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Aaron Carroll’s earliest memory is different: “Back then, hospital cribs had metal bars. My earliest memory is my little toddler hands on the bars looking out into the hospital pod.”Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Aaron was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was six months old and hospital visits were frequent.Due to those youthful hospital stays he must, to this day, sleep with lights on. And not just any light -- the bright white fluorescent light used in hospitals.“I'm used to that hue,” explains Aaron. “It's very strange.”For most people, Aaron Carroll’s life would be considered one of misfortune, but Aaron Carroll is not among those people. In spite of his struggles with cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses, he considers himself fortunate. And now that IQAir has given Aaron the gift of cleaner air, he can look toward a continually brighter future.Cystic fibrosisCystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the naturally occurring mucus in the body’s organs and tissues to thicken (1). The complications that arise from this progressive condition include blockages, infections, and inflammation to the affected areas.In addition to causing damage to the digestive tract, pancreas, and liver, cystic fibrosis most commonly impacts the lungs where clotted mucus clogs the airways, which makes breathing difficult and can ultimately lead to respiratory failure. The mucus also traps bacteria, increasing the risks of infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis (2).Scarring of the lungs, known as bronchiectasis, is a known consequence of the disease, as is pneumothorax, which can cause a partial or complete lung collapse from air that leaks out of the lung into the chest wall space (3).Unfortunately, a life with cystic fibrosis can be a life filled with difficult medical treatments.An uphill climbAt around 15, Aaron’s illness worsened, and he started to get “cleanouts,” which are stays in the hospital during which a patient receives antibiotics and respiratory treatments multiple times a day, possibly along with physical therapy and other care (4).For Aaron, these hospital visits were two-to-four-weeks-long.“You’re in isolation at least once a year,” he states. “One year I went three times.”The way gets smootherAaron remembers his lung function improving in his later teens, but cleanouts were still a yearly routine.At 23, Aaron reconnected with a young lady, Tessia, who he had known since he was five. Two years later they were married.“My wife is just everything to me,” Aaron gushes. “She has been my nurse. She's been my best friend.” Aaron and Tessia added two “incredible” sons to their household.Aaron’s main activity is computing, which he taught himself and he has become quite proficient. He also enjoys collecting, and manages a community of about 20,000 people who are enthusiasts of CNC art, which is machined pieces of steel made into art. But his favorite items to acquire are Optimus Prime collectibles.“Every time I had a surgery, or I had to go to the hospital, my mom would buy me a Lego or a Transformer like Optimus Prime. I identify him now as a source of strength.”More obstaclesAfter the first couple of years of marriage, Aaron was forced to rely on an oxygen machine to breathe and a wheelchair to get around but he still “enjoyed a very full life.” However, the disease’s progression ultimately necessitated a double lung transplant to help improve his quality of life and hopefully extend it.Recovery road“They gave me the transplant five years ago,” states Aaron. “It was May 2nd. The transplant team (from the Norton Thoracic Institute) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, which is the best in the country, say I was the fastest patient to ever wake up, to walk, and the fastest patient they've ever had discharged after a transplant.”Pictured: Aaron Carroll after his double lung transplant in May 2017.Aaron’s new lungs, or as he calls them, “preowned lungs” are now clear of cystic fibrosis even though the rest of his body still harbors it. A little time after the surgery, he and Tessia celebrated the birth of their second baby boy.“Getting the transplant and being able to have my youngest son was like a miracle,” Aaron expresses with great emotion. “I got in touch with the donor family because I wanted to tell them that they didn't just save my life, they created another with their gift to me.”Aaron gets the gift of clean airIn addition to all his other medical struggles, Aaron has “really terrible allergies.” A friend in his online community gifted him an Atem desk air purifier from IQAir to help reduce Aaron’s allergic reactions.“I immediately noticed less allergy issues,” he remembers.Shortly thereafter, he acquired IQAir’s top-of-the-line room air purifier, the HealthPro Plus.Aaron reports that after every transplant clinic visit since he received his IQAir systems, his doctors noted a pronounced increase in lung function.“That is absolutely incredible,” reveals Aaron and adds, “It's such a blessing. I was able to put my Atem desk unit next to my bed so when I sleep it blows right on me. And we have the big unit in the living room.”The journey continuesAaron’s doctors marveled at his resilience. Looking forward, the medical team has identified him as a prime candidate for a second transplant when the time comes, since his lung function has shown great improvement and he follows their directions “to the letter of the law,” helping to ensure positive outcomes. “I'm very grateful to you and your company. My doctor said you don't really have transplant patients five years out where their lung function is still climbing. I think that is in no small part due to IQAir.”Into the futureWhen he was young, Aaron was told that people with cystic fibrosis don’t usually live past 18 years of age. He is now 39 years old and continues moving forward.“I just love my life. I don't have the words to thank you for everything you have done for me.”","contentHtml","

For many of us, our earliest memories are innocent, and happy. Aaron Carroll’s earliest memory is different: “Back then, hospital cribs had metal bars. My earliest memory is my little toddler hands on the bars looking out into the hospital pod.”

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Aaron was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was six months old and hospital visits were frequent.

Due to those youthful hospital stays he must, to this day, sleep with lights on. And not just any light -- the bright white fluorescent light used in hospitals.

“I'm used to that hue,” explains Aaron. “It's very strange.”

For most people, Aaron Carroll’s life would be considered one of misfortune, but Aaron Carroll is not among those people. In spite of his struggles with cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses, he considers himself fortunate. And now that IQAir has given Aaron the gift of cleaner air, he can look toward a continually brighter future.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the naturally occurring mucus in the body’s organs and tissues to thicken (1). The complications that arise from this progressive condition include blockages, infections, and inflammation to the affected areas.

In addition to causing damage to the digestive tract, pancreas, and liver, cystic fibrosis most commonly impacts the lungs where clotted mucus clogs the airways, which makes breathing difficult and can ultimately lead to respiratory failure. The mucus also traps bacteria, increasing the risks of infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis (2).

Scarring of the lungs, known as bronchiectasis, is a known consequence of the disease, as is pneumothorax, which can cause a partial or complete lung collapse from air that leaks out of the lung into the chest wall space (3).

Unfortunately, a life with cystic fibrosis can be a life filled with difficult medical treatments.

An uphill climb

At around 15, Aaron’s illness worsened, and he started to get “cleanouts,” which are stays in the hospital during which a patient receives antibiotics and respiratory treatments multiple times a day, possibly along with physical therapy and other care (4).

For Aaron, these hospital visits were two-to-four-weeks-long.

“You’re in isolation at least once a year,” he states. “One year I went three times.”

The way gets smoother

Aaron remembers his lung function improving in his later teens, but cleanouts were still a yearly routine.

At 23, Aaron reconnected with a young lady, Tessia, who he had known since he was five. Two years later they were married.

“My wife is just everything to me,” Aaron gushes. “She has been my nurse. She's been my best friend.”

Aaron and Tessia added two “incredible” sons to their household.

Aaron’s main activity is computing, which he taught himself and he has become quite proficient. He also enjoys collecting, and manages a community of about 20,000 people who are enthusiasts of CNC art, which is machined pieces of steel made into art. But his favorite items to acquire are Optimus Prime collectibles.

“Every time I had a surgery, or I had to go to the hospital, my mom would buy me a Lego or a Transformer like Optimus Prime. I identify him now as a source of strength.”

More obstacles

After the first couple of years of marriage, Aaron was forced to rely on an oxygen machine to breathe and a wheelchair to get around but he still “enjoyed a very full life.” However, the disease’s progression ultimately necessitated a double lung transplant to help improve his quality of life and hopefully extend it.

Recovery road

“They gave me the transplant five years ago,” states Aaron. “It was May 2nd. The transplant team (from the Norton Thoracic Institute) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, which is the best in the country, say I was the fastest patient to ever wake up, to walk, and the fastest patient they've ever had discharged after a transplant.”

$\"Aaron$

Pictured: Aaron Carroll after his double lung transplant in May 2017.

Aaron’s new lungs, or as he calls them, “preowned lungs” are now clear of cystic fibrosis even though the rest of his body still harbors it. A little time after the surgery, he and Tessia celebrated the birth of their second baby boy.

“Getting the transplant and being able to have my youngest son was like a miracle,” Aaron expresses with great emotion. “I got in touch with the donor family because I wanted to tell them that they didn't just save my life, they created another with their gift to me.”

Aaron gets the gift of clean air

In addition to all his other medical struggles, Aaron has “really terrible allergies.” A friend in his online community gifted him an Atem desk air purifier from IQAir to help reduce Aaron’s allergic reactions.

“I immediately noticed less allergy issues,” he remembers.

Shortly thereafter, he acquired IQAir’s top-of-the-line room air purifier, the HealthPro Plus.

Aaron reports that after every transplant clinic visit since he received his IQAir systems, his doctors noted a pronounced increase in lung function.

“That is absolutely incredible,” reveals Aaron and adds, “It's such a blessing. I was able to put my Atem desk unit next to my bed so when I sleep it blows right on me. And we have the big unit in the living room.”

The journey continues

Aaron’s doctors marveled at his resilience. Looking forward, the medical team has identified him as a prime candidate for a second transplant when the time comes, since his lung function has shown great improvement and he follows their directions “to the letter of the law,” helping to ensure positive outcomes.

“I'm very grateful to you and your company. My doctor said you don't really have transplant patients five years out where their lung function is still climbing. I think that is in no small part due to IQAir.”

Into the future

When he was young, Aaron was told that people with cystic fibrosis don’t usually live past 18 years of age. He is now 39 years old and continues moving forward.

“I just love my life. I don't have the words to thank you for everything you have done for me.”
\n\n

","iqair-helps-double-lung-transplant-recipient-aaron-carroll-breathe-easier","gid://shopify/Article/564875067470","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/iqair-helps-double-lung-transplant-recipient-aaron-carroll-breathe-easier","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2022-10-04T15:30:00Z",[1169,715,897],"Air Quality","IQAir helps double lung recipient Aaron Carroll breathe easier","image",{"_10":1173,"_202":1174,"_205":1175,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269545439310","Aaron Carroll and family sitting on couch","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_AaronCarroll_Desktop.jpg?v=1752139600",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},"Vacationing in a major city? Find out if it made our list of cities with the healthiest air quality","2022 Summer Vacation Hotspots with Clean Air When planning a trip to a big city, most travelers consider safety. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks about a city’s air quality, despite pollution being an important health consideration. Following are some of the big cities that ranked high for clean air in IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality Report. All the cities listed are highly sought out by travelers and have been reported to be safe to visit. Note that all air quality reports are an annual average PM2.5 concentration measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). Cities where you can breathe easiest There were two major metropolitan tourist favourites that met the annual average goal for PM2.5 concentrations of 5 µg/m3 or lower that was set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 as part of their new, stronger air quality guidelines. These guidelines were in response to the latest evidence-based data and a better understanding by air quality and health experts that any amount of air pollution poses dangers to an individual’s wellbeing. IQAir’s AirVisual Platform directly adopted these new guidelines as its standard for measuring and ranking the air quality of cities, regions, and countries. The World Health Organization, cognizant that their new air quality guidelines could not be met overnight, also instituted four interim targets (IT1 – IT4) to help motivate all countries and communities to continually strengthen their air pollution reduction efforts towards ultimately meeting the more stringent goal of 5 µg/m3 or lower. The AirVisual Platform also relies on these interim targets to gauge where air quality is improving or deteriorating. This list only includes metropolitan destinations that recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration below 10 µg/m3, which was, up until 2021, the air quality index goal set by the WHO, and is now the lowest interim target (IT4), in theirs and IQAir’s updated air quality guidelines. Read on to see which cities got on the list. The #1 city may surprise you. Tied for 7th: Lisbon, Portugal; San Francisco, California; and Ottawa, Ontario One of the reasons that Lisbon’s air is moderately clean is the introduction of a low emissions zone in the city. Three cities, Lisbon, San Francisco, and Canada’s Ottawa all registered an annual PM2.5 concentration of 8.2 µg/m3. There are distinct reasons for these cities’ decent air quality. Lisbon contains a low emissions zone that contributes to its moderately clean air. The city also supports cycling, including: (1) increased cycle lanes cycle sharing programs financial help, up to 50%, on the purchase of a bike California’s strong emission requirements, along with San Francisco’s coastal location, its natural topography, and general lack of industrial production plants in the city’s limits contribute to the low level of PM2.5 concentrations. Emissions from the transportation sector, including maritime shipping, are a main cause of air pollution in the City by the Bay. Wildfires have increasingly become another major problem for the area’s atmosphere. Research in 2021 found several “hot spots” of air pollution in the Canadian capital. Despite Ottawa’s relatively healthy air quality, due in part to the city’s recent focus on creating bicycle-friendly infrastructure, research in 2021 found several “hot spots” of air pollution in the Canadian capital. Depending on the specific area, the suspected sources were industrial emissions, diesel exhaust, crosstown traffic, freeway traffic and construction (2). 6. Dublin, Ireland Dublin Ireland’s annual average PM2.5 concentration of 7.8 µg/m3 was down from 10.6 µg/m3 in 2019. The country must adhere to regulations from the European Union, which recently required Dublin to prepare an air quality action plan (3). In addition, Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency enforces Industrial Emissions (IE) and Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing to help limit emissions from the industrial and power generation sectors. 5. Oslo, Norway The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Oslo, Norway was 7.5 µg/m3 in 2021. To reach this level, the metropolitan area of almost 1.6 million credits: a tightening in the requirements of Norway’s Pollution Control Regulations air quality criteria in Oslo that is even stricter than the national regulations an increasingly cleaner vehicle fleet measures to reduce wood burning favourable weather conditions 4. Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden measured an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 6.0 µg/m3. The city generates 60% of its energy from cleaner hydroelectric sources and also makes use of Sweden’s wind power energy network that provides the country with more than 17% of its electricity (4). The Swedish National Environmental Quality Objectives… require every municipality to meet environmental quality standards (EQS) or else establish a local air quality plan. Tough emission standards for vehicles and industries were mandated by the European Union, but the Swedish National Environmental Quality Objectives encompass even more stringent goals. They require that every municipality meet environmental quality standards (EQS), or they have to establish a local air quality plan (5). Tied for 3rd: Helsinki, Finland and Nassau, Bahamas Helsinki, Finland and Nassau in The Bahamas registered 5.5 µg/m3 for annual average PM2.5 concentrations, just missing the WHO annual guidelines by 0.5 µg/m3. However, 5.5 µg/m3 for PM2.5 is still much better than most cities.Accounting for Helsinki’s clean air are: (6), (7), (8) strong environmental regulations government investment in renewable energy a robust public transportation system its geographical location that helps limit trans border air pollution Nassau’s clean air is credited to strong easterly trade winds most of the year, and wind from all directions the rest of the year. Also, the islands have little industrial activity (9). When air quality in the Bahamas becomes somewhat unsafe, it is largely due to emissions from: (10) electricity generation vehicles waste burning 2. San Juan, Puerto Rico Our runner up for cleanest big city air is San Juan. Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) replaced old school buses and short-haul trucks at the Port of San Juan. The capital and largest city in Puerto Rico has many tourist-friendly areas and healthy air. Its annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2021 was 4.8 µg/m3. This was partly because U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided funding to replace old school buses and short-haul trucks at the Port of San Juan. This improved the area’s annual average PM2.5 concentration to fall under the WHO recommended guideline of 5.0 µg/m3 (11). 1. Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu recorded the safest annual average air quality, 3.9 µg/m3, of any major city in North America. Though the Hawaiian Islands are known for their wealth of nature-filled experiences, plenty of urban attractions are also at hand. With a greater metro population of close to one million, Honolulu recorded the safest annual average air quality, 3.9 µg/m3, of any major city in North America and on this list. Abundant wind and rain help maintain Honolulu’s clean air, as do the lack of heavy industry (12). The leading contributors of the air pollution the city does experience include: (13) high vehicle density volcanic activity on the nearby island of Hawaii the creation of maritime aerosols by wind blowing over the surface of the Pacific Ocean Honorable mentions Other metro vacation hotspots with 2021 average PM2.5 concentrations (in parenthesis) under 10.0 µg/m3 include:• Tokyo, Japan (9.1)• Washington D.C. (9.1)• Madrid, Spain (9.4)• Copenhagen, Denmark (9.7)• London, England (9.8)• Bern, Switzerland (9.8) Conclusion No matter where you travel or when you go, factoring in your destination’s air quality will help protect the health of you and your companions. Monitoring an air quality index (AQI) will not only provide you with present conditions but also historical readings of air pollution and future air quality forecasts. This way you can be as informed as possible when finally answering that question we all asked ourselves at the end of the school year: “Where should I go for summer vacation?”","

2022 Summer Vacation Hotspots with Clean Air

When planning a trip to a big city, most travelers consider safety. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks about a city’s air quality, despite pollution being an important health consideration.

