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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.

","content","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.","contentHtml","

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.

","handle","cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","id","gid://shopify/Article/634971062350","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2025-01-27T13:00:00Z","tags",[88,89],"title","Cleaner air, healthier kittens: Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue","image",{"_66":79,"_80":81,"_82":83,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269919354958","altText","Cat resting next to air purifier.","url","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/KittenRescue_Desk_b3d57834-7858-4bac-b89f-c734afea302e.jpg?v=1755513318","width",2880,"height",1500,"Pets","Success Stories","news","name","IQAir Staff Writers",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[109,110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s Air Quality Crusade in Gambia",{"_66":106,"_80":107,"_82":108,"_84":85,"_86":87},"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","Community","Featured Contributor",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[109,110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_66":124,"_80":125,"_82":126,"_84":85,"_86":87},"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",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_66":140,"_80":141,"_82":142,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273486184526","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_cd749b43-0150-45f4-a731-3aaad86eb4f3.jpg?v=1779905052",{"_51":52,"_53":196,"_11":197,"_56":198,"_58":198,"_60":199,"_62":200,"_64":201,"_66":202,"_68":203,"_70":-5,"_71":204,"_73":205,"_75":206,"_77":207},{"_51":52,"_53":180,"_11":181,"_56":182,"_58":182,"_60":183,"_62":184,"_64":185,"_66":186,"_68":187,"_70":-5,"_71":188,"_73":189,"_75":190,"_77":191},{"_51":52,"_53":164,"_11":165,"_56":166,"_58":166,"_60":167,"_62":168,"_64":169,"_66":170,"_68":171,"_70":-5,"_71":172,"_73":173,"_75":174,"_77":175},{"_51":52,"_53":147,"_11":148,"_56":149,"_58":149,"_60":150,"_62":151,"_64":152,"_66":153,"_68":154,"_70":-5,"_71":155,"_73":156,"_75":157,"_77":158},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[162,163],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_66":159,"_80":160,"_82":161,"_84":85,"_86":87},"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","Health and Wellness","Popular articles",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[179,162,163],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_66":176,"_80":177,"_82":178,"_84":85,"_86":87},"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","Air Quality",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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",[195,162,163],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_66":192,"_80":193,"_82":194,"_84":85,"_86":87},"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","Air Cleaning Technology",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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.

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

\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",[179,14,163,211],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_66":208,"_80":209,"_82":210,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273488543822","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_a8a07ca3-c3c0-4315-854e-f2a5aa9b0f22.jpg?v=1779917272","Wildfires",{"_51":52,"_53":296,"_11":297,"_56":298,"_58":299,"_60":300,"_62":301,"_64":302,"_66":303,"_68":304,"_70":-5,"_71":305,"_73":306,"_75":307,"_77":308},{"_51":52,"_53":281,"_11":282,"_56":283,"_58":284,"_60":285,"_62":286,"_64":287,"_66":288,"_68":289,"_70":-5,"_71":290,"_73":291,"_75":292,"_77":293},{"_51":52,"_53":263,"_11":264,"_56":265,"_58":266,"_60":267,"_62":268,"_64":269,"_66":270,"_68":271,"_70":-5,"_71":272,"_73":273,"_75":274,"_77":275},{"_51":52,"_53":248,"_11":249,"_56":250,"_58":251,"_60":252,"_62":253,"_64":254,"_66":255,"_68":256,"_70":-5,"_71":257,"_73":258,"_75":259,"_77":260},{"_51":52,"_53":233,"_11":234,"_56":235,"_58":236,"_60":237,"_62":238,"_64":239,"_66":240,"_68":241,"_70":-5,"_71":242,"_73":243,"_75":244,"_77":245},{"_51":52,"_53":218,"_11":219,"_56":220,"_58":221,"_60":222,"_62":223,"_64":224,"_66":225,"_68":226,"_70":-5,"_71":227,"_73":228,"_75":229,"_77":230},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Wildfires spread across Brantley County in Georgia, burning structures and causing road closures. Learn more about what is causing the Georgia wildfires.","

Wildfires spread across Brantley County in Georgia, burning structures and causing road closures. Learn more about what is causing the Georgia wildfires.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 11, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire was located in the southeastern region of Georgia, neighboring the northern Florida border. The fire was located just off U.S. Highway 82 near the Brantley County line, bordering Glynn County and had spread into Camden County (1)(2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The Brantley Highway 82 wildfire affected multiple highways, neighborhoods, and communities, including (3)(4): Atkinson Waynesville Happy Hollow U.S. Highway 82 area, from Nahunta to Post Road Highway 110 West, near Camden County line Highway 259, near Camden County line What is the current containment status of the Brantley Highway 82 Fire? As of June 11, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire had burned approximately 23,112 acres and is now 100% contained. Brantley County, Glynn County, and Effingham County Fire Rescue teams worked together to contain the wildfire and stop the spread to neighboring communities. Glynn County issued a temporary outdoor burn ban, prohibiting outdoor fires ignited by residents, such as fireworks and bonfire pits, to prevent additional wildfires (5)(6). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders, wildfire watches, and related alerts have since been lifted. 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. On June 11, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of June 11, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire was located in the southeastern region of Georgia, neighboring the northern Florida border.

The fire was located just off U.S. Highway 82 near the Brantley County line, bordering Glynn County and had spread into Camden County (1)(2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The Brantley Highway 82 wildfire affected multiple highways, neighborhoods, and communities, including (3)(4):

Atkinson
Waynesville
Happy Hollow
U.S. Highway 82 area, from Nahunta to Post Road
Highway 110 West, near Camden County line
Highway 259, near Camden County line

What is the current containment status of the Brantley Highway 82 Fire?

As of June 11, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire had burned approximately 23,112 acres and is now 100% contained.

Brantley County, Glynn County, and Effingham County Fire Rescue teams worked together to contain the wildfire and stop the spread to neighboring communities. Glynn County issued a temporary outdoor burn ban, prohibiting outdoor fires ignited by residents, such as fireworks and bonfire pits, to prevent additional wildfires (5)(6).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders, wildfire watches, and related alerts have since been lifted.

\n\n

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

On June 11, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-brantley-highway-82-fire-georgia","gid://shopify/Article/641422590030","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-brantley-highway-82-fire-georgia","2026-06-11T15:50:35Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Brantley Highway 82 Fire, Georgia",{"_66":231,"_80":-5,"_82":232,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273703567438","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire2Desktop_77b7417e-928b-4015-94f6-1b98531b7d5d.jpg?v=1781193578",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Seven Cabins Fire that burned in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, including affected communities, evacuation updates, and containment efforts.","

Find out more about the Seven Cabins Fire that burned in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, including affected communities, evacuation updates, and containment efforts.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 12, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire had burned in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln County, New Mexico, near Capitan Gap Road east of Capitan (1). The wildfire was located north of Capitan and approximately 25 miles northeast of Ruidoso in the Lincoln National Forest region. The fire spread through dry fuels and rugged terrain within the Peppin Fire burn scar area, creating difficult firefighting conditions. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Seven Cabins Fire included: Boy Scout Mountain Capitan Mountain Wilderness Copeland Canyon Encinoso Gap Road Lincoln Pine Lodge area Ruidoso State Highway 246 corridor What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of June 12, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire had burned approximately 31,860 acres and was 100% contained. Fire crews used both direct and indirect suppression strategies to slow the fire's spread, particularly south of Highway 246 and around the Pine Lodge area. More than 200 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, dozers, and water tenders, were assigned to the incident. Strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels created critical fire weather conditions that contributed to periods of additional fire growth (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders and alerts associated with the Seven Cabins Fire were lifted following improved fire conditions and coordination between the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 and the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services. 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 June 12, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of June 12, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire had burned in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln County, New Mexico, near Capitan Gap Road east of Capitan (1).

The wildfire was located north of Capitan and approximately 25 miles northeast of Ruidoso in the Lincoln National Forest region.

The fire spread through dry fuels and rugged terrain within the Peppin Fire burn scar area, creating difficult firefighting conditions.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Seven Cabins Fire included:

Boy Scout Mountain
\n
Capitan Mountain Wilderness
Copeland Canyon
Encinoso
Gap Road
Lincoln
Pine Lodge area
Ruidoso
State Highway 246 corridor

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of June 12, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire had burned approximately 31,860 acres and was 100% contained.

Fire crews used both direct and indirect suppression strategies to slow the fire's spread, particularly south of Highway 246 and around the Pine Lodge area.

More than 200 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, dozers, and water tenders, were assigned to the incident. Strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels created critical fire weather conditions that contributed to periods of additional fire growth (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders and alerts associated with the Seven Cabins Fire were lifted following improved fire conditions and coordination between the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 and the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Services.

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 June 12, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-seven-cabins-fire-new-mexico","gid://shopify/Article/641558970446","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-seven-cabins-fire-new-mexico","2026-06-12T06:30:33Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire map spotlight: Seven Cabins Fire, New Mexico",{"_66":246,"_80":-5,"_82":247,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273712971854","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_f8f88717-1521-472a-bc62-5e44fdf20c0d.jpg?v=1781245841",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"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? As of June 12, 2026, 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) (1). 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 (2). 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: Ahmedabad, Barmer, Bikaner, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur and Sirsa. Pakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Hyderabad, Layyah, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat. Afghanistan: Farah, Kandahar, Lashkar Gah, Mazar-i-Sharif and Mirabad. How long will the heatwave last? The heatwave began in early April 2026 and is expected to persist through the summer months across parts of South Asia. Forecasts for India and Pakistan indicate above-normal heatwave activity through the April–June period, while Afghanistan is also expected to experience prolonged extreme heat, particularly in southern regions where temperatures commonly reach 36–43°C (97–109°F) (3). Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) are likely to continue across much of the region until seasonal monsoon rainfall brings gradual relief later in the summer. The strong El Niño affecting the region this summer is contributing to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather across South Asia (4). Are there any alerts in place? Multiple heat alerts are active across South Asia. Several regions in India were placed under orange alert for heatwave conditions, with authorities warning of increased heat-related illnesses and directing hospitals and livestock services to prepare accordingly (5). In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and advised residents to avoid direct sunlight and stay 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?

As of June 12, 2026, 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) (1).

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 (2).

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: Ahmedabad, Barmer, Bikaner, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur and Sirsa.
\nPakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Hyderabad, Layyah, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat.
\nAfghanistan: Farah, Kandahar, Lashkar Gah, Mazar-i-Sharif and Mirabad.

How long will the heatwave last?

The heatwave began in early April 2026 and is expected to persist through the summer months across parts of South Asia.

Forecasts for India and Pakistan indicate above-normal heatwave activity through the April–June period, while Afghanistan is also expected to experience prolonged extreme heat, particularly in southern regions where temperatures commonly reach 36–43°C (97–109°F) (3).

Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) are likely to continue across much of the region until seasonal monsoon rainfall brings gradual relief later in the summer.

The strong El Niño affecting the region this summer is contributing to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather across South Asia (4).

Are there any alerts in place?

