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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.

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

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.

","handle","permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","id","gid://shopify/Article/634018988110","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2025-03-24T17:00:00Z","tags",[88,89,90],"title","Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s Air Quality Crusade in Gambia","image",{"_66":79,"_80":81,"_82":83,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269813416014","altText","Man working on pole","url","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/PermianHealth_Desk_A_e25c0fb4-f682-4892-bbc6-5c8e0d753ac9.jpg?v=1754481444","width",2880,"height",1500,"Community","Featured Contributor","Success Stories","news","name","IQAir Staff Writers",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",[88,89,90],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_66":107,"_80":108,"_82":109,"_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",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",[89,90],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_66":123,"_80":124,"_82":125,"_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",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"A Detroit childcare center is prioritizing clean air technology in early childhood education. Discover how air quality awareness is changing lives and influencing the next generation.","

A Detroit childcare center is prioritizing clean air technology in early childhood education. Discover how air quality awareness is changing lives and influencing the next generation.

","Air quality awareness and clean air environments are all too often a second thought within busy classrooms, where immediate challenges and childcare obstacles take over. However, in Detroit, Michigan, an early education center is reshaping their air quality concerns and the well-being of their students. Founded by Sentra Johnson-Smith, Sent Loves the Kids Development Center has meshed early education with air quality awareness and data collection through the installation of clean air technology. In partnership with IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids initiative, the Michigan childcare center is leading the charge in bringing pollution awareness through air quality monitoring and filtration to the early childhood education space. Children need clean, safe learning environments Sent Loves the Kids was born from Johnson-Smith's natural connection to children and her desire to holistically shape their early developmental stages. She aims to provide foundational education alongside physical and mental well-being for her students through comprehensive childcare and community connections (1). “Sent Loves The Kids was founded out of my deep love for children and my strong desire to be part of their educational journey,” said Johnson-Smith. “My goal is to nurture and educate the whole child—mind, body, and soul.” In Detroit and other large populous cities alike, these childcare facilities face unique environmental challenges. From urban air pollution to possible lead exposure in water supplies, harmful pollutants can go undetected and sneak into indoor spaces from outside environments. Especially in fast-paced childcare settings, air pollution and environmental concerns can go unnoticed or overshadowed by immediate demands. “Before receiving [an] air monitor, air quality wasn’t on my mind,” Johnson-Smith admitted. “When managing the day-to-day demands of running a facility, air quality was at the bottom of the list.” However, after partnering with IQAir and receiving air quality technology, Johnson-Smith has created a clean air environment for her students and reformed early education learning to encompass air quality awareness. Clean air environments in educational spaces Safe environments and clean air quality are essential to providing a productive learning space for students to thrive in. For children with asthma or allergies, air quality is a daily concern. By employing the Atem X air purifier, the Sent Loves the Kids facility can actively airborne pollutants and produce clean air for students to feel comfortable and safe. “By monitoring the air quality more closely, we can take immediate action when needed, such as adjusting indoor activities or ensuring that children with respiratory conditions are not exposed to triggers,” Johnson-Smith said. Multiple studies have shown children and infants to be among the most vulnerable populations affected by poor air quality. Childhood exposure to long-term air pollution can lead to harmful chronic impacts related to lung development, respiratory health, and asthma (2)(3). However, the utilization of air purifiers and air cleaning tools can drastically lower these risks and improve symptoms. With support from IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids Initiative, Sent Loves the Kids now provides a safe environment for teachers, students, and faculty alike through clean air technology and monitoring. Early education meets air quality awareness With access to real-time air quality monitors that detail various air pollutants and air quality levels, what once was invisible has become impossible to ignore for the Sent Loves the Kids facility. Data collection and air quality monitoring has allowed Johnson-Smith to build safeguards around child healthcare and create immersive lesson plans surrounding local air quality environments. Sent Loves the Kids takes air quality awareness a step further, teaching the next generation about environmental impact and air quality safety. According to Johnson-Smith, “incorporating air quality awareness into our educational programming not only aligns with our mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment but also helps children understand the importance of caring for their health and the planet.” After setting up the AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, Johnson-Smith noticed more air quality events and pollutant concerns, modifying school schedules and activities to maintain a safe environment for children and faculty alike. With the combination of clean air filtration and monitoring, Sent Loves the Kids has become a safe breathing and learning environment for students and teachers alike. Conclusion Sent Loves the Kids proves that meaningful childcare changes doesn’t require a large facility or financial burdens. Through air quality monitoring, filtration, and environmental education, Johnson-Smith is laying the groundwork for the next generation to breathe easier and healthier. With the support of IQAir science-backed air quality technology and a passionate mission, any childcare provider or community facility can make an impactful difference in lives of children, families, and the broader local community.","

