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Explore air quality monitors, masks, and air purifiers.","handle","@airvisual","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/newsroom?cursor=eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2MzQwNDY5NzE5ODIsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NjcyOTQ0ODAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MzZ9&direction=previous&tag=Air+Cleaning+Technology","jsonLd",{"_1013":1014,"_1015":1016,"_12":1017,"_405":1018,"_1019":1020,"_1029":1030,"_205":1010,"_1041":1042},"@context","https://schema.org","@type","Organization","IQAir","https://www.iqair.com/dl/web/logos/ic-logo-iq-air-blue.svg","sameAs",[1021,1022,1023,1024,1025,1026,1027,1028],"https://www.facebook.com/iqair","https://twitter.com/IQAir","https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-iqair-group","https://www.instagram.com/iqair/","https://www.youtube.com/IQAir","https://www.pinterest.com/IQAir/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airvisual&hl=en_US&gl=US","https://apps.apple.com/us/app/iqair-airvisual-air-quality/id1048912974","contactPoint",[1031,1039],{"_1015":1032,"_1033":1034,"_1035":1036,"_1037":1038},"ContactPoint","telephone","+1-866-488-1918","contactType","customer service","areaServed","US",{"_1015":1032,"_1033":1040,"_1035":1036,"_1037":19},"+86-400-108-5117","potentialAction",{"_1015":1043,"_1044":1045,"_1046":1047},"SearchAction","target","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/search-results?q={search_term}","query","required name='search_term'","robots","requestInfo",{"_1051":1052,"_1066":1067},"userPreferences",{"_1053":1054,"_1063":1038,"_1064":1065},"units",{"_1055":1056,"_1057":1058,"_1059":1060,"_1061":1062},"distance","kilometer","temperature","celsius","pressure","millibar","system","metric","AQI","timezone","America/Los_Angeles","userLocation",{"_18":1038,"_1068":1069,"_1070":1071,"_1072":1073,"_1064":1065,"_1074":118,"_1075":118},"countryName","United States","countryRegion","CA","city","Los Angeles","lat","lng",["P",1076],"ENV",{"_1079":1080,"_1081":1082,"_1083":1084,"_1085":1086,"_1087":1088,"_1089":1090,"_1091":1092,"_1093":1094,"_1095":-7,"_1096":1097,"_1098":1099,"_1100":1101,"_1102":1103,"_1104":1105,"_1106":-7},"MODE","production","GOOGLE_TAG_MANAGER_ID","GTM-PPQMD6","FACEBOOK_LOGIN_APP_ID","398656046993675","GOOGLE_LOGIN_CLIENT_ID","351521898-5bj7u78k0elfc3pod2gkejvfnju8hncf.apps.googleusercontent.com","APPLE_LOGIN_CLIENT_ID","4235W294QP.com.airvisual.airvisual","PUBLIC_STORE_DOMAIN","cms-cn.iqairint.com","PUBLIC_SHOP_ID","1844117571","IQAIR_DASHBOARD_DOMAIN","dashboard.iqair.cn","WAF_SDK","CUSTOM_EMBEDDABLE_MAP_CONSTANTS_HOST","https://www.airvisual.com","AIRVISUAL_CDN_DOMAIN","https://cdn.airvisual.net","AIRVISUAL_OSM_DOMAIN","https://osm.airvisual.net","AIRVISUAL_WIND_URL","https://website-api.airvisual.com/prod/current-wind-surface-level-gfs-1.0.json","AIRVISUAL_EARTH_URL","https://earth.airvisual.io","VERCEL",["P",1107],"consent",{"_1110":1111,"_1112":1113},"checkoutDomain","shop.iqair.cn","storefrontAccessToken","dccfc25fe657ff3be10ed75de20a9463","selectedLocale",{"_1116":1117,"_1118":1119,"_1120":19,"_1121":1122,"_1123":17,"_1124":1125,"_1126":1127,"_1128":1129},"label","China","language","EN","country","pathPrefix","cn-en","currency","flag","/flags/china.jpg","continent","Asia Pacific","websiteApiLang","en-CN","userAgent","Amazon CloudFront","dismissedCountryBanner","requestOrigin","http://www.iqair.cn","routes/$(locale)",{},"routes/$(locale).newsroom._index",{"_1139":1140,"_1365":912,"_1003":1366,"_1370":1371},"blog",{"_599":695,"_1003":1141,"_1142":1143},{"_599":-5,"_1006":-5},"articles",{"_1144":1145,"_1357":1358},"nodes",[1146,1178,1193,1208,1223,1240,1258,1274,1290,1305,1322,1339],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1150,"_1139":1152,"_1154":1155,"_1156":1155,"_1157":1158,"_1159":1160,"_1008":1161,"_10":1162,"_1163":1164,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1167,"_635":1168,"_599":1170,"_1171":1172},"__typename","Article","author",{"_12":1151},"IQAir Staff Writers",{"_1008":1153},"news","excerpt","Clean air is a critical investment in helping keep schools safe from airborne infections and pollutants. Become a Clean Air School.","excerptHtml","content","Clean air is critical in helping students and staff stay healthy. But access to clean air has long been an issue for many schools. This is especially true for disadvantaged or underserved schools near major sources of air pollution. Improving air quality in your school can seem complicated and daunting. But clean air can provide numerous returns by helping: prevent illnesses from airborne infections ensure that your school can conduct in-person classroom instruction improve long-term, school-wide academic performance Every school’s path to becoming a Clean Air School is unique. In many cases, schools can follow these steps for a comprehensive approach to air quality challenges that will best serve the needs of students and teachers: On-site air quality assessment Installation and maintenance Air quality verification and monitoring Maintenance and renewal 1. On-site air quality assessment The first step toward clean air at school is a thorough evaluation and assessment (virtual or in-person) of the school site. As you begin to determine your school’s air quality needs, several critical factors must be considered to identify specific air quality challenges and possible solutions. Local sources of pollution The degree to which your school is affected by air pollution is a major factor in determining your specific air filtration needs and how extensive filtration technology may be throughout your school site. Schools located near highways, busy roads, or heavy industrial polluters like factories or ports may face higher levels of PM2.5,(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller), ultrafine particles (UFPs), and chemicals that can be difficult to control. Click here to see why particle size matters... Air pollution and COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus)outcomes are also closely linked. Common air pollutants, especially PM2.5, may increase the risk of illness or death from COVID-19. In these cases, air filtration that can adequately address high volumes of both indoor and outdoor air pollution are necessary. School age and HVAC design The average school building in the United States is between 37 and 46 years old (1) (2).Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design has changed dramatically during this period. Some schools have central HVAC systems, while others may have individual heating and cooling units for every classroom. This can drastically alter the air filtration needs from school to school. Maintenance Maintenance and filter replacement are key to long-term air filtration performance. Proper installation and filter replacements must both be taken into account when budgeting for long-term air filtration needs. Air pollution sources and HVAC system design both affect the type of solution you’ll need as well as how often you’ll need to replace filters. Schools in heavily polluted areas may require more frequent filter replacements as filters quickly build up with airborne particles. Funding assistance Funding assistance may be available for schools in need, but schools may face challenges with securing a budget for air quality improvements. For more information or assistance on grants and funding, email info@iqairfoundation.org or call 866-760-8180. Expert consultation In many cases, expert consultation is needed to adequately assess every factor relevant to purchasing, installing, and maintaining air filtration technologies. An onsite or virtual evaluation conducted by subject matter experts in school air quality can help your school identify air quality issues and possible solutions with the following steps: building walkthrough to document facility details spot measurements of air quality indicators to assess major sources of air pollution inspection of air handlers and air distribution systems to determine filtration needs written report detailing air quality challenges and proposed solutions customized to your school’s needs Localized air filtration solutions, such as stand-alone air purifiers, may be helpful for classrooms without centralized HVAC systems. A high-performance system can provide several full air changes per hour (ACH), removing up to 99.5% of airborne particles in a classroom. Personal air purifiers can also help by providing individual desks and workstations with a direct supply of clean air, delivering air filtration efficiencies up to 99% for airborne particles. However, customized minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV)16 HVAC air filtration is recommended to capture infectious particles and pollutants across the largest area possible. MERV 13 filtration is currently a popular choice for filtration in schools. But MERV 13 only captures up to 50% of airborne particles between 0.3-1.0 microns. MERV 13, due to its lower efficiency, might require extensive mechanical ventilation. This reduces energy efficiency and may not be feasible during extreme weather. MERV 16 is nearly twice as efficient as MERV 13, capturing up to 95% of airborne particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range. MERV 16 is nearly twice as efficient as MERV 13, capturing up to 95% of airborne particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range (see Figure 1) and requiring little to no ventilation (3). Figure 1: MERV air filtration efficiency for different particle sizes. MERV 16 efficiencies are detailed at the bottom of the chart (Source: ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017) (4). During field tests in classrooms, MERV 16 filtration has met and even exceeded these efficiency ratings (5). 2. Installation and maintenance Many schools may be eligible for turnkey air filtration solutions that have already been successfully designed and implemented for schools with similar air quality needs. In schools where customization is necessary, a high degree of expertise may be required to properly install and maintain air filtration systems for maximum efficiency and filter lifespan. Some considerations for installation and long-term maintenance planning may include the following. HVAC upgrades HVAC systems are sometimes outdated, inefficient, or incompatible with MERV 16 technology. System upgrades and custom installation plans may be necessary to achieve the maximum filtration capabilities and protection from airborne infections. Energy management Unlike MERV 13, MERV 16 systems do not require 100% ventilation to filter indoor air pollutants. This means that your HVAC system can be turned on and off as needed to save energy. Reduced ventilation can also reduce your school’s carbon footprint while still achieving up to 95% filtration efficiency and protecting classrooms from outdoor air pollution (6). Smart thermostats and other energy management systems can help your school program air filtration systems for use during school hours when students are in class. Air quality monitoring and smart technology Air quality monitoring coupled with smart technology, such as smart thermostats, can help automate filtration behavior with predetermined protocols: HVAC Systems: Smart thermostats are programmed to keep HVAC on “Fan On” mode for clean air even when cooling or heating are off. High-Capacity Stand-Alone Systems: Filtration systems are coupled with occupancy sensors or timers that can integrate with air quality monitoring to turn systems off and save energy when classrooms are empty. 3. Air quality verification and monitoring Indoor air pollution in many schools, especially UFPs and PM2.5, has long resulted in poor student health outcomes and cognitive development (7) (8). These pollutants will likely remain a major threat. Monitoring air quality is critical to ensuring that air filtration technologies are sufficiently providing clean air. Air quality data can also help demonstrate long-term improvements in connection with other school-wide data. Setting up real-time indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring can have the following benefits: Provide a live feed of indoor air quality data to show that air filtration technology is functioning properly Connect to mobile air quality apps so that all students, teachers, and parents can view live school air quality Set up email alerts for certain air quality thresholds that can provide school staff with warnings about poor air quality Demonstrate actual reductions in indoor pollutants to display improvements in indoor air versus outdoor air as a result of air filtration Document long-term improvements in indoor air quality and help sustain clean air environments in classrooms Generate air quality reports to be used with other school data, such as test scores or absences due to illness, to draw correlations between improved air quality and other improvements A real-time public air quality dashboard displaying indoor and outdoor data to parents, teachers, and other school stakeholders can also demonstrate the value of clean air in real time. This data can be displayed either on public smart TV monitors or a live, customized air quality feed using air quality monitoring software. The benefits of clean air are extensive. Monitoring air quality can help schools show just how much reductions in air pollution can help improve health and academics. Numerous studies have already illustrated the very real health and academic consequences of airborne particulate matter for students with allergies and asthma, including (9) (10) (11): a 2016 study suggesting that indoor pollen concentrations are directly linked to lower test scores a 2017 study finding that students with asthma were more likely to miss school and experience disruptive anxiety symptoms about academic outcomes as a result of poor indoor air quality a 2019 study indicating that school absences due to asthma can make academic outcomes progressively worse over time, especially for students in highly polluted urban areas Become a Clean Air SchoolHelp protect the health of students, teachers, and staff LEARN MORE 4. Maintenance and renewal Clean Air Schools can display a customized placard that indicates to the public that your school meets stringent infection control and indoor air quality requirements (see Figure 2 for an example). Figure 2: Example of Clean Air School wall plaque that can be displayed in public view as long as your school meets the technology and filter replacement requirements. As long as your school adequately maintains HVAC air filtration systems for maximum efficiency and replaces filters at recommended intervals, your school can continue to display your Clean Air School status to all parents, teachers, and stakeholders. Typical maintenance and renewal requirements include replacement of all air filtration systems every 12 months. Other data that can affect your renewal requirements include: specific installation setup air quality sensor data usage patterns (i.e., how long you use air filtration each day) The takeaway Clean air has become central to the conversation around safe classroom environments. But clean air also has many other benefits, helping schools to reduce harmful pollutants in classroom air, reduce absences, and increase student performance. Equal access to clean air can also help close the achievement gap across all schools. Expert help and customized solutions can help ensure that your school can access the most effective air filtration and be rewarded with the benefits of clean air.","contentHtml","

Clean air is critical in helping students and staff stay healthy.

But access to clean air has long been an issue for many schools. This is especially true for disadvantaged or underserved schools near major sources of air pollution.

Improving air quality in your school can seem complicated and daunting. But clean air can provide numerous returns by helping:

prevent illnesses from airborne infections
ensure that your school can conduct in-person classroom instruction
improve long-term, school-wide academic performance

Every school’s path to becoming a Clean Air School is unique. In many cases, schools can follow these steps for a comprehensive approach to air quality challenges that will best serve the needs of students and teachers:

On-site air quality assessment
Installation and maintenance
Air quality verification and monitoring
Maintenance and renewal

1. On-site air quality assessment

The first step toward clean air at school is a thorough evaluation and assessment (virtual or in-person) of the school site.

As you begin to determine your school’s air quality needs, several critical factors must be considered to identify specific air quality challenges and possible solutions.

Local sources of pollution

The degree to which your school is affected by air pollution is a major factor in determining your specific air filtration needs and how extensive filtration technology may be throughout your school site.

Schools located near highways, busy roads, or heavy industrial polluters like factories or ports may face higher levels of PM2.5,(particulate matter with a diameter size of 2.5 microns or smaller), ultrafine particles (UFPs), and chemicals that can be difficult to control.

Click here to see why particle size matters...

Air pollution and COVID-19 (a serious disease, often fatal, that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus)outcomes are also closely linked. Common air pollutants, especially PM2.5, may increase the risk of illness or death from COVID-19.

In these cases, air filtration that can adequately address high volumes of both indoor and outdoor air pollution are necessary.

School age and HVAC design

The average school building in the United States is between 37 and 46 years old (1) (2).Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design has changed dramatically during this period.

Some schools have central HVAC systems, while others may have individual heating and cooling units for every classroom. This can drastically alter the air filtration needs from school to school.

Maintenance

Maintenance and filter replacement are key to long-term air filtration performance. Proper installation and filter replacements must both be taken into account when budgeting for long-term air filtration needs.

Air pollution sources and HVAC system design both affect the type of solution you’ll need as well as how often you’ll need to replace filters. Schools in heavily polluted areas may require more frequent filter replacements as filters quickly build up with airborne particles.

Funding assistance

Funding assistance may be available for schools in need, but schools may face challenges with securing a budget for air quality improvements.

For more information or assistance on grants and funding, email info@iqairfoundation.org or call 866-760-8180.

Expert consultation

In many cases, expert consultation is needed to adequately assess every factor relevant to purchasing, installing, and maintaining air filtration technologies.

An onsite or virtual evaluation conducted by subject matter experts in school air quality can help your school identify air quality issues and possible solutions with the following steps:

\nbuilding walkthrough to document facility details
\nspot measurements of air quality indicators to assess major sources of air pollution\n
\ninspection of air handlers and air distribution systems to determine filtration needs
\nwritten report detailing air quality challenges and proposed solutions customized to your school’s needs

Localized air filtration solutions, such as stand-alone air purifiers, may be helpful for classrooms without centralized HVAC systems. A high-performance system can provide several full air changes per hour (ACH), removing up to 99.5% of airborne particles in a classroom.

Personal air purifiers can also help by providing individual desks and workstations with a direct supply of clean air, delivering air filtration efficiencies up to 99% for airborne particles.

However, customized minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV)16 HVAC air filtration is recommended to capture infectious particles and pollutants across the largest area possible.

$\"How$

MERV 13 filtration is currently a popular choice for filtration in schools. But MERV 13 only captures up to 50% of airborne particles between 0.3-1.0 microns.

MERV 13, due to its lower efficiency, might require extensive mechanical ventilation. This reduces energy efficiency and may not be feasible during extreme weather.

MERV 16 is nearly twice as efficient as MERV 13, capturing up to 95% of airborne particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range.

MERV 16 is nearly twice as efficient as MERV 13, capturing up to 95% of airborne particles in the 0.3-1.0 micron range (see Figure 1) and requiring little to no ventilation (3).

$\"MERV$

Figure 1: MERV air filtration efficiency for different particle sizes. MERV 16 efficiencies are detailed at the bottom of the chart (Source: ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017) (4).

During field tests in classrooms, MERV 16 filtration has met and even exceeded these efficiency ratings (5).

2. Installation and maintenance

Many schools may be eligible for turnkey air filtration solutions that have already been successfully designed and implemented for schools with similar air quality needs.

In schools where customization is necessary, a high degree of expertise may be required to properly install and maintain air filtration systems for maximum efficiency and filter lifespan.

Some considerations for installation and long-term maintenance planning may include the following.

HVAC upgrades

HVAC systems are sometimes outdated, inefficient, or incompatible with MERV 16 technology.

System upgrades and custom installation plans may be necessary to achieve the maximum filtration capabilities and protection from airborne infections.

Energy management

Unlike MERV 13, MERV 16 systems do not require 100% ventilation to filter indoor air pollutants. This means that your HVAC system can be turned on and off as needed to save energy.

Reduced ventilation can also reduce your school’s carbon footprint while still achieving up to 95% filtration efficiency and protecting classrooms from outdoor air pollution (6).

Smart thermostats and other energy management systems can help your school program air filtration systems for use during school hours when students are in class.

