n

2. Add your AirVisual sensor to your login profile

You can add your AirVisual sensor to your profile through either the IQAir website or mobile app for iOS and Android.

Follow these steps to add to the AirVisual sensor to a mobile app.

Open My Devices tab.
Tap Add a new device.
Follow the instructions on the screen for adding a device.

Follow these steps to add to the AirVisual Pro through the IQAir website.

\nCreate an account on the website and log in.
Click your profile image to open a drop-down menu.
Under Personal Dashboard, select your name.
From the top menu bar, select Devices.
Select the button Register A Device.
Enter the device serial number.
Add your device.

From the My Devices page, select your device.

Click Settings, the three dots on the right.
Click the Location tab.
On the menu select Make Public.
Set the Station name on IQAir as you want it to be seen on the public data map. We recommend naming it by referencing a nearby recognizable landmark, park, or street name.
\nYou’ll see a link to help you determine your GPS coordinates. When supplying these, please consider your own privacy and safety. We typically recommend reporting a location at least 300 feet away from your actual location.
If you don’t see your country on the drop-down list, choose Add new country/state/city from the drop-down list.
Submit three required photos to show how you’ve set up your device. Send at least one photo from 1 meter in front of the device and one photo from 1 meter behind. Also include one photo from 10 meters away so that we can verify the environment.

Note: These photos are confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of IQAir. They’re simply meant to help us verify that your AirVisual sensor has been set up in an environment that will provide the most accurate local air quality data.
Click Submit.

4. Data validation

Wait about 1 to 2 weeks for IQAir to analyze the readings before publishing your device's data to the public air quality map.

Note: If we note any issues with the data that your AirVisual Pro is reporting, we’ll get in touch with you via your IQAir account email to sort them out.

$\"An$

\nPictured: An outdoor shelter protecting an AirVisual Pro.\n

Join a network of citizen scientists

You’re now a citizen data scientist, contributing outdoor air quality data to the world. Your friends, family, neighbors, and air quality enthusiasts around the world can view and act on live data from your community’s air.

You’re now a citizen data scientist, contributing outdoor air quality data to the world.

IQAir crowdsourced air quality monitoring data has exposed air pollution in communities around the world since the AirVisual Series air quality monitor was first launched.

Air pollution is the leading environmental health hazard facing our planet. According to a 2021 study published in Environmental Research, an estimated 8.7 million deaths could be attributed to fossil fuel air pollution in 2018.¹

An estimated 8.7 million deaths could be attributed to fossil fuel air pollution in 2018.

According to a health and economic cost estimator developed by IQAir and Greenpeace Southeast Asia, over 160,000 deaths in the world’s five most populous cities were attributable to air pollution.

Awareness is growing, but air pollution is often difficult to see or quantify. Tackling the air pollution problem can be complex. Specific measurements are needed to reveal how pollution affects different areas, and different communities must respond to the problem in their own way.

The takeaway

Since the AirVisual Series was first deployed, we’ve witnessed incredible achievements from community networks and activists taking local air quality into their own hands.

\nIn Lahore, Pakistan, one activist kickstarted an air quality monitoring revolution by publishing the first live readings of air pollution data in Pakistan, leading to a landmark court case that shaped government smog policy.
\nIn the Philippines, a socially conscious enterprise installed AirVisual Pro monitors in its nationwide network of clean fuel stations. The Philippines then supported a national air quality improvement framework using IQAir data.

From Cape Town, South Africa toCasablanca, Morocco, Bangkok, Thailand to Nome, Alaska, Krasnoyarsk, Russia to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, people around the world are publishing their communities onto the air pollution map, helping people make informed decisions and making local pollution hard to ignore.

If you have any questions, contact us and our team of Air Quality Experts. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and help get your community online.

Note: Per regulations, non-government data is prohibited in China. No data from AirVisual monitors within China national borders is made public.

","air-pollution-data-collection-movement","gid://shopify/Article/564862877774","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/air-pollution-data-collection-movement","2019-04-15T16:07:53Z",[1169,705],"How to provide public air quality data with AirVisual",{"_10":1335,"_202":1336,"_205":1337,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269218283598","Global air pollution problems and solutions","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_airvisual-public-data-contribution_desktop_51ca716a-de6b-4f8f-83e0-de4798814e72.jpg?v=1749121614",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1339,"_1139":1340,"_1154":1341,"_1156":1341,"_1157":1342,"_1159":1343,"_1008":1344,"_10":1345,"_1163":1346,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1347,"_635":1348,"_599":1349,"_1171":1350},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Citizen scientists around the world are taking air quality matters into their own hands. Learn more.","Global air pollution has become a major problem. It’s bigger than any one person, government, or organization can tackle alone. That’s why citizen scientists around the world are taking air quality matters into their own hands. Because everyone suffers when air pollution becomes severe, countering the problem can sometimes involve unlikely but necessary partnerships. An oil company accepts responsibility Founded as an engine lubricants company in 1966, Unioil is a regional powerhouse in the Philippines’ oil market. Unioil operates retail gas stations throughout the nation, positioning themselves as the public face of high-quality fuels and lubricants. But rather than focus solely on profits and growth, the company chose to invest in improving the air quality of the Philippines. With that goal in mind, Unioil established the largest network for air quality monitoring in the Philippines in 2016. Unioil’s unique position as an influential regional vehicle fuel corporation helped them to promote better air quality. Air quality monitors also help encourage change in consumer behavior across the country by tackling one of its primary sources of air pollution: vehicle emissions. Powered by AirVisual, Unioil is promoting the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines. Founded as a modest engine lubricants company, Unioil has become a regional powerhouse in the Philippines’ enormous oil market. And after a string of lucrative business moves, Unioil began opening retail gas stations throughout the Philippines, positioning themselves as the public face of high-quality fuels and lubricants. You may think you know the rest of this story: oil company gets huge, sits on billions of dollars, and contributes to global pollution while ignoring the massive impact that its product has on the environment. Think again. Unioil is also behind the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines. Their unique position as an expert in vehicle fuel and as one of the region’s most influential corporations is allowing them to promote a cleaner Air Quality Index (AQI) and changes in consumer behavior across the country by tackling one of its primary sources of air pollution: vehicle emissions. Powered by AirVisual Pro by IQAir, Unioil is behind the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines. Unioil’s preferred tool for reducing air pollution and a poor air quality is the IQAir AirVisual air quality monitor. What are the causes of air pollution in the Philippines? Roads in The Philippines, in its capital Manila in particular, are overcrowded and tied with Bengaluru, India for the worst congestion in the world in 2019 at 71 percent congested.1 In 2020, Manila was in fourth place with 53 percent congestion, falling behind or tying with three other cities: Moscow, Russia: 54% Mumbai, India: 53% Bogota, Colombia: 53% Limited public transportation has forced many of the archipelago’s 103 million residents to commute by gas-powered vehicles, resulting in jammed highways that generate (literal) tons of polluted air. Manila is a huge urban area of 24 million residents and extremely dense; Manila has 4 million more people than New York City, but squeezed into about 400 square miles less. With a growing population and terrain limitations, it’s not surprising that Metro Manila is oversaturated with vehicles. And some, like the iconic Jeepney, are some of the worst contributors to the AQI still on the roads today. The jeepney, a decorative commuter bus common to Manila’s streets, has long been a symbol of Filipino culture. First introduced to the islands as U.S. military vehicles during the Second World War, their outdated motors and heavy metal frameworks are significant contributors to poor energy efficiency and toxic emissions.2,3 But while they’re the cheapest mode of transportation in the Philippines, costing about $0.15 per ride, the iconic jeepneys cart millions of people each day at a cost of 22,000 metric tons of soot a year. While they’re the cheapest mode of transportation in the Philippines, the iconic jeepneys cart millions of people each day at a cost of 22,000 metric tons of soot a year. Increasing public awareness has revealed just how little is known about just how bad the air quality is. Many Filipinos were unaware of the nature and scale of poor air quality in their country. Setting the clean oil standard Unioil developed a network of AirVisual air quality sensors now stretches across metro Manila. In every Unioil gas station in the Philippines, there is a transparent box hanging over the entrance. Inside is an AirVisual air quality monitor, measuring ambient air quality and broadcasting the current air quality to the IQAir public air pollution database. Unioil pioneered environmentally friendly fuel standards in the Philippines. They introduced Euro 4 standard fuels to the country when required industry standards were still at Euro 2 and Euro 4 standards weren't yet legally required. Unioil also began distributing Euro 5 standard fuels at its stations when the industry requirement was still at Euro 4.4 With a maximum sulfur content of 10 parts per million, Unioil's Euro 5 fuels are five times cleaner than other conventional fuels sold in the country. Unioil’s strategic placement of AirVisual air quality monitors at gas stations helps to give greater visibility to the nation’s air pollution. Unioil’s strategic placement of AirVisual air quality monitors at gas stations helps to give greater visibility to the nation’s air pollution. These live air quality readings constantly remind drivers of the impact of heavy vehicle emissions. Such reminders resonate deeply with a country that relies on millions of decades-old, fuel-inefficient cars, buses, and jeepneys to get around every day. The visibility of the AirVisual at high-traffic gas stations are intended to raise awareness of air pollution levels and air quality in the areas where Filipinos work and live. Is the push toward clean fuel working? The Filipino government first began legislating for cleaner air with the Philippines Clean Air Act.5 But nearly two decades later, jeepneys and traffic congestion remain real challenges. Field tests conducted by Unioil with the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that vehicles using Euro 5 fuels result in 77 percent cleaner emissions compared to vehicles using Euro 4 standard fuels.6 Field tests show that vehicles using Euro 5 fuels result in 77 percent cleaner emissions compared to vehicles using Euro 4 standard fuels. Unioil also partnered with the Philippines DENR and signed a Memorandum Of Agreement supporting an AirVisual monitoring network expansion.7 By partnering with the Philippine government, Unioil seeks to promote environmentally-friendly policy decisions and responsible consumer choices. Together, they aim to generate a national air quality status report that will form the basis of a nationwide air quality improvement framework. Unioil's clean energy and air quality awareness initiatives illustrate how corporations and conscious consumer choices can align to change a city's landscape for the better while promoting a cleaner, healthier future. The takeaway Air quality knowledge is air quality power. Anyone who looks at an AirVisual is immediately armed with the awareness that we all breathe the same air and that we can all do something about it, from a single citizen scientist in Nigeria to a national fuel corporation. Having access to national air quality data could lead the Philippines away from its status quo of dangerous, far too common vehicle emissions. There are 80,000 air quality monitors in cities around the world providing live air quality data. You can join them today. Learn how you can use your AirVisual to contribute to the world’s largest air quality monitoring database.","

Global air pollution has become a major problem. It’s bigger than any one person, government, or organization can tackle alone.

That’s why citizen scientists around the world are taking air quality matters into their own hands. Because everyone suffers when air pollution becomes severe, countering the problem can sometimes involve unlikely but necessary partnerships.

An oil company accepts responsibility

Founded as an engine lubricants company in 1966, Unioil is a regional powerhouse in the Philippines’ oil market. Unioil operates retail gas stations throughout the nation, positioning themselves as the public face of high-quality fuels and lubricants.

But rather than focus solely on profits and growth, the company chose to invest in improving the air quality of the Philippines. With that goal in mind, Unioil established the largest network for air quality monitoring in the Philippines in 2016.

Unioil’s unique position as an influential regional vehicle fuel corporation helped them to promote better air quality. Air quality monitors also help encourage change in consumer behavior across the country by tackling one of its primary sources of air pollution: vehicle emissions.

Powered by AirVisual, Unioil is promoting the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines.

Founded as a modest engine lubricants company, Unioil has become a regional powerhouse in the Philippines’ enormous oil market. And after a string of lucrative business moves, Unioil began opening retail gas stations throughout the Philippines, positioning themselves as the public face of high-quality fuels and lubricants.

You may think you know the rest of this story: oil company gets huge, sits on billions of dollars, and contributes to global pollution while ignoring the massive impact that its product has on the environment.

Think again.

Unioil is also behind the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines. Their unique position as an expert in vehicle fuel and as one of the region’s most influential corporations is allowing them to promote a cleaner Air Quality Index (AQI) and changes in consumer behavior across the country by tackling one of its primary sources of air pollution: vehicle emissions.