Following are some of the big cities that ranked high for clean air in IQAir’s 2021 World Air Quality Report. All the cities listed are highly sought out by travelers and have been reported to be safe to visit. Note that all air quality reports are an annual average PM2.5 concentration measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3).

Cities where you can breathe easiest

There were two major metropolitan tourist favourites that met the annual average goal for PM2.5 concentrations of 5 µg/m3 or lower that was set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 as part of their new, stronger air quality guidelines.

These guidelines were in response to the latest evidence-based data and a better understanding by air quality and health experts that any amount of air pollution poses dangers to an individual’s wellbeing.

IQAir’s AirVisual Platform directly adopted these new guidelines as its standard for measuring and ranking the air quality of cities, regions, and countries.

The World Health Organization, cognizant that their new air quality guidelines could not be met overnight, also instituted four interim targets (IT1 – IT4) to help motivate all countries and communities to continually strengthen their air pollution reduction efforts towards ultimately meeting the more stringent goal of 5 µg/m3 or lower.

The AirVisual Platform also relies on these interim targets to gauge where air quality is improving or deteriorating.

This list only includes metropolitan destinations that recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration below 10 µg/m3, which was, up until 2021, the air quality index goal set by the WHO, and is now the lowest interim target (IT4), in theirs and IQAir’s updated air quality guidelines.

Read on to see which cities got on the list. The #1 city may surprise you.

Tied for 7th: Lisbon, Portugal; San Francisco, California; and Ottawa, Ontario

One of the reasons that Lisbon’s air is moderately clean is the introduction of a low emissions zone in the city.

Three cities, Lisbon, San Francisco, and Canada’s Ottawa all registered an annual PM2.5 concentration of 8.2 µg/m3. There are distinct reasons for these cities’ decent air quality.

Lisbon contains a low emissions zone that contributes to its moderately clean air. The city also supports cycling, including: (1)

increased cycle lanes
cycle sharing programs
financial help, up to 50%, on the purchase of a bike

California’s strong emission requirements, along with San Francisco’s coastal location, its natural topography, and general lack of industrial production plants in the city’s limits contribute to the low level of PM2.5 concentrations. Emissions from the transportation sector, including maritime shipping, are a main cause of air pollution in the City by the Bay. Wildfires have increasingly become another major problem for the area’s atmosphere.

Research in 2021 found several “hot spots” of air pollution in the Canadian capital.

Despite Ottawa’s relatively healthy air quality, due in part to the city’s recent focus on creating bicycle-friendly infrastructure, research in 2021 found several “hot spots” of air pollution in the Canadian capital. Depending on the specific area, the suspected sources were industrial emissions, diesel exhaust, crosstown traffic, freeway traffic and construction (2).

6. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Ireland’s annual average PM2.5 concentration of 7.8 µg/m3 was down from 10.6 µg/m3 in 2019. The country must adhere to regulations from the European Union, which recently required Dublin to prepare an air quality action plan (3). In addition, Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency enforces Industrial Emissions (IE) and Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing to help limit emissions from the industrial and power generation sectors.

5. Oslo, Norway

The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Oslo, Norway was 7.5 µg/m3 in 2021. To reach this level, the metropolitan area of almost 1.6 million credits:

a tightening in the requirements of Norway’s Pollution Control Regulations
air quality criteria in Oslo that is even stricter than the national regulations
an increasingly cleaner vehicle fleet
measures to reduce wood burning
favourable weather conditions

4. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden measured an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 6.0 µg/m3. The city generates 60% of its energy from cleaner hydroelectric sources and also makes use of Sweden’s wind power energy network that provides the country with more than 17% of its electricity (4).

The Swedish National Environmental Quality Objectives… require every municipality to meet environmental quality standards (EQS) or else establish a local air quality plan.

Tough emission standards for vehicles and industries were mandated by the European Union, but the Swedish National Environmental Quality Objectives encompass even more stringent goals. They require that every municipality meet environmental quality standards (EQS), or they have to establish a local air quality plan (5).

Tied for 3rd: Helsinki, Finland and Nassau, Bahamas

Helsinki, Finland and Nassau in The Bahamas registered 5.5 µg/m3 for annual average PM2.5 concentrations, just missing the WHO annual guidelines by 0.5 µg/m3. However, 5.5 µg/m3 for PM2.5 is still much better than most cities.
Accounting for Helsinki’s clean air are: (6), (7), (8)

strong environmental regulations
government investment in renewable energy
a robust public transportation system
its geographical location that helps limit trans border air pollution

Nassau’s clean air is credited to strong easterly trade winds most of the year, and wind from all directions the rest of the year. Also, the islands have little industrial activity (9). When air quality in the Bahamas becomes somewhat unsafe, it is largely due to emissions from: (10)

electricity generation
vehicles
waste burning

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Our runner up for cleanest big city air is San Juan.

Funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) replaced old school buses and short-haul trucks at the Port of San Juan.

The capital and largest city in Puerto Rico has many tourist-friendly areas and healthy air. Its annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2021 was 4.8 µg/m3. This was partly because U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided funding to replace old school buses and short-haul trucks at the Port of San Juan. This improved the area’s annual average PM2.5 concentration to fall under the WHO recommended guideline of 5.0 µg/m3 (11).

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu recorded the safest annual average air quality, 3.9 µg/m3, of any major city in North America.

Though the Hawaiian Islands are known for their wealth of nature-filled experiences, plenty of urban attractions are also at hand. With a greater metro population of close to one million, Honolulu recorded the safest annual average air quality, 3.9 µg/m3, of any major city in North America and on this list.

Abundant wind and rain help maintain Honolulu’s clean air, as do the lack of heavy industry (12). The leading contributors of the air pollution the city does experience include: (13)

high vehicle density
volcanic activity on the nearby island of Hawaii
the creation of maritime aerosols by wind blowing over the surface of the Pacific Ocean

Honorable mentions

Other metro vacation hotspots with 2021 average PM2.5 concentrations (in parenthesis) under 10.0 µg/m3 include:
• Tokyo, Japan (9.1)
• Washington D.C. (9.1)
• Madrid, Spain (9.4)
• Copenhagen, Denmark (9.7)
• London, England (9.8)
• Bern, Switzerland (9.8)

Conclusion

No matter where you travel or when you go, factoring in your destination’s air quality will help protect the health of you and your companions. Monitoring an air quality index (AQI) will not only provide you with present conditions but also historical readings of air pollution and future air quality forecasts. This way you can be as informed as possible when finally answering that question we all asked ourselves at the end of the school year: “Where should I go for summer vacation?”

","2022-city-vacation-spots-with-clean-air","gid://shopify/Article/564971372622","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/2022-city-vacation-spots-with-clean-air","2022-07-26T17:38:00Z",[1169,715],"Big cities with good air quality",{"_10":1191,"_202":1192,"_205":1193,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269731496014","Hong Kong skyline","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/BigCityGOODAQ_Desktop_v2_8c77c76d-d231-4c9e-a5b2-da7ccdd83cb0.jpg?v=1753789451",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1195,"_1139":1196,"_1154":1197,"_1156":1197,"_1157":1198,"_1159":1199,"_1008":1200,"_10":1201,"_1163":1202,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1203,"_635":1204,"_599":1206,"_1171":1207},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"How air purification elevates Dr. Kelly Blodgett’s practice to the next level. Learn More.","For Dr. Kelly Blodgett, dentistry is a true calling. After undergraduate studies, his plan was to work towards a doctorate in psychology and counselling. Dr. Blodgett had already been accepted into a program to pursue that goal when in a moment of inspiration, he set his sights on becoming a dentist. Essential to that new calling was a fervent desire to help reverse the negative stereotype of dentistry. “Twenty-seven years after that epiphany, I am still striving to improve patients’ experiences and health outcomes,” Dr. Blodgett relates. His has been a successful endeavour, with patients of his well-established practice in Portland, Oregon benefiting from his dedication to the advancement of the standard of care that his practice offers patients. Dr. Blodgett’s tireless pursuit of excellence led him to integrate IQAir air purifiers into his practice, a move that significantly enhanced patient experience. Read on to discover how this has become an indispensable part of his dental office. Clean Air FacilityLearn how to provide the safest, cleanest air possible in your facility. DOWNLOAD NOW ×Close Email No Thanks An innovator Dr. Blodgett became the first dentist in the State of Oregon to be board certified in Naturopathic Medical Dentistry and Integrative Biological Dental Medicine. And while he was becoming certified for SMART (safe mercury amalgam removal technique) by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), he heard about IQAir’s room air purifiers from some of the trade organization’s other members. Dr. Blodgett researched what IQAir could offer his practice to enhance it and help achieve his overarching goal. He was so impressed with the technology of the Dental Series Hg and its specialized mercury filtration that he purchased a system. Not just for mercury vapors In addition to facilitating safe mercury removal procedures, IQAir’s Dental Series Hg also improves environmental control in dentists’ offices by helping to protect against viruses (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic), bacteria, disinfectants, and other airborne pollutants. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA filtration in the Dental Series filters 95% of all particles down to 0.003 microns – the smallest particles that exist. “We use them for all procedures now. Patient's love the safety that they offer.” “I soon discovered that it is an awesome device for all aerosol collection, so I bought two more so that we would have one for each of our doctor rooms,” enthuses Dr. Blodgett. “We use them for all procedures now. Patient's love the safety that they offer.” An unexpected benefit Another way that the Dental Series Hg assisted his business came as a pleasant surprise: the curiosity patients expressed about the interesting-looking air purifier with its long receiving nozzle that draws in 300 cubic feet of air per minute. “It demonstrates how we invest in the best health for our patients and our practice.” “This offers us the opportunity to share about the technology, the improved air quality, and it demonstrates how we invest in the best health for our patients and our practice,” Dr. Blodgett relates. A big help in challenging times During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices in the state of Oregon could only deliver emergency treatments. On May 1, 2020, the state eased that restriction to give dentists the option to accept patients for any treatment. Some in the industry felt that it was still not safe to return to full operations. Dr. Blodgett wasn’t one of them, but he did understand the concerns of those that did worry. He told Portland television station KATU, “If their practice is not equipped to manage aerosols well right now, it would be wise to take another two weeks or four weeks so that they can be properly prepared to manage the airflow around the patients (1).” Numerous studies have shown how poor dental office air quality tends to be. According to Dr. Blodgett, numerous studies have shown how poor dental office air quality tends to be. He cites the dangers of working in an environment like that: “particularly considering the risks of long-term exposure to aerosols and mercury vapor.” He adds, “This is not only unacceptable but also completely avoidable.” Secure a Healthier Dental Environment Discover the Power of IQAir's Dental Series Air Purifiers SHOP NOW The takeaway “IQAir has been an integral part of both the patient experience and the safety we offer in our practice,” states Dr. Blodgett. His advice to other dentists considering high performance air filtration is to make that choice sooner than later. “Don't wait until a patient or, more likely, one of your team members gets sick from chronic exposure to mercury vapor and toxic aerosols. Make the investment for the sake of every person who walks into your office.” Dr. Blodgett concludes, “Frankly, in my opinion, the price point is so reasonable for the health benefits that IQAir provides, there is no reason why every dental operating room shouldn't have a unit like this. And the cost of maintenance is relatively low so there's no barrier to long-term enjoyment of the system.” “Your patients and your team will thank you. Not to mention that you will be differentiating your practice for the right reasons.”","

For Dr. Kelly Blodgett, dentistry is a true calling. After undergraduate studies, his plan was to work towards a doctorate in psychology and counselling. Dr. Blodgett had already been accepted into a program to pursue that goal when in a moment of inspiration, he set his sights on becoming a dentist.

Essential to that new calling was a fervent desire to help reverse the negative stereotype of dentistry.

“Twenty-seven years after that epiphany, I am still striving to improve patients’ experiences and health outcomes,” Dr. Blodgett relates.

His has been a successful endeavour, with patients of his well-established practice in Portland, Oregon benefiting from his dedication to the advancement of the standard of care that his practice offers patients.

Dr. Blodgett’s tireless pursuit of excellence led him to integrate IQAir air purifiers into his practice, a move that significantly enhanced patient experience. Read on to discover how this has become an indispensable part of his dental office.

Clean Air Facility
Learn how to provide the safest, cleanest air possible in your facility.

DOWNLOAD NOW

\n\n

\n
\n

An innovator

Dr. Blodgett became the first dentist in the State of Oregon to be board certified in Naturopathic Medical Dentistry and Integrative Biological Dental Medicine.

And while he was becoming certified for SMART (safe mercury amalgam removal technique) by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), he heard about IQAir’s room air purifiers from some of the trade organization’s other members.

Dr. Blodgett researched what IQAir could offer his practice to enhance it and help achieve his overarching goal. He was so impressed with the technology of the Dental Series Hg and its specialized mercury filtration that he purchased a system.

Not just for mercury vapors

In addition to facilitating safe mercury removal procedures, IQAir’s Dental Series Hg also improves environmental control in dentists’ offices by helping to protect against viruses (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic), bacteria, disinfectants, and other airborne pollutants.

IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA filtration in the Dental Series filters 95% of all particles down to 0.003 microns – the smallest particles that exist.

“We use them for all procedures now. Patient's love the safety that they offer.”

“I soon discovered that it is an awesome device for all aerosol collection, so I bought two more so that we would have one for each of our doctor rooms,” enthuses Dr. Blodgett. “We use them for all procedures now. Patient's love the safety that they offer.”

An unexpected benefit

Another way that the Dental Series Hg assisted his business came as a pleasant surprise: the curiosity patients expressed about the interesting-looking air purifier with its long receiving nozzle that draws in 300 cubic feet of air per minute.

“It demonstrates how we invest in the best health for our patients and our practice.”

“This offers us the opportunity to share about the technology, the improved air quality, and it demonstrates how we invest in the best health for our patients and our practice,” Dr. Blodgett relates.

A big help in challenging times

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices in the state of Oregon could only deliver emergency treatments. On May 1, 2020, the state eased that restriction to give dentists the option to accept patients for any treatment.

Some in the industry felt that it was still not safe to return to full operations. Dr. Blodgett wasn’t one of them, but he did understand the concerns of those that did worry.

He told Portland television station KATU, “If their practice is not equipped to manage aerosols well right now, it would be wise to take another two weeks or four weeks so that they can be properly prepared to manage the airflow around the patients (1).”

Numerous studies have shown how poor dental office air quality tends to be.

According to Dr. Blodgett, numerous studies have shown how poor dental office air quality tends to be. He cites the dangers of working in an environment like that: “particularly considering the risks of long-term exposure to aerosols and mercury vapor.”

He adds, “This is not only unacceptable but also completely avoidable.”

Secure a Healthier Dental Environment

Discover the Power of IQAir's Dental Series Air Purifiers

SHOP NOW

\n
\n

The takeaway

“IQAir has been an integral part of both the patient experience and the safety we offer in our practice,” states Dr. Blodgett.

His advice to other dentists considering high performance air filtration is to make that choice sooner than later.

“Don't wait until a patient or, more likely, one of your team members gets sick from chronic exposure to mercury vapor and toxic aerosols. Make the investment for the sake of every person who walks into your office.”

Dr. Blodgett concludes, “Frankly, in my opinion, the price point is so reasonable for the health benefits that IQAir provides, there is no reason why every dental operating room shouldn't have a unit like this. And the cost of maintenance is relatively low so there's no barrier to long-term enjoyment of the system.”

“Your patients and your team will thank you. Not to mention that you will be differentiating your practice for the right reasons.”