Air quality monitoring and smart technology

Air quality monitoring coupled with smart technology, such as smart thermostats, can help automate filtration behavior with predetermined protocols:

\nHVAC Systems: Smart thermostats are programmed to keep HVAC on “Fan On” mode for clean air even when cooling or heating are off.
\nHigh-Capacity Stand-Alone Systems: Filtration systems are coupled with occupancy sensors or timers that can integrate with air quality monitoring to turn systems off and save energy when classrooms are empty.

3. Air quality verification and monitoring

Indoor air pollution in many schools, especially UFPs and PM2.5, has long resulted in poor student health outcomes and cognitive development (7) (8). These pollutants will likely remain a major threat.

Monitoring air quality is critical to ensuring that air filtration technologies are sufficiently providing clean air. Air quality data can also help demonstrate long-term improvements in connection with other school-wide data.

Setting up real-time indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring can have the following benefits:

\nProvide a live feed of indoor air quality data to show that air filtration technology is functioning properly
\nConnect to mobile air quality apps so that all students, teachers, and parents can view live school air quality
\nSet up email alerts for certain air quality thresholds that can provide school staff with warnings about poor air quality
\nDemonstrate actual reductions in indoor pollutants to display improvements in indoor air versus outdoor air as a result of air filtration
\nDocument long-term improvements in indoor air quality and help sustain clean air environments in classrooms
\nGenerate air quality reports to be used with other school data, such as test scores or absences due to illness, to draw correlations between improved air quality and other improvements

A real-time public air quality dashboard displaying indoor and outdoor data to parents, teachers, and other school stakeholders can also demonstrate the value of clean air in real time. This data can be displayed either on public smart TV monitors or a live, customized air quality feed using air quality monitoring software.

The benefits of clean air are extensive. Monitoring air quality can help schools show just how much reductions in air pollution can help improve health and academics.

Numerous studies have already illustrated the very real health and academic consequences of airborne particulate matter for students with allergies and asthma, including (9) (10) (11):

a 2016 study suggesting that indoor pollen concentrations are directly linked to lower test scores
a 2017 study finding that students with asthma were more likely to miss school and experience disruptive anxiety symptoms about academic outcomes as a result of poor indoor air quality
a 2019 study indicating that school absences due to asthma can make academic outcomes progressively worse over time, especially for students in highly polluted urban areas

Become a Clean Air School
Help protect the health of students, teachers, and staff

LEARN MORE

4. Maintenance and renewal

Clean Air Schools can display a customized placard that indicates to the public that your school meets stringent infection control and indoor air quality requirements (see Figure 2 for an example).

$\"Clean$

Figure 2: Example of Clean Air School wall plaque that can be displayed in public view as long as your school meets the technology and filter replacement requirements.

As long as your school adequately maintains HVAC air filtration systems for maximum efficiency and replaces filters at recommended intervals, your school can continue to display your Clean Air School status to all parents, teachers, and stakeholders.

Typical maintenance and renewal requirements include replacement of all air filtration systems every 12 months. Other data that can affect your renewal requirements include:

specific installation setup
air quality sensor data
usage patterns (i.e., how long you use air filtration each day)

The takeaway

Clean air has become central to the conversation around safe classroom environments. But clean air also has many other benefits, helping schools to reduce harmful pollutants in classroom air, reduce absences, and increase student performance.

Equal access to clean air can also help close the achievement gap across all schools.

Expert help and customized solutions can help ensure that your school can access the most effective air filtration and be rewarded with the benefits of clean air.

","how-to-become-a-clean-air-school","gid://shopify/Article/564925333582","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-become-a-clean-air-school","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2026-02-04T02:04:30Z",[912,1169,715],"Air Quality","How to become a Clean Air School","image",{"_10":1173,"_202":1174,"_205":1175,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269745750094","Child sitting at desk in a clean air school","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_CAS_Desk.webp?v=1753871862",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":1167,"_635":1187,"_599":1188,"_1171":1189},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how to become a Clean Air Facility and help protect your building occupants from poor air quality.","Clean air has extensive benefits, such as improving productivity and reducing absences due to sick building syndrome (SBS). But clean air is now even more critical for buildings seeking to help protect occupants as they resume onsite operations following the COVID-19 pandemic and face the ongoing health and productivity challenges of indoor air pollution in the office environment. Global air pollution, especially PM2.5, remains a major threat to health. In 2022, air pollution accounted for six million deaths and had an estimated economic cost of $8 trillion dollars. In 2022, air pollution accounted for six million deaths and had an estimated economic cost of $8 trillion dollars. High-efficiency air filtration in the workplace has become more than just a workplace benefit – it’s a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining high-performing employees concerned about their health and safety in shared facilities. High-efficiency air filtration is a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining high-performing employees concerned about their health and safety in shared facilities. A facility can pose unique air quality challenges that might make air filtration difficult and costly to implement as public health guidelines and air quality problems change. With the Clean Air Facility program, air quality experts design customized air filtration solutions for your facility, leveraging HVAC systems and stand-alone filtration to improve indoor air quality in your entire facility. How to become a Clean Air Facility To become a designated Clean Air Facility, the following process is used to identify and implement clean air solutions while demonstrating the long-term benefits of clean air: on-site air quality assessment air quality verification and monitoring publish your facility’s air quality in Clean Air Facility directory (optional) maintenance and renewal of Clean Air Facility status On-site air quality assessment First, a thorough air quality assessment (either onsite or virtual) is performed to discern the exact air quality solutions your building will need to meet Clean Air Facility requirements. The following factors are considered as Clean Air Facility staff assess a building’s needs. Local air pollution sources Localized air pollution sources and air pollution concentrations over time can vary dramatically from building to building based on location and operating hours. For example, office buildings near busy streets or highways may experience their highest levels of air pollution during morning and afternoon vehicle traffic. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of PM2.5, ultrafine particles (UFPs), chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).1,2 Air filtration must be designed not only to help reduce outdoor air pollution that can seep indoors but also remove indoor air pollutants from furnishings, construction materials, and personal hygiene products that can impact employee health and productivity. Building age and existing HVAC design The average commercial building in the United States is 53 years old, with only 12 percent of buildings built after 2003 and the majority built before 1946.3,4,5 The average commercial building in the United States is 53 years old, with only 12 percent of buildings built after 2003 and the majority built before 1946. Despite the age of a building, our Solutions Engineers can design filtration solutions that can be retrofitted into existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or customize stand-alone solutions for any facility. Expert consultation Evaluations (onsite or virtual) by subject matter experts in commercial air quality and air filtration systems can help simplify this process through the following steps: Building walkthrough: Facility construction, HVAC systems, and existing air filtration (if applicable) are documented. Spot measurements of ambient air quality: Major sources of air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, are documented using high-accuracy air quality monitoring tools. Inspection of air handlers and air distribution: Current facility HVAC and air filtration technology, including outstanding maintenance and upgrades, are noted. Detailed analysis: A written report is shared with facility stakeholders, describing air quality issues and suggesting customized air filtration solutions to help the building meet Clean Air Facility requirements. Based on evaluation results, one or more of the following solutions may be proposed: HVAC air filtration: For many buildings, HVAC air filtration is the most logical choice for air pollution mitigation. This type of air quality solution uses centralized airflow and filtration mechanisms to help deliver clean air to the entire building through facility ductwork. Localized air filtration solutions: Stand-alone air purifiers or room air purifiers can provide clean air to workspaces that may not have access to a centralized HVAC system or may be required depending on the day to day activities that take place within the facility. A high-performance system can provide several air changes per hour (ACH) and filter up to 99.5% of airborne particles in any given workspace. Individualized air purification: Personal air purifiers can help shield employees at individual workstations from air pollutants and airborne infections, delivering clean air filtered from up to 99% of airborne particles directly to a person’s breathing zone. Many buildings have traditionally relied on HVAC air filters rated MERV 13 or lower according to the MERV efficiency system based on the ASHRAE 52.2 standard.6 However, MERV 13 is tested to capture up to 50% of airborne particles ranging from 0.3-1.0 microns in size. This can leave up to half of the most dangerous airborne particles unfiltered, including airborne infections and ultrafine particles (UFPs). MERV 13 filters also require extensive mechanical ventilation to effectively dilute indoor concentrations of airborne particles. This can negatively affect a building in two ways: increased penetration of outdoor air can reduce building energy efficiency by disrupting indoor climate control and requiring increased HVAC operation hours for thermal comfort ventilation with outdoor air can bring in outdoor air pollutants that can cause poor indoor air quality, reducing the efficiency of air filtration systems IQAir filtration technology provides high-efficiency HVAC panel filters with ultralow pressure drop. In fact, NanoMax filtration technology exceeds MERV 16 standards with only the pressure drop of an average MERV 8 filter. NanoMax filters are suggested as an alternative to counter these potential downsides of traditional MERV 13 air filters. NanoMax filters are tested to capture up to 96 percent of airborne particles between 0.3-1.0 microns and at least 90% of UFPs less than 0.1 microns.7 Their high efficiency eliminates the need for additional mechanical ventilation beyond building code requirements. The high efficiency of NanoMax filters reduces the need for additional mechanical ventilation beyond building code requirements. Refer to the table below for a side-by-side comparison of filtration efficiencies for MERV 13 air filters and NanoMax air filters. Microns MERV 13 NanoMax Estimated Improvement with NanoMax 3-10 microns up to 90% up to 100% ~11% 1-3 microns 80-85% up to 99% Up to 24% 0.3-1 micron ≤ 50% up to 96% Up to 174% < 0.1 micron Not tested 90% Substantial Fewer HVAC filter changes NanoMax filters require fewer filter replacements over time. This can significantly reduce the costs associated with filter purchases and labor involved in filter replacements. Refer to the table below for an example of cost savings with NanoMax in comparison to MERV 13 filters for a facility using 50 NanoMax filters. Filter Type Filter Replacement Intervals * Yearly Maintenance Hours (15 min./filter) Yearly Filter Costs MERV 13 4 times per year 50 hours $2,000-$8,000 NanoMax (exceed MERV 16 performance) 1 time per year 12.5 hours $5,000 * based on 8 hours of HVAC operation per day (2,920 hours). Energy management Unlike many traditional MERV 13 air filtration systems, NanoMax HVAC air filters used as part of the Clean Air Facility program do not require additional mechanical ventilation beyond what is required per building code. As a result, buildings can only operate HVAC air filtration systems as needed to reduce energy usage. This helps minimize a building’s carbon footprint while maintaining 90 to 100 percent air filtration efficiency for particles while the building is occupied and HVAC systems are operating. Air quality monitoring and smart technology Smart indoor climate systems and other building control systems can also be paired with indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring to automate HVAC air filtration systems using preset protocols: HVAC Systems: Program smart thermostats to maintain energy-efficient “Fan On” mode and deliver clean air even in the absence of heating or cooling operations. High-Capacity Stand-Alone Systems: Pair air purifiers with occupancy sensors, timers, or air quality monitors so that systems operate when indoor spaces are occupied or indoor air pollution concentrations surpass pre-programmed thresholds. Air quality verification and monitoring The impact of PM2.5 and indoor gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) on employee health, productivity, and cognitive performance has long been documented.8,9,10,11 Air quality monitoring can provide crucial data to help ensure that HVAC systems supplies sufficient levels of clean and oxygenated air to occupants and reduce the health impacts of air pollution and airborne infections. You will receive an air quality report every month for your facility. You will be contacted within 4 business hours if there is an issue with your facility’s air quality. Public air quality data displays can also demonstrate to building inhabitants the immediate benefits of indoor clean air, especially when outdoor air pollution is heavy. This data can be displayed on publicly visible TV monitors or on company websites using customizable air quality data widgets (see Figure 1 for an example). Figure 1: Customized air quality widget for websites, comparing current indoor air quality with outdoor air quality. Long-term air quality data can also illustrate the returns of investment in air filtration alongside other workforce data, such as work absences due to illness and productivity metrics. Further benefits of indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring include: Live indoor air quality data feed to demonstrate real-time air quality improvements resulting from air filtration. Mobile air quality apps for facility inhabitants to view real-time workplace air quality data anywhere. Email notifications for specified air quality thresholds, alerting facility stakeholders about potential air pollution threats. Documentation of indoor air quality improvements to track the long-term efficacy of air filtration and air quality improvement programs. Air quality reports featuring long-term data that can illustrate the relationship between air quality improvements and workplace metrics. Lookup your facility here (bottom of this page https://www.iqair.com/us/commercial-applications/clean-air-facilities): Maintenance and renewal Clean Air Facility status is active for 12 months after successful designation. Facilities with active Clean Air Facility designations are listed on the public, searchable IQAir Clean Air Facility database. Buildings that meet Clean Air Facility requirements can publicly display a customized placard, window decal, or countertop trophy indicating that the facility meets strict indoor air quality and infection control requirements (see Figure 2 for an example). Figure 2: Example of Clean Air Facility window decal displayed in public view. In conclusion The Clean Air Facility program helps reduce the challenges of implementing office air filtration by customizing solutions to the exact specifications of any facility. Clean air at work is more than just an added bonus – it’s essential for many employees to feel safer and more secure against the new realities facing shared workspaces. Some commercial facilities are eligible for grants earmarked to help meet air filtration compliance requirements related to local air pollution or federal emergency declarations.","

Clean air has extensive benefits, such as improving productivity and reducing absences due to sick building syndrome (SBS).

But clean air is now even more critical for buildings seeking to help protect occupants as they resume onsite operations following the COVID-19 pandemic and face the ongoing health and productivity challenges of indoor air pollution in the office environment.

Global air pollution, especially PM2.5, remains a major threat to health. In 2022, air pollution accounted for six million deaths and had an estimated economic cost of $8 trillion dollars.

In 2022, air pollution accounted for six million deaths and had an estimated economic cost of $8 trillion dollars.

High-efficiency air filtration in the workplace has become more than just a workplace benefit – it’s a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining high-performing employees concerned about their health and safety in shared facilities.

High-efficiency air filtration is a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining high-performing employees concerned about their health and safety in shared facilities.

A facility can pose unique air quality challenges that might make air filtration difficult and costly to implement as public health guidelines and air quality problems change.

With the Clean Air Facility program, air quality experts design customized air filtration solutions for your facility, leveraging HVAC systems and stand-alone filtration to improve indoor air quality in your entire facility.

$\"Perfect$

How to become a Clean Air Facility

To become a designated Clean Air Facility, the following process is used to identify and implement clean air solutions while demonstrating the long-term benefits of clean air:

on-site air quality assessment
air quality verification and monitoring
publish your facility’s air quality in Clean Air Facility directory (optional)
maintenance and renewal of Clean Air Facility status

On-site air quality assessment

First, a thorough air quality assessment (either onsite or virtual) is performed to discern the exact air quality solutions your building will need to meet Clean Air Facility requirements.

The following factors are considered as Clean Air Facility staff assess a building’s needs.

Local air pollution sources

Localized air pollution sources and air pollution concentrations over time can vary dramatically from building to building based on location and operating hours.

For example, office buildings near busy streets or highways may experience their highest levels of air pollution during morning and afternoon vehicle traffic. Vehicle exhaust is a major source of PM2.5, ultrafine particles (UFPs), chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).^1,2

Air filtration must be designed not only to help reduce outdoor air pollution that can seep indoors but also remove indoor air pollutants from furnishings, construction materials, and personal hygiene products that can impact employee health and productivity.

Building age and existing HVAC design

The average commercial building in the United States is 53 years old, with only 12 percent of buildings built after 2003 and the majority built before 1946.^3,4,5

The average commercial building in the United States is 53 years old, with only 12 percent of buildings built after 2003 and the majority built before 1946.

Despite the age of a building, our Solutions Engineers can design filtration solutions that can be retrofitted into existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or customize stand-alone solutions for any facility.

Expert consultation

Evaluations (onsite or virtual) by subject matter experts in commercial air quality and air filtration systems can help simplify this process through the following steps:

\nBuilding walkthrough: Facility construction, HVAC systems, and existing air filtration (if applicable) are documented.
\nSpot measurements of ambient air quality: Major sources of air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, are documented using high-accuracy air quality monitoring tools.
\nInspection of air handlers and air distribution: Current facility HVAC and air filtration technology, including outstanding maintenance and upgrades, are noted.
\nDetailed analysis: A written report is shared with facility stakeholders, describing air quality issues and suggesting customized air filtration solutions to help the building meet Clean Air Facility requirements.

Based on evaluation results, one or more of the following solutions may be proposed:

\nHVAC air filtration: For many buildings, HVAC air filtration is the most logical choice for air pollution mitigation. This type of air quality solution uses centralized airflow and filtration mechanisms to help deliver clean air to the entire building through facility ductwork.
\nLocalized air filtration solutions: Stand-alone air purifiers or room air purifiers can provide clean air to workspaces that may not have access to a centralized HVAC system or may be required depending on the day to day activities that take place within the facility. A high-performance system can provide several air changes per hour (ACH) and filter up to 99.5% of airborne particles in any given workspace.
\nIndividualized air purification: Personal air purifiers can help shield employees at individual workstations from air pollutants and airborne infections, delivering clean air filtered from up to 99% of airborne particles directly to a person’s breathing zone.

Many buildings have traditionally relied on HVAC air filters rated MERV 13 or lower according to the MERV efficiency system based on the ASHRAE 52.2 standard.⁶

However, MERV 13 is tested to capture up to 50% of airborne particles ranging from 0.3-1.0 microns in size. This can leave up to half of the most dangerous airborne particles unfiltered, including airborne infections and ultrafine particles (UFPs).

MERV 13 filters also require extensive mechanical ventilation to effectively dilute indoor concentrations of airborne particles. This can negatively affect a building in two ways:

\nincreased penetration of outdoor air can reduce building energy efficiency by disrupting indoor climate control and requiring increased HVAC operation hours for thermal comfort
\nventilation with outdoor air can bring in outdoor air pollutants that can cause poor indoor air quality, reducing the efficiency of air filtration systems

IQAir filtration technology provides high-efficiency HVAC panel filters with ultralow pressure drop. In fact, NanoMax filtration technology exceeds MERV 16 standards with only the pressure drop of an average MERV 8 filter. NanoMax filters are suggested as an alternative to counter these potential downsides of traditional MERV 13 air filters.

NanoMax filters are tested to capture up to 96 percent of airborne particles between 0.3-1.0 microns and at least 90% of UFPs less than 0.1 microns.⁷ Their high efficiency eliminates the need for additional mechanical ventilation beyond building code requirements.