Multiple heat alerts are active across South Asia. Several regions in India were placed under orange alert for heatwave conditions, with authorities warning of increased heat-related illnesses and directing hospitals and livestock services to prepare accordingly (5).

In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and advised residents to avoid direct sunlight and stay 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","2026-06-12T11:31:01Z",[179,14],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Asia",{"_66":261,"_80":-5,"_82":262,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273717624910","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_b0cf88d9-c0db-4d9f-8c87-79071f64410c.jpg?v=1781263864",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Raven Creek Fire burning near Moorcroft, Wyoming, including affected areas, containment efforts, and current conditions.","

Find out more about the Raven Creek Fire burning near Moorcroft, Wyoming, including affected areas, containment efforts, and current conditions.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 12, 2026, the Raven Creek Fire was burning in northeastern Wyoming in the area of Weston County, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the 300 Block of O-R Road and about 13 miles southwest of Moorcroft. The wildfire was located near the boundaries of Weston, Campbell, and Crook counties, resulting in impacts and monitoring across multiple jurisdictions. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Raven Creek Fire included: Campbell County Crook County Moorcroft Weston County Wright What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of June 12, 2026, the Raven Creek Fire had burned approximately 4,245.6 acres and was 100% contained. Fire crews had successfully constructed and maintained containment lines along the eastern flank of the fire. However, the fire had crossed containment lines on the western flank, where firefighters continued active suppression efforts. Multiple agencies remained engaged in suppression efforts to limit fire growth and strengthen containment lines around the incident area (1). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation alerts, notices, and monitoring advisories related to the incident have been lifted. 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 June 12, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of June 12, 2026, the Raven Creek Fire was burning in northeastern Wyoming in the area of Weston County, approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the 300 Block of O-R Road and about 13 miles southwest of Moorcroft.

The wildfire was located near the boundaries of Weston, Campbell, and Crook counties, resulting in impacts and monitoring across multiple jurisdictions.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Raven Creek Fire included:

Campbell County
Crook County
Moorcroft
Weston County
Wright

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of June 12, 2026, the Raven Creek Fire had burned approximately 4,245.6 acres and was 100% contained.

Fire crews had successfully constructed and maintained containment lines along the eastern flank of the fire. However, the fire had crossed containment lines on the western flank, where firefighters continued active suppression efforts.

Multiple agencies remained engaged in suppression efforts to limit fire growth and strengthen containment lines around the incident area (1).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation alerts, notices, and monitoring advisories related to the incident have been lifted.

\n\n

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 June 12, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-raven-creek-fire-wyoming-usa","gid://shopify/Article/641693712462","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-raven-creek-fire-wyoming-usa","2026-06-12T20:56:18Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire map spotlight: Raven Creek Fire, Wyoming, USA",{"_66":276,"_80":277,"_82":278,"_84":279,"_86":280},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273722867790","Flames burn through a dense forest of towering trees.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire13Desktop_cfb39819-2ebc-4894-824c-369dd3607e2c.jpg?v=1781298362",839,674,{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"A large fire in western Nebraska is triggering evacuations and evacuation warnings. Learn more about this fire.","

A large fire in western Nebraska is triggering evacuations and evacuation warnings. Learn more about this fire.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 13, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning near US-20 and Soldier Creek Wilderness, approximately 13 miles east of Harrison, in Dawes and Sioux Counties, Nebraska (1). The fire is impacting areas near Fort Robinson State Park and the Nebraska National Forest’s Pine Ridge Ranger District. Which cities or areas are affected by the South Fork wildfire? Cities and areas directly affected by the South Fork wildfire include: Chadron Crawford Fort Robinson State Park Air quality has been impacted in nearby Yoder. Shifting winds could also affect air quality in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Casper, Wyoming; and Rapid City, South Dakota. What is the current containment status of the South Fork wildfire? As of June 13, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning across 32,818 acres and is 42% contained. Firefighters are hampered by rugged terrain and an abundance of dry ground cover fueling the flames (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders remain in effect for Fort Robinson State Park, areas immediately north of Crawford’s city center, including locations south and west of Dodd Road and Dodd Road at Holmgren Road, as well as the Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility (3). Level 2 (SET) evacuation warnings have been issued for several rural areas west of Toadstool Road and near Hat Creek Road and Pants Butte Road. Level 1 (READY) alerts are in place for the city of Crawford and parts of Sioux County south of Highway 20 to 4 Mile Road. Evacuees are being directed to Chadron, Alliance, or Scottsbluff. 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 June 13, 2026, this fire is 42% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of June 13, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning near US-20 and Soldier Creek Wilderness, approximately 13 miles east of Harrison, in Dawes and Sioux Counties, Nebraska (1). The fire is impacting areas near Fort Robinson State Park and the Nebraska National Forest’s Pine Ridge Ranger District.

Which cities or areas are affected by the South Fork wildfire?

Cities and areas directly affected by the South Fork wildfire include:

Chadron
Crawford
Fort Robinson State Park
\n

Air quality has been impacted in nearby Yoder. Shifting winds could also affect air quality in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Casper, Wyoming; and Rapid City, South Dakota.

What is the current containment status of the South Fork wildfire?

As of June 13, 2026, the South Fork Fire is burning across 32,818 acres and is 42% contained. Firefighters are hampered by rugged terrain and an abundance of dry ground cover fueling the flames (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders remain in effect for Fort Robinson State Park, areas immediately north of Crawford’s city center, including locations south and west of Dodd Road and Dodd Road at Holmgren Road, as well as the Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living Facility (3).

Level 2 (SET) evacuation warnings have been issued for several rural areas west of Toadstool Road and near Hat Creek Road and Pants Butte Road. Level 1 (READY) alerts are in place for the city of Crawford and parts of Sioux County south of Highway 20 to 4 Mile Road.

Evacuees are being directed to Chadron, Alliance, or Scottsbluff.

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 June 13, 2026, this fire is 42% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-south-fork-fire-nebraska","gid://shopify/Article/641712324686","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-south-fork-fire-nebraska","2026-06-13T14:16:50Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: South Fork Fire, Nebraska",{"_66":294,"_80":-5,"_82":295,"_84":279,"_86":280},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273728602190","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire11Desktop_7ecfb4bc-43c2-43da-a66f-ecb1ccb1a67d.jpg?v=1781360215",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Bear Fire burning in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, including affected communities, containment status, and evacuation updates.","

Find out more about the Bear Fire burning in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, including affected communities, containment status, and evacuation updates.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 13, 2026, the Bear Fire is burning in Catron County, New Mexico, within the Quemado Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. The wildfire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Quemado and east of Mangas Mountain. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Bear Fire include: Apache Creek Datil Omega Pie Town Quemado Reserve Surrounding communities near the Gila National Forest Smoke from the wildfire may affect visibility and air quality in these communities, depending on fire activity and changing wind patterns. What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of June 13, 2026, the Bear Fire has burned 6,042.6 acres and remains 0% contained. Firefighters are using both direct and indirect suppression tactics to slow the fire's spread and protect critical infrastructure, private property, and natural resources. More than 200 personnel, supported by helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, engines, dozers, and hand crews, are assigned to the incident (1). Fire activity has been influenced by dry weather, wind, steep terrain, and heavy fuel loads, making containment efforts challenging. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation alerts are currently in place for portions of Catron County. Authorities have issued a SET (Level 2 Evacuation Warning) status for Zones 2, 3, and 4 under the county's Ready, Set, Go! evacuation framework. Residents in these zones are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. Officials advise residents to monitor updates closely, as evacuation statuses may change based on fire conditions. In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction has been established over the fire area, and the public is urged to avoid locations where firefighting operations are underway. 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 June 13, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of June 13, 2026, the Bear Fire is burning in Catron County, New Mexico, within the Quemado Ranger District of the Gila National Forest.

The wildfire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of Quemado and east of Mangas Mountain.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Bear Fire include:

Apache Creek
Datil
Omega
Pie Town
Quemado
Reserve
Surrounding communities near the Gila National Forest

Smoke from the wildfire may affect visibility and air quality in these communities, depending on fire activity and changing wind patterns.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of June 13, 2026, the Bear Fire has burned 6,042.6 acres and remains 0% contained.

Firefighters are using both direct and indirect suppression tactics to slow the fire's spread and protect critical infrastructure, private property, and natural resources. More than 200 personnel, supported by helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, engines, dozers, and hand crews, are assigned to the incident (1).

Fire activity has been influenced by dry weather, wind, steep terrain, and heavy fuel loads, making containment efforts challenging.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation alerts are currently in place for portions of Catron County. Authorities have issued a SET (Level 2 Evacuation Warning) status for Zones 2, 3, and 4 under the county's Ready, Set, Go! evacuation framework.

Residents in these zones are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

Officials advise residents to monitor updates closely, as evacuation statuses may change based on fire conditions. In addition, a Temporary Flight Restriction has been established over the fire area, and the public is urged to avoid locations where firefighting operations are underway.

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 June 13, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-bear-fire-new-mexico","gid://shopify/Article/641719730254","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-bear-fire-new-mexico","2026-06-13T15:32:50Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire map spotlight: Bear Fire, New Mexico",{"_66":309,"_80":-5,"_82":310,"_84":279,"_86":280},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273728831566","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire10Desktop_9b0cbe4d-5ca4-4f2f-933a-589b796357e6.jpg?v=1781364786",{"_51":52,"_53":329,"_11":330,"_56":331,"_58":332,"_60":333,"_62":334,"_64":335,"_66":336,"_68":337,"_70":-5,"_71":338,"_73":339,"_75":340,"_77":341},{"_51":52,"_53":313,"_11":314,"_56":315,"_58":316,"_60":317,"_62":318,"_64":319,"_66":320,"_68":321,"_70":-5,"_71":322,"_73":323,"_75":324,"_77":325},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Home to millions of residents, five cities stood out as the most polluted major cities in the world for 2025 – find out which ones and why.","

Home to millions of residents, five cities stood out as the most polluted major cities in the world for 2025 – find out which ones and why.