Powered by AirVisual Pro by IQAir, Unioil is behind the largest air quality monitoring network in the Philippines.

Unioil’s preferred tool for reducing air pollution and a poor air quality is the IQAir AirVisual air quality monitor.

What are the causes of air pollution in the Philippines?

Roads in The Philippines, in its capital Manila in particular, are overcrowded and tied with Bengaluru, India for the worst congestion in the world in 2019 at 71 percent congested.¹ In 2020, Manila was in fourth place with 53 percent congestion, falling behind or tying with three other cities:

\nMoscow, Russia: 54%
\nMumbai, India: 53%
\nBogota, Colombia: 53%

Limited public transportation has forced many of the archipelago’s 103 million residents to commute by gas-powered vehicles, resulting in jammed highways that generate (literal) tons of polluted air.

Manila is a huge urban area of 24 million residents and extremely dense; Manila has 4 million more people than New York City, but squeezed into about 400 square miles less. With a growing population and terrain limitations, it’s not surprising that Metro Manila is oversaturated with vehicles.

And some, like the iconic Jeepney, are some of the worst contributors to the AQI still on the roads today.

The jeepney, a decorative commuter bus common to Manila’s streets, has long been a symbol of Filipino culture. First introduced to the islands as U.S. military vehicles during the Second World War, their outdated motors and heavy metal frameworks are significant contributors to poor energy efficiency and toxic emissions.^2,3

But while they’re the cheapest mode of transportation in the Philippines, costing about $0.15 per ride, the iconic jeepneys cart millions of people each day at a cost of 22,000 metric tons of soot a year.

While they’re the cheapest mode of transportation in the Philippines, the iconic jeepneys cart millions of people each day at a cost of 22,000 metric tons of soot a year.

Increasing public awareness has revealed just how little is known about just how bad the air quality is. Many Filipinos were unaware of the nature and scale of poor air quality in their country.

Setting the clean oil standard

Unioil developed a network of AirVisual air quality sensors now stretches across metro Manila.

In every Unioil gas station in the Philippines, there is a transparent box hanging over the entrance. Inside is an AirVisual air quality monitor, measuring ambient air quality and broadcasting the current air quality to the IQAir public air pollution database.

Unioil pioneered environmentally friendly fuel standards in the Philippines. They introduced Euro 4 standard fuels to the country when required industry standards were still at Euro 2 and Euro 4 standards weren't yet legally required. Unioil also began distributing Euro 5 standard fuels at its stations when the industry requirement was still at Euro 4.⁴

With a maximum sulfur content of 10 parts per million, Unioil's Euro 5 fuels are five times cleaner than other conventional fuels sold in the country.

Unioil’s strategic placement of AirVisual air quality monitors at gas stations helps to give greater visibility to the nation’s air pollution.

Unioil’s strategic placement of AirVisual air quality monitors at gas stations helps to give greater visibility to the nation’s air pollution.

These live air quality readings constantly remind drivers of the impact of heavy vehicle emissions. Such reminders resonate deeply with a country that relies on millions of decades-old, fuel-inefficient cars, buses, and jeepneys to get around every day. The visibility of the AirVisual at high-traffic gas stations are intended to raise awareness of air pollution levels and air quality in the areas where Filipinos work and live.

Is the push toward clean fuel working?

The Filipino government first began legislating for cleaner air with the Philippines Clean Air Act.⁵ But nearly two decades later, jeepneys and traffic congestion remain real challenges.

Field tests conducted by Unioil with the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) show that vehicles using Euro 5 fuels result in 77 percent cleaner emissions compared to vehicles using Euro 4 standard fuels.⁶

Field tests show that vehicles using Euro 5 fuels result in 77 percent cleaner emissions compared to vehicles using Euro 4 standard fuels.

Unioil also partnered with the Philippines DENR and signed a Memorandum Of Agreement supporting an AirVisual monitoring network expansion.⁷

By partnering with the Philippine government, Unioil seeks to promote environmentally-friendly policy decisions and responsible consumer choices. Together, they aim to generate a national air quality status report that will form the basis of a nationwide air quality improvement framework.

Unioil's clean energy and air quality awareness initiatives illustrate how corporations and conscious consumer choices can align to change a city's landscape for the better while promoting a cleaner, healthier future.

The takeaway

Air quality knowledge is air quality power. Anyone who looks at an AirVisual is immediately armed with the awareness that we all breathe the same air and that we can all do something about it, from a single citizen scientist in Nigeria to a national fuel corporation.

Having access to national air quality data could lead the Philippines away from its status quo of dangerous, far too common vehicle emissions.

There are 80,000 air quality monitors in cities around the world providing live air quality data. You can join them today.

Learn how you can use your AirVisual to contribute to the world’s largest air quality monitoring database.

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CADR measures how quickly an air purifier cleans the air. Learn how it works—and why it should be considered alongside long-term performance metrics like CCM.

","When choosing an air purifier, one of the first numbers people encounter is CADR—but it is also one of the most misunderstood. CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate, measures how quickly an air purifier can clean the air in a space. It is often used to compare different models, but on its own it does not reflect how an air purifier performs in real-world conditions over time. CADR focuses on short-term performance—how quickly clean air is delivered under specific conditions—rather than how long that performance can be maintained. Understanding how CADR works—and how it differs from other metrics like CCM—can make it easier to choose a system that matches both the size of a space and how performance will hold over time. What CADR actually measures CADR reflects how quickly an air purifier removes particles from the air. It combines airflow and filter efficiency to estimate how fast clean air is delivered within a given space. In practical terms, this means CADR indicates how quickly airborne particles can be cleared—but not how consistently that performance will hold over time. CADR measures the removal rate of airborne particles as small as 0.09 microns to as large as 11 microns (1)(2). It reflects how filter efficiency and airflow interact within a given space, but is limited to measuring performance speed rather than long-term usage. CADR is often presented alongside CCM, but the two metrics reflect very different aspects of performance. CADR focuses on how quickly clean air is delivered, while CCM indicates how much pollution a system can handle before its performance begins to decline. The limitation of CADR: Speed vs long-term performance While CADR is commonly used to compare how quickly an air purifier works, it does not indicate how performance will hold over time. As filters load with particles and gases, airflow and efficiency can change—something CADR does not capture. Many air purifiers perform well when new but lose effectiveness as filters become saturated. As a result, CADR alone gives an incomplete—or even misleading—picture of how an air purifier will perform outside of controlled test conditions. CADR vs CCM: Speed vs endurance While CADR measures speed, CCM focuses on endurance. It tracks how much pollution an air purifier can remove over time before its performance begins to decline. CCM ratings are grouped into standardized tiers for particulate matter (P) and formaldehyde (F), which indicate how much pollution an air purifier can handle before its performance begins to decline. Higher tiers represent greater long-term filtration capacity and more stable performance over time. Particulate Matter Formaldehyde P1 3000 – 5000 mg F1 300 – 600 mg P2 5000 – 8000 mg F2 600 – 1000 mg P3 8000 – 12000 mg F3 1000 – 1500 mg P4 > 12,000 mg F4 > 1500 mg In practical terms, higher P and F values indicate that an air purifier can handle more pollution before its performance drops—making these tiers a useful way to compare long-term effectiveness. For example, a system rated at P4 can remove significantly more particulate matter before performance declines than one rated at P1. Compared to CADR, CCM reflects long-term filtration performance rather than short-term speed. In practice, CADR reflects how quickly an air purifier performs under initial test conditions, while CCM provides clearer insight into how that performance holds up over time. How to evaluate air purifier performance in real-world use Understanding how an air purifier is tested can help clarify how it will perform in real-world use. If a system is too small for a space, or if performance declines over time, airborne particles may remain present. Systems with higher CCM levels are more likely to maintain consistent performance over time, which can be especially relevant for sensitive or allergy-prone groups. CCM values reflect long-term filtration capacity. Some systems are designed to maintain performance over extended use, which is reflected in higher CCM values. Some air purifiers are designed to perform strongly across both metrics. For example, systems using high-efficiency filtration, such as IQAir systems using HyperHEPA filtration, are designed to capture ultrafine particles efficiently while maintaining long-term performance. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between CADR and CCM? CADR measures initial short-term performance quality, calculating the rate or speed of which airborne particulate matter is cleaned and recycled. CCM measures long-term performance longevity, calculating the sheer amount of pollutant particles that are collected by an air purifier before the device begins to lose efficiency. The key difference is the short-term versus long-term measurements. What is more important to consider, CADR or CCM? While both CADR and CCM are important to consider in general, CCM provides a clearer understanding of air purifier quality and filtration over time. When choosing an air purifier, CCM values give a direct ranking on which system is going to last the longest while maintaining powerful filtration. Do all air purifiers have CADR and/or CCM ratings? Most air purifiers should have either a CADR or CCM rating listed; however, at-home calculations and trial runs can be performed to calculate the values. How is CADR measured by room? A CADR rating should be 2/3 the value of the room’s square footage that the air purifier is housed in. For instance, if a room is 180 square feet, then an air purifier with a CADR of 120 should be used. Conclusion CADR and CCM measure different aspects of air purifier performance: speed and endurance. Looking beyond CADR to include metrics like CCM provides a clearer picture of how an air purifier will perform—not just when it is new, but over time.","

When choosing an air purifier, one of the first numbers people encounter is CADR—but it is also one of the most misunderstood.

CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate, measures how quickly an air purifier can clean the air in a space. It is often used to compare different models, but on its own it does not reflect how an air purifier performs in real-world conditions over time. CADR focuses on short-term performance—how quickly clean air is delivered under specific conditions—rather than how long that performance can be maintained.

Understanding how CADR works—and how it differs from other metrics like CCM—can make it easier to choose a system that matches both the size of a space and how performance will hold over time.

What CADR actually measures

CADR reflects how quickly an air purifier removes particles from the air. It combines airflow and filter efficiency to estimate how fast clean air is delivered within a given space.

In practical terms, this means CADR indicates how quickly airborne particles can be cleared—but not how consistently that performance will hold over time.

CADR measures the removal rate of airborne particles as small as 0.09 microns to as large as 11 microns (1)(2). It reflects how filter efficiency and airflow interact within a given space, but is limited to measuring performance speed rather than long-term usage.

CADR is often presented alongside CCM, but the two metrics reflect very different aspects of performance. CADR focuses on how quickly clean air is delivered, while CCM indicates how much pollution a system can handle before its performance begins to decline.

The limitation of CADR: Speed vs long-term performance

While CADR is commonly used to compare how quickly an air purifier works, it does not indicate how performance will hold over time.

As filters load with particles and gases, airflow and efficiency can change—something CADR does not capture. Many air purifiers perform well when new but lose effectiveness as filters become saturated.

As a result, CADR alone gives an incomplete—or even misleading—picture of how an air purifier will perform outside of controlled test conditions.

CADR vs CCM: Speed vs endurance

While CADR measures speed, CCM focuses on endurance. It tracks how much pollution an air purifier can remove over time before its performance begins to decline.

CCM ratings are grouped into standardized tiers for particulate matter (P) and formaldehyde (F), which indicate how much pollution an air purifier can handle before its performance begins to decline. Higher tiers represent greater long-term filtration capacity and more stable performance over time.

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Particulate Matter	Formaldehyde
P1	3000 – 5000 mg	F1	300 – 600 mg
P2	5000 – 8000 mg	F2	600 – 1000 mg
P3	8000 – 12000 mg	F3	1000 – 1500 mg
P4	> 12,000 mg	F4	> 1500 mg

In practical terms, higher P and F values indicate that an air purifier can handle more pollution before its performance drops—making these tiers a useful way to compare long-term effectiveness. For example, a system rated at P4 can remove significantly more particulate matter before performance declines than one rated at P1.

Compared to CADR, CCM reflects long-term filtration performance rather than short-term speed.

In practice, CADR reflects how quickly an air purifier performs under initial test conditions, while CCM provides clearer insight into how that performance holds up over time.

How to evaluate air purifier performance in real-world use

Understanding how an air purifier is tested can help clarify how it will perform in real-world use. If a system is too small for a space, or if performance declines over time, airborne particles may remain present. Systems with higher CCM levels are more likely to maintain consistent performance over time, which can be especially relevant for sensitive or allergy-prone groups.

CCM values reflect long-term filtration capacity. Some systems are designed to maintain performance over extended use, which is reflected in higher CCM values.