","drblodgett","gid://shopify/Article/564874149966","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/drblodgett","2022-05-25T19:56:04Z",[1205,715,897],"Dental","Dr. Kelly Blodgett Success Story",{"_10":1208,"_202":1209,"_205":1210,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/272282222670","Dr. Kelly Blodgett","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Blodgett_success_Desktop_a_1c690690-78c4-4116-9e75-4e0d51755c14.jpg?v=1773428870",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1212,"_1139":1213,"_1154":1214,"_1156":1214,"_1157":1215,"_1159":1216,"_1008":1217,"_10":1218,"_1163":1219,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1220,"_635":1221,"_599":1222,"_1171":1223},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"The entire nation of the UAE found itself blanketed by sandstorms in May.","The sky is red. The air is thick. Sand, dust, and other particles pollute the air, making it difficult to breathe. Those are the conditions that people living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 when a sandstorm struck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (1). Major sandstorms are not uncommon in the Middle East. This April, several large-scale sandstorms ravaged parts of Iraq and Iran, seriously affecting air quality, and causing problems for the local citizenry (2). Millions of homes have been covered in choking, obstructing dust. Millions of homes have been covered in choking, obstructing dust. Flights have been grounded, schools have been closed, and thousands have been hospitalized. Poor air quality seen in the Persian Gulf and Middle East on May 18, 2022. Sandstorm occurrences in the area are increasing, due to drought, changing weather due to climate change, and soil degradation. Predictions are that this phenomenon will only get worse over the coming years (3). Dubai weather and air quality turns dangerous On May 18th, cities in the UAE were blasted by these extreme weather conditions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi became engulfed in a dusty haze, visual evidence to the naked eye that air quality is severely compromised. Hazardous and very unhealthy air quality seen across UAE. By Wednesday evening, nearly all air quality monitoring stations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi measured dangerously high concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 is particle pollution like sand measuring 10 micrometers in diameter. PM2.5 – particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter and the pollutant most harmful to human health – consists of finer particles, such as dust, soot, viruses, and bacteria. Dubai’s air quality monitors show elevated levels of PM. Air quality monitors register hazardous levels across most of Dubai. Dubai’s average city-wide concentration of PM10 was 784.7 µg/m3– representing hazardous air quality. Dubai’s average city-wide concentration of PM10 was 784.7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), representing hazardous air quality. PM2.5 measured 94.5 µg/m3, or 18.9 times above the guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for healthy air quality, an annual average guideline value of PM2.5 of 5 µg/m3 or less. Abu Dhabi’s PM2.5 was 60.5 times higher than the annual average WHO guideline value. In Abu Dhabi, the air quality index range (AQI) in the area exceeded 352 (within the “unhealthy” air quality range), and recorded PM2.5 concentrations approximately 60.5 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. A sandstorm in Abu Dhabi elevates poor air quality across the city. Dr. Christi Chester Schroeder, Air Quality Science Manager at IQAir, expressed concern over such high PM concentrations. “There is clear scientific evidence that both short- and long-term exposure to elevated concentrations of PM2.5, such as those being experienced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi right now, pose a significant risk to human health.” The takeaway The severity of the UAE sandstorm emphasizes the value of comprehensive, up-to-date, transparent air quality information. The more data points, the better, and increasing the number of data monitors across the globe provides greater insight into the air we are breathing. Air quality monitoring also delivers alerts of severe air quality events around the world, from wildfires in California to sandstorms in Dubai. This empowers citizens to make choices in the best interests of themselves and their families and ultimately lessen their exposure to air pollution.","

The sky is red. The air is thick. Sand, dust, and other particles pollute the air, making it difficult to breathe. Those are the conditions that people living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 when a sandstorm struck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (1).

Major sandstorms are not uncommon in the Middle East. This April, several large-scale sandstorms ravaged parts of Iraq and Iran, seriously affecting air quality, and causing problems for the local citizenry (2).

Millions of homes have been covered in choking, obstructing dust.

Millions of homes have been covered in choking, obstructing dust. Flights have been grounded, schools have been closed, and thousands have been hospitalized.

$\"Poor$

Poor air quality seen in the Persian Gulf and Middle East on May 18, 2022.

Sandstorm occurrences in the area are increasing, due to drought, changing weather due to climate change, and soil degradation. Predictions are that this phenomenon will only get worse over the coming years (3).

Dubai weather and air quality turns dangerous

On May 18th, cities in the UAE were blasted by these extreme weather conditions. Dubai and Abu Dhabi became engulfed in a dusty haze, visual evidence to the naked eye that air quality is severely compromised.

$\"Hazardous$

Hazardous and very unhealthy air quality seen across UAE.

By Wednesday evening, nearly all air quality monitoring stations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi measured dangerously high concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 is particle pollution like sand measuring 10 micrometers in diameter. PM2.5 – particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter and the pollutant most harmful to human health – consists of finer particles, such as dust, soot, viruses, and bacteria.

$\"Dubai’s$

Dubai’s air quality monitors show elevated levels of PM.

$\"Air$

Air quality monitors register hazardous levels across most of Dubai.

Dubai’s average city-wide concentration of PM10 was 784.7 µg/m³– representing hazardous air quality.

Dubai’s average city-wide concentration of PM10 was 784.7 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), representing hazardous air quality. PM2.5 measured 94.5 µg/m³, or 18.9 times above the guideline set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for healthy air quality, an annual average guideline value of PM2.5 of 5 µg/m³ or less.

Abu Dhabi’s PM2.5 was 60.5 times higher than the annual average WHO guideline value.

In Abu Dhabi, the air quality index range (AQI) in the area exceeded 352 (within the “unhealthy” air quality range), and recorded PM2.5 concentrations approximately 60.5 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

$\"A$

A sandstorm in Abu Dhabi elevates poor air quality across the city.

Dr. Christi Chester Schroeder, Air Quality Science Manager at IQAir, expressed concern over such high PM concentrations. “There is clear scientific evidence that both short- and long-term exposure to elevated concentrations of PM2.5, such as those being experienced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi right now, pose a significant risk to human health.”

The takeaway

The severity of the UAE sandstorm emphasizes the value of comprehensive, up-to-date, transparent air quality information. The more data points, the better, and increasing the number of data monitors across the globe provides greater insight into the air we are breathing.

Air quality monitoring also delivers alerts of severe air quality events around the world, from wildfires in California to sandstorms in Dubai. This empowers citizens to make choices in the best interests of themselves and their families and ultimately lessen their exposure to air pollution.

","2022-dubai-sandstorm","gid://shopify/Article/564875133006","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/2022-dubai-sandstorm","2022-05-18T19:06:48Z",[1169,705,715],"Air quality scientists worried about sandstorm",{"_10":1224,"_202":1225,"_205":1226,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269543637070","Dubai sand storm","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/BN_Dubai_Desktop_226c8b12-b306-4153-b7a1-b54b30f3c847.jpg?v=1752136631",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1228,"_1139":1229,"_1154":1230,"_1156":1230,"_1157":1231,"_1159":1232,"_1008":1233,"_10":1234,"_1163":1235,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1236,"_635":1237,"_599":1238,"_1171":1239},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"A list of the different air pollutants and their sources.","Airborne pollutants pose a continual threat to human health, safety, and quality of life. Pollutants also pose a challenge to maintaining safe indoor air quality and to the outdoor environment. Knowing which pollutants are most common and their sources is an important step towards protecting yourself against their negative health impacts. The following are some of the more frequently encountered and dangerous pollutants to be aware of. PM2.5 PM2.5 is a concentration measurement of particulate matter (PM) in the air with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less. Of all the listed pollutants, PM2.5 poses the greatest health threat to human health.1 This is because PM2.5 can lodge deep into the most sensitive part of the respiratory tract upon inhalation and trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.PM2.5can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, increasing the potential for cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmic heartbeats and heart attacks. PM2.5can originate from both organic and inorganic sources. Common sources include:3,4,5 soil dust soot smoke smoking combustion emissions construction and demolition PM10 Like PM2.5, PM10 is suspended particulate matter which can appear in either a liquid or solid forms. PM 10 differs from PM2.5 only in terms of size. While PM2.5 is particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter between 10 - 2.5 microns.PM10 is the larger, coarser particle of the two types. PM10 is not as dangerous as PM2.5 because it’s relatively larger size prevents it from being easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It can, however, cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, while long term exposure can impact the lungs and heart.6 Sources for PM10 include:7,8 dust and dirt pollen mold smoke combustion Black Carbon One of the possible components of particulate matter is black carbon. Black carbon is a major element of soot.Sources of black carbon include:9 emissions from diesel engines and vehicles residential burning such as wood and coal burning agricultural waste field burnings forest and vegetation fires Black carbon can create problems in respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms and can result in premature death. Ozone (O3) The ozone molecule is a naturally occurring compound that plays a vital role in blocking out harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. At the ground level, however, ozone is toxic.10 While other pollutants are emitted directly into the air by various sources, ozone is created by sunlight chemically reacting with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air.Ozone is one of the most pervasive and most difficult to control of all airborne pollutants. Symptoms can include:11,12 chest pain lung and throat irritation wheeze and coughing increased asthma attacks continued lung damage after symptoms end Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant with a characteristic acrid odor. In high concentrations, it appears as a reddish-orange gas.13 Nitrogen dioxide is either formed naturally during thunderstorms or from combustion processes, such as running car engines. Indoor sources include unvented heaters and gas stoves.14 Nitrogen dioxide is a precursor for pollutants like ozone (or smog)and particulate matter. Health impacts from exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen can include:15 Coughing and wheezing lung irritation reduced lung function increased asthma attacks cardiovascular damage lower birth weight risk of premature death Carbon monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide(CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning poses a serious threat to life; its imperceptible nature causes it to be known as the silent killer. Carbon monoxide can be created through incomplete combustion in vehicles, heating, coal-fired power generation, and biomass burning.16,17 Symptoms and health problems from carbon monoxide poisoning can include: headaches dizziness weakness fatigue nausea confusion blurred vision death18 As reported in a 2015 study published in Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, high levels of CO can also be especially harmful to pregnant women and newborns.19 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Sulphur dioxide is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent smell. Sulfur dioxide is almost entirely from man-made sources.20 Sulfurdioxide is formed when energy sources containing sulfur, like coal and oil, are burned in industrial processes. Emissions can also result from fuel combustion in vehicles. When inhaled, sulfur dioxide can cause several health problems, including:21 nasal mucus choking irritation to the ears, eyes, and throat wheezing chest tightness shortness of breath Long term, sulfur dioxide exposure can cause acute respiratory illness and permanent changes in the lungs' biology. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted from liquids or solids. Like nitrogen dioxide, VOCs contribute to the creation of the pollutants PM2.5 and ozone. VOCs can be found in vehicle emissions and can also be emitted from many indoor and outdoor sources, such as fuels, household cleaners, and combustion. 22,23 VOCs can be toxic, depending on their composition. Health impacts of VOCs include: 24,25,26,27 irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat headaches breathing problems sick building sickness (SBS) allergies and asthma cancer kidney damage Ammonia Ammonia is a colorless and corrosive gas with a pungent smell. When combined with nitric and sulfate acids, ammonia can create ammonium salts, a harmful form of PM2.5.28 Ammonia comes from both natural and man-made sources, such as: decaying organic matter human and animal waste fertilizer manufacturing industrial processes waste disposal sites Health implications for ammonia exposure include: eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation severe cardiovascular and respiratory effects decreased lung function asthma aggravation premature death Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It's the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activity. Carbon dioxide is created naturally through animal respiration, oceans, and decaying plants. However, most greenhouse contributions come from human activities, such as transport, industry, and fuel burning for electricity and heating. Direct exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide can have several negative health impacts on people, including: 29 feeling lethargic clumsiness emotional upset headaches difficulty concentrating dizziness vomiting nausea","

Airborne pollutants pose a continual threat to human health, safety, and quality of life. Pollutants also pose a challenge to maintaining safe indoor air quality and to the outdoor environment.

Knowing which pollutants are most common and their sources is an important step towards protecting yourself against their negative health impacts. The following are some of the more frequently encountered and dangerous pollutants to be aware of.

$\"Health$

PM2.5

PM2.5 is a concentration measurement of particulate matter (PM) in the air with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less.

Of all the listed pollutants, PM2.5 poses the greatest health threat to human health.¹ This is because PM2.5 can lodge deep into the most sensitive part of the respiratory tract upon inhalation and trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

PM2.5can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, increasing the potential for cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmic heartbeats and heart attacks.

PM2.5can originate from both organic and inorganic sources. Common sources include:^3,4,5

soil
dust
soot
smoke
smoking
combustion emissions
construction and demolition

PM10

Like PM2.5, PM10 is suspended particulate matter which can appear in either a liquid or solid forms. PM 10 differs from PM2.5 only in terms of size.

While PM2.5 is particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter between 10 - 2.5 microns.PM10 is the larger, coarser particle of the two types.

PM10 is not as dangerous as PM2.5 because it’s relatively larger size prevents it from being easily absorbed into the bloodstream. It can, however, cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, while long term exposure can impact the lungs and heart.⁶

Sources for PM10 include:^7,8

dust and dirt
pollen
mold
smoke
combustion

Black Carbon

One of the possible components of particulate matter is black carbon. Black carbon is a major element of soot.

Sources of black carbon include:⁹

emissions from diesel engines and vehicles
residential burning such as wood and coal burning
agricultural waste field burnings
forest and vegetation fires

Black carbon can create problems in respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms and can result in premature death.

Ozone (O₃)

The o zone molecule is a naturally occurring compound that plays a vital role in blocking out harmful ultraviolet light from the sun. At the ground level, however, ozone is toxic.¹⁰

While other pollutants are emitted directly into the air by various sources, ozone is created by sunlight chemically reacting with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the air.Ozone is one of the most pervasive and most difficult to control of all airborne pollutants.

Symptoms can include:^11,12

chest pain
lung and throat irritation
wheeze and coughing
increased asthma attacks
continued lung damage after symptoms end

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)

Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant with a characteristic acrid odor. In high concentrations, it appears as a reddish-orange gas.¹³

Nitrogen dioxide is either formed naturally during thunderstorms or from combustion processes, such as running car engines. Indoor sources include unvented heaters and gas stoves.¹⁴

Nitrogen dioxide is a precursor for pollutants like ozone (or smog)and particulate matter.

Health impacts from exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen can include:¹⁵

Coughing and wheezing
lung irritation
reduced lung function
increased asthma attacks
cardiovascular damage
lower birth weight
risk of premature death

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide(CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning poses a serious threat to life; its imperceptible nature causes it to be known as the silent killer.

Carbon monoxide can be created through incomplete combustion in vehicles, heating, coal-fired power generation, and biomass burning.^16,17

Symptoms and health problems from carbon monoxide poisoning can include:

headaches
dizziness
weakness
fatigue
nausea
confusion
blurred vision
death¹⁸\n

As reported in a 2015 study published in Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, high levels of CO can also be especially harmful to pregnant women and newborns.¹⁹

Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Sulphur dioxide is a colorless gas with a strong, pungent smell. Sulfur dioxide is almost entirely from man-made sources.²⁰

Sulfurdioxide is formed when energy sources containing sulfur, like coal and oil, are burned in industrial processes. Emissions can also result from fuel combustion in vehicles.

When inhaled, sulfur dioxide can cause several health problems, including:²¹

nasal mucus
choking
irritation to the ears, eyes, and throat
wheezing
chest tightness
shortness of breath

Long term, sulfur dioxide exposure can cause acute respiratory illness and permanent changes in the lungs' biology.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted from liquids or solids. Like nitrogen dioxide, VOCs contribute to the creation of the pollutants PM2.5 and ozone.

VOCs can be found in vehicle emissions and can also be emitted from many indoor and outdoor sources, such as fuels, household cleaners, and combustion. ^22,23

VOCs can be toxic, depending on their composition. Health impacts of VOCs include: ^24,25,26,27

irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
headaches
breathing problems
sick building sickness (SBS)
allergies and asthma
cancer
kidney damage

Ammonia

Ammonia is a colorless and corrosive gas with a pungent smell. When combined with nitric and sulfate acids, ammonia can create ammonium salts, a harmful form of PM2.5.²⁸

Ammonia comes from both natural and man-made sources, such as:

decaying organic matter
human and animal waste
fertilizer manufacturing
industrial processes
waste disposal sites

Health implications for ammonia exposure include:

eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation
severe cardiovascular and respiratory effects
decreased lung function
asthma aggravation
premature death

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It's the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activity.

Carbon dioxide is created naturally through animal respiration, oceans, and decaying plants. However, most greenhouse contributions come from human activities, such as transport, industry, and fuel burning for electricity and heating.