Air quality awareness and clean air environments are all too often a second thought within busy classrooms, where immediate challenges and childcare obstacles take over. However, in Detroit, Michigan, an early education center is reshaping their air quality concerns and the well-being of their students.

Founded by Sentra Johnson-Smith, Sent Loves the Kids Development Center has meshed early education with air quality awareness and data collection through the installation of clean air technology. In partnership with IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids initiative, the Michigan childcare center is leading the charge in bringing pollution awareness through air quality monitoring and filtration to the early childhood education space.

Children need clean, safe learning environments

Sent Loves the Kids was born from Johnson-Smith's natural connection to children and her desire to holistically shape their early developmental stages. She aims to provide foundational education alongside physical and mental well-being for her students through comprehensive childcare and community connections (1).

“Sent Loves The Kids was founded out of my deep love for children and my strong desire to be part of their educational journey,” said Johnson-Smith. “My goal is to nurture and educate the whole child—mind, body, and soul.”

In Detroit and other large populous cities alike, these childcare facilities face unique environmental challenges. From urban air pollution to possible lead exposure in water supplies, harmful pollutants can go undetected and sneak into indoor spaces from outside environments. Especially in fast-paced childcare settings, air pollution and environmental concerns can go unnoticed or overshadowed by immediate demands.

“Before receiving [an] air monitor, air quality wasn’t on my mind,” Johnson-Smith admitted. “When managing the day-to-day demands of running a facility, air quality was at the bottom of the list.”

However, after partnering with IQAir and receiving air quality technology, Johnson-Smith has created a clean air environment for her students and reformed early education learning to encompass air quality awareness.

Clean air environments in educational spaces

Safe environments and clean air quality are essential to providing a productive learning space for students to thrive in. For children with asthma or allergies, air quality is a daily concern. By employing the Atem X air purifier, the Sent Loves the Kids facility can actively airborne pollutants and produce clean air for students to feel comfortable and safe.

“By monitoring the air quality more closely, we can take immediate action when needed, such as adjusting indoor activities or ensuring that children with respiratory conditions are not exposed to triggers,” Johnson-Smith said.

Multiple studies have shown children and infants to be among the most vulnerable populations affected by poor air quality. Childhood exposure to long-term air pollution can lead to harmful chronic impacts related to lung development, respiratory health, and asthma (2)(3). However, the utilization of air purifiers and air cleaning tools can drastically lower these risks and improve symptoms.

With support from IQAir and the Clean Air for Kids Initiative, Sent Loves the Kids now provides a safe environment for teachers, students, and faculty alike through clean air technology and monitoring.

Early education meets air quality awareness

With access to real-time air quality monitors that detail various air pollutants and air quality levels, what once was invisible has become impossible to ignore for the Sent Loves the Kids facility.

Data collection and air quality monitoring has allowed Johnson-Smith to build safeguards around child healthcare and create immersive lesson plans surrounding local air quality environments. Sent Loves the Kids takes air quality awareness a step further, teaching the next generation about environmental impact and air quality safety.

According to Johnson-Smith, “incorporating air quality awareness into our educational programming not only aligns with our mission to provide a nurturing and safe environment but also helps children understand the importance of caring for their health and the planet.”

After setting up the AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, Johnson-Smith noticed more air quality events and pollutant concerns, modifying school schedules and activities to maintain a safe environment for children and faculty alike. With the combination of clean air filtration and monitoring, Sent Loves the Kids has become a safe breathing and learning environment for students and teachers alike.