The high efficiency of NanoMax filters reduces the need for additional mechanical ventilation beyond building code requirements.

Refer to the table below for a side-by-side comparison of filtration efficiencies for MERV 13 air filters and NanoMax air filters.

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

\n Microns \n	MERV 13	NanoMax	Estimated Improvement with NanoMax
3-10 microns	up to 90%	up to 100%	~11%
1-3 microns	80-85%	up to 99%	Up to 24%
0.3-1 micron	≤ 50%	up to 96%	Up to 174%
< 0.1 micron	Not tested	90%	Substantial

Fewer HVAC filter changes

NanoMax filters require fewer filter replacements over time. This can significantly reduce the costs associated with filter purchases and labor involved in filter replacements.

Refer to the table below for an example of cost savings with NanoMax in comparison to MERV 13 filters for a facility using 50 NanoMax filters.

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

\n Filter Type\n	Filter Replacement Intervals *	Yearly Maintenance Hours (15 min./filter)	Yearly Filter Costs
MERV 13	4 times per year	50 hours	$2,000-$8,000
\n NanoMax (exceed MERV 16 performance) \n	1 time per year	12.5 hours	$5,000

* based on 8 hours of HVAC operation per day (2,920 hours).

Energy management

Unlike many traditional MERV 13 air filtration systems, NanoMax HVAC air filters used as part of the Clean Air Facility program do not require additional mechanical ventilation beyond what is required per building code.

As a result, buildings can only operate HVAC air filtration systems as needed to reduce energy usage. This helps minimize a building’s carbon footprint while maintaining 90 to 100 percent air filtration efficiency for particles while the building is occupied and HVAC systems are operating.

Air quality monitoring and smart technology

Smart indoor climate systems and other building control systems can also be paired with indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring to automate HVAC air filtration systems using preset protocols:

\nHVAC Systems: Program smart thermostats to maintain energy-efficient “Fan On” mode and deliver clean air even in the absence of heating or cooling operations.
\nHigh-Capacity Stand-Alone Systems: Pair air purifiers with occupancy sensors, timers, or air quality monitors so that systems operate when indoor spaces are occupied or indoor air pollution concentrations surpass pre-programmed thresholds.

Air quality verification and monitoring

The impact of PM2.5 and indoor gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) on employee health, productivity, and cognitive performance has long been documented.^8,9,10,11

Air quality monitoring can provide crucial data to help ensure that HVAC systems supplies sufficient levels of clean and oxygenated air to occupants and reduce the health impacts of air pollution and airborne infections. You will receive an air quality report every month for your facility. You will be contacted within 4 business hours if there is an issue with your facility’s air quality.

Public air quality data displays can also demonstrate to building inhabitants the immediate benefits of indoor clean air, especially when outdoor air pollution is heavy. This data can be displayed on publicly visible TV monitors or on company websites using customizable air quality data widgets (see Figure 1 for an example).

$\"AirVisual$

Figure 1: Customized air quality widget for websites, comparing current indoor air quality with outdoor air quality.

Long-term air quality data can also illustrate the returns of investment in air filtration alongside other workforce data, such as work absences due to illness and productivity metrics.

Further benefits of indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring include:

\nLive indoor air quality data feed to demonstrate real-time air quality improvements resulting from air filtration.
\nMobile air quality apps for facility inhabitants to view real-time workplace air quality data anywhere.
\nEmail notifications for specified air quality thresholds, alerting facility stakeholders about potential air pollution threats.
\nDocumentation of indoor air quality improvements to track the long-term efficacy of air filtration and air quality improvement programs.
\nAir quality reports featuring long-term data that can illustrate the relationship between air quality improvements and workplace metrics.
Lookup your facility here (bottom of this page https://www.iqair.com/us/commercial-applications/clean-air-facilities):

$\"Clean$

Maintenance and renewal

Clean Air Facility status is active for 12 months after successful designation. Facilities with active Clean Air Facility designations are listed on the public, searchable IQAir Clean Air Facility database.

Buildings that meet Clean Air Facility requirements can publicly display a customized placard, window decal, or countertop trophy indicating that the facility meets strict indoor air quality and infection control requirements (see Figure 2 for an example).

$\"Clean$

Figure 2: Example of Clean Air Facility window decal displayed in public view.

In conclusion

The Clean Air Facility program helps reduce the challenges of implementing office air filtration by customizing solutions to the exact specifications of any facility.

Clean air at work is more than just an added bonus – it’s essential for many employees to feel safer and more secure against the new realities facing shared workspaces.

Some commercial facilities are eligible for grants earmarked to help meet air filtration compliance requirements related to local air pollution or federal emergency declarations.

","how-to-become-a-clean-air-facility","gid://shopify/Article/564925268046","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-become-a-clean-air-facility",[912,1169,715],"How to become a Clean Air Facility",{"_10":1190,"_202":1191,"_205":1192,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/272593092686","Modern indoor building with IQAir Foundation logo","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_CAF_Desk.jpg?v=1774024713",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1194,"_1139":1195,"_1154":1196,"_1156":1196,"_1157":1197,"_1159":1198,"_1008":1199,"_10":1200,"_1163":1201,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1167,"_635":1202,"_599":1203,"_1171":1204},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Indoor air pollution can be a serious issue across many cities throughout the world, particularly for those that suffer from allergies, or respiratory problems, or for those who simply want to breathe cleaner air.","Indoor air pollution can be a serious issue across many cities throughout the world, particularly for those that suffer from allergies, or respiratory problems, or for those who simply want to breathe cleaner air. One way to improve indoor air quality is by using an air purifier. Ionic air purifiers are a popular type of air purifier that uses negatively charged ions to remove airborne particles from the air. Something important to note is that there are many misconceptions about these types of air purifiers, including concerns about their effectiveness and safety. This will be explored in greater depth throughout the article, as we look into the world of ionic air purification. What is an ionic air purifier? Ionic air purifiers are a popular type of air purification technology that is known for their ability to remove microscopic particles from the air. These purifiers capture airborne pollutants by releasing negative ions into the air. These negatively charged ions are attracted to positively charged particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. Once the ions attach themselves to these particles, they become too heavy to remain airborne, and they fall to the ground or stick to surfaces in the room. One advantage of ionic air purifiers is that they do not require a filter, which means they have lower maintenance costs than other types of air purifiers. Manufacturers who use this technology claim that ionic air purifiers may be particularly effective for removing allergens from the air, which is beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma attacks. However, it is important to note that ionic air purifiers can produce harmful levels of ozone, which can be harmful to human health. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of any air purifier before making a purchase. IQAir Health Pro Series of air purifiers are a safe and effective option for those looking to improve the air quality in their home or office, as they use a HyperHEPA filtration system that does not produce any ozone. Is an ionic air purifier safe? When it comes to the safety of air purifiers, it is important to consider whether they produce any harmful byproducts, such as ozone. While some ionic air purifiers can produce higher levels of ozone, which may create hazardous environments that are harmful to human health, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers are completely safe for use. Whilst it is indeed true that some ionic air purifiers can produce harmful levels of ozone, not all of them are unsafe. It's important to note that there are different types of ionizers, and some are safer than others. For example, some ionic air purifiers use a technology known as \"photocatalytic oxidation,\" which combines ultraviolet light with a catalyst to produce hydroxyl radicals that can break down harmful airborne pollutants. This process does not produce ozone. One of the key features of the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers is their HyperHEPA filtration system, which is capable of removing particles as small as 0.003 microns. This advanced filtration system does not rely on ionization to remove airborne pollutants, which means that it does not produce any ozone. In addition to their innovative filtration system, the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifiers have also been certified by multiple independent testing organizations as being safe and effective for removing harmful airborne pollutants. These certifications give peace of mind to consumers who are particularly concerned about the safety and efficacy of air purifiers, as well as their health. How does an ionic air purifier work? An ionic air purifier works by using an ionization device to produce negatively charged ions that attract and remove airborne particles from the atmosphere. These negatively charged ions are created by electrons being emitted from a series of metal pins or wires inside the air purifier. These electrons then collide with neutral molecules in the air, resulting in the production of negatively charged ions. As soon as these negatively charged ions are released into the air, they adhere themselves to positively charged airborne particles, which include particulate matter such as dust, pollen, and other pollutants. This causes the particles to become heavier and thus unable to remain in the air, and they are then attracted to a positively charged collection plate or filter where they can be easily removed from the air. While many of the ionic air purifiers in use can be effective in removing certain types of airborne particles, they may not be as effective as other types of air purifiers, such as IQAir's Hyper HEPA air purifiers. This is because ionic air purifiers only remove particles from the air and do not necessarily capture them, which means that they may be released back into the air. Furthermore, the positively charged collection plates and filters used in ionic air purifiers can quickly become covered in layers of trapped particles, which will reduce their effectiveness over time. The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers uses a different approach. Instead of relying solely on ionization, these air purifiers use a combination of mechanical filtration and gas-phase filtration to remove particles and gases from the air. The HyperHEPA filtration system in the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can remove particles as small as 0.003 microns, which includes many different viruses, bacteria. The gas-phase filtration unit is highly effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and other harmful gases from the air. Is an ionic air purifier effective? Ionic air purifiers use negatively charged ions to attract and remove airborne particles, but they may not be as effective as other types of air purifiers, such as those that use HEPA filters, which physically trap particles in a filter. This is because ionic air purifiers may not be able to extract extra fine particles that are too microscopic to be affected by the ionization process. However, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers use a HyperHEPA filtration system, which is different from traditional HEPA filters because it can capture particles as small as 0.003 microns. This means that the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can efficiently remove ultrafine or microscopic particles. Some of these are particles such as viruses, bacteria from the air. Is an ionic air purifier safe for pets? Pets can be harmed by airborne pollutants much like the rest of us are. Therefore it is important to maintain a cleaner level of air in your home for their health and well-being. The problem with some of the ionic air purifiers is that some do produce ozone, which can be harmful to pets. Ozone can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues for pets and humans alike, so it is important to choose an air purifier that does not produce this gas. The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers utilize a variety of advanced filtration technologies, including HyperHEPA filtration and gas-phase filtration, to remove a wide range of airborne pollutants without producing any ozone. As such, they are a practical and safe pick for pets and will help improve the air quality in your home without putting you or your pets at risk. As well as removing pet-related allergens from the atmosphere, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can also remove other common airborne pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and mold spores, that can negatively affect your pet's health. By extracting these pollutants from the air, you can contribute and help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems for your pets. Does an ionic air purifier produce ozone? Some ionic air purifiers on the market use ionization to remove airborne particles, which can produce harmful levels of ozone. Ozone is a gas that can cause respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes, and other health issues, especially for those who are sensitive to air pollutants. One other thing to note is that not all ionic air purifiers produce harmful levels of ozone. Some manufacturers have developed ionic air purifiers with technology that minimizes or eliminates the production of ozone. However, it can be difficult to determine which ionic air purifiers are safe and which ones are not without proper testing and certification. It is necessary to conduct proper research and select air purifiers that have been properly and independently tested and certified by recognized organizations for their safety and effectiveness, in regards to removing harmful airborne pollutants from the air. The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers do not rely on ionization to remove airborne pollutants and therefore do not emit any ozone. Instead, they use a HyperHEPA filtration system, which is a combination of mechanical filtration and gas-phase filtration to remove the various particles and gases from the atmosphere. The HyperHEPA filter is specifically made to capture ultrafine particles, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens, that are often too small to be caught by traditional HEPA filters. Additionally, the gas-phase filtration system is effective in removing gaseous pollutants and unpleasant odors from the air.","

Indoor air pollution can be a serious issue across many cities throughout the world, particularly for those that suffer from allergies, or respiratory problems, or for those who simply want to breathe cleaner air. One way to improve indoor air quality is by using an air purifier. Ionic air purifiers are a popular type of air purifier that uses negatively charged ions to remove airborne particles from the air. Something important to note is that there are many misconceptions about these types of air purifiers, including concerns about their effectiveness and safety. This will be explored in greater depth throughout the article, as we look into the world of ionic air purification.

What is an ionic air purifier?

Ionic air purifiers are a popular type of air purification technology that is known for their ability to remove microscopic particles from the air. These purifiers capture airborne pollutants by releasing negative ions into the air. These negatively charged ions are attracted to positively charged particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. Once the ions attach themselves to these particles, they become too heavy to remain airborne, and they fall to the ground or stick to surfaces in the room.

One advantage of ionic air purifiers is that they do not require a filter, which means they have lower maintenance costs than other types of air purifiers. Manufacturers who use this technology claim that ionic air purifiers may be particularly effective for removing allergens from the air, which is beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma attacks. However, it is important to note that ionic air purifiers can produce harmful levels of ozone, which can be harmful to human health.

It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of any air purifier before making a purchase. IQAir Health Pro Series of air purifiers are a safe and effective option for those looking to improve the air quality in their home or office, as they use a HyperHEPA filtration system that does not produce any ozone.

Is an ionic air purifier safe?

When it comes to the safety of air purifiers, it is important to consider whether they produce any harmful byproducts, such as ozone. While some ionic air purifiers can produce higher levels of ozone, which may create hazardous environments that are harmful to human health, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers are completely safe for use.

Whilst it is indeed true that some ionic air purifiers can produce harmful levels of ozone, not all of them are unsafe. It's important to note that there are different types of ionizers, and some are safer than others. For example, some ionic air purifiers use a technology known as \"photocatalytic oxidation,\" which combines ultraviolet light with a catalyst to produce hydroxyl radicals that can break down harmful airborne pollutants. This process does not produce ozone.

One of the key features of the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers is their HyperHEPA filtration system, which is capable of removing particles as small as 0.003 microns. This advanced filtration system does not rely on ionization to remove airborne pollutants, which means that it does not produce any ozone.

In addition to their innovative filtration system, the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifiers have also been certified by multiple independent testing organizations as being safe and effective for removing harmful airborne pollutants. These certifications give peace of mind to consumers who are particularly concerned about the safety and efficacy of air purifiers, as well as their health.

How does an ionic air purifier work?

An ionic air purifier works by using an ionization device to produce negatively charged ions that attract and remove airborne particles from the atmosphere. These negatively charged ions are created by electrons being emitted from a series of metal pins or wires inside the air purifier. These electrons then collide with neutral molecules in the air, resulting in the production of negatively charged ions.

As soon as these negatively charged ions are released into the air, they adhere themselves to positively charged airborne particles, which include particulate matter such as dust, pollen, and other pollutants. This causes the particles to become heavier and thus unable to remain in the air, and they are then attracted to a positively charged collection plate or filter where they can be easily removed from the air.

While many of the ionic air purifiers in use can be effective in removing certain types of airborne particles, they may not be as effective as other types of air purifiers, such as IQAir's Hyper HEPA air purifiers. This is because ionic air purifiers only remove particles from the air and do not necessarily capture them, which means that they may be released back into the air. Furthermore, the positively charged collection plates and filters used in ionic air purifiers can quickly become covered in layers of trapped particles, which will reduce their effectiveness over time.

The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers uses a different approach. Instead of relying solely on ionization, these air purifiers use a combination of mechanical filtration and gas-phase filtration to remove particles and gases from the air. The HyperHEPA filtration system in the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can remove particles as small as 0.003 microns, which includes many different viruses, bacteria. The gas-phase filtration unit is highly effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and other harmful gases from the air.

Is an ionic air purifier effective?

Ionic air purifiers use negatively charged ions to attract and remove airborne particles, but they may not be as effective as other types of air purifiers, such as those that use HEPA filters, which physically trap particles in a filter. This is because ionic air purifiers may not be able to extract extra fine particles that are too microscopic to be affected by the ionization process.

However, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers use a HyperHEPA filtration system, which is different from traditional HEPA filters because it can capture particles as small as 0.003 microns. This means that the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can efficiently remove ultrafine or microscopic particles. Some of these are particles such as viruses, bacteria from the air.

Is an ionic air purifier safe for pets?

Pets can be harmed by airborne pollutants much like the rest of us are. Therefore it is important to maintain a cleaner level of air in your home for their health and well-being. The problem with some of the ionic air purifiers is that some do produce ozone, which can be harmful to pets. Ozone can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues for pets and humans alike, so it is important to choose an air purifier that does not produce this gas.

The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers utilize a variety of advanced filtration technologies, including HyperHEPA filtration and gas-phase filtration, to remove a wide range of airborne pollutants without producing any ozone. As such, they are a practical and safe pick for pets and will help improve the air quality in your home without putting you or your pets at risk.

As well as removing pet-related allergens from the atmosphere, the IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers can also remove other common airborne pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and mold spores, that can negatively affect your pet's health. By extracting these pollutants from the air, you can contribute and help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems for your pets.

Does an ionic air purifier produce ozone?

Some ionic air purifiers on the market use ionization to remove airborne particles, which can produce harmful levels of ozone. Ozone is a gas that can cause respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes, and other health issues, especially for those who are sensitive to air pollutants. One other thing to note is that not all ionic air purifiers produce harmful levels of ozone.

Some manufacturers have developed ionic air purifiers with technology that minimizes or eliminates the production of ozone. However, it can be difficult to determine which ionic air purifiers are safe and which ones are not without proper testing and certification. It is necessary to conduct proper research and select air purifiers that have been properly and independently tested and certified by recognized organizations for their safety and effectiveness, in regards to removing harmful airborne pollutants from the air.

The IQAir HealthPro Series of air purifiers do not rely on ionization to remove airborne pollutants and therefore do not emit any ozone. Instead, they use a HyperHEPA filtration system, which is a combination of mechanical filtration and gas-phase filtration to remove the various particles and gases from the atmosphere.

The HyperHEPA filter is specifically made to capture ultrafine particles, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens, that are often too small to be caught by traditional HEPA filters. Additionally, the gas-phase filtration system is effective in removing gaseous pollutants and unpleasant odors from the air.