Direct exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide can have several negative health impacts on people, including: ²⁹

feeling lethargic
clumsiness
emotional upset
headaches
difficulty concentrating
dizziness
vomiting
nausea

","what-pollution-measures-should-i-watch-out-for","gid://shopify/Article/564857897038","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-pollution-measures-should-i-watch-out-for","2022-01-11T18:24:39Z",[1169,715,720],"What pollutants should I watch out for?",{"_10":1240,"_202":1241,"_205":1242,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269516374094","Man in city coughing with face mask","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/HealthEffectsPollution_071921_Desktop_a82c36ef-0995-49d6-9ece-35e984bc92d6.jpg?v=1751981010",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1244,"_1139":1245,"_1154":1246,"_1156":1246,"_1157":1247,"_1159":1248,"_1008":1249,"_10":1250,"_1163":1251,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1252,"_635":1253,"_599":1254,"_1171":1255},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"There are many models to predict air pollution and air quality. But air pollution models require more complexity than weather forecast models. Learn more.","Similar to forecasting weather, there are models to predict levels of air pollution and air quality. There are many forecast models that require more complexity than weather forecast models. These models are mathematical simulations of how airborne pollutants disperse in the air (1). Why air quality information is needed Air pollution occurs when the surrounding air contains gases, dust, fumes or odors in high enough quantities to be harmful to the health of humans and animals or enough to cause damage to plants and materials. Air pollution is one of the great killers of our time. Polluted air is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths worldwide every year: approximately 3 million from household air pollution and 4 million from ambient (outdoor) air pollution (2) (3). Data has shown that air pollution worldwide is linked to: 19% of all cardiovascular deaths 24% of ischaemic heart disease deaths 21% of stroke deaths 23% of lung cancer deaths(4) Additionally, outdoor air pollution appears to be an important risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in children (5) and neurodegenerative diseases in adults (6). With the economic, ecologic and human toll air pollution takes, forecasting technology is an increasingly important endeavor. Benefits of air pollution information and forecasting Air pollution forecasting is a worthwhile investment on multiple levels - individual, community, national and global. Accurate forecasting helps people plan ahead, decreasing the effects on health and the costs associated. When people are aware of variations in the quality of the air they breathe, the effect of pollutants on their health, as well as concentrations likely to cause adverse effects, there is a greater likelihood of motivating changes in both individual behavior and public policy (7) (8). Such awareness has the potential to create a cleaner environment and a healthier population. Governments also make use of early forecasting to establish procedures to reduce the severity of local pollution levels (9). Accuracy in air quality forecasting When predicting air quality, there are many variables to consider, some of which are quite unpredictable. For example, Beijing’s authorities sometimes order coal plants and factories to close and ban a portion of the city’s millions of registered vehicles from operating (10). Air pollution levels are strongly correlated with local weather conditions and nearby pollution emissions (11) (12). However, long-range transport of pollution - through strong winds - is also a significant influencing factor and must be taken into consideration when forecasting local AQI readings (13). Predicting air quality, therefore, not only involves the difficulties of weather forecasting, it also requires data on and knowledge of: Local pollutant concentrations and emissions Pollutant concentrations and emissions from distant locations Movements and possible transformations of pollutants Prevailing winds The many factors at play in predicting air quality result in air pollution forecasting being both subjective and objective. Air quality forecasting techniques There are many such forecast models, and all require more complexity than weather forecast models. These models are mathematical simulations of how airborne pollutants disperse in the air. Meteorological forecasting The first step to an accurate air quality forecast is an excellent weather forecast. Meteorological (weather) forecasting can be categorized into three main categories: climatology, statistical methods and three-dimensional (3-D) models. Climatology Climatology uses the past is as an indicator of the future. This method is based on the relationship between specific weather conditions and pollution levels, and therefore can be very one-dimensional. This method is often extended to include the matching of weather patterns to pollution patterns. There are many limitations to this method and it is viewed as a tool to complement other forecasting methods. Statistical methods The association between air quality and weather patterns can be quantified using statistical methods. The three most commonly used include: Classification and regression tree (CART) is designed to classify data into dissimilar groups. Software identifies variables that correlate with ambient pollution levels. The data is used to forecast concentrations based on weather conditions and correlated pollutant concentrations. Regression analysis estimates relationships between variables. By analyzing historical data sets, associations are made between pollution levels and meteorological data variables. The result is an equation that can be used to forecast future pollution levels. Artificial neural networks use adaptive learning and pattern recognition techniques. Computer-based algorithms are designed to simulate the human brain’s capability for pattern recognition. This is debatably the most suited method for forecasting pollution due to its multi-dimensional approach. One disadvantage of the above statistical methods is that they assume stability in terms of the processes that affect air quality. Therefore, any drastic changes to emissions or climate (short or long term) will severely diminish the accuracy of these techniques. There are more complex methods that attempt to take these shortfalls into account. They are known as three-dimensional models. Three-dimensional (3-D) models Three-dimensional models mathematically represent all the important processes that have an impact on outdoor air pollution levels. Three-dimensional models simulate the emission, transport, and transformation of air pollution by making use of several submodels, including: Emission model: Simulates the spatial distribution of emissions from both natural and human sources. Meteorological model: Creates a trajectory model to predict the ambient levels of pollution using the 3-D meteorological model and emissions data. Chemical model: Looks at the transformation of primary (emitted) pollution into secondary pollution to determine the outcome of the pollutant (14). 7-Day air quality forecasts IQAir's AirVisual platform makes air quality forecasts available through mobile app and on the website. In addition to real-time air quality information, weather, and pollution readings, the platform includes 7-day air quality forecasts, so informed health and wellbeing decisions can be made and is also helpful to plan ahead accordingly. The platform uses advanced forecasting models, evolving algorithms, and machine learning to generate air quality forecasts that are accurate for the week ahead. With AirVisual's 7-day forecasts in hand, individuals and governments can take proactive steps when there are anticipated air quality concerns. Always know what’s in your airwith the #1 air quality app Download AirVisual The takeaway Pollution forecasting techniques and tools are rapidly improving and will continue increasing in accuracy. Accurate and accessible air pollution forecasts, like those found on AirVisual, help raise public awareness, allow for sensitive populations to plan ahead, and provide governments with information for public health alerts.","

Similar to forecasting weather, there are models to predict levels of air pollution and air quality. There are many forecast models that require more complexity than weather forecast models. These models are mathematical simulations of how airborne pollutants disperse in the air (1).

Why air quality information is needed

Air pollution occurs when the surrounding air contains gases, dust, fumes or odors in high enough quantities to be harmful to the health of humans and animals or enough to cause damage to plants and materials.

Air pollution is one of the great killers of our time. Polluted air is responsible for an estimated 7 million deaths worldwide every year: approximately 3 million from household air pollution and 4 million from ambient (outdoor) air pollution (2) (3). Data has shown that air pollution worldwide is linked to:

19% of all cardiovascular deaths
24% of ischaemic heart disease deaths
21% of stroke deaths
23% of lung cancer deaths(4)

Additionally, outdoor air pollution appears to be an important risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in children (5) and neurodegenerative diseases in adults (6).

With the economic, ecologic and human toll air pollution takes, forecasting technology is an increasingly important endeavor.

Benefits of air pollution information and forecasting

Air pollution forecasting is a worthwhile investment on multiple levels - individual, community, national and global. Accurate forecasting helps people plan ahead, decreasing the effects on health and the costs associated.

When people are aware of variations in the quality of the air they breathe, the effect of pollutants on their health, as well as concentrations likely to cause adverse effects, there is a greater likelihood of motivating changes in both individual behavior and public policy (7) (8).

Such awareness has the potential to create a cleaner environment and a healthier population. Governments also make use of early forecasting to establish procedures to reduce the severity of local pollution levels (9).

Accuracy in air quality forecasting

When predicting air quality, there are many variables to consider, some of which are quite unpredictable. For example, Beijing’s authorities sometimes order coal plants and factories to close and ban a portion of the city’s millions of registered vehicles from operating (10).

Air pollution levels are strongly correlated with local weather conditions and nearby pollution emissions (11) (12). However, long-range transport of pollution - through strong winds - is also a significant influencing factor and must be taken into consideration when forecasting local AQI readings (13).

Predicting air quality, therefore, not only involves the difficulties of weather forecasting, it also requires data on and knowledge of:

Local pollutant concentrations and emissions
Pollutant concentrations and emissions from distant locations
Movements and possible transformations of pollutants
Prevailing winds

The many factors at play in predicting air quality result in air pollution forecasting being both subjective and objective.

Air quality forecasting techniques

There are many such forecast models, and all require more complexity than weather forecast models. These models are mathematical simulations of how airborne pollutants disperse in the air.

Meteorological forecasting

The first step to an accurate air quality forecast is an excellent weather forecast. Meteorological (weather) forecasting can be categorized into three main categories: climatology, statistical methods and three-dimensional (3-D) models.

Climatology

Climatology uses the past is as an indicator of the future. This method is based on the relationship between specific weather conditions and pollution levels, and therefore can be very one-dimensional. This method is often extended to include the matching of weather patterns to pollution patterns. There are many limitations to this method and it is viewed as a tool to complement other forecasting methods.

Statistical methods

The association between air quality and weather patterns can be quantified using statistical methods. The three most commonly used include:

\nClassification and regression tree (CART) is designed to classify data into dissimilar groups. Software identifies variables that correlate with ambient pollution levels. The data is used to forecast concentrations based on weather conditions and correlated pollutant concentrations.
\nRegression analysis estimates relationships between variables. By analyzing historical data sets, associations are made between pollution levels and meteorological data variables. The result is an equation that can be used to forecast future pollution levels.
\nArtificial neural networks use adaptive learning and pattern recognition techniques. Computer-based algorithms are designed to simulate the human brain’s capability for pattern recognition. This is debatably the most suited method for forecasting pollution due to its multi-dimensional approach.

One disadvantage of the above statistical methods is that they assume stability in terms of the processes that affect air quality. Therefore, any drastic changes to emissions or climate (short or long term) will severely diminish the accuracy of these techniques. There are more complex methods that attempt to take these shortfalls into account. They are known as three-dimensional models.

Three-dimensional (3-D) models

Three-dimensional models mathematically represent all the important processes that have an impact on outdoor air pollution levels. Three-dimensional models simulate the emission, transport, and transformation of air pollution by making use of several submodels, including:

\nEmission model: Simulates the spatial distribution of emissions from both natural and human sources.
\nMeteorological model: Creates a trajectory model to predict the ambient levels of pollution using the 3-D meteorological model and emissions data.
\nChemical model: Looks at the transformation of primary (emitted) pollution into secondary pollution to determine the outcome of the pollutant (14).

7-Day air quality forecasts

IQAir's AirVisual platform makes air quality forecasts available through mobile app and on the website. In addition to real-time air quality information, weather, and pollution readings, the platform includes 7-day air quality forecasts, so informed health and wellbeing decisions can be made and is also helpful to plan ahead accordingly. The platform uses advanced forecasting models, evolving algorithms, and machine learning to generate air quality forecasts that are accurate for the week ahead.

$\"7day-forecast$

With AirVisual's 7-day forecasts in hand, individuals and governments can take proactive steps when there are anticipated air quality concerns.

Always know what’s in your air
with the #1 air quality app

Download AirVisual

The takeaway

Pollution forecasting techniques and tools are rapidly improving and will continue increasing in accuracy. Accurate and accessible air pollution forecasts, like those found on AirVisual, help raise public awareness, allow for sensitive populations to plan ahead, and provide governments with information for public health alerts.

","can-air-pollution-be-predicted","gid://shopify/Article/564862713934","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/can-air-pollution-be-predicted","2022-01-11T00:07:36Z",[1169,715],"Can air pollution be predicted?",{"_10":1256,"_202":1257,"_205":1258,"_207":1176,"_203":1259},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269172310094","Woman checking air quality on phone","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_PollutionPredicted_Desk_B-2_457e81fb-8ed3-4ca5-8f22-6e6736315545.jpg?v=1748861340",1000,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1261,"_1139":1262,"_1154":1263,"_1156":1263,"_1157":1264,"_1159":1265,"_1008":1266,"_10":1267,"_1163":1268,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1269,"_635":1270,"_599":1271,"_1171":1272},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Hundreds of residents of Porter Ranch, near Los Angeles, were recently sickened by a natural gas leak from a nearby underground storage facility a mile away. The cause of their headaches, nausea, and nosebleeds was mercaptan. Learn more.","Natural gas is an important fuel used for heating and cooling in more than half of all American homes. But methane, the key component in natural gas, is highly explosive and can become deadly when uncontrolled. In 2014, a natural gas explosion in two apartment buildings in New York killed eight people and injured 70 others.In addition to the risk of explosion, the smell of natural gas can make many people ill. Hundreds of residents of Porter Ranch, near Los Angeles, were recently sickened by a natural gas leak from a nearby underground storage facility a mile away. The cause of their headaches, nausea and nosebleeds was mercaptan, the chemical added to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs.What is natural gas?Natural gas is composed primarily (95% or more) of methane, a colorless, odorless, non-toxic flammable gas. Methane is emitted from natural sources such as wetlands and also from industrial and agricultural processes.Because methane is odorless, an additive known as mercaptan, or methanethiol, is added to natural gas to make the presence of methane detectable. Mercaptan additives contain sulfur, which is the reason natural gas smells like rotten eggs. Exposure to mercaptan can result in a variety of adverse health effects, including irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Natural gas can also contain small amounts of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethane, propane, butane and even toxic compounds such as benzene and toluene.Methane cannot be filtered. Mercaptan and VOCs can.Unfortunately, methane is not just dangerous – it’s also unfilterable. Adsorption and chemisorption, the two processes by which gas and odor air filters remove chemicals from the air, are ineffective against methane, which has an extremely low molecular weight. As a result, the only effective strategies for reducing indoor methane levels are source control/reduction and increased ventilation.Mercaptan and VOCs, however, can be efficiently filtered with a high-performance air filtration system with a combination of high quality activated carbon and potassium permanganate – such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus or GC MultiGas room air purifier. The activated carbon provides adsorption of VOCs, and the potassium permanganate provides excellent chemisorption of mercaptan and many other VOCs, such as formaldehyde. The combination of these two filtration media is ideal.Importance of monitoring methane levelsBecause methane is so highly explosive, high-performance air filtration to remove the odors associated with natural gas (mercaptan) is not recommended unless sufficient monitoring with a methane detector has determined that levels are safe. Methane detectors, also known as explosive gas detectors, can be purchased at hardware and home-supply stores.","

Natural gas is an important fuel used for heating and cooling in more than half of all American homes. But methane, the key component in natural gas, is highly explosive and can become deadly when uncontrolled. In 2014, a natural gas explosion in two apartment buildings in New York killed eight people and injured 70 others.

In addition to the risk of explosion, the smell of natural gas can make many people ill. Hundreds of residents of Porter Ranch, near Los Angeles, were recently sickened by a natural gas leak from a nearby underground storage facility a mile away. The cause of their headaches, nausea and nosebleeds was mercaptan, the chemical added to natural gas that smells like rotten eggs.

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is composed primarily (95% or more) of methane, a colorless, odorless, non-toxic flammable gas. Methane is emitted from natural sources such as wetlands and also from industrial and agricultural processes.

Because methane is odorless, an additive known as mercaptan, or methanethiol, is added to natural gas to make the presence of methane detectable. Mercaptan additives contain sulfur, which is the reason natural gas smells like rotten eggs. Exposure to mercaptan can result in a variety of adverse health effects, including irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Natural gas can also contain small amounts of potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethane, propane, butane and even toxic compounds such as benzene and toluene.

Methane cannot be filtered. Mercaptan and VOCs can.

Unfortunately, methane is not just dangerous – it’s also unfilterable. Adsorption and chemisorption, the two processes by which gas and odor air filters remove chemicals from the air, are ineffective against methane, which has an extremely low molecular weight. As a result, the only effective strategies for reducing indoor methane levels are source control/reduction and increased ventilation.

Mercaptan and VOCs, however, can be efficiently filtered with a high-performance air filtration system with a combination of high quality activated carbon and potassium permanganate – such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus or GC MultiGas room air purifier. The activated carbon provides adsorption of VOCs, and the potassium permanganate provides excellent chemisorption of mercaptan and many other VOCs, such as formaldehyde. The combination of these two filtration media is ideal.

Importance of monitoring methane levels

Because methane is so highly explosive, high-performance air filtration to remove the odors associated with natural gas (mercaptan) is not recommended unless sufficient monitoring with a methane detector has determined that levels are safe. Methane detectors, also known as explosive gas detectors, can be purchased at hardware and home-supply stores.