Conclusion

Sent Loves the Kids proves that meaningful childcare changes doesn’t require a large facility or financial burdens. Through air quality monitoring, filtration, and environmental education, Johnson-Smith is laying the groundwork for the next generation to breathe easier and healthier.

With the support of IQAir science-backed air quality technology and a passionate mission, any childcare provider or community facility can make an impactful difference in lives of children, families, and the broader local community.

","detroit-childcare-center-embraces-clean-air","gid://shopify/Article/641902870606","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/detroit-childcare-center-embraces-clean-air","2026-07-20T17:10:02Z",[88,90],"Detroit childcare center achieves clean air and data monitoring awareness",{"_66":139,"_80":-5,"_82":140,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274616647758","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/A_53a90991-5f39-4284-a91b-6473a61b97bb.jpg?v=1786554677",839,674,{"_51":52,"_53":195,"_11":196,"_56":197,"_58":197,"_60":198,"_62":199,"_64":200,"_66":201,"_68":202,"_70":-5,"_71":203,"_73":204,"_75":205,"_77":206},{"_51":52,"_53":179,"_11":180,"_56":181,"_58":181,"_60":182,"_62":183,"_64":184,"_66":185,"_68":186,"_70":-5,"_71":187,"_73":188,"_75":189,"_77":190},{"_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},{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",[14,162,163],"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",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",[194,162,163],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_66":191,"_80":192,"_82":193,"_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",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"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",[14,210,163,211],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_66":207,"_80":208,"_82":209,"_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","Climate","Wildfires",{"_51":52,"_53":298,"_11":299,"_56":300,"_58":301,"_60":302,"_62":303,"_64":304,"_66":305,"_68":306,"_70":-5,"_71":307,"_73":308,"_75":309,"_77":310},{"_51":52,"_53":282,"_11":283,"_56":284,"_58":285,"_60":286,"_62":287,"_64":288,"_66":289,"_68":290,"_70":-5,"_71":291,"_73":292,"_75":293,"_77":294},{"_51":52,"_53":266,"_11":267,"_56":268,"_58":269,"_60":270,"_62":271,"_64":272,"_66":273,"_68":274,"_70":-5,"_71":275,"_73":276,"_75":277,"_77":278},{"_51":52,"_53":250,"_11":251,"_56":252,"_58":253,"_60":254,"_62":255,"_64":256,"_66":257,"_68":258,"_70":-5,"_71":259,"_73":260,"_75":261,"_77":262},{"_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},{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Multiple wildfires are burning across northern and central Portugal, with over 2,000 emergency personnel deployed amid extreme heat and fire danger warnings. Learn more about containment efforts and evacuations.","

Multiple wildfires are burning across northern and central Portugal, with over 2,000 emergency personnel deployed amid extreme heat and fire danger warnings. Learn more about containment efforts and evacuations.

","What are the names and locations of the wildfires? As of August 19, 2026, multiple active wildfires are burning across northern Portugal. The most significant blaze started on Saturday, August 16, in the parish of Cabeça Boa in the municipality of Torre de Moncorvo, in the northeastern district of Bragança, and has since spread to the neighbouring municipality of Carrazeda de Ansiães (1). Additional fires are burning in Arouca in the district of Aveiro, and in Santo Tirso in Porto's Metropolitan Area. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? Active wildfires are affecting several communities across northern Portugal, including: Arouca, Aveiro Carrazeda de Ansiães and Torre de Moncorvo, Bragança Santo Tirso, Porto Metropolitan Area What is the current containment status of the wildfires? The Torre de Moncorvo blaze had one active front in the early afternoon of August 18, with local authorities hoping to declare it under control shortly after and move into the mop-up phase. The Arouca fire had four active fronts as of Tuesday morning, with more than 300 firefighters, around 100 vehicles, and two aircraft deployed. In Santo Tirso, around 200 personnel and more than 60 vehicles remained engaged. In total, more than 2,000 emergency personnel and approximately 20 aircraft are actively deployed across all fronts (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Civil Protection has adopted preventive safety measures in communities near the Arouca fire to safeguard homes and lives. Nine districts have been placed under orange weather warning by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, with the rest of mainland Portugal, except Lisbon, Setúbal, and Faro, under yellow warning. Maximum temperatures above 40°C are expected across several regions, with northern and central inland areas facing very high to maximum wildfire risk (3). How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of August 19, 2026, multiple active wildfires are burning across northern Portugal.