","ionic-air-purifier-what-you-must-know-before-buying","gid://shopify/Article/564873625678","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/ionic-air-purifier-what-you-must-know-before-buying",[912],"Ionic Air Purifier: What You Must Know Before Buying!",{"_10":1205,"_202":1206,"_205":1207,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270953381966","Negative Ion air purifier on counter top","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/NegIonPurifier_Desktop_d2d9516c-b8b5-4ee8-918f-188c12b977fc.jpg?v=1764749110",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1209,"_1139":1210,"_1154":1211,"_1156":1211,"_1157":1212,"_1159":1213,"_1008":1214,"_10":1215,"_1163":1216,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1167,"_635":1217,"_599":1218,"_1171":1219},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"The Ion air purifier has gained significant attention as effective tools for creating healthier living and working environments","In our modern world, where indoor air quality is a growing concern, ion air purifiers have gained significant attention as effective tools for creating healthier living and working environments. We explore these devices, their benefits and drawbacks, functionality, safety features, and more! What is an ion air purifier? An ion air purifier is a device designed to enhance indoor air quality by addressing airborne contaminants and pollutants. Distinct from traditional filter-based air purifiers, ion air purifiers employ ionization technology to charge air particles, thus making them easier to trap and potentially eliminate from your environment. The ionization process involves emitting negative ions into the air. These ions attach themselves to airborne particles such as dust, allergens, smoke, and other pollutants. Once the particles are charged, they are attracted to positively charged plates or filters within the air purifier. Manufacturers of ion air purifiers claim that this mechanism allows the ion air purifier to capture and remove a wide range of particles from the air, providing cleaner and healthier indoor air. This claim is not 100% accurate, and ion air purifiers are not the best option, as this article will come to show. It's important to note that ion air purifiers typically do not address gases, odors, or certain chemical compounds. To tackle these additional concerns, the IQAir HealthPro Series incorporates a gas-phase filtration system alongside ionization. The gas-phase filter contains activated carbon, which is highly efficient in adsorbing and neutralizing various gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unpleasant odors that may be present in the indoor air. How does an ion air purifier work? Ion air purifiers work by emitting negative ions into the air. These ions are generated by the air purifier and are released into the surrounding environment. As the negatively charged ions disperse, they interact with airborne particles present in the indoor air. When the negative ions come into contact with particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, they attach themselves to these particles. The ions impart an electrical charge to the particles, making them negatively charged as well. Once the particles are charged, they are attracted to positively charged plates or filters within the ion air purifier. These plates or filters, commonly known as electrostatic precipitators, have a positive charge and act as collectors for the charged particles in the air. As the charged particles approach the positively charged plates or filters, they are drawn towards them, effectively removing the particles from the air. The plates or filters can be easily cleaned or replaced, depending on the specific model of the ion air purifier. It's important to note that ion air purifiers primarily target particles and are less effective at removing gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are more effective, healthy, high-performance air purifiers on the market, like the IQAir HealthPro Series, which incorporate additional filtration technologies, such as activated carbon filters, to address gas and odor filtration. Can an air purifier work for pet dander? ...content for the answer here... Is an ion air purifier safe to use? It is important to be aware that ion air purifiers have raised some safety concerns due to their potential to produce ozone as a byproduct of the ionization process. Ozone, when present in high concentrations, can be harmful to human health and cause respiratory issues. However, IQAir air purifiers do not produce ozone. The IQAir HealthPro Series undergoes rigorous testing and adheres to strict safety standards to ensure the safety of its users. The air purifiers are independently tested and certified by reputable organizations, verifying their performance and safety. Additionally, IQAir provides clear instructions and guidelines for proper usage and maintenance of their air purifiers, which should be followed to ensure optimal and safe operation. By using advanced filtration technologies like the HyperHEPA filter, the IQAir HealthPro Series is able to effectively capture particles as small as 0.003 microns with a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%. This includes capturing viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19. The gas-phase filtration system further enhances the air purifier's ability to target and remove odors and gases from the air. Can ion air purifiers kill viruses? Ion air purifiers are designed to capture and remove particles from the air, including viruses. When these purifiers release negative ions into the air, these ions can attach themselves to airborne particles, such as viruses, making them heavier and causing them to fall to the ground or be captured by filters within the purifier. This process can help reduce the concentration of viruses in the air, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of transmission. However, these particles are not removed from the environment–they are “inactivated.” It is important to be aware that they can still cause harm to your health in this so-called “inactivated” state. Ion air purifiers alone cannot guarantee complete eradication or prevention of viruses. Viruses can also spread through direct contact and respiratory droplets, which is why other measures like proper ventilation, frequent hand washing, and following public health guidelines are crucial in preventing the transmission of viruses. The IQAir HealthPro Series, which is not an ion air purifier, renowned for its exceptional performance, is highly effective at removing viruses from the air. Equipped with the advanced HyperHEPA filtration technology, the HealthPro Series is designed to capture ultrafine particles, including viruses, with remarkable efficiency. The HyperHEPA filter used in the HealthPro Series is specifically engineered to target particles as small as 0.003 microns, which is smaller than most viruses. With a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%, this exceptional filtration system ensures that a significant portion of viruses present in the air is captured and trapped within the purifier. Does an ion air purifier produce ozone? Some ion air purifiers on the market can produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct of their ionization process. Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, and while it can help eliminate certain odors and pollutants, high levels of ozone can be harmful to human health, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. However, the IQAir HealthPro Series distinguishes itself from these ozone-producing ion air purifiers. It utilizes an advanced filtration system called HyperHEPA, which effectively captures ultrafine particles without generating any ozone. The HyperHEPA filtration technology is specifically designed to target particles as small as 0.003 microns with a guaranteed minimum efficiency of over 99.5%. By relying on this advanced filtration system, the IQAir HealthPro Series ensures that you can enjoy cleaner and healthier indoor air without the risk of ozone emissions. It successfully captures a wide range of contaminants and pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19. This is especially important because ozone can have adverse effects on human health when present in high concentrations. It can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to elevated ozone levels may also contribute to the development of respiratory conditions and worsen existing ones. Is an ion air purifier the best type of air purifier? While they are often touted as being “advanced technology,” ion air purifiers have limitations in terms of their effectiveness. They primarily target larger particles and do not efficiently capture ultrafine particles, such as viruses and bacteria. Additionally, some ion air purifiers can produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct, which can be a safety concern, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. There are healthier, more effective options available. On the other hand, the IQAir HealthPro Series utilizes a different technology called HyperHEPA filtration. This advanced filtration system is specifically designed to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns with a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%. This includes not only dust and allergens but also viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19. The HyperHEPA filter in the IQAir HealthPro Series is highly efficient and ensures that the air you breathe is exceptionally clean and free from harmful particles. In addition to its outstanding HyperHEPA filtration, the IQAir HealthPro Series also features a gas-phase filtration system, which sets it apart from many other air purifiers on the market. This gas filtration phase is specifically designed to target gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in the indoor air. The gas-phase filtration in the IQAir HealthPro Series utilizes an advanced V5-Cell filter, which consists of a blend of activated carbon and other specialized media. The activated carbon is highly effective in adsorbing and trapping a wide range of gases and odors. This includes common household odors, smoke, cooking smells, chemical fumes, and harmful volatile organic compounds emitted by cleaning products, paints, and other sources. While manufacturers of ion air purifiers make claims about the technology, it is crucial to recognize that ion air purifiers are not ideal. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA air purifiers have their own advantages. IQAir HealthPro Series stands out for its exceptional filtration capabilities, specifically targeting ultrafine particles, and ensuring a high level of safety with no ozone production. Depending on your specific needs, the IQAir HealthPro Series is a top choice for those who prioritize superior filtration efficiency and clean air quality.","

In our modern world, where indoor air quality is a growing concern, ion air purifiers have gained significant attention as effective tools for creating healthier living and working environments. We explore these devices, their benefits and drawbacks, functionality, safety features, and more!

What is an ion air purifier?

An ion air purifier is a device designed to enhance indoor air quality by addressing airborne contaminants and pollutants. Distinct from traditional filter-based air purifiers, ion air purifiers employ ionization technology to charge air particles, thus making them easier to trap and potentially eliminate from your environment.

The ionization process involves emitting negative ions into the air. These ions attach themselves to airborne particles such as dust, allergens, smoke, and other pollutants. Once the particles are charged, they are attracted to positively charged plates or filters within the air purifier. Manufacturers of ion air purifiers claim that this mechanism allows the ion air purifier to capture and remove a wide range of particles from the air, providing cleaner and healthier indoor air. This claim is not 100% accurate, and ion air purifiers are not the best option, as this article will come to show.

It's important to note that ion air purifiers typically do not address gases, odors, or certain chemical compounds. To tackle these additional concerns, the IQAir HealthPro Series incorporates a gas-phase filtration system alongside ionization. The gas-phase filter contains activated carbon, which is highly efficient in adsorbing and neutralizing various gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and unpleasant odors that may be present in the indoor air.

How does an ion air purifier work?

Ion air purifiers work by emitting negative ions into the air. These ions are generated by the air purifier and are released into the surrounding environment. As the negatively charged ions disperse, they interact with airborne particles present in the indoor air.

When the negative ions come into contact with particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens, they attach themselves to these particles. The ions impart an electrical charge to the particles, making them negatively charged as well.

Once the particles are charged, they are attracted to positively charged plates or filters within the ion air purifier. These plates or filters, commonly known as electrostatic precipitators, have a positive charge and act as collectors for the charged particles in the air.

As the charged particles approach the positively charged plates or filters, they are drawn towards them, effectively removing the particles from the air. The plates or filters can be easily cleaned or replaced, depending on the specific model of the ion air purifier.

It's important to note that ion air purifiers primarily target particles and are less effective at removing gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are more effective, healthy, high-performance air purifiers on the market, like the IQAir HealthPro Series, which incorporate additional filtration technologies, such as activated carbon filters, to address gas and odor filtration.

Can an air purifier work for pet dander?

...content for the answer here...

Is an ion air purifier safe to use?

It is important to be aware that ion air purifiers have raised some safety concerns due to their potential to produce ozone as a byproduct of the ionization process. Ozone, when present in high concentrations, can be harmful to human health and cause respiratory issues. However, IQAir air purifiers do not produce ozone.

The IQAir HealthPro Series undergoes rigorous testing and adheres to strict safety standards to ensure the safety of its users. The air purifiers are independently tested and certified by reputable organizations, verifying their performance and safety. Additionally, IQAir provides clear instructions and guidelines for proper usage and maintenance of their air purifiers, which should be followed to ensure optimal and safe operation.

By using advanced filtration technologies like the HyperHEPA filter, the IQAir HealthPro Series is able to effectively capture particles as small as 0.003 microns with a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%. This includes capturing viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19. The gas-phase filtration system further enhances the air purifier's ability to target and remove odors and gases from the air.

Can ion air purifiers kill viruses?

Ion air purifiers are designed to capture and remove particles from the air, including viruses. When these purifiers release negative ions into the air, these ions can attach themselves to airborne particles, such as viruses, making them heavier and causing them to fall to the ground or be captured by filters within the purifier. This process can help reduce the concentration of viruses in the air, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of transmission. However, these particles are not removed from the environment–they are “inactivated.” It is important to be aware that they can still cause harm to your health in this so-called “inactivated” state.

Ion air purifiers alone cannot guarantee complete eradication or prevention of viruses. Viruses can also spread through direct contact and respiratory droplets, which is why other measures like proper ventilation, frequent hand washing, and following public health guidelines are crucial in preventing the transmission of viruses.

The IQAir HealthPro Series, which is not an ion air purifier, renowned for its exceptional performance, is highly effective at removing viruses from the air. Equipped with the advanced HyperHEPA filtration technology, the HealthPro Series is designed to capture ultrafine particles, including viruses, with remarkable efficiency.

The HyperHEPA filter used in the HealthPro Series is specifically engineered to target particles as small as 0.003 microns, which is smaller than most viruses. With a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%, this exceptional filtration system ensures that a significant portion of viruses present in the air is captured and trapped within the purifier.

Does an ion air purifier produce ozone?

Some ion air purifiers on the market can produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct of their ionization process. Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, and while it can help eliminate certain odors and pollutants, high levels of ozone can be harmful to human health, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.

However, the IQAir HealthPro Series distinguishes itself from these ozone-producing ion air purifiers. It utilizes an advanced filtration system called HyperHEPA, which effectively captures ultrafine particles without generating any ozone. The HyperHEPA filtration technology is specifically designed to target particles as small as 0.003 microns with a guaranteed minimum efficiency of over 99.5%.

By relying on this advanced filtration system, the IQAir HealthPro Series ensures that you can enjoy cleaner and healthier indoor air without the risk of ozone emissions. It successfully captures a wide range of contaminants and pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19.

This is especially important because ozone can have adverse effects on human health when present in high concentrations. It can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to elevated ozone levels may also contribute to the development of respiratory conditions and worsen existing ones.

Is an ion air purifier the best type of air purifier?

While they are often touted as being “advanced technology,” ion air purifiers have limitations in terms of their effectiveness. They primarily target larger particles and do not efficiently capture ultrafine particles, such as viruses and bacteria. Additionally, some ion air purifiers can produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct, which can be a safety concern, especially for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. There are healthier, more effective options available.

On the other hand, the IQAir HealthPro Series utilizes a different technology called HyperHEPA filtration. This advanced filtration system is specifically designed to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns with a minimum efficiency of over 99.5%. This includes not only dust and allergens but also viruses, bacteria, smoke, pollen, dander, mold, and even COVID-19. The HyperHEPA filter in the IQAir HealthPro Series is highly efficient and ensures that the air you breathe is exceptionally clean and free from harmful particles.

In addition to its outstanding HyperHEPA filtration, the IQAir HealthPro Series also features a gas-phase filtration system, which sets it apart from many other air purifiers on the market. This gas filtration phase is specifically designed to target gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in the indoor air.

The gas-phase filtration in the IQAir HealthPro Series utilizes an advanced V5-Cell filter, which consists of a blend of activated carbon and other specialized media. The activated carbon is highly effective in adsorbing and trapping a wide range of gases and odors. This includes common household odors, smoke, cooking smells, chemical fumes, and harmful volatile organic compounds emitted by cleaning products, paints, and other sources.

While manufacturers of ion air purifiers make claims about the technology, it is crucial to recognize that ion air purifiers are not ideal. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPA air purifiers have their own advantages. IQAir HealthPro Series stands out for its exceptional filtration capabilities, specifically targeting ultrafine particles, and ensuring a high level of safety with no ozone production. Depending on your specific needs, the IQAir HealthPro Series is a top choice for those who prioritize superior filtration efficiency and clean air quality.

","what-to-know-about-the-ion-air-purifier-before-buying","gid://shopify/Article/564872085582","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-to-know-about-the-ion-air-purifier-before-buying",[912],"What to Know About the Ion Air Purifier before Buying",{"_10":1220,"_202":1221,"_205":1222,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270953513038","Ionizer air purifier on kitchen floor","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/IonizerKnowbfr_Desktop_345ee9f8-d4b0-499c-8de4-587c5dffada6.jpg?v=1764749466",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1224,"_1139":1225,"_1154":1226,"_1156":1227,"_1157":1228,"_1159":1229,"_1008":1230,"_10":1231,"_1163":1232,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1233,"_635":1234,"_599":1236,"_1171":1237},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Air purifiers capture pollutants, but are they able to trap mold spores? Discover how effective air filtration fits in with a clean indoor air strategy.","

Air purifiers capture pollutants, but are they able to trap mold spores? Discover how effective air filtration fits in with a clean indoor air strategy.

","Yes—air purifiers can help remove airborne mold spores, however, they do not eliminate mold growth or solve moisture problems. To effectively eliminate mold growth, one needs to control the moisture by fixing water leaks, keep indoor humidity below 50% (using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans) and dry wet areas fast (within 24-48 hours). Air purification is effective when used alongside humidity control, proper ventilation, and remediation of existing mold sources. Understanding what mold spores are—and how they behave indoors—helps clarify when air purifiers are useful and where their limits lie. What are mold spores? Mold reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air. These spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor environments and usually remain harmless at low levels. Problems arise when excess moisture allows mold to grow on surfaces. As colonies develop, they release higher concentrations of spores into the air, increasing the likelihood of exposure—especially in damp or poorly ventilated spaces such as basements, bathrooms, or flood-affected areas (1). Air purifiers can help manage airborne spores, but they do not prevent mold from growing where moisture persists. Health impacts of mold spores When disturbed, mold spores become airborne and can be inhaled. For many people, low-level exposure causes little or no reaction. However, certain individuals are more sensitive. Mold spores may: Trigger asthma symptoms Worsen allergies Cause coughing, nasal congestion, or skin irritation Cause long-term respiratory issues and other serious health conditions with long-term exposure to mold People with asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems, or underlying respiratory conditions are more likely to experience symptoms (2). Reducing airborne spore levels can help limit exposure—but addressing moisture remains essential. How air purifiers capture mold spores Mold spores are typically larger than many other indoor particles, often ranging from 1 to 30 microns in size. This makes them well within the capture range of high-efficiency filters. Air purifiers equipped with high-performance particle filtration, such as HyperHEPA filters, are effective at capturing airborne mold spores as air passes through. Effectiveness depends on: Proper room sizing Continuous operation Regular filter replacement When used correctly, air purifiers can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne spores in enclosed spaces. It’s important to note that air purifiers address airborne spores, not mold growth on surfaces. When mold is in the environment, the root causes for the buildup—such as excess moisture—must be addressed. What air purifiers can—and can’t do Air purification plays a supporting role in mold management; it is not a standalone solution. While air purifiers can help control airborne spores, they do not address the underlying conditions that allow mold to grow. Air purifiers can: Remove airborne mold spores Decrease spore exposure during cleanup or remediation Help maintain cleaner air after moisture issues are resolved Air purifiers cannot: Kill mold growing on walls, ceilings, or materials Remove moisture from the environment Prevent mold growth without humidity control For lasting results, air filtration must be part of a broader indoor air quality strategy. Why mold problems persist A common misconception is that running an air purifier will “solve” mold problems. In reality: Mold may continue to grow if moisture remains Spores can re-enter the air from untreated surfaces Odors may persist even as airborne spore levels drop This does not mean air purification is ineffective—it means source control matters more than airflow alone. Practical ways to limit mold exposure Air purifiers are most effective when used alongside basic moisture and building controls. Keep indoor relative humidity between 35–50% Use dehumidifiers in damp areas Repair leaks promptly Remove water-damaged materials that cannot be dried Operate a high-performance air purifier during and after cleanup and replace filters as recommended For extensive mold damage or flooding, professional remediation may be necessary. Frequently Asked Questions Do air purifiers kill mold? No. Air purifiers can capture airborne mold spores but do not kill mold growing on surfaces. Can air purifiers prevent mold growth? Not by themselves. Moisture control is essential. Should I use a dehumidifier with an air purifier? Yes. Dehumidifiers address moisture; air purifiers address airborne spores. Are air purifiers helpful during mold remediation? Yes. They can reduce airborne spores released during cleanup. Conclusion Air purifiers can help remove airborne mold spores, supporting cleaner indoor air and lower exposure levels. However, they are not a standalone solution. Lasting mold control requires managing moisture, addressing existing growth, and using air purification as part of a comprehensive strategy. When used correctly, air purifiers are a valuable tool—supporting cleaner air, not replacing proper remediation.","

Yes—air purifiers can help remove airborne mold spores, however, they do not eliminate mold growth or solve moisture problems. To effectively eliminate mold growth, one needs to control the moisture by fixing water leaks, keep indoor humidity below 50% (using dehumidifiers and exhaust fans) and dry wet areas fast (within 24-48 hours). Air purification is effective when used alongside humidity control, proper ventilation, and remediation of existing mold sources.