Some air purifiers are designed to perform strongly across both metrics. For example, systems using high-efficiency filtration, such as IQAir systems using HyperHEPA filtration, are designed to capture ultrafine particles efficiently while maintaining long-term performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CADR and CCM?

CADR measures initial short-term performance quality, calculating the rate or speed of which airborne particulate matter is cleaned and recycled. CCM measures long-term performance longevity, calculating the sheer amount of pollutant particles that are collected by an air purifier before the device begins to lose efficiency. The key difference is the short-term versus long-term measurements.

What is more important to consider, CADR or CCM?

While both CADR and CCM are important to consider in general, CCM provides a clearer understanding of air purifier quality and filtration over time. When choosing an air purifier, CCM values give a direct ranking on which system is going to last the longest while maintaining powerful filtration.

Do all air purifiers have CADR and/or CCM ratings?

Most air purifiers should have either a CADR or CCM rating listed; however, at-home calculations and trial runs can be performed to calculate the values.

How is CADR measured by room?

A CADR rating should be 2/3 the value of the room’s square footage that the air purifier is housed in. For instance, if a room is 180 square feet, then an air purifier with a CADR of 120 should be used.

Conclusion

CADR and CCM measure different aspects of air purifier performance: speed and endurance. Looking beyond CADR to include metrics like CCM provides a clearer picture of how an air purifier will perform—not just when it is new, but over time.

","what-cadr-means-and-how-to-choose-an-air-purifier","gid://shopify/Article/641380089934","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-cadr-means-and-how-to-choose-an-air-purifier","2026-05-12T15:00:00Z",[912,1383],"Featured articles","What CADR means and how to choose an air purifier",{"_10":1386,"_202":1387,"_205":1388,"_207":1389,"_203":1390},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273257267278","Air purifier next to fireplace","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_WhatsACADRRating_D_b41be4f3-a6e7-4b6d-aedc-ffabb0a0c40d.jpg?v=1778599072",839,674,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1392,"_1139":1393,"_1154":1394,"_1156":1395,"_1157":1396,"_1159":1397,"_1008":1398,"_10":1399,"_1163":1400,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1401,"_635":1402,"_599":1403,"_1171":1404},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"See how EarthMuseum is teaching the next generation how to monitor air quality and address air pollution through data.","

See how EarthMuseum is teaching the next generation how to monitor air quality and address air pollution through data.

","“Our program gives students a way to work with real-world data—so they’re not just learning about air quality, they’re actually seeing it and responding to it,” said Janet Owen, Founder and Director of EarthMuseum Learn. Through its collaboration with IQAir, EarthMuseum Learn, a not-for-profit focused on global, cross-curricular education, is piloting Air We Breathe—an air quality learning and monitoring program that helps students understand pollution in context and think more critically about what it means (1). As part of a free wider learning program, schools use IQAir’s AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitors and AirVisual dashboard to measure the air around them and publish an analysis of those readings to a shared collaboration platform. Instead of relying on static examples, students work with live data—conditions that change throughout the day and can be followed over time. For many, it’s the first time air pollution is something they can track directly using data generated by their own school. Rather than focusing on a single location or data contributor, the program is designed to connect many, linking classrooms through a common learning framework and shared data. Learning that starts with context Developed with educators and subject experts, the Air We Breathe program is designed for students ages 7 to 14. It’s free for schools worldwide and built to fit into existing curricula. The program moves between history, science, and present-day air quality. Lessons explore how air pollution has developed over time, from early human activity through the industrial period and into the present. They also look at how air quality connects to health, climate, and the way communities function, with an opportunity to think about local innovation and action. That shared structure makes it possible for schools in different locations to engage with the same material at the same time, creating a common starting point for comparison. It’s not about delivering a fixed set of facts. Students are encouraged to question, discuss, and form their own views. As Owen put it, the program is built around “the ability to have conversations about what air quality and air pollution are, and what they mean in a worldview context.” That foundation becomes more meaningful once students begin working with real-world data. Working with data from their own environment Each school uses an IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor to measure local air quality. Those readings feed into the IQAir platform, where they can be accessed through the AirVisual app, desktop dashboard, and global air quality map. Students aren’t just checking the numbers. They follow how readings change over time, compare patterns across different days, and begin asking why those changes happen. Owen described it simply: students are “playing with the data, looking at the data, comparing their data with others.” For EarthMuseum Learn, the appeal of the system was not just the data itself, but how easily it could be used across different classrooms globally. Once tested, Owen said, “it was pretty straightforward to set up,” and “very communicative in terms of the data.” The platform also places those readings alongside a much wider network of stations, contributed by governments, organizations, and individuals around the world. That context makes it easier to see how local conditions fit into a broader picture. In practice, each school becomes one point within a much larger network of observations. Comparing across locations Students have the ability to look at their own data alongside readings from partner schools in other regions, from nearby cities to entirely different countries. Seeing those differences tends to raise immediate questions. Owen said students begin to ask, “Why are levels higher in one place than another? What local factors might be involved? How do infrastructure, geography, or policy play a role?” For the program, that exchange is central. It’s about “that ability to compare and contrast, to talk, to discuss, and to understand what’s happening in different places.” What starts as a local exercise becomes something shared, and something that allows students to see their community in a global context. Understanding how air quality data is created Alongside real-time monitoring, students take manual readings at set intervals, recording and sharing those observations through EarthMuseum Learn’s developing collaborative platform. For many, this is their first experience working with environmental data in a structured way. It makes them more comfortable reading the numbers and talking about what those numbers mean. Because those observations are shared across schools, they don’t stay local—they contribute to a broader, collective view. From observation to response Students are encouraged to consider what their observations mean in practical terms—for themselves, for their school, and for the wider community. Sometimes that may lead to small changes in the school environment. In other cases, it can develop into campaigns or presentations shared with local decision-makers. Owen said, “Students see that data isn’t just something on a screen, or something collected in a vacuum. They see how it’s interpreted—and how it can help make an impact in their world.” That thinking is shaped not only by their own data, but by what they see happening in other schools. As Owen framed it: “What does that mean for me individually? What does that mean for us as a school? What does that mean for the community?” Teachers involved in early pilots have already seen the conversation extend beyond the classroom. Students bring the subject home with them, and it starts to shape discussions with teachers, parents, and peers. “There’s a real appetite… to have those conversations—not just with each other, but with teachers and with parents,” Owen said. Building a connected model Work with schools in the UK now includes international partners, with classrooms in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia beginning to take part. Additional school networks are in discussion. As more schools install monitors and publish data, the project is gradually forming a distributed network of classrooms, each contributing its own data and perspective. Because the same monitoring and platform infrastructure can be used across regions, schools are able to participate in a shared system without needing to adapt the technical setup each time. Over time, individual data points begin to form a connected system across schools. For EarthMuseum Learn, the goal is not simply to grow, but to build something that keeps those classrooms connected rather than operating in isolation. Conclusion EarthMuseum Learn offers one way to bring environmental learning closer to students’ daily experience. By combining real-time monitoring with classroom teaching and global data sharing, the program gives students a way to follow air quality through observation, comparison, and discussion. It also suggests a different way of teaching these topics—one where classrooms are connected through shared data and analysis instead of working in isolation.","

“Our program gives students a way to work with real-world data—so they’re not just learning about air quality, they’re actually seeing it and responding to it,” said Janet Owen, Founder and Director of EarthMuseum Learn.

Through its collaboration with IQAir, EarthMuseum Learn, a not-for-profit focused on global, cross-curricular education, is piloting Air We Breathe—an air quality learning and monitoring program that helps students understand pollution in context and think more critically about what it means (1).

As part of a free wider learning program, schools use IQAir’s AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitors and AirVisual dashboard to measure the air around them and publish an analysis of those readings to a shared collaboration platform. Instead of relying on static examples, students work with live data—conditions that change throughout the day and can be followed over time.

For many, it’s the first time air pollution is something they can track directly using data generated by their own school.

Rather than focusing on a single location or data contributor, the program is designed to connect many, linking classrooms through a common learning framework and shared data.

Learning that starts with context

Developed with educators and subject experts, the Air We Breathe program is designed for students ages 7 to 14. It’s free for schools worldwide and built to fit into existing curricula.

The program moves between history, science, and present-day air quality. Lessons explore how air pollution has developed over time, from early human activity through the industrial period and into the present. They also look at how air quality connects to health, climate, and the way communities function, with an opportunity to think about local innovation and action. That shared structure makes it possible for schools in different locations to engage with the same material at the same time, creating a common starting point for comparison.

It’s not about delivering a fixed set of facts. Students are encouraged to question, discuss, and form their own views. As Owen put it, the program is built around “the ability to have conversations about what air quality and air pollution are, and what they mean in a worldview context.”

That foundation becomes more meaningful once students begin working with real-world data.

Working with data from their own environment

Each school uses an IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor to measure local air quality. Those readings feed into the IQAir platform, where they can be accessed through the AirVisual app, desktop dashboard, and global air quality map.

Students aren’t just checking the numbers. They follow how readings change over time, compare patterns across different days, and begin asking why those changes happen.

Owen described it simply: students are “playing with the data, looking at the data, comparing their data with others.”

For EarthMuseum Learn, the appeal of the system was not just the data itself, but how easily it could be used across different classrooms globally. Once tested, Owen said, “it was pretty straightforward to set up,” and “very communicative in terms of the data.”

The platform also places those readings alongside a much wider network of stations, contributed by governments, organizations, and individuals around the world. That context makes it easier to see how local conditions fit into a broader picture. In practice, each school becomes one point within a much larger network of observations.

Comparing across locations

Students have the ability to look at their own data alongside readings from partner schools in other regions, from nearby cities to entirely different countries.

Seeing those differences tends to raise immediate questions. Owen said students begin to ask, “Why are levels higher in one place than another? What local factors might be involved? How do infrastructure, geography, or policy play a role?” For the program, that exchange is central. It’s about “that ability to compare and contrast, to talk, to discuss, and to understand what’s happening in different places.”

What starts as a local exercise becomes something shared, and something that allows students to see their community in a global context.

Understanding how air quality data is created

Alongside real-time monitoring, students take manual readings at set intervals, recording and sharing those observations through EarthMuseum Learn’s developing collaborative platform.

For many, this is their first experience working with environmental data in a structured way. It makes them more comfortable reading the numbers and talking about what those numbers mean.

Because those observations are shared across schools, they don’t stay local—they contribute to a broader, collective view.

From observation to response

Students are encouraged to consider what their observations mean in practical terms—for themselves, for their school, and for the wider community. Sometimes that may lead to small changes in the school environment. In other cases, it can develop into campaigns or presentations shared with local decision-makers. Owen said, “Students see that data isn’t just something on a screen, or something collected in a vacuum. They see how it’s interpreted—and how it can help make an impact in their world.”

That thinking is shaped not only by their own data, but by what they see happening in other schools.

As Owen framed it: “What does that mean for me individually? What does that mean for us as a school? What does that mean for the community?”

Teachers involved in early pilots have already seen the conversation extend beyond the classroom. Students bring the subject home with them, and it starts to shape discussions with teachers, parents, and peers.

“There’s a real appetite… to have those conversations—not just with each other, but with teachers and with parents,” Owen said.

Building a connected model

Work with schools in the UK now includes international partners, with classrooms in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia beginning to take part. Additional school networks are in discussion.

As more schools install monitors and publish data, the project is gradually forming a distributed network of classrooms, each contributing its own data and perspective.

Because the same monitoring and platform infrastructure can be used across regions, schools are able to participate in a shared system without needing to adapt the technical setup each time. Over time, individual data points begin to form a connected system across schools.

For EarthMuseum Learn, the goal is not simply to grow, but to build something that keeps those classrooms connected rather than operating in isolation.

Conclusion

EarthMuseum Learn offers one way to bring environmental learning closer to students’ daily experience.

By combining real-time monitoring with classroom teaching and global data sharing, the program gives students a way to follow air quality through observation, comparison, and discussion. It also suggests a different way of teaching these topics—one where classrooms are connected through shared data and analysis instead of working in isolation.