The most significant blaze started on Saturday, August 16, in the parish of Cabeça Boa in the municipality of Torre de Moncorvo, in the northeastern district of Bragança, and has since spread to the neighbouring municipality of Carrazeda de Ansiães (1).

Additional fires are burning in Arouca in the district of Aveiro, and in Santo Tirso in Porto's Metropolitan Area.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

Active wildfires are affecting several communities across northern Portugal, including:

Arouca, Aveiro\n
Carrazeda de Ansiães and Torre de Moncorvo, Bragança\n
\nSanto Tirso, Porto Metropolitan Area

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

The Torre de Moncorvo blaze had one active front in the early afternoon of August 18, with local authorities hoping to declare it under control shortly after and move into the mop-up phase.

The Arouca fire had four active fronts as of Tuesday morning, with more than 300 firefighters, around 100 vehicles, and two aircraft deployed. In Santo Tirso, around 200 personnel and more than 60 vehicles remained engaged.

In total, more than 2,000 emergency personnel and approximately 20 aircraft are actively deployed across all fronts (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Civil Protection has adopted preventive safety measures in communities near the Arouca fire to safeguard homes and lives.

Nine districts have been placed under orange weather warning by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere, with the rest of mainland Portugal, except Lisbon, Setúbal, and Faro, under yellow warning.

Maximum temperatures above 40°C are expected across several regions, with northern and central inland areas facing very high to maximum wildfire risk (3).

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

","wildfire-map-spotlight-northern-portugal-wildfires","gid://shopify/Article/642120384590","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-northern-portugal-wildfires","2026-08-19T05:40:56Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Northern Portugal Wildfires",{"_66":231,"_80":-5,"_82":232,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274705940558","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire15Desktop_7d7f92e9-d160-4917-a6e7-024937483f2d.jpg?v=1787118068",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Hurricane Lala caused destructive flooding, mudslides, road damage, and power outages across Hawaii. Find out more about the Hurricane Lala flooding.","

Hurricane Lala caused destructive flooding, mudslides, road damage, and power outages across Hawaii. Find out more about the Hurricane Lala flooding.

","What is the location of the flooding? As of August 19, 2026, flooding caused by Hurricane Lala has severely affected Hawaii, with the most destructive impacts reported in the Kau District on the southern Big Island. Naalehu, Pahala, Punaluu, and Waiohinu were among the hardest-hit communities. Floodwaters and debris descended from higher terrain, damaging roads and bridges, isolating rural communities, and disrupting communications (1). Heavy rain also affected the windward and northeastern parts of the Big Island. Preliminary rainfall totals reached 43.55 inches at Laupahoehoe, with additional heavy rainfall recorded around Hamakua, Hilo, and Puna (2). Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding? The most severe flooding occurred on the Big Island. Wider storm-related flooding, heavy rainfall, closures, and infrastructure disruptions also affected parts of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu (3). Haena, Kauai Hamakua, the Big Island Hilo, the Big Island Honolulu, Oahu Kau District, the Big Island Kalalau Trail, Kauai Kula, Maui Laupahoehoe, the Big Island Naalehu, the Big Island Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai Olinda, Maui Pahala, the Big Island Piiholo, Maui Polihale State Park, Kauai Puna, the Big Island Punaluu, the Big Island Waiohinu, the Big Island What is the current containment status of the flooding? As of August 19, 2026, Hurricane Lala has moved west of Hawaii, and the immediate flooding threat has decreased. Crews are clearing mud, fallen trees, and debris while repairing damaged roads, bridges, communications infrastructure, and electrical systems. Some communities continue to experience damaged or blocked roads, power outages, and communication disruptions. Authorities reported that no major immediate wind hazards remained, although saturated ground could still cause landslides (4). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Emergency refuges were opened on Kauai during the storm, but statewide tropical storm warnings and flood watches were canceled by August 17. Brown-water advisories remain in effect because of storm runoff. Residents and visitors should avoid entering ocean water that appears brown or murky and continue monitoring local guidance regarding damaged roads, park closures, landslides, hazardous surf, and rip currents. How can I protect myself from mold after flooding? It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood. Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage. Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores. If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water. Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth. Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic. Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work. If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration. Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.","

What is the location of the flooding?