","natural-gas-and-air-quality","gid://shopify/Article/564869169230","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/natural-gas-and-air-quality","2022-01-06T19:51:01Z",[912,1169,715],"Natural gas and air quality",{"_10":1273,"_202":1274,"_205":1275,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269171654734","Natural gas plant and air quality","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/33_gas_desktop_a2887599-0d50-45ec-9c13-9cf0fefe74df.jpg?v=1748857252",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1277,"_1139":1278,"_1154":1279,"_1156":1279,"_1157":1280,"_1159":1281,"_1008":1282,"_10":1283,"_1163":1284,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1285,"_635":1286,"_599":1287,"_1171":1288},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn why outdoor grills may be an air quality hazard – and how to help protect yourself during summer barbecues.","Cooking outdoors over an open flame is a popular tradition around the world. Grilling and barbecuing in various forms have over two millennia of recorded human history. As many as 64% of all households in the United States and 72% in Canada own and use an outdoor grill. Grilling use is especially popular during major holidays like the American Independence Day, Canada Day, and South African Heritage Day(1). No one believes that these traditions should have to end for any reason. But even so, many people don’t realize that grilling can have impacts on health and air quality. This article will explore the health impacts and how to help minimize them. Carcinogens in grilled food Carcinogens can be generated by grilling certain foods, especially high-fat meats. Here are the two main ways that grilling and eating grilled food can expose people to carcinogens: Ingesting carcinogens. Grilled foods contain cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens) produced by the burning fats and high temperatures of grilling. Carcinogens are then ingested and absorbed through the stomach. Inhaling carcinogens. Smoke produced by grilling contains carcinogens and other pollutants that damage health. This smoke can be inhaled directly from the grill and can enter the body through the lungs. Smoke from the grill also contributes to local air pollution. Explore high-performance air purifiers CLICK HERE Ingestion of carcinogens As meat, poultry, and fish cook over a fire, fat drips from the cooking meat and burns. Burning fat produces smoke containing carcinogenic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).A 2016 study in Food Chemistry found that removing fat drippings from the process of cooking meat reduced the levels of PAHs produced by grilling by 48 to 89 percent(2). Smoke particles also coat the meat that is being cooked.These particles contribute much of the flavor to cooked meat, but can also result in long-term bodily inflammation that may increase your risk of certain cancers. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified cooked red meat as “Probably carcinogenic to humans” based on preliminary evidence from epidemiological studies(3). In addition to causing cancer, PAHs have also been linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities(4). High-temperature cooking methods, including grilling, also produce carcinogens known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). This happens when meat and poultry are cooked at temperatures higher than 300 degrees, causing a reaction of amino acids, sugar and creatine(5). Well-done, grilled, and barbecued chicken and steak have high levels of HCAs.These have been linked to cancers in the following areas: colon rectum stomach breast lung prostate Inhalation of carcinogens In addition to the dangers of ingesting chemicals on grilled food, the inhalation of smoke from the grill is also a health risk. Barbecue smoke contains PAHs that are carcinogenic and easily absorbed into the lungs. Tiny ultrafine particles (UFPs) in smoke can also enter into the bloodstream from the lungs and affect every organ in the body, including the brain(6).This can increase an individual’s risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and brain damage. Smoke from charcoal or wood also produces: hydrocarbons, a type of volatile organic compound (VOC) soot, made of particles that can beinhaled deep in the lungs and contribute to a variety of respiratory illnesses Air pollution Grilling is also a source of outdoor air pollution. Student researchers at the University of California, Riversidefound that emissions from commercial grills in Southern California are a significant source of air pollution(7). The project, funded by an annual grant supporting student-designed research at U.S. universities, noted that “for comparison, the average diesel-engine truck on the road today would have to drive 10 miles on the freeway to put out the same mass of particles as a single charbroiled hamburger patty.” The average diesel-engine truck would have to drive 10 miles on the freeway to put out the same particles as a single charbroiled hamburger patty. In Beijing, authorities banned all outdoor grilling starting in 2014(8).Individuals face fines as high as 20,000 yuan ($3,200 USD) for infractions. Although motor vehicles and industrial factories are the greatest sources of air pollutants in Beijing, authorities say the ban on barbecues helps reduce the level of PM2.5 particulates in the air. Under current regulations, barbecues in the open are prohibited throughout the city. Cleaner, safer grilling A few simple steps can help make grilling safer, healthier, and a lot better for the environment. Here are a few suggestions: Pre-cook meat over low heat in a skillet, oven, or microwavebefore cooking it on the grill. This will help remove some of the fat that can drip and smoke, reducing the production of airborne pollutants and chemicals that coat the meat. Grill veggies instead of meats. Grilled vegetables do not contain HCAs, even when charred. Grilled vegetables can be delicious and offer many healthy nutrients and vitamins that are not present in meats.Some grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and asparagus, have more protein per serving size than steak. Reduce drippings. Use aluminum foil as a protective barrier under meat to help prevent drippings from smoking. Choosing a leaner cut of meat will also reduce the amount of fat dripping onto the fire. Consider gas or propane over charcoal. Charcoal emits more smoke and pollutants than gas.Charcoal fires are often started with chemical starter fluids that emit additional pollutants. But charcoal from wood is a renewable resource and may be better for the environment in the long term.If you do use charcoal, do so sparingly and sustainably. Consider location and wind direction when grilling. Adjust the grilling location if grilling upwind from a home. Close windows if smoke from the grill is headed toward the house or a neighbors’ house.Use an air purifier for smoke that enters indoor spaces. Need help finding the perfect air purifier for your home? CLICK HERE The Takeaway Grilling with family and friends is a beloved tradition. By taking a few simple but important steps, we can make grilling safer, healthier, and more sustainable. We can ensure that our outdoor cooking activities not only bring joy and delicious meals but also prioritize our health and the well-being of the environment.","

Cooking outdoors over an open flame is a popular tradition around the world. Grilling and barbecuing in various forms have over two millennia of recorded human history.

As many as 64% of all households in the United States and 72% in Canada own and use an outdoor grill. Grilling use is especially popular during major holidays like the American Independence Day, Canada Day, and South African Heritage Day(1).

No one believes that these traditions should have to end for any reason. But even so, many people don’t realize that grilling can have impacts on health and air quality. This article will explore the health impacts and how to help minimize them.

Carcinogens in grilled food

Carcinogens can be generated by grilling certain foods, especially high-fat meats. Here are the two main ways that grilling and eating grilled food can expose people to carcinogens:

\nIngesting carcinogens. Grilled foods contain cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens) produced by the burning fats and high temperatures of grilling. Carcinogens are then ingested and absorbed through the stomach.
\nInhaling carcinogens. Smoke produced by grilling contains carcinogens and other pollutants that damage health. This smoke can be inhaled directly from the grill and can enter the body through the lungs. Smoke from the grill also contributes to local air pollution.

Explore high-performance air purifiers

CLICK HERE

Ingestion of carcinogens

As meat, poultry, and fish cook over a fire, fat drips from the cooking meat and burns.

Burning fat produces smoke containing carcinogenic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).A 2016 study in Food Chemistry found that removing fat drippings from the process of cooking meat reduced the levels of PAHs produced by grilling by 48 to 89 percent(2).

Smoke particles also coat the meat that is being cooked.These particles contribute much of the flavor to cooked meat, but can also result in long-term bodily inflammation that may increase your risk of certain cancers. In 2015, the World Health Organization classified cooked red meat as “Probably carcinogenic to humans” based on preliminary evidence from epidemiological studies(3).

In addition to causing cancer, PAHs have also been linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities(4).

High-temperature cooking methods, including grilling, also produce carcinogens known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). This happens when meat and poultry are cooked at temperatures higher than 300 degrees, causing a reaction of amino acids, sugar and creatine(5).

Well-done, grilled, and barbecued chicken and steak have high levels of HCAs.These have been linked to cancers in the following areas:

colon
rectum
stomach
breast
lung
prostate

Inhalation of carcinogens

In addition to the dangers of ingesting chemicals on grilled food, the inhalation of smoke from the grill is also a health risk.

Barbecue smoke contains PAHs that are carcinogenic and easily absorbed into the lungs.

Tiny ultrafine particles (UFPs) in smoke can also enter into the bloodstream from the lungs and affect every organ in the body, including the brain(6).This can increase an individual’s risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and brain damage.

Smoke from charcoal or wood also produces:

\nhydrocarbons, a type of volatile organic compound (VOC)\n
\nsoot, made of particles that can beinhaled deep in the lungs and contribute to a variety of respiratory illnesses

Air pollution

Grilling is also a source of outdoor air pollution.

Student researchers at the University of California, Riversidefound that emissions from commercial grills in Southern California are a significant source of air pollution(7).

The project, funded by an annual grant supporting student-designed research at U.S. universities, noted that “for comparison, the average diesel-engine truck on the road today would have to drive 10 miles on the freeway to put out the same mass of particles as a single charbroiled hamburger patty.”

The average diesel-engine truck would have to drive 10 miles on the freeway to put out the same particles as a single charbroiled hamburger patty.

In Beijing, authorities banned all outdoor grilling starting in 2014(8).Individuals face fines as high as 20,000 yuan ($3,200 USD) for infractions.

Although motor vehicles and industrial factories are the greatest sources of air pollutants in Beijing, authorities say the ban on barbecues helps reduce the level of PM2.5 particulates in the air. Under current regulations, barbecues in the open are prohibited throughout the city.

Cleaner, safer grilling

A few simple steps can help make grilling safer, healthier, and a lot better for the environment. Here are a few suggestions:

\nPre-cook meat over low heat in a skillet, oven, or microwavebefore cooking it on the grill. This will help remove some of the fat that can drip and smoke, reducing the production of airborne pollutants and chemicals that coat the meat.
\nGrill veggies instead of meats. Grilled vegetables do not contain HCAs, even when charred. Grilled vegetables can be delicious and offer many healthy nutrients and vitamins that are not present in meats.Some grilled vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and asparagus, have more protein per serving size than steak.
\nReduce drippings. Use aluminum foil as a protective barrier under meat to help prevent drippings from smoking. Choosing a leaner cut of meat will also reduce the amount of fat dripping onto the fire.
\nConsider gas or propane over charcoal. Charcoal emits more smoke and pollutants than gas.Charcoal fires are often started with chemical starter fluids that emit additional pollutants. But charcoal from wood is a renewable resource and may be better for the environment in the long term.If you do use charcoal, do so sparingly and sustainably.
\nConsider location and wind direction when grilling. Adjust the grilling location if grilling upwind from a home. Close windows if smoke from the grill is headed toward the house or a neighbors’ house.Use an air purifier for smoke that enters indoor spaces.

Need help finding the perfect air purifier for your home?

CLICK HERE

The Takeaway

Grilling with family and friends is a beloved tradition. By taking a few simple but important steps, we can make grilling safer, healthier, and more sustainable. We can ensure that our outdoor cooking activities not only bring joy and delicious meals but also prioritize our health and the well-being of the environment.

","your-backyard-barbecue-health-hazard","gid://shopify/Article/564869529678","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/your-backyard-barbecue-health-hazard","2022-01-04T18:47:09Z",[1169,715],"Is your backyard barbecue a health hazard?",{"_10":1289,"_202":1290,"_205":1291,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269204553806","Man barbecuing","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/58_barbq_banner_76b5dde5-0a89-4f04-bf29-44f3a9546635.jpg?v=1749030811",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1293,"_1139":1294,"_1154":1295,"_1156":1295,"_1157":1296,"_1159":1297,"_1008":1298,"_10":1299,"_1163":1300,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1301,"_635":1302,"_599":1304,"_1171":1305},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Don't fall for false home remedies to treat your asthma. Learn the facts.","Asthma is a dangerous condition that affects your ability to breathe by constricting your airways with inflammation and mucus.Fortunately, asthma is manageable with proper treatment.1 Over 300 million people live and breathe comfortably using inhalers and controlling allergens in their homes.But asthma symptoms can still be frightening. These symptoms can include: Shallow breathing and pain or tightness in your chest Coughing and wheezing Being unable to speak because of a lack of breath If you’ve seen your doctor for asthma, you’ve probably used inhalers and medications to control your symptoms.2 Serious asthma attacks may even have required a trip or two to urgent care or the hospital.These treatments may not always seem to work, and medical care for asthma can be expensive.That’s why so many home remedies have become popular. They claim to make asthma symptoms go away without an inhaler or a trip to the ER. And as global air pollution increases, more people are becoming affected by asthma. This has vastly driven up demand for quick home “cures,” so it can feel impossible to sort through all the science behind these claims.That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown of the five most popular asthma “cures.”We’ll help you make sense of the facts, the fictions, and the potentially dangerous results of these claims.GarlicThe ClaimsYou can’t research home remedies for asthma without running into garlic.Because of garlic’s anti-inflammatory characteristics, garlic is thought to be effective against both allergy and asthma symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a compound in your body that causes inflammation in your airways.3,4Using garlic for asthma is an attractive prospect. It’s cheap and delicious: you can eat cloves of garlic raw, cook it into your food and even take it as a dietary supplement. But is garlic really worth it?The FactsAside from giving you bad breath, eating too much raw garlic (more than 1-2 cloves a day) can have dangerous side effects.Garlic reduces histamine production by affecting the H1 histamine receptor, the cause of many allergy symptoms. However, asthma is not stimulated by the H1 receptor, so garlic has little to no impact on its histamine-related symptoms. In fact, another histamine receptor, H4, may be more crucial for understanding what causes asthma as opposed to allergies.5Garlic contains proteins that can promote inflammation even if you’re not exposed to asthma triggers. It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic. Having too much garlic can even cause an asthma attack to happen on its own.6It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic.Garlic’s also a natural blood thinner. Eating garlic regularly can cause heavy bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Garlic can make these effects more severe if you’re already taking blood thinners like aspirin.EchinaceaThe ClaimsMany people take echinacea to boost their immune system function and fight colds.7,8 Echinacea is thought to be effective in relieving asthma symptoms, too, because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.Echinacea is widely available as an herbal supplement, juice or tea. It’s often coupled with goldenseal. This herb is purported to help relieve symptoms of muscle spasms, stomach problems, and even cancer.The FactsEchinacea is dangerous to take for asthma. Because asthma is caused by an immune system response that tightens your airways, the immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.9,10The immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.Echinacea comes from a plant genus called the coneflowers. This genus comprises nine different species. Many manufacturers don’t specify which species they use in their supplements. You may have an allergy to one of these species and not know it.11 In these cases, taking an echinacea supplement can make your asthma symptoms worse as well as cause severe allergy symptoms, such as: Skin rashes Shortness of breath Tightening of your throat CaffeineThe ClaimsResearch suggests that caffeine can open your airways for up to four hours after asthma symptoms appear.12 This is because it has similar effects to an asthma medication called theophylline.Caffeine and theophylline are both bronchodilators. They dilate, or open up, passages in your airways that give oxygen to your lungs.13 Bronchodilators have become widely used to treat asthma because they act quickly to improve breathing during an asthma attack.But can your cup of coffee really soothe your asthma symptoms?The FactsCaffeine can increase your heart rate and cause high blood pressure and insomnia. Some of these side effects can induce anxiety or panic attacks, which can make it even harder for you to breathe during an asthma attack. Coffee also contains salicylates, which you might be especially intolerant to if you have asthma.14Even having small amounts of caffeine (100-200 milligrams) during an asthma attack can cause these symptoms if you’re not used to consuming caffeine. Having too much caffeine (400 milligrams or more) can cause heart palpitations and fever.15 If you’re already taking an asthma medication that contains theophylline, caffeine can magnify these symptoms.Asthma dietsThe ClaimsYour diet can have a positive effect on your asthma. Losing weight can help you breathe easier and make some asthma symptoms less severe.Also, foods rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamins A and D may be able to reduce asthma symptoms.16,17,18The FactsSimply adding new vitamins or foods to your diet won’t treat your asthma on its own.19In most cases, you’ll need to reconsider your entire diet and lifestyle to ensure that any nutritional changes benefit your asthma symptoms.20 Changing your diet suddenly or without professional guidance can quickly lead to a deficiency in important nutrients.5 Steps you can take to control your asthma Follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re seeing a medical professional for asthma treatment, closely follow any instructions or treatment plans your doctor gives you. Ask your doctor before starting any home remedies or dietary changes. This not only helps you keep your symptoms under control but also keep you from unintentionally harming yourself with unproven home treatments. Monitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Indoor pollutants from cooking, smoking and cleaning chemicals can all trigger asthma symptoms. AirVisual Pro by IQAir is an air quality monitor that empowers you to monitor pollutant levels in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know when to act to improve your ambient air quality. Avoid your triggers. Asthma is often triggered by your lifestyle as well as exposure to chemicals and allergens. Limit or remove these triggers from your environment to help prevent asthma symptoms: Exercise indoors when outdoor air quality is poor or when it’s cold and dry outside. Wear an N95 respirator mask to keep yourself from breathing in asthma triggers. Take steps to prevent and remove mold if it’s triggering your asthma. Limit your exposure to pets that produce dander, including dogs, cats and birds. If you can’t bear to be away from your pet, make sure they’re not allowed in areas where you eat, sleep or spend a lot of time. Use a high-performance air purifier to reduce asthma triggers in the air. The HealthPro Plus® by IQAir is the #1 rated room air purifier for allergies and asthma, filtering 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns from the air. This includes asthma triggers like dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Wear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to asthma triggers when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. A KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, can filter virtually all asthma triggers from the air you breathe. Keep your home at an optimal humidity level. Your home’s relative humidity (RH) should be around 40%. Use a humidifier if it’s too low, as your airways can dry out and increase your risk of asthma symptoms. Try a dehumidifier if humidity is too high, as dust mites and mold spores can multiply and trigger symptoms. Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay. When you introduce new substances into your body, you may not know exactly what they’re doing to your body until it’s too late.Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay.Most home remedies for asthma probably won’t do you any real harm. But don’t rely on them for relief. See your doctor to create an asthma action plan so that you always know exactly what to do when poor air quality or allergens trigger your symptoms.21","

Asthma is a dangerous condition that affects your ability to breathe by constricting your airways with inflammation and mucus.