","earthmuseum-learn-connects-classrooms-through-air-quality-data","gid://shopify/Article/641496842318","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/earthmuseum-learn-connects-classrooms-through-air-quality-data","2026-05-11T15:00:00Z",[705,1383,710],"Revealing the Invisible: EarthMuseum Learn connects classrooms through air quality data",{"_10":1405,"_202":1406,"_205":1407,"_207":1389,"_203":1390},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273242423374","Students participating in an EarthMuseum Learn classroom activity.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_EarthMuseum_D.jpg?v=1778512778","latest",[1410,1428,1446,1462,1479,1495],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1411,"_1139":1412,"_1154":1413,"_1156":1414,"_1157":1415,"_1159":1416,"_1008":1417,"_10":1418,"_1163":1419,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1420,"_635":1421,"_599":1423,"_1171":1424},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Find out more about the Pineland Road Fire and its impact on communities in southern Georgia.","

Find out more about the Pineland Road Fire and its impact on communities in southern Georgia.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of May 16, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia across Clinch and Echols counties. The fire is located approximately 5 miles west of Colon Road and Mud Camp Pineland Road, near Highway 441 and close to the Suwannee River at the boundary between the two counties (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Pineland Road Fire include: Colon Echols County Fargo Highway area Needmore Fruitland Regions near Headlight Road Regions near Tiger Lake Road Regions near Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road What is the current containment status of the Pineland Road Fire? As of May 16, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 32,031 acres and is 90% contained. Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including severe drought, low humidity, strong winds, and difficult swampy terrain. Full containment is not expected until late May (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for all of Fruitland in Echols County. Residents are urged to leave immediately, take essentials, pets, and medications, and follow official exit routes and instructions. Evacuation alerts remain in place for residents near Highway 441 between Headlight Road and Tiger Lake Road, as well as areas east of Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road. Officials advise residents not to return to evacuated areas until authorities declare it safe. Evacuation shelters have been opened, including Venture of Faith Camp in Lake Park and Camp Rock in Valdosta (3). How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of May 16, 2026, this fire is 90% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 16, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia across Clinch and Echols counties.

The fire is located approximately 5 miles west of Colon Road and Mud Camp Pineland Road, near Highway 441 and close to the Suwannee River at the boundary between the two counties (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Pineland Road Fire include:

Colon
Echols County
Fargo Highway area
Needmore
Fruitland
Regions near Headlight Road
Regions near Tiger Lake Road
Regions near Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road

What is the current containment status of the Pineland Road Fire?

As of May 16, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 32,031 acres and is 90% contained.

Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including severe drought, low humidity, strong winds, and difficult swampy terrain. Full containment is not expected until late May (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for all of Fruitland in Echols County. Residents are urged to leave immediately, take essentials, pets, and medications, and follow official exit routes and instructions.

Evacuation alerts remain in place for residents near Highway 441 between Headlight Road and Tiger Lake Road, as well as areas east of Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road. Officials advise residents not to return to evacuated areas until authorities declare it safe.

Evacuation shelters have been opened, including Venture of Faith Camp in Lake Park and Camp Rock in Valdosta (3).

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n

As of May 16, 2026, this fire is 90% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-pineland-road-fire-georgia","gid://shopify/Article/641403387982","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-pineland-road-fire-georgia","2026-05-16T07:10:07Z",[1169,700,1422,725],"Wildfire","Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pineland Road Fire, Georgia",{"_10":1425,"_202":1426,"_205":1427,"_207":1389,"_203":1390},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273308549198","Wildfire engulfs a dense forest","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire9Desktop_63861816-5125-443c-88a3-2eb9844139ed.jpg?v=1778915412",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1429,"_1139":1430,"_1154":1431,"_1156":1432,"_1157":1433,"_1159":1434,"_1008":1435,"_10":1436,"_1163":1437,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1438,"_635":1439,"_599":1440,"_1171":1441},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Find out more about the ongoing Mayon Volcano eruption in Albay Province, including affected communities, evacuation measures, and volcanic activity updates.","

Find out more about the ongoing Mayon Volcano eruption in Albay Province, including affected communities, evacuation measures, and volcanic activity updates.

","What is the name and location of the volcano? As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano is actively erupting in Albay Province in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines. Located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Albay, Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity. The volcano rises prominently near the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, and the city of Ligao. It is internationally recognized for its remarkably symmetrical cone shape, making it one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks. Authorities continue to closely monitor volcanic activity and potential hazards within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater. (1) Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano? The following areas have been affected by ongoing volcanic activity from Mayon Volcano: Albay Province Basud Bonga Camalig Cagsawa Guinobatan Legazpi Ligao City Mi-isi Gully Misi At least 124 barangays across Albay Province have been affected by ashfall, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and volcanic activity. What is the current containment status of the volcano? As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 as volcanic unrest continues across the region. PHIVOLCS reported that the volcano has been undergoing an effusive eruption for 131 consecutive days, producing continuous lava flows, collapse-fed pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and minor strombolian activity at the summit crater. Lava flows have extended up to 3.8 kilometers along Basud Gully, 3.2 kilometers along Bonga Gully, and 1.6 kilometers along Mi-isi Gully (2). Monitoring data also recorded 71 volcanic earthquakes, 421 rockfall events, sulfur dioxide emissions averaging 889 tonnes per day, and ongoing ground deformation around the volcano. Authorities continue enforcing restrictions within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone because hazardous eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and sudden explosive activity remain possible (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Authorities continue to enforce Alert Level 3 at Mayon Volcano and prohibit entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater. PHIVOLCS has warned residents and visitors to remain outside restricted zones because lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, ashfall, and sudden explosive eruptions may occur without warning. More than 287,000 people across the Philippines remain displaced or are sheltering due to the prolonged eruption. Evacuation centers across Albay Province continue housing thousands of families as emergency response teams coordinate relief operations, distribute protective supplies, and monitor conditions in affected communities. Authorities are also preparing for additional risks associated with the approaching rainy season, including lahars and flooding in communities surrounding the volcano. How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.","

What is the name and location of the volcano?

As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano is actively erupting in Albay Province in the Bicol Region of southern Luzon, Philippines.

Located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Albay, Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic eruptions and seismic activity.

The volcano rises prominently near the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, and the city of Ligao. It is internationally recognized for its remarkably symmetrical cone shape, making it one of the Philippines’ most iconic natural landmarks.

Authorities continue to closely monitor volcanic activity and potential hazards within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater. (1)

Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano?

The following areas have been affected by ongoing volcanic activity from Mayon Volcano:

Albay Province
Basud
Bonga
Camalig
Cagsawa
Guinobatan
Legazpi
Ligao City
Mi-isi Gully
Misi

At least 124 barangays across Albay Province have been affected by ashfall, lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, and volcanic activity.

What is the current containment status of the volcano?

As of May 15, 2026, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 as volcanic unrest continues across the region.

PHIVOLCS reported that the volcano has been undergoing an effusive eruption for 131 consecutive days, producing continuous lava flows, collapse-fed pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and minor strombolian activity at the summit crater.

Lava flows have extended up to 3.8 kilometers along Basud Gully, 3.2 kilometers along Bonga Gully, and 1.6 kilometers along Mi-isi Gully (2).

Monitoring data also recorded 71 volcanic earthquakes, 421 rockfall events, sulfur dioxide emissions averaging 889 tonnes per day, and ongoing ground deformation around the volcano.

Authorities continue enforcing restrictions within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone because hazardous eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and sudden explosive activity remain possible (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Authorities continue to enforce Alert Level 3 at Mayon Volcano and prohibit entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the crater.

PHIVOLCS has warned residents and visitors to remain outside restricted zones because lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls, ashfall, and sudden explosive eruptions may occur without warning.

More than 287,000 people across the Philippines remain displaced or are sheltering due to the prolonged eruption.

Evacuation centers across Albay Province continue housing thousands of families as emergency response teams coordinate relief operations, distribute protective supplies, and monitor conditions in affected communities.

Authorities are also preparing for additional risks associated with the approaching rainy season, including lahars and flooding in communities surrounding the volcano.

How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n

","volcanic-eruption-map-spotlight-mayon-volcano-philippines-5-2026","gid://shopify/Article/641502150734","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/volcanic-eruption-map-spotlight-mayon-volcano-philippines-5-2026","2026-05-15T12:29:00Z",[1169],"Volcanic Eruption Map Spotlight: Mayon Volcano, Philippines",{"_10":1442,"_202":1443,"_205":1444,"_207":1445,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273302913102","Volcano erupting","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Volcano1Desktop_84495d4b-5996-4e91-83a7-5380673373ce.jpg?v=1778849833",2800,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1447,"_1139":1448,"_1154":1449,"_1156":1450,"_1157":1451,"_1159":1452,"_1008":1453,"_10":1454,"_1163":1455,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1456,"_635":1457,"_599":1458,"_1171":1459},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"A severe heatwave is affecting India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) across the region. Learn more about ongoing heat risks and alerts.","

A severe heatwave is affecting India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) across the region. Learn more about ongoing heat risks and alerts.

","Why is there a heatwave in South Asia? A prolonged heatwave is affecting South Asia, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface. Temperatures in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching or exceeding 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat arrived earlier than the typical May-June season. High-pressure systems dominate, trapping hot air near the surface like a dome, preventing it from rising and cooling, while sinking air compresses, warms, and blocks clouds, allowing relentless solar heating (1). Climate scientists say meteorological conditions are up to 4°C warmer than in the past, mostly ascribing the increased heat to human-driven climate change. Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave? Several major cities across South Asia are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event, some of the affected include: India: Aheri, Ahmedabad, Agra, Delhi, Dhanbad, Indore, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Macherla, Nagpur, Nanded, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Solapur. Pakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat. Afghanistan: Lashkar Gah and Mirabad. How long will the heatwave last? The heatwave began in early April 2026 and is expected to persist through the summer months. In India, forecasts indicate above-normal heatwave days throughout the April-June period. The India Meteorological Department chief stated there will be an increased number of heatwave conditions along the east coast states and Gujarat by about four to five days into the month of May (2). Pakistan's meteorological department (PMD) has warned of continued heatwave conditions across central and upper Sindh for several days to weeks. This long-term pattern means temperatures will likely remain above 100°F (38°C) throughout the summer season across much of the region, until the monsoon season provides relief (3). In Afghanistan, summer heat typically lasts from May through September, with temperatures in southern regions like Kandahar reaching 36-43°C (97-109°F). It is possible that a strong El Niño projected for this summer may also contribute to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather in South Asia (4). Are there any alerts in place? Multiple heat alerts are active across South Asia. In India, several regions in Gujarat were placed under orange alert status, indicating heatwave conditions and heightened probability of heat-related illnesses (5). The Uttar Pradesh Government issued directives for hospitals to prepare for increased cases of heat-related illnesses and alerted veterinarian teams to ensure adequate shelter and water for livestock. The India Meteorological Department continues issuing warnings for severe heatwave conditions in western regions and along the coast. In Pakistan, the PMD forecast continued heatwave conditions and urged citizens to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during daytime and remain hydrated. Both countries have Heat Action Plans coordinated through disaster management authorities (6). Afghanistan's extreme summer heat typically affects outdoor workers and vulnerable populations, though formal heat-specific alert systems are limited compared to neighboring countries. Residents are advised to stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun exposure, drink fluids, and check on elderly individuals. Outdoor workers should reschedule activities to cooler hours.","

Why is there a heatwave in South Asia?

A prolonged heatwave is affecting South Asia, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface. Temperatures in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching or exceeding 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit).

The heat arrived earlier than the typical May-June season. High-pressure systems dominate, trapping hot air near the surface like a dome, preventing it from rising and cooling, while sinking air compresses, warms, and blocks clouds, allowing relentless solar heating (1).

Climate scientists say meteorological conditions are up to 4°C warmer than in the past, mostly ascribing the increased heat to human-driven climate change.

Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?

Several major cities across South Asia are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event, some of the affected include:

\nIndia: Aheri, Ahmedabad, Agra, Delhi, Dhanbad, Indore, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Macherla, Nagpur, Nanded, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Solapur.
\nPakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat.
\nAfghanistan: Lashkar Gah and Mirabad.

How long will the heatwave last?

The heatwave began in early April 2026 and is expected to persist through the summer months. In India, forecasts indicate above-normal heatwave days throughout the April-June period. The India Meteorological Department chief stated there will be an increased number of heatwave conditions along the east coast states and Gujarat by about four to five days into the month of May (2).