As of August 19, 2026, flooding caused by Hurricane Lala has severely affected Hawaii, with the most destructive impacts reported in the Kau District on the southern Big Island. Naalehu, Pahala, Punaluu, and Waiohinu were among the hardest-hit communities.

Floodwaters and debris descended from higher terrain, damaging roads and bridges, isolating rural communities, and disrupting communications (1).

Heavy rain also affected the windward and northeastern parts of the Big Island. Preliminary rainfall totals reached 43.55 inches at Laupahoehoe, with additional heavy rainfall recorded around Hamakua, Hilo, and Puna (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The most severe flooding occurred on the Big Island. Wider storm-related flooding, heavy rainfall, closures, and infrastructure disruptions also affected parts of Kauai, Maui, and Oahu (3).

Haena, Kauai
Hamakua, the Big Island
\nHilo, the Big Island
\nHonolulu, Oahu
Kau District, the Big Island
Kalalau Trail, Kauai
Kula, Maui
Laupahoehoe, the Big Island
Naalehu, the Big Island
Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai
Olinda, Maui
\nPahala, the Big Island
Piiholo, Maui
Polihale State Park, Kauai
Puna, the Big Island
\nPunaluu, the Big Island
Waiohinu, the Big Island

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of August 19, 2026, Hurricane Lala has moved west of Hawaii, and the immediate flooding threat has decreased. Crews are clearing mud, fallen trees, and debris while repairing damaged roads, bridges, communications infrastructure, and electrical systems.

Some communities continue to experience damaged or blocked roads, power outages, and communication disruptions. Authorities reported that no major immediate wind hazards remained, although saturated ground could still cause landslides (4).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Emergency refuges were opened on Kauai during the storm, but statewide tropical storm warnings and flood watches were canceled by August 17.

Brown-water advisories remain in effect because of storm runoff. Residents and visitors should avoid entering ocean water that appears brown or murky and continue monitoring local guidance regarding damaged roads, park closures, landslides, hazardous surf, and rip currents.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
\nRun a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.

","indoor-air-quality-alert-hurricane-lala-hawaii","gid://shopify/Article/642122711118","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-alert-hurricane-lala-hawaii","2026-08-19T12:08:49Z",[14,210,249],"Indoor Air Quality Alert: Hurricane Lala, Hawaii",{"_66":246,"_80":247,"_82":248,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274713182286","Trees stand submerged in floodwaters.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Flooding6Desktop_a4c7364b-1d33-4baf-a940-8d8b0d532031.jpg?v=1787142210","Molds",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the Big Grass Fire burning along the Oregon-Idaho border, including the latest containment, affected communities, and evacuation information.","

Find out more about the Big Grass Fire burning along the Oregon-Idaho border, including the latest containment, affected communities, and evacuation information.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire is active along the Oregon-Idaho border in Malheur, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho. Burning near Jordan Valley, it has expanded across the state line, prompting emergency response efforts in both states. The fire is affecting Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, and surrounding rangelands and is threatening nearby transportation routes and communities (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the Big Grass Fire? The cities and areas affected by the Big Grass Fire include: Jordan Valley, Oregon Murphy, Idaho North Fork Campground, Idaho Pleasant Valley, Idaho Reynolds Creek, Idaho South Mountain, Idaho Three Forks Road area, Idaho What is the current containment status of the Big Grass Fire? As of August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire has burned approximately 579,006 acres and is 85% contained. Firefighters continue working to slow the fire's spread as the wildfire burns rapidly across southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that containment remains limited while crews focus on protecting communities and critical infrastructure (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? A Level 3 “Go” evacuation order remains in effect across parts of Owyhee County, including areas near Pleasant Valley, Flint Creek Road, Triangle, Antelope-Ridge Road, and the 45 Ranch. A Level 2 “Set” warning covers areas farther south toward the Oregon and Nevada state lines. 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 August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire is 85% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire is active along the Oregon-Idaho border in Malheur, Oregon, and Owyhee County, Idaho. Burning near Jordan Valley, it has expanded across the state line, prompting emergency response efforts in both states.