Fortunately, asthma is manageable with proper treatment.¹ Over 300 million people live and breathe comfortably using inhalers and controlling allergens in their homes.

But asthma symptoms can still be frightening. These symptoms can include:

Shallow breathing and pain or tightness in your chest
Coughing and wheezing
Being unable to speak because of a lack of breath

If you’ve seen your doctor for asthma, you’ve probably used inhalers and medications to control your symptoms.² Serious asthma attacks may even have required a trip or two to urgent care or the hospital.

These treatments may not always seem to work, and medical care for asthma can be expensive.

That’s why so many home remedies have become popular. They claim to make asthma symptoms go away without an inhaler or a trip to the ER. And as global air pollution increases, more people are becoming affected by asthma. This has vastly driven up demand for quick home “cures,” so it can feel impossible to sort through all the science behind these claims.

That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown of the five most popular asthma “cures.”

We’ll help you make sense of the facts, the fictions, and the potentially dangerous results of these claims.

Garlic

The Claims

You can’t research home remedies for asthma without running into garlic.

Because of garlic’s anti-inflammatory characteristics, garlic is thought to be effective against both allergy and asthma symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a compound in your body that causes inflammation in your airways.^3,4

Using garlic for asthma is an attractive prospect. It’s cheap and delicious: you can eat cloves of garlic raw, cook it into your food and even take it as a dietary supplement. But is garlic really worth it?

The Facts

Aside from giving you bad breath, eating too much raw garlic (more than 1-2 cloves a day) can have dangerous side effects.

Garlic reduces histamine production by affecting the H1 histamine receptor, the cause of many allergy symptoms. However, asthma is not stimulated by the H1 receptor, so garlic has little to no impact on its histamine-related symptoms. In fact, another histamine receptor, H4, may be more crucial for understanding what causes asthma as opposed to allergies.⁵

Garlic contains proteins that can promote inflammation even if you’re not exposed to asthma triggers. It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic. Having too much garlic can even cause an asthma attack to happen on its own.⁶

It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic.

Garlic’s also a natural blood thinner. Eating garlic regularly can cause heavy bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Garlic can make these effects more severe if you’re already taking blood thinners like aspirin.

Echinacea

The Claims

Many people take echinacea to boost their immune system function and fight colds.^7,8 Echinacea is thought to be effective in relieving asthma symptoms, too, because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Echinacea is widely available as an herbal supplement, juice or tea. It’s often coupled with goldenseal. This herb is purported to help relieve symptoms of muscle spasms, stomach problems, and even cancer.

The Facts

Echinacea is dangerous to take for asthma. Because asthma is caused by an immune system response that tightens your airways, the immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.^9,10

The immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.

Echinacea comes from a plant genus called the coneflowers. This genus comprises nine different species. Many manufacturers don’t specify which species they use in their supplements. You may have an allergy to one of these species and not know it.¹¹ In these cases, taking an echinacea supplement can make your asthma symptoms worse as well as cause severe allergy symptoms, such as:

Skin rashes
Shortness of breath
Tightening of your throat

Caffeine

The Claims

Research suggests that caffeine can open your airways for up to four hours after asthma symptoms appear.¹² This is because it has similar effects to an asthma medication called theophylline.

Caffeine and theophylline are both bronchodilators. They dilate, or open up, passages in your airways that give oxygen to your lungs.¹³ Bronchodilators have become widely used to treat asthma because they act quickly to improve breathing during an asthma attack.

But can your cup of coffee really soothe your asthma symptoms?

The Facts

Caffeine can increase your heart rate and cause high blood pressure and insomnia. Some of these side effects can induce anxiety or panic attacks, which can make it even harder for you to breathe during an asthma attack. Coffee also contains salicylates, which you might be especially intolerant to if you have asthma.¹⁴

Even having small amounts of caffeine (100-200 milligrams) during an asthma attack can cause these symptoms if you’re not used to consuming caffeine. Having too much caffeine (400 milligrams or more) can cause heart palpitations and fever.¹⁵ If you’re already taking an asthma medication that contains theophylline, caffeine can magnify these symptoms.

Asthma diets

The Claims

Your diet can have a positive effect on your asthma. Losing weight can help you breathe easier and make some asthma symptoms less severe.

Also, foods rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamins A and D may be able to reduce asthma symptoms.^16,17,18

The Facts

Simply adding new vitamins or foods to your diet won’t treat your asthma on its own.¹⁹

In most cases, you’ll need to reconsider your entire diet and lifestyle to ensure that any nutritional changes benefit your asthma symptoms.²⁰ Changing your diet suddenly or without professional guidance can quickly lead to a deficiency in important nutrients.

5 Steps you can take to control your asthma

\nFollow your doctor’s orders. If you’re seeing a medical professional for asthma treatment, closely follow any instructions or treatment plans your doctor gives you. Ask your doctor before starting any home remedies or dietary changes. This not only helps you keep your symptoms under control but also keep you from unintentionally harming yourself with unproven home treatments.
\nMonitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Indoor pollutants from cooking, smoking and cleaning chemicals can all trigger asthma symptoms. AirVisual Pro by IQAir is an air quality monitor that empowers you to monitor pollutant levels in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know when to act to improve your ambient air quality.
\nAvoid your triggers. Asthma is often triggered by your lifestyle as well as exposure to chemicals and allergens. Limit or remove these triggers from your environment to help prevent asthma symptoms:\n\n\t
- Exercise indoors when outdoor air quality is poor or when it’s cold and dry outside.
- Wear an N95 respirator mask to keep yourself from breathing in asthma triggers.
- Take steps to prevent and remove mold if it’s triggering your asthma.
\n\n\t
\nLimit your exposure to pets that produce dander, including dogs, cats and birds. If you can’t bear to be away from your pet, make sure they’re not allowed in areas where you eat, sleep or spend a lot of time.
\nUse a high-performance air purifier to reduce asthma triggers in the air. The HealthPro Plus® by IQAir is the #1 rated room air purifier for allergies and asthma, filtering 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns from the air. This includes asthma triggers like dust, pet dander, and mold spores.
\nWear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to asthma triggers when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. A KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, can filter virtually all asthma triggers from the air you breathe.
\nKeep your home at an optimal humidity level. Your home’s relative humidity (RH) should be around 40%. Use a humidifier if it’s too low, as your airways can dry out and increase your risk of asthma symptoms. Try a dehumidifier if humidity is too high, as dust mites and mold spores can multiply and trigger symptoms.

Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay. When you introduce new substances into your body, you may not know exactly what they’re doing to your body until it’s too late.

Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Most home remedies for asthma probably won’t do you any real harm. But don’t rely on them for relief. See your doctor to create an asthma action plan so that you always know exactly what to do when poor air quality or allergens trigger your symptoms.²¹

","asthma-home-remedies","gid://shopify/Article/564862582862","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/asthma-home-remedies","2022-01-04T17:57:54Z",[1169,1303,715],"Allergies and Asthma","4 Asthma “cures” you need to stop using right now",{"_10":1306,"_202":1307,"_205":1308,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269490847822","Common home remedies for asthma on a table","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/asthma_20home_20remedies_20debunked.jpg?v=1751632591",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1310,"_1139":1311,"_1154":1312,"_1156":1312,"_1157":1313,"_1159":1314,"_1008":1315,"_10":1316,"_1163":1317,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1318,"_635":1319,"_599":1320,"_1171":1321},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how to help protect yourself from airborne infections if you’re going back to work.","With increasing vaccination rates against SARS-CoV-2 and ongoing decreases in the cases and deaths worldwide caused by COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus),conversations have begun around what work will look like as many workplaces and schools anticipate re-opening during 2021. As organizations consider re-opening and employees return to workplaces, it’s time to revisit best practices for helping prevent COVID-19 spread and infection in shared workspaces and other communal work settings. How does the COVID-19 coronavirus spread? There are three main ways that COVID-19 can spread from person to person. Prior to vaccination, avoiding exposure to these methods of transmission remains your best weapon against the coronavirus. Droplet spray in short-range transmission COVID-19 can be transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person exhales (breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings, yells, or talks). Respiratory droplets are generally greater than 5 microns in diameter. They will rapidly fall from the air within seconds to minutes. Along with social distancing and engineered filtration pressure differentials, masks can be helpful in preventing short-range transmission.1 Since the coronavirus is spread through mucous membranes, which are the thin mucus-producing layers that line your airways, it is important to avoid close contact. This is how most infections occur.2,3 What you can do: Choose an appropriate mask. Protection for yourself and others will vary based on the type of mask you wear. Be sure you know the differences between masks before you purchase one. Properly wearing masks is also essential to infection control and for helping prevent transmission. Until there is widespread vaccination and herd immunity is achieved, it is essential to continue wearing a mask even when fully vaccinated. Keep 6 feet apart from the next person so that you are out of harm’s way in case they sneeze or cough. Do not share utensils, cups, dishes, pens, etc. Do not touch people. This includes handshakes, hugs, and other common sources of physical contact. Keep meetings small with enough space to be six feet apartor join with video conferencing. Contact (direct or indirect) The virus can spread from a surface or object with viral RNA shed from an infected person.4 Coronavirus ribonucleic acid (RNA), the basic building blocks that make many viruses, can last for hours or days on almost any surface, including:5 plastic wood metal clothes When an infected person sneezes or coughs, they can infect surfaces with their mucous droplets. When you touch a contaminated surface, infectious material gets on your hands (or other body part). And when you touch your face with this hand, you can infect yourself. What you can do: Do not touch your face. Follow public health official guidance and wear a mask.6,7,8,9 While wearing a mask, you may be more aware when you touch your face, which can help you remember to minimize the contact your hands make with your face. Wash or sanitize your hands often. Although most people don’t intend to touch their face, they inevitably do. By washing and sanitizing your hands often, it reduces the risk of infection in case you do accidentally touch your face. Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading your own mucous. Wearing a face mask helps prevent you from spreading your mucous. Change your clothes and remove your shoes when you get home. After you’ve finished changing or removing your shoes, immediately wash your hands or sanitize them. This gives you a fresh, germ-free start at home. Bathing or showering can be helpful. Although it’s not necessary, taking a hot bath or shower might help you feel better and more refreshed. Using soap or body wash, rinse viral material off your body before you walk around or do any activities in your home. Aerosol in long-range transmission (airborne transmission) When an infected person coughs or sneezes, not all of the mucous membrane that’s released lands on surfaces – there is a portion of that mucous that remains airborne.10,11,12 These small respiratory droplets, 5 microns in diameter or smaller, can remain in the air and travel on air currents far from their source.13 The distance can depend on environmental factors, but can be over 3 feet and beyond. If the air is left unfiltered after dozens of coughs or sneezes over the course of several hours, the airborne concentration of the virus can become very high. In fact, in hospital settings or in the homes of people who are infected, the airborne concentration can be so high that simply breathing in this environment can cause infection.14,15 This is why health workers, medical professionals, and first responders need special safety equipment, such as N95 masks. What you can do: Keep 6 feet apart from the next person so that you are out of harm’s way in case they sneeze or cough. Avoid stagnant air. Keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit running on fan \"ON\" setting—not \"AUTO\"—to ensure that the air is always moving. HVAC air filtration can help reduce airborne infectious material. If there is no HVAC in your office, keep windows open as often as possible. This helps ensure that airborne viruses are diluted to non-critical levels. Use a high-performance air purifier. Some air purifiers can help reduce airborne viruses and improve air quality at work when source control measures, such as handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance, are being practiced in workplaces. Consider using a personal air purifier. A personal air purifier in your workplace can help provide direct access to clean air. What to do if you’re vaccinated To further reduce infection rates and avoid illness, get vaccinated when appropriate. Follow local or national vaccination guidelines to find out when you’re eligible to be vaccinated. In the United States and Canada, the priority order for who can receive a vaccination has been largely set by states and provinces.16,17 Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Israel, have set vaccination priority at the national level.18,19 In early 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted guidance on how vaccinated people could safely consider interacting with vaccinated and unvaccinated people in private and in public.20 The takeaway As governments and businesses lift restrictions and shift guidance on gathering, the danger of the coronavirus remains real. The dangers still exist even with rising vaccination levels. Make sure that you and those around you are consistently taking the proper measures to protect yourselves.","

With increasing vaccination rates against SARS-CoV-2 and ongoing decreases in the cases and deaths worldwide caused by COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus),conversations have begun around what work will look like as many workplaces and schools anticipate re-opening during 2021.

As organizations consider re-opening and employees return to workplaces, it’s time to revisit best practices for helping prevent COVID-19 spread and infection in shared workspaces and other communal work settings.

$\"Return$

How does the COVID-19 coronavirus spread?

There are three main ways that COVID-19 can spread from person to person. Prior to vaccination, avoiding exposure to these methods of transmission remains your best weapon against the coronavirus.

Droplet spray in short-range transmission

COVID-19 can be transmitted through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person exhales (breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings, yells, or talks). Respiratory droplets are generally greater than 5 microns in diameter. They will rapidly fall from the air within seconds to minutes.

Along with social distancing and engineered filtration pressure differentials, masks can be helpful in preventing short-range transmission.¹

Since the coronavirus is spread through mucous membranes, which are the thin mucus-producing layers that line your airways, it is important to avoid close contact. This is how most infections occur.^2,3

What you can do:

\nChoose an appropriate mask. Protection for yourself and others will vary based on the type of mask you wear. Be sure you know the differences between masks before you purchase one. Properly wearing masks is also essential to infection control and for helping prevent transmission. Until there is widespread vaccination and herd immunity is achieved, it is essential to continue wearing a mask even when fully vaccinated.
\nKeep 6 feet apart from the next person so that you are out of harm’s way in case they sneeze or cough.
\nDo not share utensils, cups, dishes, pens, etc.
\nDo not touch people. This includes handshakes, hugs, and other common sources of physical contact.
\nKeep meetings small with enough space to be six feet apartor join with video conferencing.

Contact (direct or indirect)

The virus can spread from a surface or object with viral RNA shed from an infected person.⁴

Coronavirus ribonucleic acid (RNA), the basic building blocks that make many viruses, can last for hours or days on almost any surface, including:⁵

plastic
wood
metal
clothes

When an infected person sneezes or coughs, they can infect surfaces with their mucous droplets. When you touch a contaminated surface, infectious material gets on your hands (or other body part). And when you touch your face with this hand, you can infect yourself.

What you can do:

\nDo not touch your face. Follow public health official guidance and wear a mask.^6,7,8,9 While wearing a mask, you may be more aware when you touch your face, which can help you remember to minimize the contact your hands make with your face.
\nWash or sanitize your hands often. Although most people don’t intend to touch their face, they inevitably do. By washing and sanitizing your hands often, it reduces the risk of infection in case you do accidentally touch your face.
\nCover your coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading your own mucous. Wearing a face mask helps prevent you from spreading your mucous.
\nChange your clothes and remove your shoes when you get home. After you’ve finished changing or removing your shoes, immediately wash your hands or sanitize them. This gives you a fresh, germ-free start at home.
\nBathing or showering can be helpful. Although it’s not necessary, taking a hot bath or shower might help you feel better and more refreshed. Using soap or body wash, rinse viral material off your body before you walk around or do any activities in your home.

Aerosol in long-range transmission (airborne transmission)

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, not all of the mucous membrane that’s released lands on surfaces – there is a portion of that mucous that remains airborne.^10,11,12

These small respiratory droplets, 5 microns in diameter or smaller, can remain in the air and travel on air currents far from their source.13 The distance can depend on environmental factors, but can be over 3 feet and beyond.

$\"particle$

If the air is left unfiltered after dozens of coughs or sneezes over the course of several hours, the airborne concentration of the virus can become very high. In fact, in hospital settings or in the homes of people who are infected, the airborne concentration can be so high that simply breathing in this environment can cause infection.^14,15

This is why health workers, medical professionals, and first responders need special safety equipment, such as N95 masks.