Pakistan's meteorological department (PMD) has warned of continued heatwave conditions across central and upper Sindh for several days to weeks. This long-term pattern means temperatures will likely remain above 100°F (38°C) throughout the summer season across much of the region, until the monsoon season provides relief (3).

In Afghanistan, summer heat typically lasts from May through September, with temperatures in southern regions like Kandahar reaching 36-43°C (97-109°F).

It is possible that a strong El Niño projected for this summer may also contribute to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather in South Asia (4).

Are there any alerts in place?

Multiple heat alerts are active across South Asia. In India, several regions in Gujarat were placed under orange alert status, indicating heatwave conditions and heightened probability of heat-related illnesses (5).

The Uttar Pradesh Government issued directives for hospitals to prepare for increased cases of heat-related illnesses and alerted veterinarian teams to ensure adequate shelter and water for livestock. The India Meteorological Department continues issuing warnings for severe heatwave conditions in western regions and along the coast.

In Pakistan, the PMD forecast continued heatwave conditions and urged citizens to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during daytime and remain hydrated. Both countries have Heat Action Plans coordinated through disaster management authorities (6).

Afghanistan's extreme summer heat typically affects outdoor workers and vulnerable populations, though formal heat-specific alert systems are limited compared to neighboring countries.

Residents are advised to stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun exposure, drink fluids, and check on elderly individuals. Outdoor workers should reschedule activities to cooler hours.

","heatwave-map-spotlight-south-asia","gid://shopify/Article/641519910990","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-south-asia","2026-05-15T10:10:08Z",[1169,700],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Asia",{"_10":1460,"_202":-5,"_205":1461,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273301831758","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_72319d33-c66f-4ea3-9921-040edde87edf.jpg?v=1778839816",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1463,"_1139":1464,"_1154":1465,"_1156":1466,"_1157":1467,"_1159":1468,"_1008":1469,"_10":1470,"_1163":1471,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1472,"_635":1473,"_599":1474,"_1171":1475},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Find out more about the Max Road Miramar Fire in southern Florida, including affected communities, smoke impacts, containment progress, and emergency response efforts.","

Find out more about the Max Road Miramar Fire in southern Florida, including affected communities, smoke impacts, containment progress, and emergency response efforts.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of May 14, 2026, the Max Road Miramar Fire burned across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade in southern Florida near North Krome Avenue and Northwest 186th Street. Flames and smoke were also reported west of U.S. 27 near Max's Fish Camp and Airboat Rides. Fire crews from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service actively responded to the incident.(1) Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Max Road Miramar Fire included: Broward County Holly Lake community Miami-Dade County Miramar Pembroke Pines West of U.S. 27 What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of May 14, 2026, the Max Road Miramar Fire burned approximately 11,446 acres and was reported to be 100% contained. (2) Containment efforts continued with support from multiple fire rescue agencies, including helicopters conducting water drops and additional engines and water tankers deployed to the area. Officials continued monitoring smoke and fire conditions as crews worked to prevent further wildfire spread. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Authorities urged residents and commuters to avoid the affected areas while wildfire suppression operations continued. Emergency crews monitored conditions near the Holly Lake community in Pembroke Pines due to nearby smoke and flames. Residents near Max Road reported that fire conditions temporarily blocked the only roadway out of the area, raising concerns about evacuation access. Local residents took precautions by spraying down their homes and trailers before emergency crews arrived. Officials also advised individuals with respiratory conditions to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use recirculated indoor air settings if smoke impacted their area. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of May 14, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 14, 2026, the Max Road Miramar Fire burned across parts of Broward and Miami-Dade in southern Florida near North Krome Avenue and Northwest 186th Street.

Flames and smoke were also reported west of U.S. 27 near Max's Fish Camp and Airboat Rides.

Fire crews from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service actively responded to the incident.(1)

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Max Road Miramar Fire included:

Broward County
Holly Lake community
Miami-Dade County
Miramar
Pembroke Pines
West of U.S. 27

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of May 14, 2026, the Max Road Miramar Fire burned approximately 11,446 acres and was reported to be 100% contained. (2)

Containment efforts continued with support from multiple fire rescue agencies, including helicopters conducting water drops and additional engines and water tankers deployed to the area.

Officials continued monitoring smoke and fire conditions as crews worked to prevent further wildfire spread.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Authorities urged residents and commuters to avoid the affected areas while wildfire suppression operations continued.

Emergency crews monitored conditions near the Holly Lake community in Pembroke Pines due to nearby smoke and flames.

Residents near Max Road reported that fire conditions temporarily blocked the only roadway out of the area, raising concerns about evacuation access.

Local residents took precautions by spraying down their homes and trailers before emergency crews arrived. Officials also advised individuals with respiratory conditions to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use recirculated indoor air settings if smoke impacted their area.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n

As of May 14, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-max-road-miramar-fire-florida","gid://shopify/Article/641519091790","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-max-road-miramar-fire-florida","2026-05-14T10:35:24Z",[1169,700,1422,725],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Max Road Miramar Fire, Florida",{"_10":1476,"_202":1477,"_205":1478,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273285513294","Forest wildfire sending thick smoke into the sky","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire6Desktop_a5a29957-bc27-4f10-adf7-dd15b477d1ef.jpg?v=1778754931",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1480,"_1139":1481,"_1154":1482,"_1156":1483,"_1157":1484,"_1159":1485,"_1008":1486,"_10":1487,"_1163":1488,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1489,"_635":1490,"_599":1491,"_1171":1492},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Santiago records AQI above 160, ranking among the world's most polluted cities. Stagnant air, firewood burning, and valley topography are driving this rare spike. Learn more.","

Santiago records AQI above 160, ranking among the world's most polluted cities. Stagnant air, firewood burning, and valley topography are driving this rare spike. Learn more.

","Is the air quality good in Santiago? As of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time, GMT-4), air quality in Santiago, Chile, has worsened sharply over the past several hours due to a build-up of fine particulate matter combined with poor atmospheric dispersion. The AQI is above 160, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant. These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Santiago’s air quality map. While air quality in Santiago is typically moderate, today’s conditions are very poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 13 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. By comparison, Santiago’s 2025 annual average PM2.5 concentration was 18.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 65. This means today’s pollution levels are 2.5 times than the city’s annual average, underscoring the unusual and alarming intensity of this pollution episode. Santiago, Chile, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Santiago, Chile, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Santiago? Every winter, Santiago's topography combined with an inverse temperature layer, little rain, and minimal airstream results in a low dispersion rate, insufficient to cope with progressively higher concentrations of pollutants emitted. May marks the beginning of this seasonal deterioration in the Southern Hemisphere. Pollution peaks during colder months, when firewood consumption increases and valley topography limits atmospheric dispersion. Short-term relief depends on favorable weather to break up the inversion layer. Lasting improvement over the coming months will require consistent enforcement of restrictions on wood burning and vehicle emissions during alert episodes (1). Hourly air quality forecast for Santiago, Chile, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Santiago? Santiago is located in a basin bounded by the coastal ranges to its west, the Andean Cordillera to its east, and transversal ranges to its north and south, all of which function as natural barriers against the dispersion of air pollutants. This unfavorable geography is compounded by temperature inversions that restrict vertical mixing in the basin, especially during winter nights when inversion layers range between 200 and 400 m (2). Firewood burning for heating during colder months is a significant driver of PM2.5, and can account for up to 94% of fine particulate matter emissions in some Chilean cities according to the Chilean Ministry of Environment (3). Vehicle exhaust, fossil-fuel-powered energy generation, and construction dust compound the problem year-round, while weak winds and stagnant conditions during autumn and winter prevent pollutants from dispersing, causing rapid accumulation across the metropolitan area (4). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Santiago?

As of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time, GMT-4), air quality in Santiago, Chile, has worsened sharply over the past several hours due to a build-up of fine particulate matter combined with poor atmospheric dispersion. The AQI is above 160, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.

These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Santiago’s air quality map.

While air quality in Santiago is typically moderate, today’s conditions are very poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 13 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. By comparison, Santiago’s 2025 annual average PM2.5 concentration was 18.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 65. This means today’s pollution levels are 2.5 times than the city’s annual average, underscoring the unusual and alarming intensity of this pollution episode.

$\"\"$ Santiago, Chile, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Santiago, Chile, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Santiago?

Every winter, Santiago's topography combined with an inverse temperature layer, little rain, and minimal airstream results in a low dispersion rate, insufficient to cope with progressively higher concentrations of pollutants emitted. May marks the beginning of this seasonal deterioration in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pollution peaks during colder months, when firewood consumption increases and valley topography limits atmospheric dispersion. Short-term relief depends on favorable weather to break up the inversion layer. Lasting improvement over the coming months will require consistent enforcement of restrictions on wood burning and vehicle emissions during alert episodes (1).

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Santiago, Chile, as of May 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Santiago?

Santiago is located in a basin bounded by the coastal ranges to its west, the Andean Cordillera to its east, and transversal ranges to its north and south, all of which function as natural barriers against the dispersion of air pollutants. This unfavorable geography is compounded by temperature inversions that restrict vertical mixing in the basin, especially during winter nights when inversion layers range between 200 and 400 m (2).

Firewood burning for heating during colder months is a significant driver of PM2.5, and can account for up to 94% of fine particulate matter emissions in some Chilean cities according to the Chilean Ministry of Environment (3).

Vehicle exhaust, fossil-fuel-powered energy generation, and construction dust compound the problem year-round, while weak winds and stagnant conditions during autumn and winter prevent pollutants from dispersing, causing rapid accumulation across the metropolitan area (4).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","santiago-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-14-2026","gid://shopify/Article/641540915278","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/santiago-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-14-2026","2026-05-14T06:28:13Z",[1169,700],"May 14, 2026: Santiago among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_10":1493,"_202":-5,"_205":1494,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273287807054","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SantiagoDesktop_bf3a04c6-3f16-4245-8b19-2d58421d9989.jpg?v=1778768067",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1496,"_1139":1497,"_1154":1498,"_1156":1499,"_1157":1500,"_1159":1501,"_1008":1502,"_10":1503,"_1163":1504,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1505,"_635":1506,"_599":1507,"_1171":1508},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Find out more about São Paulo’s current air quality conditions, pollution sources, and expected improvement timeline.","

Find out more about São Paulo’s current air quality conditions, pollution sources, and expected improvement timeline.

","Is the air quality good in São Paulo? As of May 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM (local time), São Paulo, Brazil, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI was 110, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups.\" These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. São Paulo ranked 4th among the most polluted cities in the world on Wednesday morning. Click here for a real-time air quality map of São Paulo. It is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for São Paulo was 12.2 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 50 (“moderate”), and 2.4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. São Paulo, Brazil ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on May 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in São Paulo? Air quality is forecasted to improve later in the day as weather conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersion. Air quality forecast for São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in São Paulo? Poor air quality in São Paulo is being driven by a combination of wildfire smoke, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. Research published in 2025 found that smoke from fires across Brazil and neighboring regions significantly increased PM2.5 pollution in São Paulo State during dry seasons, especially during periods of drought and extreme heat (1). Vehicle emissions are also a major contributor to pollution in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area. A 2025 emissions study found that older gasoline and diesel vehicles produced disproportionately high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate pollution (2). Researchers have also warned that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of pollution episodes in São Paulo due to prolonged droughts and more intense fire seasons (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in São Paulo?

As of May 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM (local time), São Paulo, Brazil, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI was 110, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups.\"

These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. São Paulo ranked 4th among the most polluted cities in the world on Wednesday morning.

Click here for a real-time air quality map of São Paulo.

It is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for São Paulo was 12.2 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 50 (“moderate”), and 2.4 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ São Paulo, Brazil ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on May 13, 2026 at 10:20 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in São Paulo?

Air quality is forecasted to improve later in the day as weather conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersion.

$\"\"$ Air quality forecast for São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of São Paulo, Brazil on May 13, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in São Paulo?

Poor air quality in São Paulo is being driven by a combination of wildfire smoke, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions.

Research published in 2025 found that smoke from fires across Brazil and neighboring regions significantly increased PM2.5 pollution in São Paulo State during dry seasons, especially during periods of drought and extreme heat (1).

Vehicle emissions are also a major contributor to pollution in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area. A 2025 emissions study found that older gasoline and diesel vehicles produced disproportionately high levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate pollution (2).

Researchers have also warned that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of pollution episodes in São Paulo due to prolonged droughts and more intense fire seasons (3).