Understanding what mold spores are—and how they behave indoors—helps clarify when air purifiers are useful and where their limits lie.

What are mold spores?

Mold reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air. These spores are naturally present in both indoor and outdoor environments and usually remain harmless at low levels.

Problems arise when excess moisture allows mold to grow on surfaces. As colonies develop, they release higher concentrations of spores into the air, increasing the likelihood of exposure—especially in damp or poorly ventilated spaces such as basements, bathrooms, or flood-affected areas (1).

Air purifiers can help manage airborne spores, but they do not prevent mold from growing where moisture persists.

Health impacts of mold spores

When disturbed, mold spores become airborne and can be inhaled. For many people, low-level exposure causes little or no reaction. However, certain individuals are more sensitive.

Mold spores may:

Trigger asthma symptoms
\n
Worsen allergies
\n
Cause coughing, nasal congestion, or skin irritation
\n
Cause long-term respiratory issues and other serious health conditions with long-term exposure to mold

People with asthma, allergies, compromised immune systems, or underlying respiratory conditions are more likely to experience symptoms (2). Reducing airborne spore levels can help limit exposure—but addressing moisture remains essential.

How air purifiers capture mold spores

Mold spores are typically larger than many other indoor particles, often ranging from 1 to 30 microns in size. This makes them well within the capture range of high-efficiency filters.

Air purifiers equipped with high-performance particle filtration, such as HyperHEPA filters, are effective at capturing airborne mold spores as air passes through.

Effectiveness depends on:

Proper room sizing
\n
Continuous operation
\n
Regular filter replacement

When used correctly, air purifiers can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne spores in enclosed spaces.

It’s important to note that air purifiers address airborne spores, not mold growth on surfaces. When mold is in the environment, the root causes for the buildup—such as excess moisture—must be addressed.

What air purifiers can—and can’t do

Air purification plays a supporting role in mold management; it is not a standalone solution. While air purifiers can help control airborne spores, they do not address the underlying conditions that allow mold to grow.

Air purifiers can:

Remove airborne mold spores
\n
Decrease spore exposure during cleanup or remediation
\n
Help maintain cleaner air after moisture issues are resolved

Air purifiers cannot:

Kill mold growing on walls, ceilings, or materials
\n
Remove moisture from the environment
\n
Prevent mold growth without humidity control

For lasting results, air filtration must be part of a broader indoor air quality strategy.

Why mold problems persist

A common misconception is that running an air purifier will “solve” mold problems.

In reality:

Mold may continue to grow if moisture remains
\n
Spores can re-enter the air from untreated surfaces
\n
Odors may persist even as airborne spore levels drop

This does not mean air purification is ineffective—it means source control matters more than airflow alone.

Practical ways to limit mold exposure

Air purifiers are most effective when used alongside basic moisture and building controls.

Keep indoor relative humidity between 35–50%
\n
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
\n
Repair leaks promptly
\n
Remove water-damaged materials that cannot be dried
\n
Operate a high-performance air purifier during and after cleanup and replace filters as recommended

For extensive mold damage or flooding, professional remediation may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air purifiers kill mold?

No. Air purifiers can capture airborne mold spores but do not kill mold growing on surfaces.

Can air purifiers prevent mold growth?

Not by themselves. Moisture control is essential.

Should I use a dehumidifier with an air purifier?

Yes. Dehumidifiers address moisture; air purifiers address airborne spores.

Are air purifiers helpful during mold remediation?

Yes. They can reduce airborne spores released during cleanup.

Conclusion

Air purifiers can help remove airborne mold spores, supporting cleaner indoor air and lower exposure levels. However, they are not a standalone solution. Lasting mold control requires managing moisture, addressing existing growth, and using air purification as part of a comprehensive strategy.

When used correctly, air purifiers are a valuable tool—supporting cleaner air, not replacing proper remediation.

","do-air-purifiers-remove-mold-spores","gid://shopify/Article/639103893582","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-remove-mold-spores","2026-02-03T17:05:39Z",[912,1235],"Molds","Do air purifiers remove mold spores?",{"_10":1238,"_202":-5,"_205":1239,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271728705614","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_AirPurifiersMold_D_ead34679-2ff3-4b64-877b-7ac380587942.jpg?v=1771266458",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1241,"_1139":1242,"_1154":1243,"_1156":1244,"_1157":1245,"_1159":1246,"_1008":1247,"_10":1248,"_1163":1249,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1250,"_635":1251,"_599":1253,"_1171":1254},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how VOCs behave indoors and which air-cleaning technologies are effective for gas and chemical removal.","

Learn how VOCs behave indoors and which air-cleaning technologies are effective for gas and chemical removal.

","Some air purifiers can remove VOCs—but most are not designed to. Effective VOC removal requires specialized gas-phase filtration, which many standard air purifiers simply don’t have. Air purifiers are widely used to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. But removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a different challenge. Understanding whether an air purifier can reduce VOCs depends on what VOCs are, how they behave indoors, and how different air-cleaning technologies actually work. Why VOC removal is often misunderstood Air purifiers are often associated with cleaner, fresher-smelling air. Because odors may fade and air can feel “lighter,” it’s easy to assume that any air purifier improving indoor air quality is also removing chemical pollutants. In reality, particle filtration and gas removal solve two very different problems. Most air purifiers are engineered to capture solid particles—not gases—and that distinction determines whether VOC removal is even possible. What are VOCs? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Indoors, they are released by many everyday materials and activities, including paints, cleaning products, furniture, building materials, fragrances, and combustion sources (1). Unlike dust or pollen, VOCs exist as gases, not solid particles. Many are odorless, while others have a noticeable chemical smell. Depending on the compound and exposure level, VOCs can trigger adverse reactions in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and contribute to irritation, headaches, or other health effects—especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Because VOCs behave differently from solid particles, they require different air-cleaning strategies than those used to capture dust or allergens. Why most air purifiers don’t remove VOCs VOCs are gaseous chemicals released from many everyday indoor sources, including: Paints, varnishes, and finishes Cleaning products and disinfectants Pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry New carpets and building materials “New Car Smell” Combustion sources such as vehicles or gas appliances (2) Unlike dust or pollen, VOCs exist as individual molecules suspended in the air. These molecules are extremely small—often less than 0.001 microns in diameter—and move freely throughout indoor spaces. Why HEPA filters can’t capture VOCs HEPA filters are designed to remove solid particles, not gases. Standard HEPA filters capture particles down to 0.3 microns Even very high-efficiency particle filters capture particles around 0.003 microns VOC molecules are far smaller than these thresholds As a result, VOC molecules pass straight through particle filters, regardless of how effective those filters are at capturing dust, allergens, or other solid particles. How air purifiers can remove VOCs To remove VOCs, air purifiers must include gas-phase filtration, not particle filtration. Two primary processes make this possible: adsorption and chemisorption. Adsorption Adsorption occurs when gas molecules stick to the surface of a solid material. The most common adsorbent used in air purification is activated carbon Activated carbon has a highly porous structure with a large internal surface area VOC molecules bind to the carbon surface as air passes through the filter The effectiveness of adsorption depends on: The amount of activated carbon The type and pore structure of the carbon Adequate contact time between air and the filter media (3) Thin carbon coatings or lightweight filters tend to saturate quickly and provide limited VOC removal. Not all activated carbon performs the same Activated carbon is widely used for VOC removal, but its effectiveness depends heavily on how it is made and structured. In air purification, two types of activated carbon are most commonly used: coconut shell–based carbon and coal-based carbon. Coconut shell Coconut shell-derived activated carbon is inexpensive and widely available, which makes it common in consumer air purifiers. However, it tends to be relatively soft and can generate fine carbon dust during transport or use. Compared to coal-based carbon, coconut shell carbon typically contains fewer micropores, which are critical for capturing low-concentration odors and chemicals commonly found in indoor environments. Some individuals also report irritation or respiratory sensitivity when exposed to carbon dust from coconut shell media (4). Coal-based activated carbon Among coal types, bituminous coal offers a particularly wide range of pore sizes, making it well suited for adsorbing a broad spectrum of gases and VOCs at indoor concentrations (5)(6). For this reason, high-performance gas-phase air filters often rely on bituminous coal–based activated carbon rather than lighter alternatives. In practice, the type and structure of activated carbon can matter as much as the amount used, especially when long-term VOC control is a priority (7)(8). Chemisorption Chemisorption involves chemical reactions that neutralize gases rather than simply trapping them (9). VOC molecules react with treated media Harmful compounds are broken down into more stable substances This approach is especially effective for reactive gases such as formaldehyde High-performance gas filters often combine adsorption and chemisorption, which helps explain why VOC removal depends far more on filter media than on airflow or fan power alone. Perception vs. Reality: Why odors sometimes linger Even when an air purifier includes gas-phase filtration, VOC reduction may be inconsistent. Common reasons include: Insufficient carbon volume, limiting adsorption capacity Strong emission sources, such as new furniture or renovation materials High airflow speeds, which reduce contact time with filter media Carbon saturation, after which effectiveness drops Reduction in long-term performance, as filters lose efficiency over time This helps explain why some purifiers seem effective at first but lose performance over time (5). Air purifiers vs. Other ways to control VOCs Air filtration is only one part of managing VOC exposure. Source control reduces VOC emissions at their origin Ventilation dilutes indoor VOC concentrations by introducing outdoor air Air purifiers with gas-phase filtration remove VOCs already present in the air In most indoor environments, combining source control, ventilation, and proper filtration is more effective than relying on any single approach. How to determine whether an air purifier removes VOCs If VOC reduction is a priority, several factors matter more than marketing claims: Carbon quantity, typically measured in pounds rather than grams Carbon type and pore structure, suited for indoor concentrations Presence of chemisorptive media for reactive gases Effective pre-filtration to protect gas media from particle clogging Proper sizing for the space and pollutant load Without these elements, meaningful VOC removal is unlikely. Gas filtration technologies to be cautious about Not all technologies marketed for VOC removal are equally effective—or safe. Ozone Generators Some devices intentionally produce ozone as a cleaning mechanism. Ozone is a respiratory irritant and a major component of smog At levels considered safe indoors, ozone has little ability to remove VOCs Even low ozone exposure can worsen respiratory symptoms (10) Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) PCO systems use UV light and catalysts to break down gases. In theory, VOCs are converted into carbon dioxide and water In practice, many systems produce harmful byproducts, including formaldehyde Current evidence does not support consistent, real-world VOC removal (11) What purpose-built VOC filtration looks like Some air purifiers are designed specifically to address chemical and gas-phase pollutants. For example, IQAir’s GC MultiGas XE uses a multi-stage approach that combines particle filtration with a large volume of activated carbon and chemisorptive media to target a broad spectrum of VOCs, odors, and gases. Systems like this are typically used in environments where chemical exposure is a primary concern—such as homes near traffic corridors, spaces with ongoing off-gassing from building materials, or settings with heightened sensitivity to odors. Practical Tips: How to reduce VOCs indoors To better manage VOC exposure: Use low-VOC or no-VOC household products when possible Increase ventilation during renovations or when introducing new furniture Choose air purifiers designed specifically for gas-phase filtration, and ensure the unit is properly sized for the space; replace gas filters according to manufacturer recommendations Frequently Asked Questions Do all air purifiers remove VOCs? No. Most air purifiers are designed for particle removal only. Can HEPA filters remove chemical odors? No. HEPA filters capture particles, not gases. How much activated carbon is needed to remove VOCs? Effective VOC reduction typically requires pounds of activated carbon, not thin layers. Can air purifiers eliminate VOCs completely? They can significantly reduce VOC levels, but source control and ventilation remain important. Are ozone-based purifiers safe for VOC removal? No. Ozone can worsen indoor air quality and respiratory health. Conclusion Air purifiers can remove VOCs—but only when they are designed for gas-phase filtration using sufficient activated carbon and chemisorptive media. HEPA filters alone are not effective for gases, and some technologies marketed for VOC removal can actually worsen indoor air quality. For most homes, the best results come from combining proper filtration with ventilation and source control.","

Some air purifiers can remove VOCs—but most are not designed to. Effective VOC removal requires specialized gas-phase filtration, which many standard air purifiers simply don’t have.

Air purifiers are widely used to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. But removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a different challenge. Understanding whether an air purifier can reduce VOCs depends on what VOCs are, how they behave indoors, and how different air-cleaning technologies actually work.

Why VOC removal is often misunderstood

Air purifiers are often associated with cleaner, fresher-smelling air. Because odors may fade and air can feel “lighter,” it’s easy to assume that any air purifier improving indoor air quality is also removing chemical pollutants.

In reality, particle filtration and gas removal solve two very different problems. Most air purifiers are engineered to capture solid particles—not gases—and that distinction determines whether VOC removal is even possible.

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Indoors, they are released by many everyday materials and activities, including paints, cleaning products, furniture, building materials, fragrances, and combustion sources (1).

Unlike dust or pollen, VOCs exist as gases, not solid particles. Many are odorless, while others have a noticeable chemical smell. Depending on the compound and exposure level, VOCs can trigger adverse reactions in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and contribute to irritation, headaches, or other health effects—especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Because VOCs behave differently from solid particles, they require different air-cleaning strategies than those used to capture dust or allergens.

Why most air purifiers don’t remove VOCs

VOCs are gaseous chemicals released from many everyday indoor sources, including:

Paints, varnishes, and finishes
Cleaning products and disinfectants
Pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry
New carpets and building materials
“New Car Smell”
Combustion sources such as vehicles or gas appliances (2)

Unlike dust or pollen, VOCs exist as individual molecules suspended in the air. These molecules are extremely small—often less than 0.001 microns in diameter—and move freely throughout indoor spaces.

Why HEPA filters can’t capture VOCs

HEPA filters are designed to remove solid particles, not gases.

Standard HEPA filters capture particles down to 0.3 microns\n
Even very high-efficiency particle filters capture particles around 0.003 microns\n
VOC molecules are far smaller than these thresholds

As a result, VOC molecules pass straight through particle filters, regardless of how effective those filters are at capturing dust, allergens, or other solid particles.

How air purifiers can remove VOCs

To remove VOCs, air purifiers must include gas-phase filtration, not particle filtration. Two primary processes make this possible: adsorption and chemisorption.

Adsorption

Adsorption occurs when gas molecules stick to the surface of a solid material.

The most common adsorbent used in air purification is activated carbon
Activated carbon has a highly porous structure with a large internal surface area
VOC molecules bind to the carbon surface as air passes through the filter

The effectiveness of adsorption depends on:

The amount of activated carbon\n
The type and pore structure of the carbon
Adequate contact time between air and the filter media (3)

Thin carbon coatings or lightweight filters tend to saturate quickly and provide limited VOC removal.

Not all activated carbon performs the same

Activated carbon is widely used for VOC removal, but its effectiveness depends heavily on how it is made and structured. In air purification, two types of activated carbon are most commonly used: coconut shell–based carbon and coal-based carbon.

Coconut shell

Coconut shell-derived activated carbon is inexpensive and widely available, which makes it common in consumer air purifiers. However, it tends to be relatively soft and can generate fine carbon dust during transport or use.

Compared to coal-based carbon, coconut shell carbon typically contains fewer micropores, which are critical for capturing low-concentration odors and chemicals commonly found in indoor environments. Some individuals also report irritation or respiratory sensitivity when exposed to carbon dust from coconut shell media (4).

Coal-based activated carbon

Among coal types, bituminous coal offers a particularly wide range of pore sizes, making it well suited for adsorbing a broad spectrum of gases and VOCs at indoor concentrations (5)(6). For this reason, high-performance gas-phase air filters often rely on bituminous coal–based activated carbon rather than lighter alternatives.

In practice, the type and structure of activated carbon can matter as much as the amount used, especially when long-term VOC control is a priority (7)(8).

Chemisorption

Chemisorption involves chemical reactions that neutralize gases rather than simply trapping them (9).

VOC molecules react with treated media
Harmful compounds are broken down into more stable substances
This approach is especially effective for reactive gases such as formaldehyde

High-performance gas filters often combine adsorption and chemisorption, which helps explain why VOC removal depends far more on filter media than on airflow or fan power alone.

Perception vs. Reality: Why odors sometimes linger

Even when an air purifier includes gas-phase filtration, VOC reduction may be inconsistent. Common reasons include:

\nInsufficient carbon volume, limiting adsorption capacity
\nStrong emission sources, such as new furniture or renovation materials
\nHigh airflow speeds, which reduce contact time with filter media
\nCarbon saturation, after which effectiveness drops
\nReduction in long-term performance, as filters lose efficiency over time

This helps explain why some purifiers seem effective at first but lose performance over time (5).

Air purifiers vs. Other ways to control VOCs

Air filtration is only one part of managing VOC exposure.

\nSource control reduces VOC emissions at their origin
\nVentilation dilutes indoor VOC concentrations by introducing outdoor air
\n
\nAir purifiers with gas-phase filtration remove VOCs already present in the air

In most indoor environments, combining source control, ventilation, and proper filtration is more effective than relying on any single approach.

How to determine whether an air purifier removes VOCs

If VOC reduction is a priority, several factors matter more than marketing claims:

\nCarbon quantity, typically measured in pounds rather than grams
\nCarbon type and pore structure, suited for indoor concentrations
\nPresence of chemisorptive media for reactive gases
\nEffective pre-filtration to protect gas media from particle clogging
\nProper sizing for the space and pollutant load

Without these elements, meaningful VOC removal is unlikely.