","The 2025 World Air Quality Report reveals the persistent global challenge posed by high concentrations of air pollution. Unhealthy air remains a daily reality for residents in some of the world’s most polluted urban centers. Tens of millions of people live in these cities and are exposed to elevated risks of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions over time (1). Many residents in these cities also face economic and social challenges that can compound the effects of long-term exposure to air pollution, challenges that are further compounded by exposure to industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, agricultural burning, and inadequate regulatory enforcement. Air pollution is an unequal burden for these residents, and for particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, like asthma. 5. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ranked fifth among the world’s most polluted major cities in 2025. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 50.2 µg/m3, the city’s air quality remains in the hazardous air quality range as it has in prior years, continuing to pose serious health risks to city residents.Air quality in Kinshasa, DRC on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air pollution in Kinshasa can come from both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor cooking with wood and charcoal, a common practice in many households, contributes significantly to airborne particulate matter. Forest fires, often linked to agricultural clearing and land management, release clouds of smoke into the atmosphere. Industrial activities and regional agricultural burning also contribute to poor air quality, compounded by limited regulatory oversight and enforcement. One of the biggest challenges to mitigating pollution is the lack of reliable air quality monitoring infrastructure in the DRC. While some monitoring stations exist, the DRC—like much of Africa—lacks the comprehensive networks needed to accurately track pollution levels and inform public health responses. 4. Kolkata, India Kolkata, India, was one of the world’s most polluted urban centers in 2025. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 51 µg/m3, it’s the city’s worst average since 2021’s annual average of 59 µg/m3.This change reflects regional trends, where rapid industrialization, vehicular emissions, and seasonal agricultural burning frequently create a haze that lingers over the city for much of the year. Air quality in Kolkata, India on April 21, 2026. Source: IQAir. Kolkata’s air pollution sources are deeply rooted in both local and regional activities. Vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and unregulated waste burning add to the burden (2). During the winter months, crop residue burning in neighboring states and across the Indo-Gangetic Plain compounds the problem. 3. Dhaka, Bangladesh Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, returned as the world’s third most polluted major city in 2025, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 68 µg/m3. While Dhaka has experienced an improvement in average annual PM2.5 over 2024 and 2023 (measuring annual average concentrations of 78 and 80.2 µg/m3 respectively), its air quality remains far above safe levels. Persistent air quality challenges continue to affect residents’ health. Exposure to PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, has been linked to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, stroke, and cancer (3). Air quality in Dhaka, Bangladesh on April 22, 2026. Source: IQAir. Informal brick kilns, which number in the thousands across Bangladesh, contributes an estimated 11% of the nation’s PM2.5 emissions and an additional 17% of its carbon dioxide (4). An estimated 6,000 premature deaths can be attributed to brick kiln air pollutants despite government efforts to shut down illegal operations and promote cleaner technologies like zigzag kilns. Industrial activity and diesel generators further impact air quality, while seasonal crop burning in rural areas adds to the city’s winter smog (5). Vehicle emissions, driven by a growing number of cars and buses on Dhaka’s streets, are also a major source of airborne pollutants. 2. Lahore, Pakistan Pakistan’s cultural and economic hub, Lahore, is again ranked the world’s second most polluted major city, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 88.9 µg/m3. While the PM2.5 concentration is an improvement over 2024’s average annual PM2.5 concentration of 102.1 µg/m3, the city’s high average contributed to Pakistan ranking as the most polluted country in 2025. The health impact from exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 is significant; 70% of Pakistanis report smog-related health issues (6). Air quality in Lahore, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir. Seasonal crop burning in Punjab Province blankets Lahore in thick smog. Vehicular emissions, exacerbated by an aging fleet and weak enforcement of emission standards, contribute significantly to the problem. Industrial activity, dust from construction and brick kilns, many of which operate without pollution controls, further degrade air quality (7)(8). 1. Delhi, India Delhi, India’s sprawling capital and one of the most populous cities in the world, has again topped the list of the most polluted major cities. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 99.6 µg/m3, its residents are exposed to to high levels of pollution on a near-daily basis. The city’s 2025 average is a modest improvement over both 2024 and 2023 whose average annual PM2.5 concentrations were 108.3 and 102.16 µg/m3 respectively. However, it’s still an average that is well into the hazardous air quality range. Air quality in Delhi, India on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir. Delhi’s air pollution is caused by a combination of factors. Regional crop burning, particularly in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, sends plumes of smoke into Delhi’s atmosphere every winter, creating a thick haze (9). Vehicular emissions, driven by millions of cars, trucks, and motorcycles—many of which operate on outdated technology—continue to serve as a major contributor (10). Coal-fired power plants, industrial emissions, and landfill fires further degrade air quality, while construction dust and unmanaged waste burning add to the burden. Same cities, too few changes Despite Kolkata, India replacing Karachi, Pakistan among the top five most polluted major cities in 2024, the other four major cities were all listed in 2024. Though they demonstrated some small air quality improvements over the prior year, Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka all mirrored their top three positions in the 2024 listing. Their return as the three most polluted cities reflects the struggle residents and activists face in improving air quality outcomes. Because of the nearly year-round intensity of air pollution in all five cities, it is common to see them ranking among the most polluted major cities daily. Air quality in Delhi, India on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir. Pathways to cleaner air Air pollution poses elevated health risks, but there are practical ways to reduce exposure and improve air quality in major cities. Here’s how air quality can be improved: What governments can do Strengthen air quality standards and enforce pollution control measures to create healthier urban environments. Invest in public transportation and promote renewable energy sources to reduce emissions. Implement stricter regulations on industrial and vehicular emissions. Expand air quality monitoring networks to inform policy decisions and public health strategies. What communities can do Support programs, such as Schools4Earth, to create healthier environments for vulnerable populations. Participate in community-driven data collection efforts to raise awareness and address pollution sources. What individuals can do Opt for sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, or public transit to lower emissions. Use energy-efficient appliances and indoor air purification systems to reduce personal exposure. Monitor air quality to help improve community air quality awareness. Access real-time air quality information to make informed decisions, especially on high-pollution days. Run an air purifier when air quality is poor. Wear a snug-fitting face mask outdoors on days when air pollution is severe. Conclusion Understanding and tackling urban air pollution starts with reliable, accessible data. Yet, in many parts of the world, comprehensive air quality monitoring remains limited or non-existent. Communities with access to real-time air quality information are better equipped to make informed decisions to protect their health, advocate for stronger policies and enforcement, and address pollution at its source. By expanding monitoring networks globally, individuals are empowered to improve public health and create cleaner, safer cities for everyone.","

The 2025 World Air Quality Report reveals the persistent global challenge posed by high concentrations of air pollution.

Unhealthy air remains a daily reality for residents in some of the world’s most polluted urban centers. Tens of millions of people live in these cities and are exposed to elevated risks of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions over time (1).

Many residents in these cities also face economic and social challenges that can compound the effects of long-term exposure to air pollution, challenges that are further compounded by exposure to industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, agricultural burning, and inadequate regulatory enforcement. Air pollution is an unequal burden for these residents, and for particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, like asthma.

5. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ranked fifth among the world’s most polluted major cities in 2025. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 50.2 µg/m3, the city’s air quality remains in the hazardous air quality range as it has in prior years, continuing to pose serious health risks to city residents.

$\"\"$
Air quality in Kinshasa, DRC on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Air pollution in Kinshasa can come from both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor cooking with wood and charcoal, a common practice in many households, contributes significantly to airborne particulate matter. Forest fires, often linked to agricultural clearing and land management, release clouds of smoke into the atmosphere. Industrial activities and regional agricultural burning also contribute to poor air quality, compounded by limited regulatory oversight and enforcement.

One of the biggest challenges to mitigating pollution is the lack of reliable air quality monitoring infrastructure in the DRC. While some monitoring stations exist, the DRC—like much of Africa—lacks the comprehensive networks needed to accurately track pollution levels and inform public health responses.

4. Kolkata, India

Kolkata, India, was one of the world’s most polluted urban centers in 2025. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 51 µg/m3, it’s the city’s worst average since 2021’s annual average of 59 µg/m3.

This change reflects regional trends, where rapid industrialization, vehicular emissions, and seasonal agricultural burning frequently create a haze that lingers over the city for much of the year.

$\"\"$ Air quality in Kolkata, India on April 21, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Kolkata’s air pollution sources are deeply rooted in both local and regional activities. Vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and unregulated waste burning add to the burden (2). During the winter months, crop residue burning in neighboring states and across the Indo-Gangetic Plain compounds the problem.

3. Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, returned as the world’s third most polluted major city in 2025, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 68 µg/m3.

While Dhaka has experienced an improvement in average annual PM2.5 over 2024 and 2023 (measuring annual average concentrations of 78 and 80.2 µg/m3 respectively), its air quality remains far above safe levels.

Persistent air quality challenges continue to affect residents’ health. Exposure to PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, has been linked to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, stroke, and cancer (3).

$\"\"$ Air quality in Dhaka, Bangladesh on April 22, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Informal brick kilns, which number in the thousands across Bangladesh, contributes an estimated 11% of the nation’s PM2.5 emissions and an additional 17% of its carbon dioxide (4). An estimated 6,000 premature deaths can be attributed to brick kiln air pollutants despite government efforts to shut down illegal operations and promote cleaner technologies like zigzag kilns. Industrial activity and diesel generators further impact air quality, while seasonal crop burning in rural areas adds to the city’s winter smog (5). Vehicle emissions, driven by a growing number of cars and buses on Dhaka’s streets, are also a major source of airborne pollutants.

2. Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan’s cultural and economic hub, Lahore, is again ranked the world’s second most polluted major city, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 88.9 µg/m3.

While the PM2.5 concentration is an improvement over 2024’s average annual PM2.5 concentration of 102.1 µg/m3, the city’s high average contributed to Pakistan ranking as the most polluted country in 2025. The health impact from exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 is significant; 70% of Pakistanis report smog-related health issues (6).

$\"\"$ Air quality in Lahore, Pakistan on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Seasonal crop burning in Punjab Province blankets Lahore in thick smog. Vehicular emissions, exacerbated by an aging fleet and weak enforcement of emission standards, contribute significantly to the problem. Industrial activity, dust from construction and brick kilns, many of which operate without pollution controls, further degrade air quality (7)(8).

1. Delhi, India

Delhi, India’s sprawling capital and one of the most populous cities in the world, has again topped the list of the most polluted major cities. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 99.6 µg/m3, its residents are exposed to to high levels of pollution on a near-daily basis.

The city’s 2025 average is a modest improvement over both 2024 and 2023 whose average annual PM2.5 concentrations were 108.3 and 102.16 µg/m3 respectively. However, it’s still an average that is well into the hazardous air quality range.

$\"\"$ Air quality in Delhi, India on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Delhi’s air pollution is caused by a combination of factors. Regional crop burning, particularly in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, sends plumes of smoke into Delhi’s atmosphere every winter, creating a thick haze (9). Vehicular emissions, driven by millions of cars, trucks, and motorcycles—many of which operate on outdated technology—continue to serve as a major contributor (10). Coal-fired power plants, industrial emissions, and landfill fires further degrade air quality, while construction dust and unmanaged waste burning add to the burden.

Same cities, too few changes

Despite Kolkata, India replacing Karachi, Pakistan among the top five most polluted major cities in 2024, the other four major cities were all listed in 2024. Though they demonstrated some small air quality improvements over the prior year, Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka all mirrored their top three positions in the 2024 listing. Their return as the three most polluted cities reflects the struggle residents and activists face in improving air quality outcomes.

Because of the nearly year-round intensity of air pollution in all five cities, it is common to see them ranking among the most polluted major cities daily.

$\"\"$ Air quality in Delhi, India on April 20, 2026. Source: IQAir.

\nPathways to cleaner air

Air pollution poses elevated health risks, but there are practical ways to reduce exposure and improve air quality in major cities. Here’s how air quality can be improved:

What governments can do

Strengthen air quality standards and enforce pollution control measures to create healthier urban environments.
Invest in public transportation and promote renewable energy sources to reduce emissions.
Implement stricter regulations on industrial and vehicular emissions.
Expand air quality monitoring networks to inform policy decisions and public health strategies.