What you can do:

\nKeep 6 feet apart from the next person so that you are out of harm’s way in case they sneeze or cough.
\nAvoid stagnant air. Keep your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit running on fan \"ON\" setting—not \"AUTO\"—to ensure that the air is always moving. HVAC air filtration can help reduce airborne infectious material. If there is no HVAC in your office, keep windows open as often as possible. This helps ensure that airborne viruses are diluted to non-critical levels.
\nUse a high-performance air purifier. Some air purifiers can help reduce airborne viruses and improve air quality at work when source control measures, such as handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance, are being practiced in workplaces.
\nConsider using a personal air purifier. A personal air purifier in your workplace can help provide direct access to clean air.

What to do if you’re vaccinated

To further reduce infection rates and avoid illness, get vaccinated when appropriate. Follow local or national vaccination guidelines to find out when you’re eligible to be vaccinated. In the United States and Canada, the priority order for who can receive a vaccination has been largely set by states and provinces.^16,17 Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Israel, have set vaccination priority at the national level.^18,19

In early 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted guidance on how vaccinated people could safely consider interacting with vaccinated and unvaccinated people in private and in public.²⁰

The takeaway

As governments and businesses lift restrictions and shift guidance on gathering, the danger of the coronavirus remains real. The dangers still exist even with rising vaccination levels. Make sure that you and those around you are consistently taking the proper measures to protect yourselves.

","return-to-work-after-covid-19","gid://shopify/Article/564856979534","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/return-to-work-after-covid-19","2022-01-03T20:00:00Z",[715],"Returning to work after COVID-19",{"_10":1322,"_202":1323,"_205":1324,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269452673102","Man carrying bag and face mask in hand","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_ReturntoWork_Desktop_2_925e4b9d-1f64-4109-afa7-c876904da5cc.jpg?v=1751367674",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1326,"_1139":1327,"_1154":1328,"_1156":1328,"_1157":1329,"_1159":1330,"_1008":1331,"_10":1332,"_1163":1333,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1334,"_635":1335,"_599":1337,"_1171":1338},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than it is outside. What can you do to protect your newborn? Here’s how to improve the air your baby breathes.","They say that the easiest way to identify new parents in a crowd is to look for the large dark circles underneath their eyes. Indeed, every proud parent can attest to just how difficult it is to catch those ever-elusive winks of precious sleep when they’re up all night caring for their babies’ cold, cough, or skin rash. What purifier is best for your baby? Help Me Choose Not sure which purifier is best? We'll help you choose the perfect one for you and your baby. GET STARTED But few of them are aware that the culprit behind their little ones’ woes could be the air that they breathe in their bedroom or nursery. Read on to learn about the common indoor air pollutants, how these contaminants affect your baby’s health, and what you can do about it. The adverse effects of indoor air pollution on babies’ health Studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that the air pollution in our homes is two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.1 While you may not immediately experience adverse health effects when you’re exposed to indoor air pollution, young children are particularly susceptible to the air quality in your home for a few key reasons. For one, babies’ lungs aren’t fully developed until they become adults.2 Furthermore, their tiny, developing bodies are less able to metabolize, detoxify, and excrete the toxicants contained in air pollution.3 It also doesn’t help that children under the age of 24 months frequently spend most of their time in their room, which exposes them to airborne contaminants essentially around the clock. Constant exposure to these contaminants can cause numerous health problems, such as: dizziness coughing sinus congestion nausea fatigue headaches irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat asthma Perhaps most alarmingly, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of infant mortality in developed countries, has been associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.4 What you can’t see can harm your child Indoor air pollution is caused by these primary pollutants: PM10 particles, PM2.5 particles, ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological agents. PM10 particles PM10 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 10 microns (for reference, a human hair is 50-70 microns in size). Many PM10 particles have natural sources. Examples of PM10 particles include: dust mold pollen PM2.5 particles PM2.5 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 2.5 microns. Most PM2.5 in outdoor air is produced by human activity. Examples of PM2.5 particles include: vehicle exhaust factory emissions smoke from burning wood or other biomass fuels Ultrafine particles (UFPs) 90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine particles — particulate matter that’s smaller than 0.1 microns. UFPs are particularly dangerous because they’re small enough to penetrate through your lung tissue and into your bloodstream. UFPs have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and even cancer. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Several sources emit these compounds, including:5 building materials carpets combustion sources (cigarettes, cooking, etc.) furniture home cleaning products paints, paint strippers, and other solvents personal care products (cosmetics, perfumes, etc.) And, unfortunately, baby products and furniture aren’t off the hook for emitting dangerous amounts of VOCs—several studies proved that baby crib mattresses, cribs, and changing tables emit VOCs.6,7 Other studies indicated that children exposed to Formaldehyde, one of the most common VOCs, have higher risks of acquiring asthma. Biological agents Biological agents are also a significant source of indoor air pollution: animal dander (from cats, dogs, etc.) dust mites These biological agents can cause a myriad of health effects in infants, from diseases to allergies. Here are 9 ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s bedroom All this distressing information may be too much to process at first, but don’t panic—there are a few relatively simple steps you can take to safeguard your bundle of joy against indoor air pollutants: Monitor your indoor air quality. Monitoring the air quality in your baby’s room is the first step in determining what measures you’ll have to take to improve the air that your baby breathes. The most effective way to monitor the air quality of your baby’s bedroom or nursery is to use the IQAir AirVisual Series to take ultra-precise, hyperlocal measurements of the air quality index. The AirVisual Seriesutilizes advanced laser technology to provide highly accurate air quality readings of tiny fine particles (PM2.5). Once you’ve determined the exact air quality index of your baby’s room, you’ll have a better understanding of which of the following measures you can take to clean up the air in your child’s bedroom. Use an air purifier to clean the air. The easiest, most effective way to improve the air quality in your baby’s room is to outfit it with an air purification system. The Atem Desk is the most effective, portable air purifier for small rooms such as baby nurseries. It employs HyperHEPAfiltration technology that’s proven and certified by an independent third-party lab to effectively filter at least 99.5% of harmful ultrafine particles (UFPs) down to 0.003 microns. As a refresher, UFPs are the most damaging of all airborne particles because they are so easily inhaled, deposited into the lungs, and absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, the invasive contaminants can reach any organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and liver. Best of all, the unparalleled performance of IQAir air filtration technology is achieved using only safe, proven, mechanical filtration technology, without producing potentially harmful byproducts like ozone, ions, and chemicals.If you’re looking for the single best way to ensure that your baby breathes only the safest, purest air, the IQAir Atem Desk should be at the top of your baby nursery essentials. Purchase non-toxic, naturally-finished furniture. Just because some furniture is marketed for babies doesn’t mean that it’s safe for babies. Before you purchase a baby crib, mattress, or other furnishings for your little one’s room, ask the manufacturer about the formaldehyde emissions and material composition. Avoid baby furniture constructed from suspect materials like composite wood. If your budgetary constraints limit you to cheaper, composite baby furniture, air out the furniture outdoors for about a week — this will reduce the VOCs that are outgassed in your baby’s room. Manage the humidity. High indoor humidity not only makes the air heavier and more difficult to breathe but also spurs the growth of harmful fungus, yeast, and bacteria. The ideal relative humidity of your baby’s room should be around 40 percent. One cost-effective way to ensure the perfect humidity in your baby’s bedroom is to furnish it with a dehumidifier. For best results, you’ll have to clean the dehumidifier daily. Ventilate the room. Even if you’ve placed an IQAir air purifier in your baby’s quarters, it’s recommended that you open the windows at least ten minutes a day to exchange the indoor air. If your home features a ventilation system, make sure it’s cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Replace your window air conditioner or routinely change central air filters. If your window-mounted air conditioner is over three years old, use a flashlight and peek into the vent and housing—you’ll likely spot progressed mold everywhere. Older air conditioners spew out exponential mold spores, which contaminate bedrooms and cause various illnesses. If you have central air conditioning or heating, change the air filters and schedule a thorough cleaning of the HVAC unit. Replace old and compromised units to prevent the spread of illness. Go green when remodeling. We’ve all seen the perennial scene in movies where the proud new parents remodel their baby’s nursery via a cheesy montage, but the truth is that this is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your newborn. New carpeting, paint, and furniture all too often send the concentration of VOCs skyrocketing in your baby’s room. According to a recent study, the optimal waiting period for the VOCs in recently renovated rooms to reach a safe level can be up to 60 days.8 If you absolutely must remodel your newborn’s room, try to use only VOC-free paints, naturally-finished wood furniture, and low-pile carpet derived from natural fibers. Doing so will limit your infant's exposure to toxic fumes. Reduce pet dander. Your furry four-legged friends shed dead skin cells and hair, which may negatively impact your baby’s lungs and sinus health. To reduce the amount of pet dander that your baby inhales, regularly groom your pets and consider keeping them out of your child’s room all together. Routinely wash your baby’s bedding to ensure that pet dander is taken care of before it accumulates in high concentration. Since pet dander is quite pervasive, it’s inevitable that it’ll find its way into your baby’s room even if you follow the above steps. IQAir filtration systems are the perfect indoor pollution solutions because its HyperHEPA filtration technology effectively cleans up any pet dander in the air. Use a HEPA filter vacuum. Vacuum the flooring and furniture in your baby’s room with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. A HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner will filter and capture 99.7% of particulates below 0.3 microns. HEPA-certified vacuum cleaners are vital to curbing indoor air pollution because they effectively remove harmful, microscopic allergens from the carpeting. The wrap-up Being more concerned about the tangible, visible threats to your baby’s well-being rather than those that are intangible, invisible is a common pitfall of parenting. The harmful airborne particulate matter that surrounds your newborn is one of those frequently overlooked health hazards. Indoor air pollution is an unfortunate reality of our modern industrialized life, but the above tips will help improve the air quality in your child's room.","

They say that the easiest way to identify new parents in a crowd is to look for the large dark circles underneath their eyes. Indeed, every proud parent can attest to just how difficult it is to catch those ever-elusive winks of precious sleep when they’re up all night caring for their babies’ cold, cough, or skin rash.

\n \n

\n\n

What purifier is best for your baby? Help Me Choose

Not sure which purifier is best? We'll help you choose the perfect one for you and your baby.

\n\n

\n GET STARTED\n

But few of them are aware that the culprit behind their little ones’ woes could be the air that they breathe in their bedroom or nursery.

Read on to learn about the common indoor air pollutants, how these contaminants affect your baby’s health, and what you can do about it.

The adverse effects of indoor air pollution on babies’ health

Studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that the air pollution in our homes is two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.¹

While you may not immediately experience adverse health effects when you’re exposed to indoor air pollution, young children are particularly susceptible to the air quality in your home for a few key reasons.

For one, babies’ lungs aren’t fully developed until they become adults.² Furthermore, their tiny, developing bodies are less able to metabolize, detoxify, and excrete the toxicants contained in air pollution.³

It also doesn’t help that children under the age of 24 months frequently spend most of their time in their room, which exposes them to airborne contaminants essentially around the clock. Constant exposure to these contaminants can cause numerous health problems, such as:

dizziness
coughing
sinus congestion
nausea
fatigue
headaches
irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
asthma

Perhaps most alarmingly, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of infant mortality in developed countries, has been associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.⁴

What you can’t see can harm your child

Indoor air pollution is caused by these primary pollutants: PM10 particles, PM2.5 particles, ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological agents.

PM10 particles

PM10 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 10 microns (for reference, a human hair is 50-70 microns in size). Many PM10 particles have natural sources. Examples of PM10 particles include:

dust
mold
pollen

PM2.5 particles

PM2.5 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 2.5 microns. Most PM2.5 in outdoor air is produced by human activity. Examples of PM2.5 particles include:

vehicle exhaust
factory emissions
smoke from burning wood or other biomass fuels

Ultrafine particles (UFPs)

90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine particles — particulate matter that’s smaller than 0.1 microns. UFPs are particularly dangerous because they’re small enough to penetrate through your lung tissue and into your bloodstream. UFPs have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and even cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Several sources emit these compounds, including:⁵

building materials
carpets
combustion sources (cigarettes, cooking, etc.)
furniture
home cleaning products
paints, paint strippers, and other solvents
personal care products (cosmetics, perfumes, etc.)

And, unfortunately, baby products and furniture aren’t off the hook for emitting dangerous amounts of VOCs—several studies proved that baby crib mattresses, cribs, and changing tables emit VOCs.^6,7 Other studies indicated that children exposed to Formaldehyde, one of the most common VOCs, have higher risks of acquiring asthma.

Biological agents

Biological agents are also a significant source of indoor air pollution:

animal dander (from cats, dogs, etc.)
dust mites

These biological agents can cause a myriad of health effects in infants, from diseases to allergies.

Here are 9 ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s bedroom

All this distressing information may be too much to process at first, but don’t panic—there are a few relatively simple steps you can take to safeguard your bundle of joy against indoor air pollutants:

\nMonitor your indoor air quality.\n
Monitoring the air quality in your baby’s room is the first step in determining what measures you’ll have to take to improve the air that your baby breathes.
\n
The most effective way to monitor the air quality of your baby’s bedroom or nursery is to use the IQAir AirVisual Series to take ultra-precise, hyperlocal measurements of the air quality index. The AirVisual Seriesutilizes advanced laser technology to provide highly accurate air quality readings of tiny fine particles (PM2.5).
\n
Once you’ve determined the exact air quality index of your baby’s room, you’ll have a better understanding of which of the following measures you can take to clean up the air in your child’s bedroom.
\n
\nUse an air purifier to clean the air.\n
The easiest, most effective way to improve the air quality in your baby’s room is to outfit it with an air purification system.
\n
The Atem Desk is the most effective, portable air purifier for small rooms such as baby nurseries. It employs HyperHEPAfiltration technology that’s proven and certified by an independent third-party lab to effectively filter at least 99.5% of harmful ultrafine particles (UFPs) down to 0.003 microns. As a refresher, UFPs are the most damaging of all airborne particles because they are so easily inhaled, deposited into the lungs, and absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, the invasive contaminants can reach any organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and liver.
\n
Best of all, the unparalleled performance of IQAir air filtration technology is achieved using only safe, proven, mechanical filtration technology, without producing potentially harmful byproducts like ozone, ions, and chemicals.
If you’re looking for the single best way to ensure that your baby breathes only the safest, purest air, the IQAir Atem Desk should be at the top of your baby nursery essentials.
\n
\nPurchase non-toxic, naturally-finished furniture.\n
Just because some furniture is marketed for babies doesn’t mean that it’s safe for babies. Before you purchase a baby crib, mattress, or other furnishings for your little one’s room, ask the manufacturer about the formaldehyde emissions and material composition. Avoid baby furniture constructed from suspect materials like composite wood.
\n
If your budgetary constraints limit you to cheaper, composite baby furniture, air out the furniture outdoors for about a week — this will reduce the VOCs that are outgassed in your baby’s room.
\n
\nManage the humidity.\n
High indoor humidity not only makes the air heavier and more difficult to breathe but also spurs the growth of harmful fungus, yeast, and bacteria. The ideal relative humidity of your baby’s room should be around 40 percent. One cost-effective way to ensure the perfect humidity in your baby’s bedroom is to furnish it with a dehumidifier. For best results, you’ll have to clean the dehumidifier daily.
\n
\nVentilate the room.\n
Even if you’ve placed an IQAir air purifier in your baby’s quarters, it’s recommended that you open the windows at least ten minutes a day to exchange the indoor air. If your home features a ventilation system, make sure it’s cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
\n
\nReplace your window air conditioner or routinely change central air filters.\n
If your window-mounted air conditioner is over three years old, use a flashlight and peek into the vent and housing—you’ll likely spot progressed mold everywhere. Older air conditioners spew out exponential mold spores, which contaminate bedrooms and cause various illnesses.
\n
If you have central air conditioning or heating, change the air filters and schedule a thorough cleaning of the HVAC unit. Replace old and compromised units to prevent the spread of illness.
\n
\nGo green when remodeling.\n
We’ve all seen the perennial scene in movies where the proud new parents remodel their baby’s nursery via a cheesy montage, but the truth is that this is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your newborn. New carpeting, paint, and furniture all too often send the concentration of VOCs skyrocketing in your baby’s room. According to a recent study, the optimal waiting period for the VOCs in recently renovated rooms to reach a safe level can be up to 60 days.⁸
\n
If you absolutely must remodel your newborn’s room, try to use only VOC-free paints, naturally-finished wood furniture, and low-pile carpet derived from natural fibers. Doing so will limit your infant's exposure to toxic fumes.
\n
\nReduce pet dander.\n
Your furry four-legged friends shed dead skin cells and hair, which may negatively impact your baby’s lungs and sinus health. To reduce the amount of pet dander that your baby inhales, regularly groom your pets and consider keeping them out of your child’s room all together. Routinely wash your baby’s bedding to ensure that pet dander is taken care of before it accumulates in high concentration.
\n
Since pet dander is quite pervasive, it’s inevitable that it’ll find its way into your baby’s room even if you follow the above steps. IQAir filtration systems are the perfect indoor pollution solutions because its HyperHEPA filtration technology effectively cleans up any pet dander in the air.
\n
\nUse a HEPA filter vacuum.\n
Vacuum the flooring and furniture in your baby’s room with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. A HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner will filter and capture 99.7% of particulates below 0.3 microns. HEPA-certified vacuum cleaners are vital to curbing indoor air pollution because they effectively remove harmful, microscopic allergens from the carpeting.
\n

The wrap-up

Being more concerned about the tangible, visible threats to your baby’s well-being rather than those that are intangible, invisible is a common pitfall of parenting. The harmful airborne particulate matter that surrounds your newborn is one of those frequently overlooked health hazards.