Gas filtration technologies to be cautious about

Not all technologies marketed for VOC removal are equally effective—or safe.

Ozone Generators

Some devices intentionally produce ozone as a cleaning mechanism.

Ozone is a respiratory irritant and a major component of smog
At levels considered safe indoors, ozone has little ability to remove VOCs
Even low ozone exposure can worsen respiratory symptoms (10)

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

PCO systems use UV light and catalysts to break down gases.

In theory, VOCs are converted into carbon dioxide and water
In practice, many systems produce harmful byproducts, including formaldehyde
Current evidence does not support consistent, real-world VOC removal (11)

What purpose-built VOC filtration looks like

Some air purifiers are designed specifically to address chemical and gas-phase pollutants. For example, IQAir’s GC MultiGas XE uses a multi-stage approach that combines particle filtration with a large volume of activated carbon and chemisorptive media to target a broad spectrum of VOCs, odors, and gases.

Systems like this are typically used in environments where chemical exposure is a primary concern—such as homes near traffic corridors, spaces with ongoing off-gassing from building materials, or settings with heightened sensitivity to odors.

Practical Tips: How to reduce VOCs indoors

To better manage VOC exposure:

Use low-VOC or no-VOC household products when possible
Increase ventilation during renovations or when introducing new furniture
Choose air purifiers designed specifically for gas-phase filtration, and ensure the unit is properly sized for the space; replace gas filters according to manufacturer recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all air purifiers remove VOCs?

No. Most air purifiers are designed for particle removal only.

Can HEPA filters remove chemical odors?

No. HEPA filters capture particles, not gases.

How much activated carbon is needed to remove VOCs?

Effective VOC reduction typically requires pounds of activated carbon, not thin layers.

Can air purifiers eliminate VOCs completely?

They can significantly reduce VOC levels, but source control and ventilation remain important.

Are ozone-based purifiers safe for VOC removal?

No. Ozone can worsen indoor air quality and respiratory health.

Conclusion

Air purifiers can remove VOCs—but only when they are designed for gas-phase filtration using sufficient activated carbon and chemisorptive media. HEPA filters alone are not effective for gases, and some technologies marketed for VOC removal can actually worsen indoor air quality.

For most homes, the best results come from combining proper filtration with ventilation and source control.

","do-air-purifiers-remove-vocs","gid://shopify/Article/638927437902","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-remove-vocs","2026-01-28T13:00:06Z",[912,1252],"MCS","Do air purifiers remove VOCs?",{"_10":1255,"_202":1256,"_205":1257,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271536947278","Cleaning supplies in a green bucket on a kitchen counter","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Blog_DoAirPurifiersRemoveVOCs_Desk_ffaf3417-834c-471a-a434-142ad85bf4cb.jpg?v=1770226366",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1259,"_1139":1260,"_1154":1261,"_1156":1262,"_1157":1263,"_1159":1264,"_1008":1265,"_10":1266,"_1163":1267,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1268,"_635":1269,"_599":1270,"_1171":1271},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Milan is currently ranked among the most polluted cities globally with AQI above 180. Learn more about current conditions and causes.","

Milan is currently ranked among the most polluted cities globally with AQI above 180. Learn more about current conditions and causes.

","Is the air quality good in Milan? On January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM Pacific Time (PT), Milan, Italy, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI is 159, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating. Like the weather, air quality conditions can fluctuate. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Milan's air quality map. While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Milan was 18.1 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 63, which falls into the moderate category and was 4 times the WHO annual guideline. Milan, Italy, ranked as the 11th most polluted major city on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Milan? The hourly forecast indicates that air quality is expected to improve steadily throughout the day, with the AQI likely reaching the moderate range by evening as increasing winds help disperse pollutants. Hourly air quality forecast for Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Milan? Milan’s recent decline in air quality stems from both regional and local influences. The city’s position in the Po Valley traps industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural pollutants—especially during winter, when stagnant air and temperature inversions prevent dispersion (1). 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 Milan?

On January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM Pacific Time (PT), Milan, Italy, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI is 159, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.

Like the weather, air quality conditions can fluctuate. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Milan's air quality map.

While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Milan was 18.1 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 63, which falls into the moderate category and was 4 times the WHO annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Milan, Italy, ranked as the 11th most polluted major city on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Milan?

The hourly forecast indicates that air quality is expected to improve steadily throughout the day, with the AQI likely reaching the moderate range by evening as increasing winds help disperse pollutants.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Milan, Italy on January 21, 2026, at 5:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Milan?

Milan’s recent decline in air quality stems from both regional and local influences. The city’s position in the Po Valley traps industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural pollutants—especially during winter, when stagnant air and temperature inversions prevent dispersion (1).

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.

","january-21-2026-milan-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","gid://shopify/Article/638926979150","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/january-21-2026-milan-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","2026-01-21T17:32:37Z",[912,700],"January 21, 2026: Milan among the most polluted cities in the world",{"_10":1272,"_202":-5,"_205":1273,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271367798862","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/MilanDesktop_3dc91fa3-6b5e-4f5c-98ef-d4b50b7fd472.jpg?v=1769052364",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1275,"_1139":1276,"_1154":1277,"_1156":1278,"_1157":1279,"_1159":1280,"_1008":1281,"_10":1282,"_1163":1283,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1284,"_635":1285,"_599":1286,"_1171":1287},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Check out Kraków’s air quality today: its current poor conditions, key pollution sources, and the forecast for improvement.","

Check out Kraków’s air quality today: its current poor conditions, key pollution sources, and the forecast for improvement.

","Is the air quality good in Kraków? On January 14, 2026, at 7:04 AM Pacific Time (PT), Kraków, Poland is breathing poor quality air as a result of stagnant weather and local pollutant sources, including coal-burning. The AQI is 160, classified as \"unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Kraków ranked 10th among the most polluted cities in the world on Wednesday morning, with nearby cities like Warsaw, Bratislava, Slovakia, Brno, Czech Republic, and Vienna, Austria also affected. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Kraków. While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Kraków was 17.7 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 62, which falls into the moderate category and was 3.9 times the WHO annual guideline. Kraków, Poland ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Kraków? Kraków's air quality may improve by Thursday evening. Air quality is forecast to improve to moderate levels as weather conditions shift, allowing pollutants to disperse more effectively. Hourly air quality forecast for Kraków, Poland on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Kraków, Poland on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir. In winter, poor air quality can be a common phenomenon in Eastern, Southeastern, and parts of Central Europe. Temperature inversions paired with industrial activity and wide-spread use of coal for heating can significantly elevate PM2.5 concentrations across some of these regions, in particular in Southeastern Europe. Air quality map of Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kraków? Kraków’s air pollution is primarily caused by elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially during the heating season (1). While the city has banned solid fuels, emissions persist from nearby municipalities, where coal and wood-burning boilers—as well as older, inefficient stoves—remain in use. Under stagnant weather conditions, these pollutants accumulate and drift into Kraków, significantly worsening PM2.5 levels and overall air quality (2). 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 Kraków?

On January 14, 2026, at 7:04 AM Pacific Time (PT), Kraków, Poland is breathing poor quality air as a result of stagnant weather and local pollutant sources, including coal-burning. The AQI is 160, classified as \"unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Kraków ranked 10th among the most polluted cities in the world on Wednesday morning, with nearby cities like Warsaw, Bratislava, Slovakia, Brno, Czech Republic, and Vienna, Austria also affected.

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

While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Kraków was 17.7 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 62, which falls into the moderate category and was 3.9 times the WHO annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Kraków, Poland ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Kraków?

Kraków's air quality may improve by Thursday evening. Air quality is forecast to improve to moderate levels as weather conditions shift, allowing pollutants to disperse more effectively.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kraków, Poland on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Kraków, Poland on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir.

In winter, poor air quality can be a common phenomenon in Eastern, Southeastern, and parts of Central Europe. Temperature inversions paired with industrial activity and wide-spread use of coal for heating can significantly elevate PM2.5 concentrations across some of these regions, in particular in Southeastern Europe.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Eastern, Central, and Southeastern Europe on January 14, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kraków?

Kraków’s air pollution is primarily caused by elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially during the heating season (1).

While the city has banned solid fuels, emissions persist from nearby municipalities, where coal and wood-burning boilers—as well as older, inefficient stoves—remain in use. Under stagnant weather conditions, these pollutants accumulate and drift into Kraków, significantly worsening PM2.5 levels and overall air quality (2).

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.

","january-14-2026-krakow-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","gid://shopify/Article/638715625550","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/january-14-2026-krakow-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","2026-01-14T16:15:19Z",[912,700],"January 14, 2026: Kraków among the most polluted cities in the world",{"_10":1288,"_202":-5,"_205":1289,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271307309134","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/KrakowDesktop_4563fdb5-bcbd-42ec-a50e-ec0159b9183b.jpg?v=1768448119",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1291,"_1139":1292,"_1154":1293,"_1156":1293,"_1157":1294,"_1159":1295,"_1008":1296,"_10":1297,"_1163":1298,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1299,"_635":1300,"_599":1301,"_1171":1302},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Learn how much time and money you can save by using genuine IQAir replacement filters.","Wondering how much an IQAir filter really costs? Let's break down: how much you’ll actually pay over time for genuine IQAir replacement filters why it’s not recommended to use imitation IQAir filters IQAir filter costs The high-performance IQAir HealthPro Plus XE room air purifier requires three different replacement filters: the PreMax coarse particle filter for large particles like dust and pet dander, the HyperHEPA fine and ultrafine particle filter, and V5-Cell gas and odor filters. The initial replacement filter cost may seem high at first, but IQAir filters have comparatively longer replacement intervals than competitor filters (based on usage of 10 hours a day on speed 3): PreMax ($79): ~12-18 months HyperHEPA ($199): ~36-48 months V5-Cell ($99): ~15-21 months Can I use non-IQAir filters that are compatible with my IQAir system? By using a fake filter, you run the risk of wearing out the motor prematurely because it’s working harder to push the same amount of air through less dense material in a fake filter. In fact, independent laboratory tests confirmed that knock-off filters reduced factory specified airflow by 41 percent. Independent laboratory tests confirmed that knock-off filters reduced factory specified airflow by 41 percent. Consequently, installing filters in your IQAir system that aren’t manufactured by IQAir automatically voids your limited warranty. This means that you’re no longer covered for any repairs or replacements that may have resulted from manufacturer defects. Using a fake IQAir filter voids your limited warranty, meaning you’re no longer covered for any repairs or replacements that may have resulted from manufacturer defects. Knockoff IQAir filters also may not filter particles, gases, and odors at the high level guaranteed by genuine IQAir filters. Every IQAir system is individually tested before shipment to ensure a minimum efficiency of 99.5 percent of particles down to 0.003 microns, 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns that HEPA filters are tested for. Individual test results are included in every package to confirm the high efficiency of your system. Knockoff filters don’t undergo these stringent testing standards. There’s no way to know the exact efficiency of one of these filters because they’ve likely never been tested, and the filtration material may be made of a completely different substance than our genuine HyperHEPA filters. Many knockoff filters are also not properly sealed to prevent leakage of unfiltered air around the filter. The 3D UltraSeal design used in every genuine IQAir filter helps ensure that no air passes around the filter, maintaining a high long-term total system efficiency as close to 99.5 percent as possible throughout the life of the filter. Also, because the filtration materials in knockoff filters may be less dense, air is pushed through more quickly because of less air resistance. IQAir system motors are designed to push air through the system at six different fan speeds taking the HyperHEPA material density into account. Ultimately, it’s much more cost-effective to go with genuine IQAir replacement filters. The takeaway Although IQAir air purifiers are high-performance air purifiers, replacement filters are relatively inexpensive given their filter life intervals and their stable filtration efficiencies over a period of years. Filter life and filter costs vary with use and with pollution levels, so filter replacement intervals may vary. Check the quality of your filters and replace them when the lights on your system turn red for best results when it comes to filter life and energy costs.","

Wondering how much an IQAir filter really costs? Let's break down:

how much you’ll actually pay over time for genuine IQAir replacement filters\n
why it’s not recommended to use imitation IQAir filters

IQAir filter costs

The high-performance IQAir HealthPro Plus XE room air purifier requires three different replacement filters: the PreMax coarse particle filter for large particles like dust and pet dander, the HyperHEPA fine and ultrafine particle filter, and V5-Cell gas and odor filters.

$\"airflow$

The initial replacement filter cost may seem high at first, but IQAir filters have comparatively longer replacement intervals than competitor filters (based on usage of 10 hours a day on speed 3):

\nPreMax ($79): ~12-18 months
\nHyperHEPA ($199): ~36-48 months
\nV5-Cell ($99): ~15-21 months

Can I use non-IQAir filters that are compatible with my IQAir system?

By using a fake filter, you run the risk of wearing out the motor prematurely because it’s working harder to push the same amount of air through less dense material in a fake filter. In fact, independent laboratory tests confirmed that knock-off filters reduced factory specified airflow by 41 percent.

Independent laboratory tests confirmed that knock-off filters reduced factory specified airflow by 41 percent.

Consequently, installing filters in your IQAir system that aren’t manufactured by IQAir automatically voids your limited warranty. This means that you’re no longer covered for any repairs or replacements that may have resulted from manufacturer defects.

Using a fake IQAir filter voids your limited warranty, meaning you’re no longer covered for any repairs or replacements that may have resulted from manufacturer defects.

Knockoff IQAir filters also may not filter particles, gases, and odors at the high level guaranteed by genuine IQAir filters.

Every IQAir system is individually tested before shipment to ensure a minimum efficiency of 99.5 percent of particles down to 0.003 microns, 100 times smaller than 0.3 microns that HEPA filters are tested for. Individual test results are included in every package to confirm the high efficiency of your system.

Knockoff filters don’t undergo these stringent testing standards. There’s no way to know the exact efficiency of one of these filters because they’ve likely never been tested, and the filtration material may be made of a completely different substance than our genuine HyperHEPA filters.

Many knockoff filters are also not properly sealed to prevent leakage of unfiltered air around the filter. The 3D UltraSeal design used in every genuine IQAir filter helps ensure that no air passes around the filter, maintaining a high long-term total system efficiency as close to 99.5 percent as possible throughout the life of the filter.

Also, because the filtration materials in knockoff filters may be less dense, air is pushed through more quickly because of less air resistance. IQAir system motors are designed to push air through the system at six different fan speeds taking the HyperHEPA material density into account.

Ultimately, it’s much more cost-effective to go with genuine IQAir replacement filters.

The takeaway

Although IQAir air purifiers are high-performance air purifiers, replacement filters are relatively inexpensive given their filter life intervals and their stable filtration efficiencies over a period of years.

Filter life and filter costs vary with use and with pollution levels, so filter replacement intervals may vary.

Check the quality of your filters and replace them when the lights on your system turn red for best results when it comes to filter life and energy costs.

","iqair-filter-price","gid://shopify/Article/564854816846","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/iqair-filter-price","2026-01-05T20:27:28Z",[912],"How much do IQAir filters really cost?",{"_10":1303,"_202":-5,"_205":1304,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271199699022","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_FilterCost_D.jpg?v=1767648298",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1306,"_1139":1307,"_1154":1308,"_1156":1309,"_1157":1310,"_1159":1311,"_1008":1312,"_10":1313,"_1163":1314,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1315,"_635":1316,"_599":1317,"_1171":1318},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"Protect your home and family from harmful mold spores with an air filter for mold today.","

Protect your home and family from harmful mold spores with an air filter for mold today.