\n\n

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.\n
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.

","sao-paulo-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-13-2026","gid://shopify/Article/641537376334","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/sao-paulo-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-13-2026","2026-05-13T13:33:42Z",[1169,700],"May 13, 2026: São Paulo among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_10":1509,"_202":1510,"_205":1511,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273268080718","Polluted skies of Sao Paulo","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SaoPauloDesktop_a52e0d40-c7e5-4d2e-909e-94550cc58f50.jpg?v=1778679729","popular",[1514,1531,1547,1563],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1515,"_1139":1516,"_1154":1517,"_1156":1517,"_1157":1518,"_1159":1519,"_1008":1520,"_10":1521,"_1163":1522,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1523,"_635":1524,"_599":1526,"_1171":1527},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn why wildfire smoke poses a health risk to people living far downwind and what you can do to help protect yourself.","When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation. The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways: by robbing it of oxygen through particulate matter irritation Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.1 Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke. What’s in wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfire smoke often contains: water vapor particulate matter trace minerals carbon dioxide carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O3) levels volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants) Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body. Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including: the types of wood and vegetation burning the moisture content the fire temperature wind conditions other weather-related influences The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health. Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs. The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body. Clean the air with high-performance air filtration Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers Click here Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:2 Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition. Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population. Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease. Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk. Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia. Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.3 The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.4 Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.5 The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition. How wildfire smoke behaves Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as: weather geographical terrain the stage of the fire wind Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you. Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact. Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts. Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.6 Wildfire safety tips Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires. Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires. Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available. Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help. Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants. Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO2 from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire. Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO2, and NO2, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health. Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions. During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air. The takeaway Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source. Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks. By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.","

When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.

The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.

Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways:

by robbing it of oxygen
through particulate matter irritation

Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.¹

Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke.

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire.

Wildfire smoke often contains:

\n
water vapor
\n
\n
particulate matter
\n
\n
trace minerals
\n
\n
carbon dioxide
\n
\n
carbon monoxide
\n
\n
nitrogen oxides
\n
\n
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O₃) levels
\n
\n
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants)
\n

Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body.

$\"What's$

Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir

Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including:

\n
the types of wood and vegetation burning
\n

\n
the moisture content
\n
\n
the fire temperature
\n
\n
wind conditions
\n
\n
other weather-related influences
\n

The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health.

Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs.

The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body.

\n \n

\n\n

Clean the air with high-performance air filtration
Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers

\n\n

Click here

Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations

Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:²

\n
Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition.
\n
\n
Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population.
\n
\n
Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease.
\n
\n
Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk.
\n
\n
Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia.
\n

Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.³

The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.⁴

Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.⁵ The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition.

 Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition.

How wildfire smoke behaves

Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as:

\n
weather
\n
\n
geographical terrain
\n
\n
the stage of the fire
\n
\n
wind
\n

Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you.

$\"placeholder$

Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact.

Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts.

Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.⁶

Wildfire safety tips

Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires.

\n
Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires.
\n
\n
Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available.
\n
\n
Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help.
\n
\n
Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants.
\n
\n
Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO₂ from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire.
\n
\n
Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO₂, and NO₂, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health.
\n

$\"Google$ $\"App$ $\"Android\"$

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air.

The takeaway

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source.

Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks.

By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.

","how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","gid://shopify/Article/564925399118","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","2022-12-29T21:46:38Z",[1169,700,1525,725],"Popular articles","How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_10":1528,"_202":1529,"_205":1530,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269290668110","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_a1b7068f-eca7-44cf-a3d2-95dbd136001a.jpg?v=1749726938",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1532,"_1139":1533,"_1154":1534,"_1156":1534,"_1157":1535,"_1159":1536,"_1008":1537,"_10":1538,"_1163":1539,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1540,"_635":1541,"_599":1542,"_1171":1543},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"How can you know what air purifier manufacturers to trust? Let's look more critically at air purification.","The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification. But not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction. What should I look for in an air purifier? Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier. 1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry. What is a HEPA filter? High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market. But it wasn’t always that way. Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1). Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2). HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants. In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3). Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size. 2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal. All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA. To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4). The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5). So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6). Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less. Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media. 3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA. While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air. Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in. How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think: Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen. Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields. Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter). Air passes through the activated carbon bed. Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area. Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8). Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes. Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to. The takeaway Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are: HyperHEPA media for particle filtration No system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing Activated carbon for gas and odor filtration But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier. What should I avoid in an air purifier? When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited. But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase. So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health. Ionizer air purifiers Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture. Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10). But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12): Ionizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions. Ionizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations. Verdict Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.” Ozone Generators It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13). Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm. However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18): Ozone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases. Ozone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children. Indoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks. Verdict Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets. UV Light Purifiers Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20). One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI. In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21). But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26): Bacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful. Some bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light. UV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5. Many UV air purifiers produce ozone. UV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer. Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter. Verdict Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated. What do I do now? At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system. So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality: Get a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence. Use advanced gas-phase filtration. Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon. The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration. Use a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere. Install a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality. Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs. The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.","

The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification.

But not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction.

What should I look for in an air purifier?

Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier.

$\"Air$

1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry.

What is a HEPA filter?

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1).

Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2).

HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants.

In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3).

Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.

The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems.

Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size.

2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal.

All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA.

To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4).

The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5).

So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6).

Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less.

Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media.

3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA.

While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air.

Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in.

How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think:

Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen.
Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields.
Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter).
Air passes through the activated carbon bed.
Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area.

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8).

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes.

Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to.

The takeaway

Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are:

\nHyperHEPA media for particle filtration
\nNo system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing
\nActivated carbon for gas and odor filtration

But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier.

What should I avoid in an air purifier?

When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited.

But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase.

So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health.

Ionizer air purifiers

Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture.

Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10).

But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12):

\nIonizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions.
\nIonizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. \n

Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations.

Verdict

Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.”

Ozone Generators

It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13).

Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm.

However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18):

\nOzone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases.
\nOzone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children.
\nIndoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks.

Verdict

Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets.

UV Light Purifiers

Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20).

One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI.

In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21).

But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26):

\nBacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful.
\nSome bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light.
\nUV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5.
Many UV air purifiers produce ozone.
\nUV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer.

Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter.

Verdict

Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated.

What do I do now?

At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system.

So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality:

\nGet a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence.
\nUse advanced gas-phase filtration.\n
- Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon.
- The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration.
\n
\nUse a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere.
\nInstall a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality.

Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs.

The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.

","do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/564925431886","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","2022-01-02T14:14:32Z",[912,715,1525],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_10":1544,"_202":1545,"_205":1546,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270220755022","Close-up of what appears to be a room air purifier with some plants in the background (another indoor air purifying tool that has been shown to be ineffective in improving indoor air quality).","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_misconceptions-about-air-purifiers_993189ad-b0e5-4283-84af-8cf2c530fc4d.jpg?v=1758212556",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1548,"_1139":1549,"_1154":1550,"_1156":1550,"_1157":1551,"_1159":1552,"_1008":1553,"_10":1554,"_1163":1555,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1556,"_635":1557,"_599":1558,"_1171":1559},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"They look great on your nightstand, but are they worth their salt as air purifiers? Learn more.","Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?Again, two words: negative ionization.If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.1 Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.2The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O3).There are two main types of ozone: Stratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Tropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke. Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including: Coughing Wheezing Trouble breathing Stuffy nose Dizziness Tingling in arms and legs Fever3,4 Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:5 Stable air temperature Moderate to high humidity Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium Lack of airborne pollutants Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.6Take the claims with a grain of...well, saltSo here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead: Be aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes. Control sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions. Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%. Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites. Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Ventilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels. Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good. Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking. Use an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone. Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.","

Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.

These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.

They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.

But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.

A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.

And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.

Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?

Again, two words: negative ionization.

If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.

In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.

This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.¹ Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.

The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.

Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.²

The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.

And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O₃).

There are two main types of ozone:

\nStratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
\nTropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke.

Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.

If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including:

Coughing
Wheezing
Trouble breathing
Stuffy nose
Dizziness
Tingling in arms and legs
Fever^3,4\n

Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.

So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.

So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?

So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?

The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.

Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:⁵

Stable air temperature
Moderate to high humidity
Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium
Lack of airborne pollutants

Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.⁶

Take the claims with a grain of...well, salt

So here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.

But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.

You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead:

\nBe aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes.
\nControl sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions.\n\n\t
- Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%.
- Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites.
- Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
\n\n\t
\nVentilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels.\n\n\t
- Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good.
- Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking.
\n\n\t
\nUse an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone.

Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.
\n\n

","himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/564925366350","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","2019-06-17T13:49:29Z",[1169,715,1525],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_10":1560,"_202":1561,"_205":1562,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269475545166","Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_HimalayanSalt_061419_750_0b979b61-4b6f-4eeb-8061-88996d52278e.jpg?v=1751543619",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1564,"_1139":1565,"_1154":1566,"_1156":1566,"_1157":1567,"_1159":1568,"_1008":1569,"_10":1570,"_1163":1571,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1572,"_635":1573,"_599":1574,"_1171":1575},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn more how scented candles release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit — and can harm your health.","Are scented candles bad for you?Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.Paraffin waxAre paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like: alkenes acetone benzene toluene These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).Is burning candles bad for you?In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including: allergies asthma COPD (5) respiratory tract infections heart attacks strokes cancer So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).Chemical fragrancesAnother problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7): formaldehyde petroleum distillates limonene alcohol esters These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as: headaches dizziness allergy symptoms asthma attacks respiratory tract infections cancer Cored wicksMany candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).Safer alternativesTo limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air: Use essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma. Simmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. Create potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home. The takeawayLighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.","

Are scented candles bad for you?

Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.

Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.

Paraffin wax

Are paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?

According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).

Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like:

alkenes
acetone
benzene
toluene

These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.

A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).

Is burning candles bad for you?

In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).

A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).

Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including:

allergies
asthma
COPD (5)
respiratory tract infections
heart attacks
strokes
cancer

So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).

Chemical fragrances

Another problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7):

formaldehyde
petroleum distillates
limonene
alcohol
esters

These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as:

headaches
dizziness
allergy symptoms
asthma attacks
respiratory tract infections
cancer
\n\n\t

Cored wicks

Many candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.

Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.

All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.

However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).

Safer alternatives

To limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).

If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air:

\nUse essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma.
\nSimmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove.
\nCreate potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home.

The takeaway

Lighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.

","hidden-dangers-scented-candles","gid://shopify/Article/564925464654","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/hidden-dangers-scented-candles","2016-12-04T22:35:53Z",[715,1525],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_10":1576,"_202":1577,"_205":1578,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269279461454","Two lit candles","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/49_scented_desktop_RE_8f4a0295-45a8-421d-870a-900787fa96cc.jpg?v=1749633122","successStories",[1581,1598,1615,1632],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1582,"_1139":1583,"_1154":1584,"_1156":1585,"_1157":1586,"_1159":1587,"_1008":1588,"_10":1589,"_1163":1590,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1591,"_635":1592,"_599":1593,"_1171":1594},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.","

Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.

","“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.” In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data. Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning. \"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.” “It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.” Local expertise, global resources drive innovation Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight. The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity. The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life. These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa. By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa. The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people. While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives. Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said. Cultivating environmental consciousness Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.” “Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.” Conclusion From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.","

“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.”

In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data.

Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air

In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning.

\"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.”

“It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.”

Local expertise, global resources drive innovation

Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight.

The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity.

The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life.

These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa.

By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa.

The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa

The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report , there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.

While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.

Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives.

Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow

Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.

The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said.

Cultivating environmental consciousness

Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"

Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.”

“Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.”

Conclusion

From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.

Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.

Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.

","revealing-the-invisible-kenya","gid://shopify/Article/634090586190","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-kenya","2025-12-01T13:00:00Z",[710,897],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_10":1595,"_202":1596,"_205":1597,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271197536334","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_17bb0503-bb60-4348-89cf-60970c96defc.jpg?v=1767630564",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1599,"_1139":1600,"_1154":1601,"_1156":1602,"_1157":1603,"_1159":1604,"_1008":1605,"_10":1606,"_1163":1607,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1608,"_635":1609,"_599":1610,"_1171":1611},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"WWF Pakistan is tackling air pollution with IQAir. Learn how real-time data is driving change across the country.","

WWF Pakistan is tackling air pollution with IQAir. Learn how real-time data is driving change across the country.