What communities can do

Support programs, such as Schools4Earth, to create healthier environments for vulnerable populations.
Participate in community-driven data collection efforts to raise awareness and address pollution sources.

What individuals can do

Opt for sustainable transportation options like walking, biking, or public transit to lower emissions.
Use energy-efficient appliances and indoor air purification systems to reduce personal exposure.
\nMonitor air quality to help improve community air quality awareness.
\nAccess real-time air quality information to make informed decisions, especially on high-pollution days.
Run an air purifier when air quality is poor.
\nWear a snug-fitting face mask outdoors on days when air pollution is severe.

Conclusion

Understanding and tackling urban air pollution starts with reliable, accessible data. Yet, in many parts of the world, comprehensive air quality monitoring remains limited or non-existent.

Communities with access to real-time air quality information are better equipped to make informed decisions to protect their health, advocate for stronger policies and enforcement, and address pollution at its source. By expanding monitoring networks globally, individuals are empowered to improve public health and create cleaner, safer cities for everyone.

","5-most-polluted-major-cities-in-the-world-in-2025","gid://shopify/Article/641641185358","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/5-most-polluted-major-cities-in-the-world-in-2025","2026-06-08T16:21:09Z",[179,14,109,328],"5 Most polluted major cities in the world in 2025",{"_66":326,"_80":-5,"_82":327,"_84":279,"_86":280},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273649238094","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/B_c8c30803-3e4c-4b3c-a902-cc056cf3a800.jpg?v=1780935671","Featured articles",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Discover the most effective place to put your air purifier in the bedroom.","

Discover the most effective place to put your air purifier in the bedroom.

","The best place to put an air purifier in a bedroom is close enough to improve the air you breathe while sleeping, but positioned so clean air can circulate freely throughout the room (1). Because people spend long, uninterrupted hours in bedrooms, air purifier placement can influence how effectively airborne particles and allergens are removed from the sleeping environment. Clean air and the sleeping environment Bedrooms are where people typically spend the longest uninterrupted periods indoors, making them critical spaces for clean air—especially for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to dust, pet dander, or outdoor pollutants. Because people spend extended periods breathing the same indoor air while sleeping, air purifier placement can influence how effectively these particles are removed from the sleeping environment overnight. Reducing indoor pollution sources, improving airflow and ventilation by opening windows when outdoor air quality allows, and using high-efficiency filtration can all influence how particles accumulate indoors. For example, reducing the use of heavily scented products, improving ventilation when outdoor air quality is good, and limiting indoor smoke or dust sources can help reduce the amount of airborne particles circulating through a bedroom. Why airflow matters in a bedroom Air purifiers work by pulling polluted air through a filtration system and recirculating cleaned air back into the room. When airflow is blocked by walls, furniture, or bedding, particles can remain concentrated in parts of the room instead of circulating toward the purifier. Because airflow influences how particles move through a bedroom, purifier placement can affect how efficiently airborne particles are removed from the sleeping environment. Common mistakes to avoid in bedroom purifier placement Many people unknowingly reduce their air purifier’s effectiveness by making these placement errors: In a corner or behind furniture: This blocks airflow and limits the purifier’s reach. Keep it in an open area where air can circulate freely. Too close to electronics or heat sources: Avoid placing it near TVs, lamps, or heating vents, as heat can affect performance or pose a safety risk. Near open windows during high-pollution times: While ventilation is good, outdoor allergens or smog can enter and overwhelm the purifier. Close windows during allergy season, wildfires, or peak traffic hours. Ignoring filter maintenance: A clogged filter reduces airflow and efficiency. Check and replace filters as recommended, especially in high-dust environments. If your bedroom is large or irregularly shaped, consider a purifier with strong airflow or use a second unit to ensure even coverage. For children’s rooms, place the purifier out of reach but where it can still circulate air effectively. Frequently Asked Questions Should I run my air purifier all night in the bedroom? Yes. Running it continuously on a low or night mode ensures clean air throughout your sleep, which is especially beneficial for allergy or asthma sufferers. Most modern purifiers are quiet enough not to disrupt rest. Can I place the air purifier on the floor next to my bed? Yes. Placing an air purifier on the floor near the bed can be effective, provided airflow is not blocked by furniture or bedding. Keep enough space around the purifier for air to circulate freely. How far from the bed should the air purifier be? Aim for 3–6 feet away, positioned so clean air flows toward your breathing zone without blowing directly on you. This balances effectiveness and comfort. Does the air purifier need to be centered in the room? Not necessarily. Prioritize placing it near your bed but with unobstructed airflow. For larger bedrooms, a central location can help, but proximity to your sleeping area is most important. Can I use an air purifier in a small bedroom? Yes. Choose a model sized for your room and place it where airflow isn’t blocked. Even in smaller bedrooms, compact air purifiers can help improve air quality when positioned with unobstructed airflow. Conclusion Air purifier placement can influence how effectively fine particles and allergens are removed from the air you breathe while sleeping. Positioning the purifier where airflow remains unobstructed helps improve circulation and reduce indoor particle buildup over time. Indoor air quality is often managed through a combination of source control, ventilation, and filtration. Combined with regular cleaning and reduced indoor pollution sources, proper air purifier placement can help create a cleaner sleeping environment and improve the air circulating through your breathing zone overnight.","

The best place to put an air purifier in a bedroom is close enough to improve the air you breathe while sleeping, but positioned so clean air can circulate freely throughout the room (1).

Because people spend long, uninterrupted hours in bedrooms, air purifier placement can influence how effectively airborne particles and allergens are removed from the sleeping environment.

Clean air and the sleeping environment

Bedrooms are where people typically spend the longest uninterrupted periods indoors, making them critical spaces for clean air—especially for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to dust, pet dander, or outdoor pollutants.

Because people spend extended periods breathing the same indoor air while sleeping, air purifier placement can influence how effectively these particles are removed from the sleeping environment overnight.

Reducing indoor pollution sources, improving airflow and ventilation by opening windows when outdoor air quality allows, and using high-efficiency filtration can all influence how particles accumulate indoors. For example, reducing the use of heavily scented products, improving ventilation when outdoor air quality is good, and limiting indoor smoke or dust sources can help reduce the amount of airborne particles circulating through a bedroom.

Why airflow matters in a bedroom

Air purifiers work by pulling polluted air through a filtration system and recirculating cleaned air back into the room. When airflow is blocked by walls, furniture, or bedding, particles can remain concentrated in parts of the room instead of circulating toward the purifier.

Because airflow influences how particles move through a bedroom, purifier placement can affect how efficiently airborne particles are removed from the sleeping environment.

Common mistakes to avoid in bedroom purifier placement

Many people unknowingly reduce their air purifier’s effectiveness by making these placement errors:

In a corner or behind furniture: This blocks airflow and limits the purifier’s reach. Keep it in an open area where air can circulate freely.
Too close to electronics or heat sources: Avoid placing it near TVs, lamps, or heating vents, as heat can affect performance or pose a safety risk.
Near open windows during high-pollution times: While ventilation is good, outdoor allergens or smog can enter and overwhelm the purifier. Close windows during allergy season, wildfires, or peak traffic hours.
Ignoring filter maintenance: A clogged filter reduces airflow and efficiency. Check and replace filters as recommended, especially in high-dust environments.
\n

If your bedroom is large or irregularly shaped, consider a purifier with strong airflow or use a second unit to ensure even coverage. For children’s rooms, place the purifier out of reach but where it can still circulate air effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I run my air purifier all night in the bedroom?

Yes. Running it continuously on a low or night mode ensures clean air throughout your sleep, which is especially beneficial for allergy or asthma sufferers. Most modern purifiers are quiet enough not to disrupt rest.

Can I place the air purifier on the floor next to my bed?

Yes. Placing an air purifier on the floor near the bed can be effective, provided airflow is not blocked by furniture or bedding. Keep enough space around the purifier for air to circulate freely.

How far from the bed should the air purifier be?

Aim for 3–6 feet away, positioned so clean air flows toward your breathing zone without blowing directly on you. This balances effectiveness and comfort.

Does the air purifier need to be centered in the room?

Not necessarily. Prioritize placing it near your bed but with unobstructed airflow. For larger bedrooms, a central location can help, but proximity to your sleeping area is most important.

Can I use an air purifier in a small bedroom?

Yes. Choose a model sized for your room and place it where airflow isn’t blocked. Even in smaller bedrooms, compact air purifiers can help improve air quality when positioned with unobstructed airflow.

Conclusion

Air purifier placement can influence how effectively fine particles and allergens are removed from the air you breathe while sleeping. Positioning the purifier where airflow remains unobstructed helps improve circulation and reduce indoor particle buildup over time.

Indoor air quality is often managed through a combination of source control, ventilation, and filtration. Combined with regular cleaning and reduced indoor pollution sources, proper air purifier placement can help create a cleaner sleeping environment and improve the air circulating through your breathing zone overnight.

","where-to-put-an-air-purifier-in-a-bedroom","gid://shopify/Article/641563787342","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/where-to-put-an-air-purifier-in-a-bedroom","2026-06-09T15:00:02Z",[195,328],"Where to put an air purifier in a bedroom",{"_66":342,"_80":343,"_82":344,"_84":279,"_86":280},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273669423182","Atem Earth in bedroom","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_WherePutAirPurifierBedroom_Desk_d81ef945-5b61-428f-b4c6-454f7e2cbc86.jpg?v=1781017771","Air Quality News - Climate","description","","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/newsroom?cursor=eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2NDAyNjE2MTk3OTAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NzE0ODYzNzcwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6OTV9&direction=next&tag=Climate","jsonLd",{"_351":352,"_353":354,"_91":345,"_346":347,"_82":348},"@context","https://schema.org","@type","Blog","Air Quality News",{"_75":-5,"_346":-5},"articles",{"_359":360,"_361":362},"nodes",[370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377,378,379,380,381],"pageInfo",{"_363":364,"_365":364,"_366":367,"_368":369},"hasPreviousPage",true,"hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2Mzk2NTE4MDczMTAsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NzAzOTQwMjEwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MTA3fQ==","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2NDAzMjIzNzE2NjIsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3NzE0MTI3NzcwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6OTZ9",{"_51":52,"_53":554,"_11":555,"_56":556,"_58":557,"_60":558,"_62":559,"_64":560,"_66":561,"_68":562,"_70":-5,"_71":563,"_73":564,"_75":565,"_77":566},{"_51":52,"_53":538,"_11":539,"_56":540,"_58":541,"_60":542,"_62":543,"_64":544,"_66":545,"_68":546,"_70":-5,"_71":547,"_73":548,"_75":549,"_77":550},{"_51":52,"_53":522,"_11":523,"_56":524,"_58":525,"_60":526,"_62":527,"_64":528,"_66":529,"_68":530,"_70":-5,"_71":531,"_73":532,"_75":533,"_77":534},{"_51":52,"_53":506,"_11":507,"_56":508,"_58":509,"_60":510,"_62":511,"_64":512,"_66":513,"_68":514,"_70":-5,"_71":515,"_73":516,"_75":517,"_77":518},{"_51":52,"_53":491,"_11":492,"_56":493,"_58":494,"_60":495,"_62":496,"_64":497,"_66":498,"_68":499,"_70":-5,"_71":500,"_73":501,"_75":502,"_77":503},{"_51":52,"_53":476,"_11":477,"_56":478,"_58":479,"_60":480,"_62":481,"_64":482,"_66":483,"_68":484,"_70":-5,"_71":485,"_73":486,"_75":487,"_77":488},{"_51":52,"_53":461,"_11":462,"_56":463,"_58":464,"_60":465,"_62":466,"_64":467,"_66":468,"_68":469,"_70":-5,"_71":470,"_73":471,"_75":472,"_77":473},{"_51":52,"_53":445,"_11":446,"_56":447,"_58":448,"_60":449,"_62":450,"_64":451,"_66":452,"_68":453,"_70":-5,"_71":454,"_73":455,"_75":456,"_77":457},{"_51":52,"_53":429,"_11":430,"_56":431,"_58":432,"_60":433,"_62":434,"_64":435,"_66":436,"_68":437,"_70":-5,"_71":438,"_73":439,"_75":440,"_77":441},{"_51":52,"_53":413,"_11":414,"_56":415,"_58":416,"_60":417,"_62":418,"_64":419,"_66":420,"_68":421,"_70":-5,"_71":422,"_73":423,"_75":424,"_77":425},{"_51":52,"_53":397,"_11":398,"_56":399,"_58":400,"_60":401,"_62":402,"_64":403,"_66":404,"_68":405,"_70":-5,"_71":406,"_73":407,"_75":408,"_77":409},{"_51":52,"_53":382,"_11":383,"_56":384,"_58":385,"_60":386,"_62":387,"_64":388,"_66":389,"_68":390,"_70":-5,"_71":391,"_73":392,"_75":393,"_77":394},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Detroit's air quality is in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range on February 6. Find out more about the region's air quality and when it will possibly improve.","