","Mold spores are a prevalent concern when considering the health of our living environment. In this post, we'll delve into how mold impacts indoor air quality, how high-performance air purifiers can address this issue, and what to look for when choosing an air purifier to combat mold. How do mold spores impact indoor air quality? Mold spores degrade indoor air quality. When mold colonies proliferate, they release small particles that can invade our living spaces. These spores can cause a variety of health issues, especially in those with respiratory or immune system disorders. Mold spore exposure can lead to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and even exacerbate asthma symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness. Particularly vulnerable are children and the elderly. Long-term exposure to mold can result in, in worst cases, systemic fungal infections that can be very difficult to diagnose and clear up. Beyond health concerns, mold growth indoors can tarnish the visual appeal of our homes with musty odors and surface discoloration. It can damage carpets, furniture, and other household items. Addressing the root causes of mold growth, such as excess moisture or humidity, is key to mitigating its impact on indoor air quality. How do air purifiers help? Even with mold growth prevention, mold spores can still linger in the air. This is where air purifiers, equipped with HyperHEPA filters, come into play, such as IQAir’s HealthPro Plus series air purifiers. By continuously filtering the air, these devices reduce mold spore concentrations, thus decreasing the risk of inhalation. Air purifiers not only assist in capturing mold spores but also in reducing the colonization of mold by preventing airborne spores from settling on surfaces. To maximize their benefits, however, these devices should be combined with other preventive measures, like moisture control and adequate ventilation. Regular maintenance, including changing filters and cleaning the unit, is essential to an air purifier's effectiveness against mold. What are the signs of mold growth that warrant an air purifier? A persistent musty scent in your home is a clear indication of mold growth. Even if no visible mold is detected, this unmistakable aroma suggests that mold might be proliferating in concealed areas like behind walls or within ducts. Mold, as it expands, emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to this distinctive odor. While IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE air purifiers equipped with HyperHEPA filters effectively reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air, solely relying on them is not sufficient. It's imperative to identify and address any underlying moisture sources, as mold thrives in damp conditions. In instances where mold is suspected, professional mold inspection and remediation become vital to ensure complete removal and to prevent future growth. Nevertheless, air purifiers play a pivotal role by reducing airborne mold spores, promoting a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. Can air purifiers prevent the growth of mold? Mold can be prevented by air purifiers. While they cannot eliminate mold, they reduce airborne mold spores, which are a major cause of mold colonization and growth. Mold spores can be removed by HyperHEPA filters, which are efficient enough to remove particles as small as 0.003 microns from the air. This includes mold spores, viruses, and even bacteria. Preventing airborne mold spores from landing on surfaces and finding proper development conditions is crucial to mold prevention. Air purifiers prevent mold spores from landing on walls, furniture, and carpets by eliminating them from the air. To get the best results, air purifiers should be utilized with other mold avoidance methods. Mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture, fixing leaks, enhancing ventilation, and ensuring adequate humidity. Mold prevention should include air purifiers. Air purifiers must be regularly maintained for the best effectiveness. This includes changing filters and cleaning the gadget. Mold prevention is enhanced with a well-maintained air purifier that captures and removes mold spores. Effective air purifiers improve indoor air quality and thereby reduce mold colonization when combined with other mold avoidance methods. How often should you use air purifiers for mold prevention? Utilizing air purifiers to prevent mold growth can vary depending on the home environment, air quality, and personal needs. To maintain a mold-free atmosphere, it is advised, generally, to run air purifiers frequently. To continually filter the air and eliminate mold spores and other contaminants, air purifiers should preferably be on all the time. Since mold spores are continually present in the air, they can land on surfaces and proliferate if given the chance, even in minute amounts. The risk of mold growth is decreased by persistently operating the air purifier to ensure that mold spores are continuously caught and eliminated from the air. It is nevertheless advised to utilize the air purifier for a considerable amount of the day, ideally for several hours, even if doing so is not practicable or required. This may be particularly crucial in regions with high humidity or known mold problems. Following the manufacturer's instructions for filter maintenance and replacement is also essential. Depending on usage and air quality circumstances, air purifiers with HyperHEPA filters typically need filter replacements every 6 to 12 months. The effectiveness of the air purifier in catching and eliminating mold spores from the air is ensured by routine maintenance. In the end, mold growth prevention involves maintaining constant air purification. To maintain a mold-free atmosphere, adjust the usage in accordance with your unique conditions, but try to run the air purifier regularly and continuously. Can air purifiers for mold help with other pollutants? Absolutely. Air purifiers, especially those with HyperHEPA filters, are highly effective at capturing a broad range of indoor contaminants, including mold spores, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Some air purifiers, such as the HealthPro Plus XE, feature activated carbon filters that neutralize odors, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, while air purifiers significantly improve indoor air quality, it's essential to use them in conjunction with proper ventilation, cleaning, and humidity control for the best results. Do air purifiers work effectively in high-humidity environments? In high-humidity areas, air purifiers can prevent mold and improve air quality, but their efficiency may vary. Mold thrives in wet conditions, therefore high humidity can cause mold growth. While air purifiers cannot directly manage humidity, they can reduce mold spores and other airborne contaminants. Mold growth is promoted by moisture in high-humidity conditions. Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers or ventilation. You can prevent mold by using air purifiers and humidity control. HealthPro Plus XE air purifiers with HyperHEPA filters capture mold spores even in high humidity. High humidity might cause mold to form on the air purifier's filter, therefore it's crucial to maintain it. Filters must be cleaned or replaced as recommended by the manufacturer for best performance. In high-humidity conditions, air purifiers with activated carbon filters can also reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Air purifiers can improve indoor air quality in high-humidity conditions, but to avoid mold formation, the moisture issue must be addressed. It is important to note that air purifiers are merely one component to an effective mold reduction plan, in addition to humidity and moisture management and ventilation. A complete approach can reduce mold instances and vastly improve interior air quality. What features should one prioritize when selecting an air purifier for mold? When shopping for an air purifier to prevent mold, consider the following: Filter: Opt for HyperHEPA filters as they can effectively trap mold spores and other small particles. Size and Coverage: Ensure the purifier suits the room size. Maintenance Indicators: Models with filter replacement alerts can be especially useful. Noise Level: Particularly if the device will be placed in a bedroom. IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE air purifier, which features HyperHEPA filtration, is highly recommended for those looking to improve indoor air quality and combat mold growth. By understanding the effects of mold and the benefits of air purifiers, we can cultivate a healthier, mold-free environment for ourselves and our loved ones.","

Mold spores are a prevalent concern when considering the health of our living environment. In this post, we'll delve into how mold impacts indoor air quality, how high-performance air purifiers can address this issue, and what to look for when choosing an air purifier to combat mold.

How do mold spores impact indoor air quality?

Mold spores degrade indoor air quality. When mold colonies proliferate, they release small particles that can invade our living spaces. These spores can cause a variety of health issues, especially in those with respiratory or immune system disorders.

Mold spore exposure can lead to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and even exacerbate asthma symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness. Particularly vulnerable are children and the elderly. Long-term exposure to mold can result in, in worst cases, systemic fungal infections that can be very difficult to diagnose and clear up.

Beyond health concerns, mold growth indoors can tarnish the visual appeal of our homes with musty odors and surface discoloration. It can damage carpets, furniture, and other household items. Addressing the root causes of mold growth, such as excess moisture or humidity, is key to mitigating its impact on indoor air quality.

How do air purifiers help?

Even with mold growth prevention, mold spores can still linger in the air. This is where air purifiers, equipped with HyperHEPA filters, come into play, such as IQAir’s HealthPro Plus series air purifiers. By continuously filtering the air, these devices reduce mold spore concentrations, thus decreasing the risk of inhalation.

Air purifiers not only assist in capturing mold spores but also in reducing the colonization of mold by preventing airborne spores from settling on surfaces. To maximize their benefits, however, these devices should be combined with other preventive measures, like moisture control and adequate ventilation.

Regular maintenance, including changing filters and cleaning the unit, is essential to an air purifier's effectiveness against mold.

What are the signs of mold growth that warrant an air purifier?

A persistent musty scent in your home is a clear indication of mold growth. Even if no visible mold is detected, this unmistakable aroma suggests that mold might be proliferating in concealed areas like behind walls or within ducts. Mold, as it expands, emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to this distinctive odor.

While IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE air purifiers equipped with HyperHEPA filters effectively reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air, solely relying on them is not sufficient. It's imperative to identify and address any underlying moisture sources, as mold thrives in damp conditions. In instances where mold is suspected, professional mold inspection and remediation become vital to ensure complete removal and to prevent future growth.

Nevertheless, air pu r ifiers play a pivotal role by reducing airborne mold spores, promoting a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

Can air purifiers prevent the growth of mold?

Mold can be prevented by air purifiers. While they cannot eliminate mold, they reduce airborne mold spores, which are a major cause of mold colonization and growth.

Mold spores can be removed by HyperHEPA filters, which are efficient enough to remove particles as small as 0.003 microns from the air. This includes mold spores, viruses, and even bacteria.

Preventing airborne mold spores from landing on surfaces and finding proper development conditions is crucial to mold prevention. Air purifiers prevent mold spores from landing on walls, furniture, and carpets by eliminating them from the air.

To get the best results, air purifiers should be utilized with other mold avoidance methods. Mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture, fixing leaks, enhancing ventilation, and ensuring adequate humidity. Mold prevention should include air purifiers.

Air purifiers must be regularly maintained for the best effectiveness. This includes changing filters and cleaning the gadget. Mold prevention is enhanced with a well-maintained air purifier that captures and removes mold spores.

Effective air purifiers improve indoor air quality and thereby reduce mold colonization when combined with other mold avoidance methods.

How often should you use air purifiers for mold prevention?

Utilizing air purifiers to prevent mold growth can vary depending on the home environment, air quality, and personal needs. To maintain a mold-free atmosphere, it is advised, generally, to run air purifiers frequently.

To continually filter the air and eliminate mold spores and other contaminants, air purifiers should preferably be on all the time. Since mold spores are continually present in the air, they can land on surfaces and proliferate if given the chance, even in minute amounts. The risk of mold growth is decreased by persistently operating the air purifier to ensure that mold spores are continuously caught and eliminated from the air.

It is nevertheless advised to utilize the air purifier for a considerable amount of the day, ideally for several hours, even if doing so is not practicable or required. This may be particularly crucial in regions with high humidity or known mold problems.

Following the manufacturer's instructions for filter maintenance and replacement is also essential. Depending on usage and air quality circumstances, air purifiers with HyperHEPA filters typically need filter replacements every 6 to 12 months. The effectiveness of the air purifier in catching and eliminating mold spores from the air is ensured by routine maintenance.

In the end, mold growth prevention involves maintaining constant air purification. To maintain a mold-free atmosphere, adjust the usage in accordance with your unique conditions, but try to run the air purifier regularly and continuously.

Can air purifiers for mold help with other pollutants?

Absolutely. Air purifiers, especially those with HyperHEPA filters, are highly effective at capturing a broad range of indoor contaminants, including mold spores, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens.

Some air purifiers, such as the HealthPro Plus XE, feature activated carbon filters that neutralize odors, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, while air purifiers significantly improve indoor air quality, it's essential to use them in conjunction with proper ventilation, cleaning, and humidity control for the best results.

Do air purifiers work effectively in high-humidity environments?

In high-humidity areas, air purifiers can prevent mold and improve air quality, but their efficiency may vary. Mold thrives in wet conditions, therefore high humidity can cause mold growth. While air purifiers cannot directly manage humidity, they can reduce mold spores and other airborne contaminants.

Mold growth is promoted by moisture in high-humidity conditions. Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers or ventilation. You can prevent mold by using air purifiers and humidity control.

HealthPro Plus XE air purifiers with HyperHEPA filters capture mold spores even in high humidity. High humidity might cause mold to form on the air purifier's filter, therefore it's crucial to maintain it. Filters must be cleaned or replaced as recommended by the manufacturer for best performance.

In high-humidity conditions, air purifiers with activated carbon filters can also reduce odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Air purifiers can improve indoor air quality in high-humidity conditions, but to avoid mold formation, the moisture issue must be addressed. It is important to note that air purifiers are merely one component to an effective mold reduction plan, in addition to humidity and moisture management and ventilation. A complete approach can reduce mold instances and vastly improve interior air quality.

What features should one prioritize when selecting an air purifier for mold?

When shopping for an air purifier to prevent mold, consider the following:

\nFilter: Opt for HyperHEPA filters as they can effectively trap mold spores and other small particles.
\nSize and Coverage: Ensure the purifier suits the room size.
\nMaintenance Indicators: Models with filter replacement alerts can be especially useful.
\nNoise Level: Particularly if the device will be placed in a bedroom.

IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE air purifier, which features HyperHEPA filtration, is highly recommended for those looking to improve indoor air quality and combat mold growth.

By understanding the effects of mold and the benefits of air purifiers, we can cultivate a healthier, mold-free environment for ourselves and our loved ones.

","air-purifiers-for-mold-spores","gid://shopify/Article/564923727950","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/air-purifiers-for-mold-spores","2026-01-02T21:55:00Z",[912],"Air Filter for Mold: Get Rid of Spores with IQAir's Help",{"_10":1319,"_202":1320,"_205":1321,"_207":1176,"_203":1177},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271257239630","close up of green mold","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SEO_Mold_081423_Desktop_22d92fcc-b8eb-4d61-a462-2730af05dd01.jpg?v=1767996052",{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1323,"_1139":1324,"_1154":43,"_1156":-5,"_1157":1325,"_1159":1326,"_1008":1327,"_10":1328,"_1163":1329,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1330,"_635":1331,"_599":1332,"_1171":1333},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"In the hustle and bustle of modern life, ensuring the air we breathe is clean and pure is paramount. With the increasing concern over air quality, many households have turned to air purifiers as a solution. These devices work tirelessly to rid our indoor environments of pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles, but like any appliance, they require maintenance and occasional replacement. In this article, we'll explore the signs that indicate it may be time to replace your air purifier, ensuring you continue to enjoy clean and fresh air in your home. 1. Decreased air quality One of the most obvious signs that your air purifier may need replacing is a noticeable decline in air quality within your home. If you find that dust, allergies, or unpleasant odors are lingering despite the air purifier running, it could indicate that the device is no longer effectively filtering the air. Over time, the filters in air purifiers become clogged with particles they've captured, reducing their efficiency. Regularly monitoring the air quality in your home and noting any deterioration can help you identify when it's time for a replacement. 2. Reduced airflow A decrease in airflow from your air purifier can also signal that it's time for a replacement. As filters become clogged with dust and debris, they impede the flow of air through the purifier, resulting in decreased circulation. If you notice that the airflow from your air purifier seems weaker than usual despite cleaning or changing the filters, it may be a sign that the device is reaching the end of its lifespan. Proper airflow is essential for an air purifier to remove pollutants from the air effectively, so it's important not to ignore this warning sign. 3. Loud or unusual noises While some level of noise is to be expected from an air purifier, particularly when operating at higher speeds, loud or unusual noises can indicate underlying issues. Grinding, rattling, or squealing sounds may suggest mechanical problems within the device, such as a malfunctioning fan or motor. Attempting to repair these issues may be costly and ultimately futile, making it more practical to invest in a new air purifier. Pay attention to any changes in the sounds your air purifier makes, as they can provide valuable insights into its overall health. 4. Persistent odors One of the primary functions of an air purifier is to eliminate odors and improve the overall freshness of indoor air. However, if you find that persistent odors linger despite the air purifier running, it may indicate that the device is no longer effectively neutralizing smells. Over time, the activated carbon or charcoal filters in air purifiers can become saturated with odor-causing molecules, rendering them less effective. If you've tried replacing the filters and cleaning the unit to no avail, it may be time to consider replacing the air purifier altogether. 5. Age of the device Like all appliances, air purifiers have a limited lifespan and become less efficient as they age. While some models may last longer than others, most manufacturers recommend replacing the filters in air purifiers every 6 to 12 months and replacing the unit itself every 5 to 10 years. Note that IQAir filters last 12 to 24 months on average, and that smart models like Atem X and HealthPro XE provide filter-life monitoring. IQAir systems are designed to last decades, with 10-year warranties. They can be repaired and maintained for up to 25 years. Suppose your air purifier is approaching or exceeding these recommended lifespans. In that case, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a new, more efficient model rather than continuing to maintain an outdated device. Conclusion: Maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is crucial for the well-being of you and your family, and top-rated air purifiers play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By being aware of the signs that indicate your air purifier may need replacing, you can ensure that your home continues to be a safe and comfortable environment. From decreased air quality and reduced airflow to loud noises, persistent odors, and the age of the HyperHEPA filtration, there are several warning signs to watch out for. By promptly addressing these indicators, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, fresh air for years to come.","

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, ensuring the air we breathe is clean and pure is paramount. With the increasing concern over air quality, many households have turned to air purifiers as a solution.

These devices work tirelessly to rid our indoor environments of pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles, but like any appliance, they require maintenance and occasional replacement. In this article, we'll explore the signs that indicate it may be time to replace your air purifier, ensuring you continue to enjoy clean and fresh air in your home.

1. Decreased air quality

One of the most obvious signs that your air purifier may need replacing is a noticeable decline in air quality within your home. If you find that dust, allergies, or unpleasant odors are lingering despite the air purifier running, it could indicate that the device is no longer effectively filtering the air. Over time, the filters in air purifiers become clogged with particles they've captured, reducing their efficiency. Regularly monitoring the air quality in your home and noting any deterioration can help you identify when it's time for a replacement.

2. Reduced airflow

A decrease in airflow from your air purifier can also signal that it's time for a replacement. As filters become clogged with dust and debris, they impede the flow of air through the purifier, resulting in decreased circulation. If you notice that the airflow from your air purifier seems weaker than usual despite cleaning or changing the filters, it may be a sign that the device is reaching the end of its lifespan. Proper airflow is essential for an air purifier to remove pollutants from the air effectively, so it's important not to ignore this warning sign.

3. Loud or unusual noises

While some level of noise is to be expected from an air purifier, particularly when operating at higher speeds, loud or unusual noises can indicate underlying issues. Grinding, rattling, or squealing sounds may suggest mechanical problems within the device, such as a malfunctioning fan or motor. Attempting to repair these issues may be costly and ultimately futile, making it more practical to invest in a new air purifier. Pay attention to any changes in the sounds your air purifier makes, as they can provide valuable insights into its overall health.

4. Persistent odors

One of the primary functions of an air purifier is to eliminate odors and improve the overall freshness of indoor air. However, if you find that persistent odors linger despite the air purifier running, it may indicate that the device is no longer effectively neutralizing smells. Over time, the activated carbon or charcoal filters in air purifiers can become saturated with odor-causing molecules, rendering them less effective. If you've tried replacing the filters and cleaning the unit to no avail, it may be time to consider replacing the air purifier altogether.

5. Age of the device

Like all appliances, air purifiers have a limited lifespan and become less efficient as they age. While some models may last longer than others, most manufacturers recommend replacing the filters in air pu r ifiers every 6 to 12 months and replacing the unit itself every 5 to 10 years.

Note that IQAir filters last 12 to 24 months on average, and that smart models like Atem X and HealthPro XE provide filter-life monitoring. IQAir systems are designed to last decades, with 10-year warranties. They can be repaired and maintained for up to 25 years.

Suppose your air purifier is approaching or exceeding these recommended lifespans. In that case, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a new, more efficient model rather than continuing to maintain an outdated device.

Conclusion:

Maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is crucial for the well-being of you and your family, and top-rated air purifiers play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By being aware of the signs that indicate your air purifier may need replacing, you can ensure that your home continues to be a safe and comfortable environment.

From decreased air quality and reduced airflow to loud noises, persistent odors, and the age of the HyperHEPA filtration, there are several warning signs to watch out for. By promptly addressing these indicators, you can enjoy the benefits of clean, fresh air for years to come.