The fire is affecting Pleasant Valley, South Mountain, and surrounding rangelands and is threatening nearby transportation routes and communities (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the Big Grass Fire?

The cities and areas affected by the Big Grass Fire include:

Jordan Valley, Oregon\n
\nMurphy, Idaho
North Fork Campground, Idaho
Pleasant Valley, Idaho
Reynolds Creek, Idaho
South Mountain, Idaho
Three Forks Road area, Idaho

What is the current containment status of the Big Grass Fire?

As of August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire has burned approximately 579,006 acres and is 85% contained.

Firefighters continue working to slow the fire's spread as the wildfire burns rapidly across southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho.

The National Interagency Fire Center reports that containment remains limited while crews focus on protecting communities and critical infrastructure (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A Level 3 “Go” evacuation order remains in effect across parts of Owyhee County, including areas near Pleasant Valley, Flint Creek Road, Triangle, Antelope-Ridge Road, and the 45 Ranch.

A Level 2 “Set” warning covers areas farther south toward the Oregon and Nevada state lines.

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 August 20, 2026, the Big Grass Fire is 85% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-big-grass-fire-oregon-and-idaho","gid://shopify/Article/641945600078","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-big-grass-fire-oregon-and-idaho","2026-08-20T06:26:32Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Big Grass Fire, Oregon and Idaho",{"_66":263,"_80":264,"_82":265,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274726584398","Close-up of an intense, blazing wildfire.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire11Desktop_3520aa8d-024b-4755-b874-3a7bd1cad749.jpg?v=1787207205",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the Wrights Spring Fire, including its location, containment status, affected areas, and active evacuation orders.","

Find out more about the Wrights Spring Fire, including its location, containment status, affected areas, and active evacuation orders.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of August 20, 2026, the Wrights Spring Fire is burning in Klamath County in southern Oregon. The fire is located within the Fremont-Winema National Forests, approximately two miles west of Sprague River and southeast of Chiloquin. Fire activity has extended toward Bliss Road, Bly Mountain, Swan Lake Rim, and nearby rural communities (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Wrights Spring Fire include: Bliss Road area Bly Mountain Chiloquin Flat Lake Horton Reservoir Saddle Mountain Sprague River Swan Lake Rim Yonna Woods What is the current containment status of the Wrights Spring Fire? As of August 20, 2026, the Wrights Spring Fire has burned 54,131 acres and is 55% contained. Firefighters are reinforcing established fire lines, constructing contingency lines southeast of the fire, and securing areas around Bliss Road, Flat Lake, Saddle Mountain, and Swan Lake Rim. Structure protection remains a priority around Yonna Woods and Bly Mountain. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Level 3 Go Now evacuation orders, Level 2 Be Set evacuation warnings, and Level 1 Be Ready notices remain in effect for numerous evacuation zones in Klamath County. Residents should monitor instructions from local authorities because evacuation levels may change as fire conditions develop (2). Red Cross emergency shelters are open at Chiloquin Elementary School, located at 548 South 2nd Avenue in Chiloquin, and Living Springs Fellowship, located at 31897 Mission Street in Bonanza. The Klamath County Fairgrounds at 3531 South 6th Street in Klamath Falls is available as a large-animal shelter. 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 August 20, 2026, this fire is 55% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of August 20, 2026, the Wrights Spring Fire is burning in Klamath County in southern Oregon.