Detroit's air quality is in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range on February 6. Find out more about the region's air quality and when it will possibly improve.

","Is the air quality good in Detroit? As of February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM Pacific Time (PT), Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and a temperature inversion (1). The air quality is in the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups,\" range. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Detroit'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 Detroit was 8.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 47, which falls into the \"good\" category and was 1.68 times the WHO annual guideline. Detroit, Michigan, ranked as the 13th most polluted major city on January 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Detroit? Air quality is expected to gradually improve throughout the day, staying in the \"good\" range in the evening. Hourly air quality forecast for Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir. Poor air quality is affecting much of the eastern United States, especially in Mid-Atlantic the Great Lakes. Communities in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are all being impacted by air quality in the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range. Air quality map of Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir. Air quality map of the Great Lakes, United States on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Detroit? Winter temperature inversions and cold weather can result in poor air quality for a region. There are cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings on for much of the Northeastern U.S (2). Studies have found that coal-fired power plants can be a contributing factor in poor winter air quality in Detroit and other cities in the Great Lakes. Although coal-fired power plant are mostly found south in the Ohio Valley region, there are coal plants in Michigan (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 Detroit?

As of February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM Pacific Time (PT), Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and a temperature inversion (1). The air quality is in the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups,\" range.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Detroit'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 Detroit was 8.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 47, which falls into the \"good\" category and was 1.68 times the WHO annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Detroit, Michigan, ranked as the 13th most polluted major city on January 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Detroit?

Air quality is expected to gradually improve throughout the day, staying in the \"good\" range in the evening.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Poor air quality is affecting much of the eastern United States, especially in Mid-Atlantic the Great Lakes. Communities in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. are all being impacted by air quality in the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026, at 7:40 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of the Great Lakes, United States on February 6, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Detroit?

Winter temperature inversions and cold weather can result in poor air quality for a region. There are cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings on for much of the Northeastern U.S (2).

Studies have found that coal-fired power plants can be a contributing factor in poor winter air quality in Detroit and other cities in the Great Lakes. Although coal-fired power plant are mostly found south in the Ohio Valley region, there are coal plants in Michigan (3).

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.

","february-6-2026-detroit-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","gid://shopify/Article/639651807310","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/february-6-2026-detroit-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","2026-02-06T16:07:01Z",[179,14],"February 6, 2026: Detroit among the most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":395,"_80":-5,"_82":396,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271559065678","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/DetroitDesktop_1c138b46-d633-4b88-8580-2882eacd3ad6.jpg?v=1770394455",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn about Ulaanbaatar’s air quality conditions and the factors affecting pollution levels.","

Learn about Ulaanbaatar’s air quality conditions and the factors affecting pollution levels.

","Is the air quality good in Ulaanbaatar? On February 8, 2026, at 5 AM PT, air quality in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is poor with an AQI of 204, classified as \"very unhealthy\". The city continues to record some of the highest pollution levels in the world, driven largely by its reliance on coal for heating and industrial activities. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Ulaanbaatar is ranked the most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Ulaanbaatar. While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Ulaanbaatar was 25.7 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 79, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 5.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranked as the most polluted major city on Feb 8, 2026, 5 AM PT. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Ulaanbaatar? Forecasts indicate that conditions are expected to improve into the moderate range by Monday. Hourly air quality forecast for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Feb 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. The city has seen unhealthy air quality since January 26, and conditions intensified to very unhealthy levels today. Daily air quality trends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Sustained improvement in air quality is dependent on long-term policy actions, including reducing coal reliance, improving home insulation, expanding renewable energy adoption, and strengthening regulatory frameworks (1). Air quality map of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Feb 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar? Poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar is driven by a combination of environmental, structural, and socioeconomic factors. Key factors contributing to poor air quality: Extensive use of coal for household heating, particularly in ger districts. Temperature inversions that trap pollution in the city’s valley geography (2). High dependence on coal-fired power stations and industrial emissions. Increasing urban migration and expansion of informal settlements lacking clean heating options (3). Vehicle exhaust emissions and aging transportation infrastructure (4). Additional factors include extreme winters, rising energy costs that push families back to coal use, and insufficient implementation of previously proposed clean energy initiatives. 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 Ulaanbaatar?

On February 8, 2026, at 5 AM PT, air quality in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is poor with an AQI of 204, classified as \"very unhealthy\".

The city continues to record some of the highest pollution levels in the world, driven largely by its reliance on coal for heating and industrial activities.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Ulaanbaatar is ranked the most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning.

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

While the air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Ulaanbaatar was 25.7 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 79, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 5.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ranked as the most polluted major city on Feb 8, 2026, 5 AM PT. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Ulaanbaatar?

Forecasts indicate that conditions are expected to improve into the moderate range by Monday.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Feb 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

The city has seen unhealthy air quality since January 26, and conditions intensified to very unhealthy levels today.

$\"\"$

Daily air quality trends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

Sustained improvement in air quality is dependent on long-term policy actions, including reducing coal reliance, improving home insulation, expanding renewable energy adoption, and strengthening regulatory frameworks (1).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on Feb 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar?

Poor air quality in Ulaanbaatar is driven by a combination of environmental, structural, and socioeconomic factors.

Key factors contributing to poor air quality:

Extensive use of coal for household heating, particularly in ger districts.
Temperature inversions that trap pollution in the city’s valley geography (2).
High dependence on coal-fired power stations and industrial emissions.
Increasing urban migration and expansion of informal settlements lacking clean heating options (3).
Vehicle exhaust emissions and aging transportation infrastructure (4).

Additional factors include extreme winters, rising energy costs that push families back to coal use, and insufficient implementation of previously proposed clean energy initiatives.

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.

","ulaanbaatar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-8-2026","gid://shopify/Article/639720915022","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/ulaanbaatar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-8-2026","2026-02-08T13:50:54Z",[179,14],"February 8, 2026: Ulaanbaatar among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":410,"_80":411,"_82":412,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271579119694","Polluted skies of Ulaanbaatar","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/UlaanBaatarDesktop_cbc845bb-05c1-4bc9-b012-0107828f9c49.jpg?v=1770625224",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Kuwait City faces very unhealthy air with AQI above 200, posing severe health risks. Learn more about causes, impacts, and safety measures amid this major pollution surge.","

Kuwait City faces very unhealthy air with AQI above 200, posing severe health risks. Learn more about causes, impacts, and safety measures amid this major pollution surge.

","Is the air quality good in Kuwait? On February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM PT, Kuwait City, Kuwait, is experiencing very poor air quality due to dust and emissions. The AQI is over 200, classified as \"very unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating. These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kuwait's air quality map. While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, with PM2.5 at 28 times the WHO annual guideline, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Kuwait City was 30.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 88, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.4 times the WHO annual guideline. Kuwait City, Kuwait, ranked as the 4th most polluted major city as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Kuwait? Air quality is expected to remain poor throughout the day, with only minor fluctuations by evening, and is forecast to stay in the unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups range for the next few days. Hourly air quality forecast for Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kuwait? Kuwait’s severe air pollution is being fueled by a combination of industrial emissions, dust storms, and stagnant weather conditions. The nation’s extensive oil and petrochemical industries emit large volumes of fine particles and gases, while frequent dust storms in the arid Gulf climate further raise PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (1). Weak winds and limited atmospheric dispersion are trapping pollutants near the ground, leading to poor air quality across urban centers. 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 Kuwait?

On February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM PT, Kuwait City, Kuwait, is experiencing very poor air quality due to dust and emissions. The AQI is over 200, classified as \"very unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.

These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.

To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kuwait's air quality map.

While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, with PM2.5 at 28 times the WHO annual guideline, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Kuwait City was 30.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 88, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.4 times the WHO annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Kuwait City, Kuwait, ranked as the 4th most polluted major city as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Kuwait?

Air quality is expected to remain poor throughout the day, with only minor fluctuations by evening, and is forecast to stay in the unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups range for the next few days.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 9, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kuwait?

Kuwait’s severe air pollution is being fueled by a combination of industrial emissions, dust storms, and stagnant weather conditions. The nation’s extensive oil and petrochemical industries emit large volumes of fine particles and gases, while frequent dust storms in the arid Gulf climate further raise PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (1).

Weak winds and limited atmospheric dispersion are trapping pollutants near the ground, leading to poor air quality across urban centers.

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.

","kuwait-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-10-2026","gid://shopify/Article/639795888206","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/kuwait-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-10-2026","2026-02-10T05:44:31Z",[179,14],"February 10, 2026: Kuwait among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":426,"_80":-5,"_82":427,"_84":428,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271593472078","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/PollutedCity2Desktop_20f07504-4912-4c7e-afce-385cac315b5f.jpg?v=1770736844",2800,{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Get the latest updates on the Deep Creek Fire in South Australia, including impacted areas, evacuation alerts, and current containment progress.","

Get the latest updates on the Deep Creek Fire in South Australia, including impacted areas, evacuation alerts, and current containment progress.