","signs-that-your-air-purifier-needs-to-be-replaced","gid://shopify/Article/633989038158","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/signs-that-your-air-purifier-needs-to-be-replaced","2026-01-02T19:47:00Z",[912],"Signs that your air purifier needs to be replaced",{"_10":1334,"_202":1335,"_205":1336,"_207":1337,"_203":1338},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271276179534","woman turning on air purifier","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/close-up-hand-using-rotary-switch_1_2500x_1_520x500_fecb8e4c-a741-4b29-8e1a-73c77c0dc3cb.jpg?v=1768248054",520,271,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1340,"_1139":1341,"_1154":1342,"_1156":1342,"_1157":1343,"_1159":1344,"_1008":1345,"_10":1346,"_1163":1347,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1348,"_635":1349,"_599":1351,"_1171":1352},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"HyperHEPA filters are the most effective air filters available. Learn why replacing them is the key to keeping your system at top performance.","At A Glance IQAir HyperHEPA filters need to be replaced about once every four years (based on running your system at speed 3 for 10 hours a day). This figure changes based on which filter you’re replacing and what system you have. Dirty filters can make your system’s motor work harder to squeeze air through increasingly smaller spaces, using more electricity and overworking your system components. Regularly changing your filters helps maintain peak airflow for maximum cubic foot per minute (CFM) coverage. Wondering how often you should change your IQAir filters? The short answer is that your IQAir HyperHEPA XE filters should be replaced about once every four years for maximum performance and efficiency. But there are a few factors you need to take into consideration that impact just how often you need to replace your IQAir system filters. First things first: How long do you run your system? Your exact filter life depends first and foremost on how often you run your system throughout the year. Here’s the typical breakdown for how often you need to replace each filter in your HealthPro Plus XE system if, theoretically, you run the system for 10 hours each day on speed 3: PreMax™ Coarse Particle Filter: ~12-18 months HyperHEPA Particle Filter: ~36-48 months V5-Cell™ Gas & Odor Filter: ~15-21 months If you’ve got a GC MultiGas system for gases and odors, the figures are a little bit different: GC HyperHEPA Pre-Filter: ~1 year GC Gas & Odor Cartridge Filters: ~2.5 years GC Post-Filter Sleeves: ~2.5 years You probably noticed that the GC MultiGas features a HyperHEPA pre-filter. So why is the filter life so drastically different? It’s simple: The GC HyperHEPA pre-filter is the first phase of the filtration system, meaning that it’s filtering out all the particles and pollutants of different sizes, including the coarse pollen, dust, and mold particles that are entering the system as well as all fine and ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns; The HealthPro Plus HyperHEPA filter is the last phase of the filtration system, only filtering air that’s already traveled through the PreMax pre-filter and V5-Cell filter, which extend its lifespan because it’s only capturing the fine and ultrafine particles. Anyway, no need to worry about marking the exact replacement date on your calendar: your system will let you know right when you need to replace your filter with a filter life monitor that turns red when it’s time for replacement. For the Atem X, there are two filters to consider. Impactor (3x): The impactor removes coarse particles and is washable. Smart HyperHEPA HF (3x): ~36 months. Your system will let you know right when you need to replace your filter with a filter life monitor that turns red when it’s time to replace your filter. And remember, too, that most other filters become less efficient as they become loaded. IQAir technology is different—our filters become even more efficient over time, with minimal reductions in overall airflow, due to the build-up of filtered matter on the HyperHEPA fibers increasing the surface area of the HyperHEPA media. So you don’t need to fret that your filter is losing its performance as pollutants accumulate. If filter efficiency increases, why then do I need to replace my filters? 1. Dirty filters can raise your electricity bill and damage your system. The more junk clogging your filter, the harder it is for air to get through. That’s the basic idea behind the concept of pressure drop. The more junk clogging your filter, the harder it is for air to get through. Pressure drop refers to how much resistance the flow of dirty air encounters as it passes through filter media (in this case, HyperHEPA fibers) that make up your filter. The more densely packed the material is, and the more pollutant matter collects on the filter, the greater the pressure drop as air passes through the filter because there’s increasing resistance that constricts airflow. And this can translate into higher energy costs: higher pressure drop means that your system must work harder and use more electricity to move air through the filtration media. And as a filter fills up with dirt, dust, mold spores, dander, and numerous other particles, the pressure drop increases as there’s less space for air to pass through. This means that the longer you wait to replace a dirty filter, the more you may end up paying on your electricity bill. The longer you wait to replace a dirty filter, the more you can end up paying on your electricity bill. IQAir system are designed to be energy-efficient. Every element of an IQAir purifier, from the centrifugal fan to the 3D UltraSeal housing design, is meant to simultaneously make IQAir purifiers nearly 100% efficient in cleaning pollutants in the air while also minimizing electricity usage – so much so that our purifiers only use about the same amount of wattage as a light bulb (anywhere from 27 to 215 watts, depending on the fan speed). But the system must use more and more energy to squeeze air through a dirty filter, increasing your electricity use day by day until you replace your filter. Long-term use of oversaturated filters can cause stress on the system fan and motor, reducing the life of your air purifier. Furthermore, long-term use of oversaturated filters can cause stress on the system fan and motor. The extra stress on these components can damage them and ultimately lead to a premature breakdown of system components due to over-amping the purifier motor, which reduces the life of your purifier. 2. Less clean air comes out of a system with dirty filters. When filters are clogged with pollutants, air purifiers can’t produce as much clean air, making it hard for the purifier to keep up with new pollutants consistently being introduced into the air. And many air purifiers live and die by these principles, measured by both their cubic feet per minute (CFM) and Air Changes per Hour (ACH) ratings. CFM (or just airflow) refers to the volume of air your purifier can move through the system as well as how quickly it moves through the system. ACH refers to the how much air can be cleaned in a given space within an hour. These acronyms are basically industry terms for how well and how quickly your purifier pulls dirty air into the system, filters it, and pushes back out as purified air. This accomplishes two things: particulate matter is continuously removed, even as new pollutants get introduced into your air from various indoor and outdoor sources. clean air is continuously supplied back into the air. When your filters are clean, air can flow through the filter media unrestricted, allowing maximum CFM and ACH. When your filters get dirty, less clean air can be pushed out through the clogged filter media, lowering both your CFM and ACH ratings. When your filters get dirty, less clean air can be pushed out through the clogged filter media, lowering both your CFM and ACH ratings. And if the ACH decreases, you may not be keeping up with the introduction of new particulates in the room, and your indoor air will remain dirty even when your purifier is on. The Takeaway Regular filter replacement ensures that you get the most out of your air purifier and guarantee high long-term performance.","

At A Glance

IQAir HyperHEPA filters need to be replaced about once every four years (based on running your system at speed 3 for 10 hours a day). This figure changes based on which filter you’re replacing and what system you have.
Dirty filters can make your system’s motor work harder to squeeze air through increasingly smaller spaces, using more electricity and overworking your system components.
Regularly changing your filters helps maintain peak airflow for maximum cubic foot per minute (CFM) coverage.

Wondering how often you should change your IQAir filters?

The short answer is that your IQAir HyperHEPA XE filters should be replaced about once every four years for maximum performance and efficiency.

But there are a few factors you need to take into consideration that impact just how often you need to replace your IQAir system filters.

First things first: How long do you run your system?

Your exact filter life depends first and foremost on how often you run your system throughout the year.

Here’s the typical breakdown for how often you need to replace each filter in your HealthPro Plus XE system if, theoretically, you run the system for 10 hours each day on speed 3:

\nPreMax™ Coarse Particle Filter: ~12-18 months
\nHyperHEPA Particle Filter: ~36-48 months
\nV5-Cell™ Gas & Odor Filter: ~15-21 months

If you’ve got a GC MultiGas system for gases and odors, the figures are a little bit different:

\nGC HyperHEPA Pre-Filter: ~1 year
\nGC Gas & Odor Cartridge Filters: ~2.5 years
\nGC Post-Filter Sleeves: ~2.5 years

You probably noticed that the GC MultiGas features a HyperHEPA pre-filter. So why is the filter life so drastically different? It’s simple:

The GC HyperHEPA pre-filter is the first phase of the filtration system, meaning that it’s filtering out all the particles and pollutants of different sizes, including the coarse pollen, dust, and mold particles that are entering the system as well as all fine and ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns;
The HealthPro Plus HyperHEPA filter is the last phase of the filtration system, only filtering air that’s already traveled through the PreMax pre-filter and V5-Cell filter, which extend its lifespan because it’s only capturing the fine and ultrafine particles.

Anyway, no need to worry about marking the exact replacement date on your calendar: your system will let you know right when you need to replace your filter with a filter life monitor that turns red when it’s time for replacement.

For the Atem X, there are two filters to consider.

\nImpactor (3x): The impactor removes coarse particles and is washable.
\nSmart HyperHEPA HF (3x): ~36 months.

Your system will let you know right when you need to replace your filter with a filter life monitor that turns red when it’s time to replace your filter.

And remember, too, that most other filters become less efficient as they become loaded. IQAir technology is different—our filters become even more efficient over time, with minimal reductions in overall airflow, due to the build-up of filtered matter on the HyperHEPA fibers increasing the surface area of the HyperHEPA media. So you don’t need to fret that your filter is losing its performance as pollutants accumulate.

If filter efficiency increases, why then do I need to replace my filters?

1. Dirty filters can raise your electricity bill and damage your system.

The more junk clogging your filter, the harder it is for air to get through. That’s the basic idea behind the concept of pressure drop.

The more junk clogging your filter, the harder it is for air to get through.

Pressure drop refers to how much resistance the flow of dirty air encounters as it passes through filter media (in this case, HyperHEPA fibers) that make up your filter. The more densely packed the material is, and the more pollutant matter collects on the filter, the greater the pressure drop as air passes through the filter because there’s increasing resistance that constricts airflow.

And this can translate into higher energy costs: higher pressure drop means that your system must work harder and use more electricity to move air through the filtration media. And as a filter fills up with dirt, dust, mold spores, dander, and numerous other particles, the pressure drop increases as there’s less space for air to pass through. This means that the longer you wait to replace a dirty filter, the more you may end up paying on your electricity bill.

The longer you wait to replace a dirty filter, the more you can end up paying on your electricity bill.

IQAir system are designed to be energy-efficient. Every element of an IQAir purifier, from the centrifugal fan to the 3D UltraSeal housing design, is meant to simultaneously make IQAir purifiers nearly 100% efficient in cleaning pollutants in the air while also minimizing electricity usage – so much so that our purifiers only use about the same amount of wattage as a light bulb (anywhere from 27 to 215 watts, depending on the fan speed).

But the system must use more and more energy to squeeze air through a dirty filter, increasing your electricity use day by day until you replace your filter.

Long-term use of oversaturated filters can cause stress on the system fan and motor, reducing the life of your air purifier.

Furthermore, long-term use of oversaturated filters can cause stress on the system fan and motor. The extra stress on these components can damage them and ultimately lead to a premature breakdown of system components due to over-amping the purifier motor, which reduces the life of your purifier.

2. Less clean air comes out of a system with dirty filters.

When filters are clogged with pollutants, air purifiers can’t produce as much clean air, making it hard for the purifier to keep up with new pollutants consistently being introduced into the air.

And many air purifiers live and die by these principles, measured by both their cubic feet per minute (CFM) and Air Changes per Hour (ACH) ratings.

CFM (or just airflow) refers to the volume of air your purifier can move through the system as well as how quickly it moves through the system. ACH refers to the how much air can be cleaned in a given space within an hour. These acronyms are basically industry terms for how well and how quickly your purifier pulls dirty air into the system, filters it, and pushes back out as purified air.

This accomplishes two things:

\nparticulate matter is continuously removed, even as new pollutants get introduced into your air from various indoor and outdoor sources.
\nclean air is continuously supplied back into the air.

When your filters are clean, air can flow through the filter media unrestricted, allowing maximum CFM and ACH.

When your filters get dirty, less clean air can be pushed out through the clogged filter media, lowering both your CFM and ACH ratings.

When your filters get dirty, less clean air can be pushed out through the clogged filter media, lowering both your CFM and ACH ratings.

And if the ACH decreases, you may not be keeping up with the introduction of new particulates in the room, and your indoor air will remain dirty even when your purifier is on.

The Takeaway

Regular filter replacement ensures that you get the most out of your air purifier and guarantee high long-term performance.

","how-long-do-iqair-filters-last","gid://shopify/Article/564861304910","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-long-do-iqair-filters-last","2026-01-02T18:08:59Z",[912,1350],"Allergies and Asthma","How long do IQAir filters last?",{"_10":1353,"_202":-5,"_205":1354,"_207":1355,"_203":1356},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271175581774","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_HyperHEPA_30a146bc-ab38-4aa3-8b77-041cc86f1bb4.webp?v=1767377844",1600,833,"pageInfo",{"_1359":71,"_1360":71,"_1361":1362,"_1363":1364},"hasPreviousPage","hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjQ4NjEzMDQ5MTAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NjczNzczMzkwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MzV9","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo1NjQ5MjUzMzM1ODIsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NzAxNzA2NzAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MjR9","selectedTag",{"_599":1367,"_1006":43,"_205":1010,"_1011":1368},"Air Quality News - Air Cleaning Technology",{"_1013":1014,"_1015":1369,"_12":1367,"_1006":43,"_205":1010},"Blog","categorizedArticles",{"_1372":1373,"_1411":1412,"_1515":1516,"_1582":1583,"_1653":1654},"featured",[1374,1394],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1375,"_1139":1376,"_1154":1377,"_1156":1378,"_1157":1379,"_1159":1380,"_1008":1381,"_10":1382,"_1163":1383,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1384,"_635":1385,"_599":1387,"_1171":1388},{"_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.

","what-cadr-means-and-how-to-choose-an-air-purifier","gid://shopify/Article/641380089934","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-cadr-means-and-how-to-choose-an-air-purifier","2026-05-12T15:00:00Z",[912,1386],"Featured articles","What CADR means and how to choose an air purifier",{"_10":1389,"_202":1390,"_205":1391,"_207":1392,"_203":1393},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273257267278","Air purifier next to fireplace","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_WhatsACADRRating_D_b41be4f3-a6e7-4b6d-aedc-ffabb0a0c40d.jpg?v=1778599072",839,674,{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1395,"_1139":1396,"_1154":1397,"_1156":1398,"_1157":1399,"_1159":1400,"_1008":1401,"_10":1402,"_1163":1403,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1404,"_635":1405,"_599":1406,"_1171":1407},{"_12":1151},{"_1008":1153},"See how EarthMuseum is teaching the next generation how to monitor air quality and address air pollution through data.","

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning that starts with context

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

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

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

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

Working with data from their own environment

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing across locations

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

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

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

Understanding how air quality data is created

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

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

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

From observation to response

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

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

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

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

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

Building a connected model

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

","earthmuseum-learn-connects-classrooms-through-air-quality-data","gid://shopify/Article/641496842318","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/earthmuseum-learn-connects-classrooms-through-air-quality-data","2026-05-11T15:00:00Z",[705,1386,710],"Revealing the Invisible: EarthMuseum Learn connects classrooms through air quality data",{"_10":1408,"_202":1409,"_205":1410,"_207":1392,"_203":1393},"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",[1413,1431,1449,1465,1482,1498],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1414,"_1139":1415,"_1154":1416,"_1156":1417,"_1157":1418,"_1159":1419,"_1008":1420,"_10":1421,"_1163":1422,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1423,"_635":1424,"_599":1426,"_1171":1427},{"_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",[1169,700,1425,725],"Wildfire","Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pineland Road Fire, Georgia",{"_10":1428,"_202":1429,"_205":1430,"_207":1392,"_203":1393},"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":1432,"_1139":1433,"_1154":1434,"_1156":1435,"_1157":1436,"_1159":1437,"_1008":1438,"_10":1439,"_1163":1440,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1441,"_635":1442,"_599":1443,"_1171":1444},{"_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":1445,"_202":1446,"_205":1447,"_207":1448,"_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":1450,"_1139":1451,"_1154":1452,"_1156":1453,"_1157":1454,"_1159":1455,"_1008":1456,"_10":1457,"_1163":1458,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1459,"_635":1460,"_599":1461,"_1171":1462},{"_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":1463,"_202":-5,"_205":1464,"_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":1466,"_1139":1467,"_1154":1468,"_1156":1469,"_1157":1470,"_1159":1471,"_1008":1472,"_10":1473,"_1163":1474,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1475,"_635":1476,"_599":1477,"_1171":1478},{"_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",[1169,700,1425,725],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Max Road Miramar Fire, Florida",{"_10":1479,"_202":1480,"_205":1481,"_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":1483,"_1139":1484,"_1154":1485,"_1156":1486,"_1157":1487,"_1159":1488,"_1008":1489,"_10":1490,"_1163":1491,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1492,"_635":1493,"_599":1494,"_1171":1495},{"_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":1496,"_202":-5,"_205":1497,"_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":1499,"_1139":1500,"_1154":1501,"_1156":1502,"_1157":1503,"_1159":1504,"_1008":1505,"_10":1506,"_1163":1507,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1508,"_635":1509,"_599":1510,"_1171":1511},{"_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":1512,"_202":1513,"_205":1514,"_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",[1517,1534,1550,1566],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1518,"_1139":1519,"_1154":1520,"_1156":1520,"_1157":1521,"_1159":1522,"_1008":1523,"_10":1524,"_1163":1525,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1526,"_635":1527,"_599":1529,"_1171":1530},{"_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",[1169,700,1528,725],"Popular articles","How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_10":1531,"_202":1532,"_205":1533,"_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":1535,"_1139":1536,"_1154":1537,"_1156":1537,"_1157":1538,"_1159":1539,"_1008":1540,"_10":1541,"_1163":1542,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1543,"_635":1544,"_599":1545,"_1171":1546},{"_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",[912,715,1528],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_10":1547,"_202":1548,"_205":1549,"_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":1551,"_1139":1552,"_1154":1553,"_1156":1553,"_1157":1554,"_1159":1555,"_1008":1556,"_10":1557,"_1163":1558,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1559,"_635":1560,"_599":1561,"_1171":1562},{"_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",[1169,715,1528],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_10":1563,"_202":1564,"_205":1565,"_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":1567,"_1139":1568,"_1154":1569,"_1156":1569,"_1157":1570,"_1159":1571,"_1008":1572,"_10":1573,"_1163":1574,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1575,"_635":1576,"_599":1577,"_1171":1578},{"_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",[715,1528],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_10":1579,"_202":1580,"_205":1581,"_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",[1584,1601,1618,1635],{"_1147":1148,"_1149":1585,"_1139":1586,"_1154":1587,"_1156":1588,"_1157":1589,"_1159":1590,"_1008":1591,"_10":1592,"_1163":1593,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1594,"_635":1595,"_599":1596,"_1171":1597},{"_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":1598,"_202":1599,"_205":1600,"_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":1602,"_1139":1603,"_1154":1604,"_1156":1605,"_1157":1606,"_1159":1607,"_1008":1608,"_10":1609,"_1163":1610,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1611,"_635":1612,"_599":1613,"_1171":1614},{"_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":1615,"_202":1616,"_205":1617,"_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":1619,"_1139":1620,"_1154":1621,"_1156":1622,"_1157":1623,"_1159":1624,"_1008":1625,"_10":1626,"_1163":1627,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1628,"_635":1629,"_599":1630,"_1171":1631},{"_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":1632,"_202":1633,"_205":1634,"_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":1636,"_1139":1637,"_1154":1638,"_1156":1639,"_1157":1640,"_1159":1641,"_1008":1642,"_10":1643,"_1163":1644,"_1165":-5,"_1166":1645,"_635":1646,"_599":1648,"_1171":1649},{"_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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