","In Pakistan, where vast horizons stretch beneath seemingly clear skies, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of data and awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen. Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed 15 stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat. \"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan. As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.” Pakistan's Air Quality Challenge Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data. \"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions, and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained. WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan. “Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data. With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country. Rolling Out Pakistan’s Air Quality Network WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing a total of air quality sensors in 15 key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. All 15 stations are currently up and running. Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change. Air Quality Data in Action With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan. \"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.” Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives. Vision For the Future WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data. \"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution. The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\" “Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.” Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 70 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2024 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony. Conclusion WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters. “This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”","

In Pakistan, where vast horizons stretch beneath seemingly clear skies, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of data and awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen.

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed 15 stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat.

\"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan.

As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.”

Pakistan's Air Quality Challenge

Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data.

\"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions, and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained.

WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data.

With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country.

Rolling Out Pakistan’s Air Quality Network

WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing a total of air quality sensors in 15 key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. All 15 stations are currently up and running.

Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change.

Air Quality Data in Action

With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan.

\"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.”

Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives.

Vision For the Future

WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data.

\"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution.

The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\"

“Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.”

Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 70 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2024 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony.

Conclusion

WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters.

“This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”

","revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","gid://shopify/Article/634659078222","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","2025-11-12T17:43:22Z",[705,710,897],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_10":1612,"_202":1613,"_205":1614,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270766047310","WWF Team standing Next to Solar Panel","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_PakistanContributor_Desk_A_1ed3d785-94f0-4a6f-af87-5d895532bd30.jpg?v=1762969405",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1616,"_1139":1617,"_1154":1618,"_1156":1619,"_1157":1620,"_1159":1621,"_1008":1622,"_10":1623,"_1163":1624,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1625,"_635":1626,"_599":1627,"_1171":1628},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn about Permian Health's innovative approach to improving air quality in Gambia, using cutting-edge technology to reveal invisible pollutants and safeguard public health.","

Learn about Permian Health's innovative approach to improving air quality in Gambia, using cutting-edge technology to reveal invisible pollutants and safeguard public health.

","In the slender West African nation of Gambia, Dr. Sunkaru Touray of Permian Health Lung Institute is leading an unprecedented initiative to illuminate the invisible dangers of air pollution through the strategic deployment of low-cost air quality monitors. A vision born from necessity Dr. Touray, a pulmonologist and critical care physician originally from Kartong, The Gambia, was profoundly affected by the respiratory issues he encountered while practicing in New Mexico. These issues, often linked to hydrocarbon exposure and environmental pollutants, spurred him to address similar problems in Gambia, where air quality data is scarce. \"There's a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air,\" Dr. Touray noted. Recognizing the parallels between New Mexico and Gambia, Dr. Touray envisioned the Permian Health Clean Air Initiative. This initiative aims not only to collect data but to empower Gambians with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air. “There’s a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air.”–Dr. Sunkaru Touray, Founder, Permian Health The journey of Permian Health Permian Health's mission is clear: to democratize access to air quality data in Gambia by installing low-cost air quality monitors throughout the country. The team selected IQAir’s AirVisual outdoor monitors for this critical work. “These devices are proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and can operate on solar power,” Dr. Touray said. “They also have 4G LTE connectivity,” which make the monitors ideally suited for Gambia's diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Banjul to the rural countryside. \"The goal,\" Dr. Touray explained, \"is not just to collect data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.\" Highlighting areas of concern: Brikama’s air quality Brikama stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced across Gambia. Known for its bustling markets and as a hub for both commerce and community life, the town also grapples with air quality issues that pose risks to its residents. By placing monitors in strategic locations, including the busy highway through Brikama, Permian Health is mapping pollution levels and raising awareness among the local population about the air they breathe daily—while simultaneously acting as a testament to the potential of grassroots air monitoring networks in challenging regions. Dr Touray said, \"As we look to the future, the lessons learned from Brikama will inform our expansion strategies to other regions facing similar challenges. Our success in achieving nationwide coverage, with Brikama as a keystone in our network, exemplifies the scalable model of Permian Health Clean Air Initiative.” “The goal is not to just collect the data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health.” Local feedback has been largely positive. According to Dr. Touray, real-time access to air quality monitor information has improved local understanding of the dangers of poor air quality, especially during the dry, dusty Harmattan season typically experienced from November to March. Permian Health has collaborated with local groups such as the Brikama Nema Diaspora Group (BRIND) and Karamie’s Health clinic to install sensors in key areas, allowing residents and medical professionals to access real-time air quality data. Pioneering work on the ground To date, the Permian Health air quality network has grown to 14 sensors, achieving nationwide coverage with an air quality sensor in all regions of The Gambia—proof of the project's rapid scalability and success. The project has successfully installed air quality monitors in various locations, including urban areas and industrial sites. These monitors provide real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, which pose the greatest threat to human health, offering invaluable insights into the air pollution across different regions of Gambia. \"We have sensors in the most densely populated areas,” Dr. Touray said. \"Through the process of collecting PM 2.5 data in Gambia and identifying pollution hotspots, we educate the public about air quality and its impact on public health—and also communicate the importance of installing air quality sensors as a means to make a change.\" This foundational work sets the stage for enhanced accuracy and credibility in air quality monitoring, as underscored by a pivotal development in the project's journey. “The recent addition of a reference-grade monitor donated by MetOne marks a significant leap in our capacity for precision and validation of the data collected by our existing sensor network,” Dr. Touray said. However, maintaining and expanding the network can be impeded by dust accumulation on solar panels during the Harmattan season, unreliable power supplies, and other issues. ‘While we have made significant progress in addressing some of these challenges, connectivity and maintenance in remote areas remain ongoing hurdles in our efforts to maintain and expand the sensor network efficiently,’ Dr. Touray explained. Uniting minds and garnering accolades To raise awareness about their work, Permian Health has created a promotional video which serves as a powerful tool to inform and engage the public about their project. A key milestone for the project was the establishment of the first air quality conference in Gambia, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academia, and civil society to discuss the findings and implications of the collected data. \"This conference was a pivotal moment for us, marking the beginning of a national conversation on air quality,\" reflects Dr. Touray. This national conversation is already making a policy impact. The Ministry of Health has issued public health advisories several times since the air quality sensors were deployed, raising air quality awareness in communities around the country. Dr. Touray emphasizes the importance of partnering with the Gambian government to leverage their data for national air quality standards and planning. \"Working closely with governmental bodies is crucial for our success,\" Dr. Touray notes, highlighting his strong connections within the National Environment Agency, which have been supportive of their endeavors. With the NEA, Permian Health was able to release their first air quality report based on initial installations. This sets the table for future updates from newly installed sensors. Additionally, the project's recent recognition by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago with an Air Quality Award highlights the global acknowledgment of their impactful work. This prestigious award will enable Permian Health to scale their network further. Currently, there are 22 low-cost sensors deployed, and Gambia will, for the first time ever, have a reference monitor to assist in enhancing air quality monitoring and assessment. Hopes for the Future Thanks to their recent Air Quality Award, Permian Health acquired an 10 sensors, bringing the total to 26 sensors across The Gambia. Six new sensors have been deployed to NEA headquarters, two major health centers with support from the Ministry of Health, and in housing developments in partnership with Gambia’s largest real estate company, TAF Africa Global. The remaining sensors will be deployed to the National Stadium, Gambia International Airport, the Seaport in Banjul, and a major intersection as soon as final government approvals are processed. Dr. Touray envisions a future where every Gambian has access to air quality information, enabling them to protect themselves and their families from air pollution. Furthermore, he hopes to leverage the data collected to advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations in Gambia. “We’re not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change.” \"We're not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change,\" says Dr. Touray. \"Our ultimate goal is for Gambia to set national air quality standards, informed by the comprehensive data we've gathered.\" A key step toward this goal is the second Clean Air Conference, which Permian Health is organizing in partnership with the NEA. The event will bring together stakeholders, including officials from the ministries of Health, Environment, Transport, and Education, to develop a national air quality work plan. According to Dr. Touray, Permian Health is conducting an inventory assessment to determine the key sources of pollution, such as waste burning, reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking, and transport-related emissions. \"Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with the NEA and the Ministry of Health, to expand and maintain our sensor network.\" \"We plan to enhance public awareness campaigns, especially during high-risk periods, to better inform the community about air quality concerns. We would also like to engage more with local TV stations for them to display air quality and weather information from our network. The takeaway Dr. Sunkaru Touray's work with Permian Health exemplifies innovative activism. The project not only addresses air quality data gaps but also empowers communities to tackle air pollution—an issue that transcends borders. Dr. Touray's mission goes beyond monitoring; it's about transforming the fabric of public health through the lens of air quality.","

In the slender West African nation of Gambia, Dr. Sunkaru Touray of Permian Health Lung Institute is leading an unprecedented initiative to illuminate the invisible dangers of air pollution through the strategic deployment of low-cost air quality monitors.

A vision born from necessity

Dr. Touray, a pulmonologist and critical care physician originally from Kartong, The Gambia, was profoundly affected by the respiratory issues he encountered while practicing in New Mexico. These issues, often linked to hydrocarbon exposure and environmental pollutants, spurred him to address similar problems in Gambia, where air quality data is scarce. \"There's a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air,\" Dr. Touray noted.

Recognizing the parallels between New Mexico and Gambia, Dr. Touray envisioned the Permian Health Clean Air Initiative. This initiative aims not only to collect data but to empower Gambians with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.

“There’s a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air.”

–Dr. Sunkaru Touray, Founder, Permian Health

The journey of Permian Health

Permian Health's mission is clear: to democratize access to air quality data in Gambia by installing low-cost air quality monitors throughout the country. The team selected IQAir’s AirVisual outdoor monitors for this critical work. “These devices are proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and can operate on solar power,” Dr. Touray said. “They also have 4G LTE connectivity,” which make the monitors ideally suited for Gambia's diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Banjul to the rural countryside.

\"The goal,\" Dr. Touray explained, \"is not just to collect data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.\"

\nHighlighting areas of concern: Brikama’s air quality\n

Brikama stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced across Gambia. Known for its bustling markets and as a hub for both commerce and community life, the town also grapples with air quality issues that pose risks to its residents. By placing monitors in strategic locations, including the busy highway through Brikama, Permian Health is mapping pollution levels and raising awareness among the local population about the air they breathe daily—while simultaneously acting as a testament to the potential of grassroots air monitoring networks in challenging regions.

$\"\"$

Dr Touray said, \"As we look to the future, the lessons learned from Brikama will inform our expansion strategies to other regions facing similar challenges. Our success in achieving nationwide coverage, with Brikama as a keystone in our network, exemplifies the scalable model of Permian Health Clean Air Initiative.”

“The goal is not to just collect the data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health.”

Local feedback has been largely positive. According to Dr. Touray, real-time access to air quality monitor information has improved local understanding of the dangers of poor air quality, especially during the dry, dusty Harmattan season typically experienced from November to March.

Permian Health has collaborated with local groups such as the Brikama Nema Diaspora Group (BRIND) and Karamie’s Health clinic to install sensors in key areas, allowing residents and medical professionals to access real-time air quality data.

Pioneering work on the ground

To date, the Permian Health air quality network has grown to 14 sensors, achieving nationwide coverage with an air quality sensor in all regions of The Gambia—proof of the project's rapid scalability and success. The project has successfully installed air quality monitors in various locations, including urban areas and industrial sites. These monitors provide real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, which pose the greatest threat to human health, offering invaluable insights into the air pollution across different regions of Gambia.

\"We have sensors in the most densely populated areas,” Dr. Touray said. \"Through the process of collecting PM 2.5 data in Gambia and identifying pollution hotspots, we educate the public about air quality and its impact on public health—and also communicate the importance of installing air quality sensors as a means to make a change.\"

This foundational work sets the stage for enhanced accuracy and credibility in air quality monitoring, as underscored by a pivotal development in the project's journey. “The recent addition of a reference-grade monitor donated by MetOne marks a significant leap in our capacity for precision and validation of the data collected by our existing sensor network,” Dr. Touray said.

However, maintaining and expanding the network can be impeded by dust accumulation on solar panels during the Harmattan season, unreliable power supplies, and other issues.

‘While we have made significant progress in addressing some of these challenges, connectivity and maintenance in remote areas remain ongoing hurdles in our efforts to maintain and expand the sensor network efficiently,’ Dr. Touray explained.