","What is the name and location of the bushfire? As of February 10, 2026, the Deep Creek Fire is a contained fire located in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia. It burned through Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and nearby rugged coastal terrain. The fire was also positioned near prominent locations such as Silverton, Delamere, Cape Jervis and the surrounding conservation areas (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the bushfire? The cities and areas were affected by the Deep Creek Fire included: Blowhole Beach Road Cape Jervis Deep Creek Delamere Jones Forest Kangaroo Island Range Road Rapid Bay Second Valley Silverton Three Bridges Road Yankalilla What is the current containment status of the bushfire? As of February 10, 2026, the Deep Creek Fire is currently contained (2). The fire burned 4,400 hectares across Deep Creek National Park and surrounding areas. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? The South Australian Country Fire Service issued several warnings, including a Prepare to Leave alert for Deep Creek, Silverton, Blowhole Beach Road and Delamere. How can I protect myself from bushfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from bushfire 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 bushfire 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 February 10, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the bushfire?

As of February 10, 2026, the Deep Creek Fire is a contained fire located in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia. It burned through Deep Creek National Park, Talisker Conservation Park and nearby rugged coastal terrain.

The fire was also positioned near prominent locations such as Silverton, Delamere, Cape Jervis and the surrounding conservation areas (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the bushfire?

The cities and areas were affected by the Deep Creek Fire included:

Blowhole Beach Road
Cape Jervis
Deep Creek
Delamere
Jones Forest
Kangaroo Island
Range Road
Rapid Bay
Second Valley
Silverton
Three Bridges Road
Yankalilla

What is the current containment status of the bushfire?

As of February 10, 2026, the Deep Creek Fire is currently contained (2). The fire burned 4,400 hectares across Deep Creek National Park and surrounding areas.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

The South Australian Country Fire Service issued several warnings, including a Prepare to Leave alert for Deep Creek, Silverton, Blowhole Beach Road and Delamere.

How can I protect myself from bushfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from bushfire 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 bushfire 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 February 10, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.

","bushfire-map-spotlight-deep-creek-fire-south-australia","gid://shopify/Article/639642435662","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/bushfire-map-spotlight-deep-creek-fire-south-australia","2026-02-10T17:16:05Z",[179,14],"Bushfire Map Spotlight: Deep Creek Fire, South Australia",{"_66":442,"_80":443,"_82":444,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271594946638","bushfire burning with dark smoke","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/BrushFire1Desktop_f8c2af84-a4c3-4f01-987a-d5023edd77c3.jpg?v=1770744528",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn more about today’s air quality conditions in Incheon and what is driving pollution levels.","

Learn more about today’s air quality conditions in Incheon and what is driving pollution levels.

","Is the air quality good in Incheon? On February 11, 2026, at 4:00 AM PT, air quality in Incheon, South Korea is unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index of 164. The elevated pollution levels are driven by an influx of fine dust from outside Korea, compounded by stagnant winter weather conditions that allow pollutants to accumulate locally (1). Air quality in this range may begin to affect both the general public and sensitive groups such as children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. It is recommended to limit prolonged outdoor activities, consider wearing a mask when outside, and use indoor air purifiers. Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Incheon ranked 6th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Wednesday morning (local time). The affected region extended across north-west South Korea, impacting nearby cities such as Seoul, Suwon, Sejong, Gunsan, Seosan, Cheongju, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Incheon. While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Incheon was 19.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 65 (“moderate”), and was 3.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Incheon, South Korea ranked as the 6th most polluted major city on Feb 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Incheon? Forecasts indicate that conditions will gradually improve by tomorrow evening. Winds are expected to strengthen and shift, helping disperse accumulated fine dust and improve visibility. Hourly air quality forecast for Incheon, South Korea on Feb 11, 2026. Source: IQAir. Over the past 30 days, air quality in Incheon has remained mostly in the moderate range, with today’s conditions marking a temporary spike into unhealthy levels, reflecting short-term pollution buildup rather than a sustained deterioration. Daily air quality trends in Incheon, South Korea, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Incheon, South Korea on Feb 11, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Incheon? Regional and international studies consistently show that transboundary pollution from China plays a major role in influencing fine dust levels in South Korea. Research indicates that around 19 percent of Korea’s particulate matter is transported from outside its borders, and during certain months, up to 55 percent of its ultrafine dust can be traced back to emissions originating in China (2). This impact is driven by westerly winds that carry pollutants from industrial regions in eastern China. Seasonal periods with stagnant atmospheric conditions allow these particles to remain over the Korean Peninsula, and domestic sources such as industrial operations and traffic emissions in Incheon further intensify local pollution levels (3). Industrial activity within Incheon also shapes the chemical composition of its PM2.5. Recent studies have identified elevated concentrations of chromium (VI), manganese, and arsenic in the region’s particulate profile. These substances increase health risks and raise overall air quality index values, highlighting the combined influence of transboundary and local pollution on the area’s air quality (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 Incheon?

On February 11, 2026, at 4:00 AM PT, air quality in Incheon, South Korea is unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index of 164.

The elevated pollution levels are driven by an influx of fine dust from outside Korea, compounded by stagnant winter weather conditions that allow pollutants to accumulate locally (1).

Air quality in this range may begin to affect both the general public and sensitive groups such as children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. It is recommended to limit prolonged outdoor activities, consider wearing a mask when outside, and use indoor air purifiers.

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Incheon ranked 6th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Wednesday morning (local time).

The affected region extended across north-west South Korea, impacting nearby cities such as Seoul, Suwon, Sejong, Gunsan, Seosan, Cheongju, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan.

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

While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Incheon was 19.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 65 (“moderate”), and was 3.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Incheon, South Korea ranked as the 6th most polluted major city on Feb 11, 2026 at 4:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir.

\n\n

When will air quality improve in Incheon?

Forecasts indicate that conditions will gradually improve by tomorrow evening. Winds are expected to strengthen and shift, helping disperse accumulated fine dust and improve visibility.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Incheon, South Korea on Feb 11, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Over the past 30 days, air quality in Incheon has remained mostly in the moderate range, with today’s conditions marking a temporary spike into unhealthy levels, reflecting short-term pollution buildup rather than a sustained deterioration.

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in Incheon, South Korea, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Incheon, South Korea on Feb 11, 2026. Source: IQAir.

\n\n

What is causing poor air quality in Incheon?

Regional and international studies consistently show that transboundary pollution from China plays a major role in influencing fine dust levels in South Korea. Research indicates that around 19 percent of Korea’s particulate matter is transported from outside its borders, and during certain months, up to 55 percent of its ultrafine dust can be traced back to emissions originating in China (2).

This impact is driven by westerly winds that carry pollutants from industrial regions in eastern China. Seasonal periods with stagnant atmospheric conditions allow these particles to remain over the Korean Peninsula, and domestic sources such as industrial operations and traffic emissions in Incheon further intensify local pollution levels (3).

Industrial activity within Incheon also shapes the chemical composition of its PM2.5. Recent studies have identified elevated concentrations of chromium (VI), manganese, and arsenic in the region’s particulate profile. These substances increase health risks and raise overall air quality index values, highlighting the combined influence of transboundary and local pollution on the area’s air quality (4).

\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.

","incheon-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-11-2026","gid://shopify/Article/639936299086","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/incheon-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-11-2026","2026-02-11T12:38:30Z",[179,14],"February 11, 2026: Incheon among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":458,"_80":459,"_82":460,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271606087758","Sunset view of Incheon with illuminated bridges over the water.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/IncheonDesktop_ff0a67c1-6396-40af-8ae4-12099d9ee560.jpg?v=1770814913",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Kathmandu is recording unhealthy air with AQI above 170, driven by winter smog, topography, and emissions. Learn more about the causes and outlook.","

Kathmandu is recording unhealthy air with AQI above 170, driven by winter smog, topography, and emissions. Learn more about the causes and outlook.

","Is the air quality good in Kathmandu? As of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM PT, Kathmandu, Nepal, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 170, classified as \"unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating. These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kathmandu's air quality map. While air quality today is unusually poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 20.6 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data show sustained pollution concerns. In 2024, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 45.1 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 128, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category and 9.2 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline. Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Kathmandu? Short-term improvement in air quality depends primarily on weather changes. Stronger winds or heavier rainfall can disperse airborne pollutants and lower PM2.5 levels. However, winter conditions in the Kathmandu Valley often bring temperature inversions and calm winds, which trap polluted air near the surface for extended periods and allow smog to linger. Without significant meteorological shifts toward wetter or windier conditions, elevated pollution may continue through much of the season. Hourly air quality forecast for Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. Daily air quality trends in Kathmandu, Nepal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kathmandu? Kathmandu’s poor air quality arises from a mix of local, regional, and seasonal factors. The valley’s bowl-like topography traps pollutants and limits natural ventilation. Local sources such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial outputs, and brick kilns add large amounts of PM2.5 and other pollutants. Household solid fuel burning for cooking and heating further contributes particulate matter (1). In winter, the lack of rainfall and widespread agricultural and open burning in surrounding areas intensify smog episodes. Transboundary pollution from neighboring regions also drifts into the valley, compounding the health impacts of degraded air. 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 Kathmandu?

As of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM PT, Kathmandu, Nepal, is experiencing poor air quality due to urban emissions and weather conditions. The AQI is over 170, classified as \"unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.

These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.

To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kathmandu's air quality map.

While air quality today is unusually poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 20.6 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data show sustained pollution concerns. In 2024, Kathmandu recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 45.1 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 128, placing it in the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category and 9.2 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Kathmandu, Nepal, ranked as the 3rd most polluted major city as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Kathmandu?

Short-term improvement in air quality depends primarily on weather changes. Stronger winds or heavier rainfall can disperse airborne pollutants and lower PM2.5 levels.

However, winter conditions in the Kathmandu Valley often bring temperature inversions and calm winds, which trap polluted air near the surface for extended periods and allow smog to linger.

Without significant meteorological shifts toward wetter or windier conditions, elevated pollution may continue through much of the season.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in Kathmandu, Nepal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Kathmandu, Nepal, as of February 12, 2026, at 12:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu’s poor air quality arises from a mix of local, regional, and seasonal factors. The valley’s bowl-like topography traps pollutants and limits natural ventilation. Local sources such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial outputs, and brick kilns add large amounts of PM2.5 and other pollutants. Household solid fuel burning for cooking and heating further contributes particulate matter (1).

In winter, the lack of rainfall and widespread agricultural and open burning in surrounding areas intensify smog episodes. Transboundary pollution from neighboring regions also drifts into the valley, compounding the health impacts of degraded air.

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.

","kathmandu-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-12-2026","gid://shopify/Article/639987482702","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/kathmandu-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-12-2026","2026-02-12T07:42:26Z",[179,14],"February 12, 2026: Kathmandu among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":474,"_80":-5,"_82":475,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271624568910","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/KathmanduDesktop_c0a1f89b-f40d-4a03-984d-9f80fb0c32ac.jpg?v=1770882380",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Athens is currently ranked among the most polluted cities globally. Find out more about current conditions and causes.","

Athens is currently ranked among the most polluted cities globally. Find out more about current conditions and causes.