The fire is located within the Fremont-Winema National Forests, approximately two miles west of Sprague River and southeast of Chiloquin. Fire activity has extended toward Bliss Road, Bly Mountain, Swan Lake Rim, and nearby rural communities (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Wrights Spring Fire include:

Bliss Road area
Bly Mountain
Chiloquin
Flat Lake
Horton Reservoir
Saddle Mountain
Sprague River
Swan Lake Rim
Yonna Woods

What is the current containment status of the Wrights Spring Fire?

As of August 20, 2026, the Wrights Spring Fire has burned 54,131 acres and is 55% contained.

Firefighters are reinforcing established fire lines, constructing contingency lines southeast of the fire, and securing areas around Bliss Road, Flat Lake, Saddle Mountain, and Swan Lake Rim. Structure protection remains a priority around Yonna Woods and Bly Mountain.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Level 3 Go Now evacuation orders, Level 2 Be Set evacuation warnings, and Level 1 Be Ready notices remain in effect for numerous evacuation zones in Klamath County. Residents should monitor instructions from local authorities because evacuation levels may change as fire conditions develop (2).

Red Cross emergency shelters are open at Chiloquin Elementary School, located at 548 South 2nd Avenue in Chiloquin, and Living Springs Fellowship, located at 31897 Mission Street in Bonanza. The Klamath County Fairgrounds at 3531 South 6th Street in Klamath Falls is available as a large-animal shelter.

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 August 20, 2026, this fire is 55% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-wrights-spring-fire-oregon","gid://shopify/Article/642087125070","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-wrights-spring-fire-oregon","2026-08-20T06:29:24Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Wrights Spring Fire, Oregon",{"_66":279,"_80":280,"_82":281,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274726682702","Wildfire on a mountain.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire2Desktop_a093bd88-80a9-4190-be1c-3cfb9c910326.jpg?v=1787207377",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires in Montana.","

Find out more about the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires in Montana.

","What are the names and locations of the wildfires? As of August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires are burning in Beaverhead County, Montana, within and near the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Sand Creek Fire is located southeast of Wisdom, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning between Wisdom and Wise River (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The cities and areas affected by the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires include: Clark Creek Elkhorn Hot Springs Grasshopper Valley Jerked Prairie Maverick Mountain Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Shale Creek Wisdom Wise River What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire has burned approximately 31,667 acres and is 7% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned approximately 10,153 acres and is 40% contained. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation levels have been reduced in some areas. Shale Creek and Clark Creek are now at Level 2 “Set,” while Level 3 “Go” orders remain for Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain. Evacuation restrictions have been lifted for Billings Creek and areas farther south (2). 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 August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire is 7% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is 40% contained.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires are burning in Beaverhead County, Montana, within and near the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The Sand Creek Fire is located southeast of Wisdom, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is burning between Wisdom and Wise River (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The cities and areas affected by the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes fires include:

Clark Creek
Elkhorn Hot Springs
Grasshopper Valley
Jerked Prairie
Maverick Mountain
Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
Shale Creek
Wisdom
Wise River

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire has burned approximately 31,667 acres and is 7% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned approximately 10,153 acres and is 40% contained.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation levels have been reduced in some areas. Shale Creek and Clark Creek are now at Level 2 “Set,” while Level 3 “Go” orders remain for Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain. Evacuation restrictions have been lifted for Billings Creek and areas farther south (2).

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 August 20, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire is 7% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is 40% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-sand-creek-and-bobcat-lakes-fires-montana","gid://shopify/Article/642110128206","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-sand-creek-and-bobcat-lakes-fires-montana","2026-08-20T06:35:02Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Fires, Montana",{"_66":295,"_80":296,"_82":297,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274726781006","Forest fire.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire17Desktop_4a94233a-ca80-4b24-bef3-6a4b009866b4.jpg?v=1787207715",{"_92":317},{"_64":91},"Air quality can be an invisible risk in classrooms, disturbing lessons and focus levels. Discover why unhealthy air is disproportionate and the impacts on student learning.","

Air quality can be an invisible risk in classrooms, disturbing lessons and focus levels. Discover why unhealthy air is disproportionate and the impacts on student learning.