Uniting minds and garnering accolades

To raise awareness about their work, Permian Health has created a promotional video which serves as a powerful tool to inform and engage the public about their project.

A key milestone for the project was the establishment of the first air quality conference in Gambia, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academia, and civil society to discuss the findings and implications of the collected data.

\"This conference was a pivotal moment for us, marking the beginning of a national conversation on air quality,\" reflects Dr. Touray.

This national conversation is already making a policy impact. The Ministry of Health has issued public health advisories several times since the air quality sensors were deployed, raising air quality awareness in communities around the country.

Dr. Touray emphasizes the importance of partnering with the Gambian government to leverage their data for national air quality standards and planning. \"Working closely with governmental bodies is crucial for our success,\" Dr. Touray notes, highlighting his strong connections within the National Environment Agency, which have been supportive of their endeavors.

With the NEA, Permian Health was able to release their first air quality report based on initial installations. This sets the table for future updates from newly installed sensors.

Additionally, the project's recent recognition by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago with an Air Quality Award highlights the global acknowledgment of their impactful work. This prestigious award will enable Permian Health to scale their network further.

Currently, there are 22 low-cost sensors deployed, and Gambia will, for the first time ever, have a reference monitor to assist in enhancing air quality monitoring and assessment.

Hopes for the Future

Thanks to their recent Air Quality Award, Permian Health acquired an 10 sensors, bringing the total to 26 sensors across The Gambia.

$\"\"$

Six new sensors have been deployed to NEA headquarters, two major health centers with support from the Ministry of Health, and in housing developments in partnership with Gambia’s largest real estate company, TAF Africa Global. The remaining sensors will be deployed to the National Stadium, Gambia International Airport, the Seaport in Banjul, and a major intersection as soon as final government approvals are processed.

Dr. Touray envisions a future where every Gambian has access to air quality information, enabling them to protect themselves and their families from air pollution. Furthermore, he hopes to leverage the data collected to advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations in Gambia.

“We’re not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change.”

\"We're not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change,\" says Dr. Touray. \"Our ultimate goal is for Gambia to set national air quality standards, informed by the comprehensive data we've gathered.\"

A key step toward this goal is the second Clean Air Conference, which Permian Health is organizing in partnership with the NEA. The event will bring together stakeholders, including officials from the ministries of Health, Environment, Transport, and Education, to develop a national air quality work plan.

According to Dr. Touray, Permian Health is conducting an inventory assessment to determine the key sources of pollution, such as waste burning, reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking, and transport-related emissions. \"Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with the NEA and the Ministry of Health, to expand and maintain our sensor network.\"

\"We plan to enhance public awareness campaigns, especially during high-risk periods, to better inform the community about air quality concerns. We would also like to engage more with local TV stations for them to display air quality and weather information from our network.

The takeaway

Dr. Sunkaru Touray's work with Permian Health exemplifies innovative activism. The project not only addresses air quality data gaps but also empowers communities to tackle air pollution—an issue that transcends borders.

Dr. Touray's mission goes beyond monitoring; it's about transforming the fabric of public health through the lens of air quality.

","permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","gid://shopify/Article/634018988110","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","2025-03-24T17:00:00Z",[705,710,897],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s Air Quality Crusade in Gambia",{"_10":1629,"_202":1630,"_205":1631,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269813416014","Man working on pole","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/PermianHealth_Desk_A_e25c0fb4-f682-4892-bbc6-5c8e0d753ac9.jpg?v=1754481444",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1633,"_1139":1634,"_1154":1635,"_1156":1636,"_1157":1637,"_1159":1638,"_1008":1639,"_10":1640,"_1163":1641,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1642,"_635":1643,"_599":1645,"_1171":1646},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"A kitten rescue in Ontario needed a powerful clean air solution fast – and found it. Learn more about the essential role of clean air in shelters.","

A kitten rescue in Ontario needed a powerful clean air solution fast – and found it. Learn more about the essential role of clean air in shelters.

","Nestled in a small town near Cornwall, Canada, Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue serves as a lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable kittens (1). For nearly eight years, rescue founder Mellissa has worked tirelessly to save and nurture the most fragile feline lives in the region. Yet despite Mellissa’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment for those in her care, animal rescues must always contend with a formidable health challenge. Poor air quality impacts both kittens and the humans who care for them. Thanks to advanced air purification technology, the rescue now breathes easier—literally and figuratively. Mission built on compassion Mellissa’s journey to creating Tiny but Mighty began with heartbreak. As a volunteer at her local animal shelter, she learned of the euthanasia of kittens deemed too young to care for. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she founded her own kitten-focused rescue in 2017. “I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.” “I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. They wouldn’t let up,” Mellissa shared. “Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.” Mellissa provides a safe space for kittens to grow and thrive until they find their carefully screened forever homes. Today, the rescue operates solely on donations and community support. “It’s such an incredible community. People do come through to support what I’m doing, so it’s incredible.” But running a rescue isn’t without its challenges, and one significant one she uncovered was air quality. Nova the kitten enjoying toys at the Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues Caring for kittens in any enclosed environment presents unique challenges. Despite her meticulous cleaning habits, Mellissa found air quality to be a problem. “The dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and sneeze.” There would still be dust, odors, and allergens in the space “even though I use 99% dust-free litter.” Mellissa explained. “It’s great compared to some I’ve tried, but the dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and make little sneezes.” This poor air quality not only affected visitors but also had potential health implications for the kittens and Mellissa herself. Dust mites, microscopic creatures that feed on animal’s dead skin, can cause year-round allergic reactions in both cats and humans, including sneezing, runny and itchy noses, watery eyes, and even rashes. Components of pet dander can also act as an allergen, triggering similar reactions. Determined to find a solution to her dust problem, she began her search for an air purifier that could meet the rescue’s unique needs. Life changing air cleaning solution Determined to tackle the persistent dust and allergens, Mellissa sought an air purifier that could truly meet the unique demands of her rescue. After years of frustration with a previous model, she knew she needed a solution that could handle constant activity, fine dust particles, and odors effectively. Mellissa recalled, “The dust was still spreading throughout the house, and I thought, ‘this is just not enough.’” That’s when Mellissa’s father suggested looking into IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE. Intrigued by its reputation for advanced filtration capabilities, Mellissa decided to give it a try—and the results were immediate and noticeable. The HealthPro Plus XE is equipped with HyperHEPA filtration, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than most air purifiers can filter. This efficiency, proven to remove particles far smaller than bacteria or viruses, combined with gas-phase filtration to eliminate odors, made it an ideal solution for the rescue’s air quality challenges. “The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact,” Mellissa shared. The HealthPro Plus XE at work next to Leia the cat. Not only did she see a dramatic improvement in the air quality for the kittens, but visitors also noticed the difference. The previously lingering food and litter odors were gone. “I definitely don’t smell that anymore,” Mellissa said. “I’m really impressed.” “The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact.” When it comes to daily use, Mellissa has found a setup that works perfectly for the rescue’s needs. During cleaning, she runs the fan at its highest setting, ensuring dust and particles are quickly filtered out. For everyday operation, she adjusts the fan to levels 2 or 3, which run quietly enough not to disturb the kittens at night. Looking ahead For Mellissa, clean air ensures a brighter future for Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. She intends to continue providing even more kittens with a safe haven before transitioning to loving homes. The cleaner air and lack of odor in the rescue has already improved adoption visits, a critical step in finding forever homes for the kittens. Mellissa emphasizes her desire to address the root cause of ownerless kittens—unspayed and neutered animals in the population. She hopes to get the word out to more pet owners about the crucial role of spaying and neutering their animals. As she warns, “the cat overpopulation is so crazy here. Spay and neuter your cats, spay and neuter your dogs to help lower those populations.” Conclusion Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue’s story underscores the profound difference clean air technology can make in transforming lives—both human and animal. For Mellissa, investing in air purification wasn’t just about solving a nuisance; it was about creating a healthier, more inviting space where kittens could thrive and visitors could feel comfortable. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of air quality, she has set a powerful example for other rescues, shelters, and even individual pet owners facing similar challenges.","

Nestled in a small town near Cornwall, Canada, Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue serves as a lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable kittens (1). For nearly eight years, rescue founder Mellissa has worked tirelessly to save and nurture the most fragile feline lives in the region.

Yet despite Mellissa’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment for those in her care, animal rescues must always contend with a formidable health challenge. Poor air quality impacts both kittens and the humans who care for them.

Thanks to advanced air purification technology, the rescue now breathes easier—literally and figuratively.

Mission built on compassion

Mellissa’s journey to creating Tiny but Mighty began with heartbreak. As a volunteer at her local animal shelter, she learned of the euthanasia of kittens deemed too young to care for. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she founded her own kitten-focused rescue in 2017.

“I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.”

“I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. They wouldn’t let up,” Mellissa shared. “Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.”

Mellissa provides a safe space for kittens to grow and thrive until they find their carefully screened forever homes. Today, the rescue operates solely on donations and community support. “It’s such an incredible community. People do come through to support what I’m doing, so it’s incredible.”

But running a rescue isn’t without its challenges, and one significant one she uncovered was air quality.

Nova the kitten enjoying toys at the Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue.

Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues

Caring for kittens in any enclosed environment presents unique challenges. Despite her meticulous cleaning habits, Mellissa found air quality to be a problem.

“The dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and sneeze.”

There would still be dust, odors, and allergens in the space “even though I use 99% dust-free litter.” Mellissa explained. “It’s great compared to some I’ve tried, but the dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and make little sneezes.”

This poor air quality not only affected visitors but also had potential health implications for the kittens and Mellissa herself. Dust mites, microscopic creatures that feed on animal’s dead skin, can cause year-round allergic reactions in both cats and humans, including sneezing, runny and itchy noses, watery eyes, and even rashes.

Components of pet dander can also act as an allergen, triggering similar reactions.

Determined to find a solution to her dust problem, she began her search for an air purifier that could meet the rescue’s unique needs.

Life changing air cleaning solution

Determined to tackle the persistent dust and allergens, Mellissa sought an air purifier that could truly meet the unique demands of her rescue. After years of frustration with a previous model, she knew she needed a solution that could handle constant activity, fine dust particles, and odors effectively.

Mellissa recalled, “The dust was still spreading throughout the house, and I thought, ‘this is just not enough.’”

That’s when Mellissa’s father suggested looking into IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE. Intrigued by its reputation for advanced filtration capabilities, Mellissa decided to give it a try—and the results were immediate and noticeable.

The HealthPro Plus XE is equipped with HyperHEPA filtration, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than most air purifiers can filter. This efficiency, proven to remove particles far smaller than bacteria or viruses, combined with gas-phase filtration to eliminate odors, made it an ideal solution for the rescue’s air quality challenges.

“The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact,” Mellissa shared.

$\"\"$

The HealthPro Plus XE at work next to Leia the cat.

Not only did she see a dramatic improvement in the air quality for the kittens, but visitors also noticed the difference. The previously lingering food and litter odors were gone. “I definitely don’t smell that anymore,” Mellissa said. “I’m really impressed.”

“The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact.”

When it comes to daily use, Mellissa has found a setup that works perfectly for the rescue’s needs. During cleaning, she runs the fan at its highest setting, ensuring dust and particles are quickly filtered out. For everyday operation, she adjusts the fan to levels 2 or 3, which run quietly enough not to disturb the kittens at night.

Looking ahead

For Mellissa, clean air ensures a brighter future for Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. She intends to continue providing even more kittens with a safe haven before transitioning to loving homes.

The cleaner air and lack of odor in the rescue has already improved adoption visits, a critical step in finding forever homes for the kittens.

Mellissa emphasizes her desire to address the root cause of ownerless kittens—unspayed and neutered animals in the population. She hopes to get the word out to more pet owners about the crucial role of spaying and neutering their animals. As she warns, “the cat overpopulation is so crazy here. Spay and neuter your cats, spay and neuter your dogs to help lower those populations.”

Conclusion

Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue’s story underscores the profound difference clean air technology can make in transforming lives—both human and animal.

For Mellissa, investing in air purification wasn’t just about solving a nuisance; it was about creating a healthier, more inviting space where kittens could thrive and visitors could feel comfortable. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of air quality, she has set a powerful example for other rescues, shelters, and even individual pet owners facing similar challenges.

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