","Is the air quality good in Athens? As of February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (PT), Athens, Greece, is being affected by poor air quality due to local emissions and dust. The air quality is in the \"unhealthy\" range, with PM2.5 concentrations serving as the primary pollutant. These conditions may trigger serious respiratory problems, exacerbate heart conditions, and reduce lung function—particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting health concerns. During this short-term surge, protect yourself by minimizing outdoor exposure, keeping windows closed, wearing a mask outside, and running air purifiers indoors. Air quality conditions can shift quickly during the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Athens air quality map. While the air quality conditions at the moment are poor, it is crucial to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Athens was 11 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 55, which falls into the moderate category and was 2.2 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Athens, Greece, ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Athens? Air quality is projected to improve gradually through the morning hours and into Friday, with AQI potentially dropping into the moderate range later in the day, when dust blows away from Greece. Hourly air quality forecast for the Athens, Greece on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of the Athens, Greece, on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Athens? Air quality in Athens has deteriorated due to Saharan dust, seasonal residential heating, and stagnant weather patterns (1). Studies indicate that vehicle emissions and the prevalent use of wood-burning stoves are major contributors to elevated PM2.5 levels, while weak winds and temperature inversions prevent pollutants from dispersing (2). Researchers also highlight that particulate matter in Athens exhibits high oxidative toxicity, posing heightened health risks during winter pollution events (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 Athens?

As of February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (PT), Athens, Greece, is being affected by poor air quality due to local emissions and dust. The air quality is in the \"unhealthy\" range, with PM2.5 concentrations serving as the primary pollutant.

These conditions may trigger serious respiratory problems, exacerbate heart conditions, and reduce lung function—particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting health concerns.

During this short-term surge, protect yourself by minimizing outdoor exposure, keeping windows closed, wearing a mask outside, and running air purifiers indoors.

Air quality conditions can shift quickly during the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Athens air quality map.

While the air quality conditions at the moment are poor, it is crucial to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Athens was 11 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 55, which falls into the moderate category and was 2.2 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Athens, Greece, ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Athens?

Air quality is projected to improve gradually through the morning hours and into Friday, with AQI potentially dropping into the moderate range later in the day, when dust blows away from Greece.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for the Athens, Greece on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of the Athens, Greece, on February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Athens?

Air quality in Athens has deteriorated due to Saharan dust, seasonal residential heating, and stagnant weather patterns (1). Studies indicate that vehicle emissions and the prevalent use of wood-burning stoves are major contributors to elevated PM2.5 levels, while weak winds and temperature inversions prevent pollutants from dispersing (2).

Researchers also highlight that particulate matter in Athens exhibits high oxidative toxicity, posing heightened health risks during winter pollution events (3).

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.

","february-12-2026-athens-among-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","gid://shopify/Article/640019923022","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/february-12-2026-athens-among-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world","2026-02-12T21:34:30Z",[179,14],"February 12, 2026: Athens among most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":489,"_80":-5,"_82":490,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271631056974","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AthensDekstop_c890747f-837b-4ffc-8604-1c1eaf26d305.jpg?v=1770932819",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Jerusalem is recording hazardous air with AQI above 500. Learn what is fueling this extreme pollution surge and how it impacts residents.","

Jerusalem is recording hazardous air with AQI above 500. Learn what is fueling this extreme pollution surge and how it impacts residents.

","Is the air quality good in Jerusalem? As of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT, Jerusalem, Israel is experiencing exceptionally poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index levels above 500, making it the most polluted major city globally today. PM2.5 concentrations are extremely high, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual guideline, creating thick haze and very unhealthy conditions for residents. Such hazardous air quality can impair lung function and elevate health risks even for healthy individuals, let alone children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Jerusalem's air quality map. While air quality today is exceptionally poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 93 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data suggest this is not the norm. In 2024, Jerusalem recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 15 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 56, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Although this remains three times above the WHO annual guideline, it indicates that pollution levels are generally far lower than today’s extreme episode. Jerusalem, Israel, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Jerusalem? Jerusalem’s temporary air quality spike is forecast to improve significantly by late night, falling back into the moderate range as dust and sand concentrations ease and traffic levels decline. Hourly air quality forecast for Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Jerusalem? Jerusalem’s current severe pollution spike is driven by several overlapping factors. A significant contributor is long-range dust transport from surrounding desert regions carried by southwesterly winds, which lifts and deposits fine dust particles into the urban atmosphere (1). Urban emissions from heavy traffic, including diesel vehicles, add nitrogen oxides and fine particulates to the mix. Industrial emissions and domestic combustion further elevate pollution levels. In combination with stagnant atmospheric conditions and minimal rainfall, these sources lead to the accumulation of dense smog in the city. 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 Jerusalem?

As of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT, Jerusalem, Israel is experiencing exceptionally poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index levels above 500, making it the most polluted major city globally today.

PM2.5 concentrations are extremely high, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual guideline, creating thick haze and very unhealthy conditions for residents.

Such hazardous air quality can impair lung function and elevate health risks even for healthy individuals, let alone children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Jerusalem's air quality map.

While air quality today is exceptionally poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 93 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data suggest this is not the norm. In 2024, Jerusalem recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 15 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 56, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Although this remains three times above the WHO annual guideline, it indicates that pollution levels are generally far lower than today’s extreme episode.

$\"\"$ Jerusalem, Israel, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem’s temporary air quality spike is forecast to improve significantly by late night, falling back into the moderate range as dust and sand concentrations ease and traffic levels decline.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Jerusalem?

Jerusalem’s current severe pollution spike is driven by several overlapping factors. A significant contributor is long-range dust transport from surrounding desert regions carried by southwesterly winds, which lifts and deposits fine dust particles into the urban atmosphere (1).

Urban emissions from heavy traffic, including diesel vehicles, add nitrogen oxides and fine particulates to the mix. Industrial emissions and domestic combustion further elevate pollution levels. In combination with stagnant atmospheric conditions and minimal rainfall, these sources lead to the accumulation of dense smog in the city.

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.

","jerusalem-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-14-2026","gid://shopify/Article/640142704718","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/jerusalem-among-the-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-14-2026","2026-02-14T10:07:22Z",[179,14],"February 14, 2026: Jerusalem among the most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":504,"_80":-5,"_82":505,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271642263630","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/JersusalemDesktop_6a53cf92-73ac-4489-a195-ee5a19527705.png?v=1771063903",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Kuwait’s air quality has reached very unhealthy levels with an AQI of 274. Find out what is driving the spike and when improvement is expected.","

Kuwait’s air quality has reached very unhealthy levels with an AQI of 274. Find out what is driving the spike and when improvement is expected.

","Is the air quality good in Kuwait? On February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM PT, Kuwait City, Kuwait, is experiencing very poor air quality due to dust and emissions. The AQI is 274, classified as \"very unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating. These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kuwait'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 Kuwait City was 30.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 88, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.4 times the WHO annual guideline. Kuwait City, Kuwait, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Kuwait? Air quality is forecasted to improve gradually by tomorrow. Conditions are expected to return to the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range as dust concentrations and atmospheric stagnation decrease. Hourly air quality forecast for Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. Over the past 30 days, air quality ranged from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, but today it has escalated into the very unhealthy category. Daily air quality trends in Kuwait City, Kuwait, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kuwait? The primary driver of the current spike is elevated PM2.5 concentrations. Research identifies several major contributing factors: Dust storms, blowing dust, and dust haze events, which significantly increase PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Industrial emissions from oil and gas facilities. Vehicular emissions in densely populated and high-traffic areas. Low wind speeds leading to air stagnation and pollutant accumulation. 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 Kuwait?

On February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM PT, Kuwait City, Kuwait, is experiencing very poor air quality due to dust and emissions. The AQI is 274, classified as \"very unhealthy\" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.

These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.

To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kuwait'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 Kuwait City was 30.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 88, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.4 times the WHO annual guideline.

$\"\"$ Kuwait City, Kuwait, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Kuwait?

Air quality is forecasted to improve gradually by tomorrow. Conditions are expected to return to the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range as dust concentrations and atmospheric stagnation decrease.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

Over the past 30 days, air quality ranged from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, but today it has escalated into the very unhealthy category.

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in Kuwait City, Kuwait, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Kuwait City, Kuwait, as of February 15, 2026, at 7:00 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kuwait?

The primary driver of the current spike is elevated PM2.5 concentrations. Research identifies several major contributing factors:

Dust storms, blowing dust, and dust haze events, which significantly increase PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
Industrial emissions from oil and gas facilities.
Vehicular emissions in densely populated and high-traffic areas.
Low wind speeds leading to air stagnation and pollutant accumulation.

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.

","kuwait-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-15-2026","gid://shopify/Article/640165314638","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/kuwait-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-15-2026","2026-02-15T16:47:55Z",[179,14],"February 15, 2026: Kuwait among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":519,"_80":520,"_82":521,"_84":428,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271724380238","Polluted skies with dust","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/PollutedCity2Desktop_db075930-671a-4654-8284-d11ce2fbebae.jpg?v=1771226012",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out why Detroit’s air quality is unhealthy and when conditions are expected to improve.","

Find out why Detroit’s air quality is unhealthy and when conditions are expected to improve.

","Is the air quality good in Detroit? As of February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM Pacific Time, Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing poor air quality due to melting snow releasing trapped particulate pollution back into the atmosphere (1). The Air Quality Index is 157, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect across Southeast Michigan, including Detroit, because of elevated levels of fine particulate matter PM2.5 (1). The advisory is scheduled to remain in place until 12:00 PM on February 16. During this advisory period, residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions, should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Keeping windows closed and using high efficiency air filtration systems indoors can also help reduce exposure to fine particles. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Detroit'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 Detroit was 8.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 47, which falls into the \"good\" category and was 1.68 times the WHO annual guideline. Detroit, Michigan, ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM (PT) Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Detroit? Air quality in Detroit is forecasted to improve into the moderate range by this evening as weather conditions gradually support better dispersion of pollutants. Hourly air quality forecast for Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 2026. Source: IQAir. The current advisory is set to expire at noon on February 16, and improving wind conditions are expected to help reduce PM2.5 concentrations (2). Daily air quality trends in Detroit, Michigan, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Over the past 30 days, air quality in Detroit has generally remained within the good to moderate range. However, conditions have worsened today, with pollution levels rising into the unhealthy range. Air quality map of Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM (PT) Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Detroit? The poor air quality in Detroit is primarily caused by melting snow releasing trapped particulate pollution back into the atmosphere (3). Throughout the winter, fine particles such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, dust, road salt, and organic compounds become trapped in accumulated snow (4). As temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, rapid snowmelt releases these particles into the air (5). Light winds and limited atmospheric dispersion are allowing PM2.5 concentrations to build up, particularly in densely populated areas like Detroit (6). 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 Detroit?

As of February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM Pacific Time, Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing poor air quality due to melting snow releasing trapped particulate pollution back into the atmosphere (1). The Air Quality Index is 157, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range.

An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect across Southeast Michigan, including Detroit, because of elevated levels of fine particulate matter PM2.5 (1). The advisory is scheduled to remain in place until 12:00 PM on February 16.

During this advisory period, residents should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions, should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Keeping windows closed and using high efficiency air filtration systems indoors can also help reduce exposure to fine particles.

Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Detroit's air quality map.