Indoor air pollution is an unfortunate reality of our modern industrialized life, but the above tips will help improve the air quality in your child's room.

","improving-the-air-your-baby-breathes","gid://shopify/Article/564861042766","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/improving-the-air-your-baby-breathes","2022-01-03T16:12:32Z",[1169,715,1336],"Parents","9 Ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s room",{"_10":1339,"_202":1340,"_205":1341,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269343522894","Baby room Atem","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/BabyRoom_Desktop_Optimized_75ee2b10-f7db-45b7-80cc-61c96dbd861e.jpg?v=1750237090",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1343,"_1139":1344,"_1154":1345,"_1156":1345,"_1157":1346,"_1159":1347,"_1008":1348,"_10":1349,"_1163":1350,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1351,"_635":1352,"_599":1353,"_1171":1354},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"A smart air quality monitor can alert you when carbon dioxide has built up in your indoor space. Learn more.","Air pollution can be made up of many components such as ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), larger particulate matter like dust and sand found in PM10, and the smallest particulate matter, PM2.5 (particulate matter that are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) and ultrafine particles. While particulate matter is the most common air pollutant and has the most direct impact on human health, carbon dioxide shouldn’t be overlooked. Carbon dioxide can significantly impact human health by increasing blood pressure, raising heart rates, and can contribute to a range of other health symptoms. These pollutants can be invisible for most - until they are made known with the help of an air quality monitor. Air pollutants, including carbon dioxide, can significantly impact human health. What is carbon dioxide? Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a nontoxic, noncombustible air pollutant and a colorless greenhouse gas. It’s a natural product of human and animal respiration and can be created naturally through processes like volcanic eruptions. However, most carbon dioxide emissions are human produced through human activity. Most carbon dioxide emissions are human produced through human activity. Primary sources of carbon dioxide can include (1): fossil fuel combustion from transportation electricity production industrial sources heating for homes deforestation and wildfires agricultural burning A warming planet with hotter, drier seasons is leading to increases in global carbon dioxide emissions. In just one summer in 2021, wildfires burning in California generated more carbon dioxide than had previously been created in any one summer during the past twenty years (2). Indoor sources of carbon dioxide can include stovetop flames and ovens, fireplaces, and outdoor sources like factories and vehicle traffic. Carbon dioxide should not be confused with carbon monoxide (CO), another pollutant and a more deadly gas caused by incomplete combustion. Carbon dioxide health effects While carbon dioxide is good for plants as it helps photosynthesis, too much carbon dioxide isn’t good for human beings and animals. Exposure to small amounts of carbon dioxide is mostly safe. But carbon dioxide can impact indoor air quality and threaten human health when it builds up to dangerous concentrations. Carbon dioxide can impact indoor air quality and threaten human health when it builds up to dangerous concentrations. As an asphyxiant, carbon dioxide replaces normal, breathable oxygen. Most of the health effects associated with carbon dioxide exposure come from oxygen depletion. While outdoor carbon dioxide measurements of 380 parts per million (ppm) are common, they can reach up to 500 ppm in outdoor urban areas (3). Biological functions can be changed at measurements between 500 ppm and 5,000 ppm (4). A large build-up of CO2 concentrations can be life-threatening; measurements greater than 20,000 ppm can impact breathing, while 250,000 ppm can result in death. Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide can affect health in several ways, including (5,6): impaired decision-making lethargy headache restlessness and inattention drowsiness rapid heart rate increased blood pressure dizziness, vomiting, and nausea How to monitor carbon dioxide One of the most important tools for protecting breathing spaces from airborne pollutants is an air quality monitor equipped to detect carbon dioxide. One of the most important tools for protecting breathing spaces from airborne pollutants is an air quality monitor equipped to detect carbon dioxide. AirVisual Series air quality monitors share data and the relative health threat of PM2.5 and carbon dioxide while providing temperature, humidity, and air pressure information. An IQAir AirVisual air quality monitor equipped with an optional carbon dioxide sensor provides air pollutant data to the IQAir AirVisual mobile app, downloadable on Google play or the Apple Store. Data can also be provided to a dashboard, to a website through a widget, connected to home technology, or shared creatively through APIs. Setting a CO2 alert at around 900 to 1,000 ppm may be a good choice to prevent CO2 buildup from reaching dangerous levels. Alerts can be set from the IQAir Dashboard and the IQAir AirVisual app as emails or as an app notification. When both the indoor and outdoor air quality monitors are paired onsite, it’s then possible to have a more complete picture of air quality in and out of a building. Air quality data contributors can also share their outdoor air quality data. By registering an air quality monitoring device, local data can be shared for people around the globe. Global air quality awareness increases environmental literacy and informs anyone in the area about possible exposure to pollutants. The takeaway Monitoring air pollution empowers action. Monitoring air quality data gives people the ability to take prompt action to counter air pollution threats, including a build-up of carbon dioxide. If you know there’s too much carbon dioxide in your indoor space, you can control how you respond by immediately improving the ventilation. Allow in fresh air and make sure your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is in good working order. If letting in outdoor air increases air pollution exposure, mechanical ventilation with filtration can reduce exposure to pollution while lowering carbon dioxide.","

Air pollution can be made up of many components such as ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), larger particulate matter like dust and sand found in PM10, and the smallest particulate matter, PM2.5 (particulate matter that are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) and ultrafine particles. While particulate matter is the most common air pollutant and has the most direct impact on human health, carbon dioxide shouldn’t be overlooked.

Carbon dioxide can significantly impact human health by increasing blood pressure, raising heart rates, and can contribute to a range of other health symptoms. These pollutants can be invisible for most - until they are made known with the help of an air quality monitor.

Air pollutants, including carbon dioxide, can significantly impact human health.

What is carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide, or CO2, is a nontoxic, noncombustible air pollutant and a colorless greenhouse gas. It’s a natural product of human and animal respiration and can be created naturally through processes like volcanic eruptions. However, most carbon dioxide emissions are human produced through human activity.

Most carbon dioxide emissions are human produced through human activity.

Primary sources of carbon dioxide can include (1):

fossil fuel combustion from transportation
electricity production
industrial sources
heating for homes
deforestation and wildfires
agricultural burning

A warming planet with hotter, drier seasons is leading to increases in global carbon dioxide emissions. In just one summer in 2021, wildfires burning in California generated more carbon dioxide than had previously been created in any one summer during the past twenty years (2).

Indoor sources of carbon dioxide can include stovetop flames and ovens, fireplaces, and outdoor sources like factories and vehicle traffic.

Carbon dioxide should not be confused with carbon monoxide (CO), another pollutant and a more deadly gas caused by incomplete combustion.

\n\n

Carbon dioxide health effects

While carbon dioxide is good for plants as it helps photosynthesis, too much carbon dioxide isn’t good for human beings and animals.

Exposure to small amounts of carbon dioxide is mostly safe. But carbon dioxide can impact indoor air quality and threaten human health when it builds up to dangerous concentrations.

Carbon dioxide can impact indoor air quality and threaten human health when it builds up to dangerous concentrations.

As an asphyxiant, carbon dioxide replaces normal, breathable oxygen. Most of the health effects associated with carbon dioxide exposure come from oxygen depletion.

While outdoor carbon dioxide measurements of 380 parts per million (ppm) are common, they can reach up to 500 ppm in outdoor urban areas (3). Biological functions can be changed at measurements between 500 ppm and 5,000 ppm (4). A large build-up of CO2 concentrations can be life-threatening; measurements greater than 20,000 ppm can impact breathing, while 250,000 ppm can result in death.

Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide can affect health in several ways, including (5,6):

impaired decision-making
lethargy
headache
restlessness and inattention
drowsiness
rapid heart rate
increased blood pressure
dizziness, vomiting, and nausea

How to monitor carbon dioxide

One of the most important tools for protecting breathing spaces from airborne pollutants is an air quality monitor equipped to detect carbon dioxide.

One of the most important tools for protecting breathing spaces from airborne pollutants is an air quality monitor equipped to detect carbon dioxide.

AirVisual Series air quality monitors share data and the relative health threat of PM2.5 and carbon dioxide while providing temperature, humidity, and air pressure information.

An IQAir AirVisual air quality monitor equipped with an optional carbon dioxide sensor provides air pollutant data to the IQAir AirVisual mobile app, downloadable on Google play or the Apple Store. Data can also be provided to a dashboard, to a website through a w i dget, connected to home technology, or shared creatively through APIs.

Setting a CO2 alert at around 900 to 1,000 ppm may be a good choice to prevent CO2 buildup from reaching dangerous levels. Alerts can be set from the IQAir Dashboard and the IQAir AirVisual app as emails or as an app notification.

When both the indoor and outdoor air quality monitors are paired onsite, it’s then possible to have a more complete picture of air quality in and out of a building.

Air quality data contributors can also share their outdoor air quality data. By registering an air quality monitoring device, local data can be shared for people around the globe. Global air quality awareness increases environmental literacy and informs anyone in the area about possible exposure to pollutants.

The takeaway

Monitoring air pollution empowers action. Monitoring air quality data gives people the ability to take prompt action to counter air pollution threats, including a build-up of carbon dioxide.

If you know there’s too much carbon dioxide in your indoor space, you can control how you respond by immediately improving the ventilation. Allow in fresh air and make sure your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is in good working order. If letting in outdoor air increases air pollution exposure, mechanical ventilation with filtration can reduce exposure to pollution while lowering carbon dioxide.

","2022-co2-air-quality-monitor","gid://shopify/Article/564840005710","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/2022-co2-air-quality-monitor","2022-01-02T22:30:04Z",[1169,715],"How to monitor carbon dioxide with an air quality monitor",{"_10":1355,"_202":1356,"_205":1357,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269543604302","Emissions from factory","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/CO2_AV_Desktop_b_223cec2a-2b29-4fab-8d4e-283023b32822.jpg?v=1752136482","pageInfo",{"_1360":71,"_1361":71,"_1362":1363,"_1364":1365},"hasPreviousPage","hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjQ4NDAwMDU3MTAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE2NDExNjI2MDQwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6ODN9","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjQ4NzUwNjc0NzAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE2NjQ4OTc0MDAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6NzJ9","selectedTag","Health And Wellness",{"_599":1369,"_1006":43,"_205":1010,"_1011":1370},"Air Quality News - Health And Wellness",{"_1013":1014,"_1015":1371,"_12":1369,"_1006":43,"_205":1010},"Blog","categorizedArticles",{"_1374":1375,"_1413":1414,"_1517":1518,"_1584":1585,"_1655":1656},"featured",[1376,1396],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1377,"_1139":1378,"_1154":1379,"_1156":1380,"_1157":1381,"_1159":1382,"_1008":1383,"_10":1384,"_1163":1385,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1386,"_635":1387,"_599":1389,"_1171":1390},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"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.","

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.

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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",[705,1388,710],"Revealing the Invisible: EarthMuseum Learn connects classrooms through air quality data",{"_10":1410,"_202":1411,"_205":1412,"_207":1394,"_203":1395},"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",[1415,1433,1451,1467,1484,1500],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1416,"_1139":1417,"_1154":1418,"_1156":1419,"_1157":1420,"_1159":1421,"_1008":1422,"_10":1423,"_1163":1424,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1425,"_635":1426,"_599":1428,"_1171":1429},{"_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",[1169,700,1427,725],"Wildfire","Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pineland Road Fire, Georgia",{"_10":1430,"_202":1431,"_205":1432,"_207":1394,"_203":1395},"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":1434,"_1139":1435,"_1154":1436,"_1156":1437,"_1157":1438,"_1159":1439,"_1008":1440,"_10":1441,"_1163":1442,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1443,"_635":1444,"_599":1445,"_1171":1446},{"_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":1447,"_202":1448,"_205":1449,"_207":1450,"_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":1452,"_1139":1453,"_1154":1454,"_1156":1455,"_1157":1456,"_1159":1457,"_1008":1458,"_10":1459,"_1163":1460,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1461,"_635":1462,"_599":1463,"_1171":1464},{"_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":1465,"_202":-5,"_205":1466,"_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":1468,"_1139":1469,"_1154":1470,"_1156":1471,"_1157":1472,"_1159":1473,"_1008":1474,"_10":1475,"_1163":1476,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1477,"_635":1478,"_599":1479,"_1171":1480},{"_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",[1169,700,1427,725],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Max Road Miramar Fire, Florida",{"_10":1481,"_202":1482,"_205":1483,"_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":1485,"_1139":1486,"_1154":1487,"_1156":1488,"_1157":1489,"_1159":1490,"_1008":1491,"_10":1492,"_1163":1493,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1494,"_635":1495,"_599":1496,"_1171":1497},{"_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":1498,"_202":-5,"_205":1499,"_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":1501,"_1139":1502,"_1154":1503,"_1156":1504,"_1157":1505,"_1159":1506,"_1008":1507,"_10":1508,"_1163":1509,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1510,"_635":1511,"_599":1512,"_1171":1513},{"_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":1514,"_202":1515,"_205":1516,"_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",[1519,1536,1552,1568],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1520,"_1139":1521,"_1154":1522,"_1156":1522,"_1157":1523,"_1159":1524,"_1008":1525,"_10":1526,"_1163":1527,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1528,"_635":1529,"_599":1531,"_1171":1532},{"_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",[1169,700,1530,725],"Popular articles","How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_10":1533,"_202":1534,"_205":1535,"_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":1537,"_1139":1538,"_1154":1539,"_1156":1539,"_1157":1540,"_1159":1541,"_1008":1542,"_10":1543,"_1163":1544,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1545,"_635":1546,"_599":1547,"_1171":1548},{"_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",[912,715,1530],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_10":1549,"_202":1550,"_205":1551,"_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":1553,"_1139":1554,"_1154":1555,"_1156":1555,"_1157":1556,"_1159":1557,"_1008":1558,"_10":1559,"_1163":1560,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1561,"_635":1562,"_599":1563,"_1171":1564},{"_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",[1169,715,1530],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_10":1565,"_202":1566,"_205":1567,"_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":1569,"_1139":1570,"_1154":1571,"_1156":1571,"_1157":1572,"_1159":1573,"_1008":1574,"_10":1575,"_1163":1576,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1577,"_635":1578,"_599":1579,"_1171":1580},{"_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",[715,1530],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_10":1581,"_202":1582,"_205":1583,"_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",[1586,1603,1620,1637],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1587,"_1139":1588,"_1154":1589,"_1156":1590,"_1157":1591,"_1159":1592,"_1008":1593,"_10":1594,"_1163":1595,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1596,"_635":1597,"_599":1598,"_1171":1599},{"_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":1600,"_202":1601,"_205":1602,"_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":1604,"_1139":1605,"_1154":1606,"_1156":1607,"_1157":1608,"_1159":1609,"_1008":1610,"_10":1611,"_1163":1612,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1613,"_635":1614,"_599":1615,"_1171":1616},{"_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":1617,"_202":1618,"_205":1619,"_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":1621,"_1139":1622,"_1154":1623,"_1156":1624,"_1157":1625,"_1159":1626,"_1008":1627,"_10":1628,"_1163":1629,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1630,"_635":1631,"_599":1632,"_1171":1633},{"_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":1634,"_202":1635,"_205":1636,"_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":1638,"_1139":1639,"_1154":1640,"_1156":1641,"_1157":1642,"_1159":1643,"_1008":1644,"_10":1645,"_1163":1646,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1647,"_635":1648,"_599":1650,"_1171":1651},{"_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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