$\"\"$ Detroit, Michigan, ranked as the 10th most polluted major city on February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Detroit?

Air quality in Detroit is forecasted to improve into the moderate range by this evening as weather conditions gradually support better dispersion of pollutants.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 2026. Source: IQAir.

The current advisory is set to expire at noon on February 16, and improving wind conditions are expected to help reduce PM2.5 concentrations (2).

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in Detroit, Michigan, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

Over the past 30 days, air quality in Detroit has generally remained within the good to moderate range. However, conditions have worsened today, with pollution levels rising into the unhealthy range.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 2026, at 3:30 AM (PT) Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Detroit?

The poor air quality in Detroit is primarily caused by melting snow releasing trapped particulate pollution back into the atmosphere (3).

Throughout the winter, fine particles such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, dust, road salt, and organic compounds become trapped in accumulated snow (4). As temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, rapid snowmelt releases these particles into the air (5).

Light winds and limited atmospheric dispersion are allowing PM2.5 concentrations to build up, particularly in densely populated areas like Detroit (6).

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.

","detroit-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-16-2026","gid://shopify/Article/640237535310","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/detroit-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-16-2026","2026-02-16T12:41:16Z",[179,14],"February 16, 2026: Detroit among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":535,"_80":536,"_82":537,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271727427662","Detroit city skyline","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/DetroitDesktop_aef2cd73-0637-422e-b1c6-d239515d509e.jpg?v=1771246521",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Latest air quality update for Dakar, including causes of pollution and expected improvement timeline.","

Latest air quality update for Dakar, including causes of pollution and expected improvement timeline.

","Is the air quality good in Dakar? On February 17, 2026, at 4:30 AM PT, Dakar, Senegal’s air quality reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 509, placing it in the “Hazardous” category. At this level, air pollution poses serious health risks to the entire population, and immediate precautions are strongly advised (1). Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dakar, Senegal is ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday morning. Click here for a real-time air quality map of Dakar. While air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Dakar was 22.3 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 72, which falls into the “moderate\" category and was also 4.4 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Dakar, Senegal was the most polluted major city on Feb 17, 2026 at 4:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Dakar? Air quality is forecasted to improve gradually as changing weather conditions help disperse accumulated pollutants. Hourly air quality forecast for Dakar, Senegal on Feb 17, 2026. Source: IQAir. Pollution levels are highest during the dry season from November to March, when harmattan winds transport dust from the Sahara into the city. Monitoring data show that pollution peaks most often occur between December and February, while the lowest concentrations are generally observed between July and September (2). Over the last 30 days, Dakar’s air quality has been mostly moderate, but today it has spiked into the hazardous range. Daily air quality trends in Dakar, Senegal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Dakar, Senegal on Feb 17, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Dakar? Poor air quality in Dakar is caused by a combination of natural and human-made sources (3). Research shows that pollution in the city is largely driven by desert mineral dust, vehicle exhaust from road traffic, industrial emissions, and sea salt mixed with secondary sulfate particles formed in the atmosphere (4). During the dry season, harmattan winds transport large amounts of dust from the Sahara into Dakar, significantly increasing particulate matter levels. At the same time, emissions from aging and diesel-powered vehicles, industrial fuel combustion, open waste burning, and unmanaged landfills add to the pollution burden. In addition, inadequate solid waste management and open dumping contribute to localized air pollution and harmful emissions. The combined impact of desert dust and urban sources leads to persistently elevated PM concentrations, particularly during the dry season (5). 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 Dakar?

On February 17, 2026, at 4:30 AM PT, Dakar, Senegal’s air quality reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 509, placing it in the “Hazardous” category. At this level, air pollution poses serious health risks to the entire population, and immediate precautions are strongly advised (1).

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dakar, Senegal is ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday morning.

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

While air quality conditions today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Dakar was 22.3 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 72, which falls into the “moderate\" category and was also 4.4 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Dakar, Senegal was the most polluted major city on Feb 17, 2026 at 4:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Dakar?

Air quality is forecasted to improve gradually as changing weather conditions help disperse accumulated pollutants.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Dakar, Senegal on Feb 17, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Pollution levels are highest during the dry season from November to March, when harmattan winds transport dust from the Sahara into the city. Monitoring data show that pollution peaks most often occur between December and February, while the lowest concentrations are generally observed between July and September (2).

Over the last 30 days, Dakar’s air quality has been mostly moderate, but today it has spiked into the hazardous range.

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in Dakar, Senegal, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Dakar, Senegal on Feb 17, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Dakar?

Poor air quality in Dakar is caused by a combination of natural and human-made sources (3).

Research shows that pollution in the city is largely driven by desert mineral dust, vehicle exhaust from road traffic, industrial emissions, and sea salt mixed with secondary sulfate particles formed in the atmosphere (4).

During the dry season, harmattan winds transport large amounts of dust from the Sahara into Dakar, significantly increasing particulate matter levels. At the same time, emissions from aging and diesel-powered vehicles, industrial fuel combustion, open waste burning, and unmanaged landfills add to the pollution burden.

In addition, inadequate solid waste management and open dumping contribute to localized air pollution and harmful emissions. The combined impact of desert dust and urban sources leads to persistently elevated PM concentrations, particularly during the dry season (5).

\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.

","dakar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-17-2026","gid://shopify/Article/640288653390","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/dakar-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-17-2026","2026-02-17T14:24:17Z",[179,14],"February 17, 2026: Dakar among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":551,"_80":552,"_82":553,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271736143950","Polluted skies of Dakar","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/DakarDesktop_89c4faa2-5a44-4945-8100-7d87ce7eeaf7.jpg?v=1771339268",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect for New York City due to elevated PM2.5 levels. Learn what is driving the pollution and when conditions are expected to improve.","

An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect for New York City due to elevated PM2.5 levels. Learn what is driving the pollution and when conditions are expected to improve.

","Is the air quality good in New York City? As of February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT, air quality in New York City, USA, is unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 139. An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The advisory applies to New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Westchester and Rockland (1). People who are more sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath may occur (2). Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. New York City ranked 11th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Wednesday morning (local time). Click here for a real-time air quality map of New York City. While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for New York City was 7.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 31 (“good”), and was 1.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. New York City was listed as the 11th most polluted major city on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in New York City? The Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect through late Wednesday night, with some updates indicating it could extend until midnight Thursday depending on conditions (3). Air quality is expected to improve into the moderate range by this evening as weather conditions gradually allow pollutants to disperse. Hourly air quality forecast for New York City, USA on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir. Over the past 30 days, air quality has generally stayed within the good to moderate range. However, today levels have risen into the unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Daily air quality trends in New York City, USA, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of New York City, USA, on February 18, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in New York City? The primary pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals (4). The current elevated levels are mainly due to light winds, stagnant air, and limited atmospheric mixing. These weather conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively, allowing fine particles to build up near the ground (5). PM2.5 commonly comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, combustion processes, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere (6). Officials recommend staying indoors when possible, limiting activities that generate pollution, and staying informed through official alerts and the state air quality hotline (7). 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 New York City?

As of February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT, air quality in New York City, USA, is unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 139. An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The advisory applies to New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Westchester and Rockland (1).

People who are more sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath may occur (2).

Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. New York City ranked 11th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Wednesday morning (local time).

Click here for a real-time air quality map of New York City.

While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for New York City was 7.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 31 (“good”), and was 1.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ New York City was listed as the 11th most polluted major city on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in New York City?

The Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect through late Wednesday night, with some updates indicating it could extend until midnight Thursday depending on conditions (3).

Air quality is expected to improve into the moderate range by this evening as weather conditions gradually allow pollutants to disperse.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for New York City, USA on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.

Over the past 30 days, air quality has generally stayed within the good to moderate range. However, today levels have risen into the unhealthy for sensitive groups category.

$\"\"$ Daily air quality trends in New York City, USA, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of New York City, USA, on February 18, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in New York City?

The primary pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals (4).

The current elevated levels are mainly due to light winds, stagnant air, and limited atmospheric mixing. These weather conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively, allowing fine particles to build up near the ground (5).

PM2.5 commonly comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, combustion processes, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere (6).

Officials recommend staying indoors when possible, limiting activities that generate pollution, and staying informed through official alerts and the state air quality hotline (7).

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.

","new-york-city-among-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-18-2026","gid://shopify/Article/640322371662","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/new-york-city-among-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-2-18-2026","2026-02-18T11:06:17Z",[179,14],"February 18, 2026: New York City among most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":567,"_80":568,"_82":569,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/271746891854","Polluted skies of New York City","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/NewYorkCityDesktop_a1479f72-0144-452f-b796-8ad449ec9208.jpg?v=1771428061","customer","shopData",{"_583":1628,"_1629":1630},"layout",{"_705":706,"_707":708,"_709":710,"_711":712,"_713":714},"giftWrappingMenu",{"_75":668,"_346":669,"_64":670,"_82":348,"_349":671,"_672":-7},"requestInfo",{"_643":644,"_645":646},"cart",["P",580],"ENV",{"_615":616,"_617":618,"_619":620,"_621":622,"_623":624,"_625":626,"_627":628,"_629":630,"_631":-7,"_632":633,"_634":635,"_636":637,"_638":639,"_640":641,"_642":-7},"shop",["P",584],"consent",{"_611":612,"_613":614},"selectedLocale",{"_596":590,"_597":598,"_599":600,"_601":602,"_603":604,"_605":606,"_607":608,"_609":610},"countryName","China","userAgent","Amazon CloudFront","dismissedCountryBanner","requestOrigin","http://www.iqair.cn","label","language","EN","country","CN","pathPrefix","cn-en","currency","CNY","flag","/flags/china.jpg","continent","Asia Pacific","websiteApiLang","en-CN","checkoutDomain","shop.iqair.cn","storefrontAccessToken","dccfc25fe657ff3be10ed75de20a9463","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","userPreferences",{"_657":658,"_659":648,"_654":655},"userLocation",{"_647":648,"_589":649,"_650":651,"_652":653,"_654":655,"_45":42,"_656":42},"countryCode","US","United States","countryRegion","CA","city","Los Angeles","timezone","America/Los_Angeles","lng","units",{"_660":661,"_662":663,"_664":665,"_666":667},"AQI","distance","kilometer","temperature","celsius","pressure","millibar","system","metric","IQAir: Live updates, news and high-performance products | IQAir","Stay updated with live air quality data and news for cities and neighborhoods. Explore air quality monitors, masks, and air purifiers.","@airvisual",{"_351":352,"_353":673,"_91":674,"_675":676,"_677":678,"_679":680,"_82":348,"_681":682},"robots","Organization","IQAir","logo","https://www.iqair.com/dl/web/logos/ic-logo-iq-air-blue.svg","sameAs",[697,698,699,700,701,702,703,704],"contactPoint",[688,689],"potentialAction",{"_353":683,"_684":685,"_686":687},"SearchAction","target","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/search-results?q={search_term}","query","required name='search_term'",{"_353":690,"_691":696,"_693":694,"_695":648},{"_353":690,"_691":692,"_693":694,"_695":600},"ContactPoint","telephone","+86-400-108-5117","contactType","customer 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