","As millions of children return to school this August, parents and teachers are thinking about the year ahead. Are classrooms safe? Is the drinking water clean? Are buildings prepared for another year of learning? There is another question we should be asking: What are our children breathing while they are at school? Air quality is one of the most overlooked factors in creating a healthy learning environment. We have established clear expectations around clean drinking water, but we have been much slower to recognize that the air children breathe for six or more hours a day deserves the same attention. This is especially true for schools located near major roads and freeways. The freeway next door Across the United States, thousands of schools are located near busy highways and major transportation corridors. A nationwide study of more than 114,000 U.S. public and private schools found that about 15% of those studied were within 250 meters, or roughly 820 feet, of a major roadway. The study estimated that 6.4 million students attended those schools. The EPA has similarly highlighted that nearly 17,000 schools are within one-tenth of a mile, or 100 meters, of a major road. Vehicle pollutant concentrations tend to be higher closer to roadways, with the highest levels generally occurring within the first 500 feet.These numbers represent millions of children spending their school days near a significant source of air pollution. Vehicles produce pollutants including fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can enter school buildings through ventilation systems, open doors and windows, cracks, and other pathways. A child can spend most of their school day indoors and still be exposed to pollution generated just outside the school walls. I’ve seen this firsthand in Boyle Heights, California. Surrounded by major interstate freeways, schools in the area bear a disproportionate pollution burden compared with schools farther from major roadways. IQAir installed air quality monitors and filtration systems in schools there because we recognized the importance of understanding what students were breathing and taking action to improve the air. Boyle Heights is one example of a much larger challenge. The same nationwide study found that schools serving predominantly Black students were 18% more likely to be located within 250 meters of a major roadway. Schools serving more economically disadvantaged students were also more likely to be located near major roads. The burden of traffic-related air pollution is not distributed equally. For many communities, where a child goes to school can influence the quality of the air they breathe. Map A displays the number of students attending a US school within 250 meters of a roadway in 2014, while Map B shows total percentages. Source: National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine Children are more vulnerable Children are not simply small adults. Their lungs are still developing, they breathe more air relative to their body size, and they spend a significant portion of their day in schools. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of children worldwide breathe air that exceeds its air quality guidelines. In the United States, the EPA estimates that children spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Exposure to air pollution during childhood has been associated with respiratory problems, including asthma, and can affect developing lungs. If a school is next to a freeway, understanding outdoor air quality should be part of understanding indoor air quality. We can't manage what we don't measure Air pollution is difficult to address because much of it is invisible. A classroom can look clean while containing elevated levels of particulate matter or other pollutants. That is why schools need reliable air quality monitoring. Monitoring can help identify changes throughout the day, reveal differences between indoor and outdoor conditions, and determine whether ventilation and filtration strategies are effective. For schools near freeways, this information is particularly valuable. Pollution levels can vary based on traffic patterns, weather, and other conditions. Continuous monitoring can help identify when and where exposure risks may be greatest. But monitoring is only the first step. Schools also need the ability to improve the air they measure through proper HVAC maintenance, effective ventilation, reducing indoor pollution sources, and high-efficiency filtration. For schools affected by outdoor particulate pollution, filtration can be particularly important. Medical-grade filtration technologies, such as HyperHEPA, are designed to capture extremely small particles and can help reduce fine particulate matter indoors. The objective is simple: Reduce children's exposure to harmful pollutants wherever we can. Clean air is part of learning Children are at school to learn, and the physical environment can influence their ability to focus and perform. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to headaches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms, while research has connected better ventilation with improved cognitive performance. We invest enormous resources in teachers, technology, curriculum, and school facilities because we understand that the environment in which children learn matters. Clean air should be part of that equation. It should not be acceptable for a child attending a school next to a freeway to face a greater pollution burden simply because of where their school happens to be located. Communities near major transportation corridors and other pollution sources are often disproportionately low-income communities and communities of color, creating a significant environmental justice concern. We cannot accept a system where access to clean air depends on a school's ZIP code. We have rightly made clean drinking water a basic expectation for schools. Clean air deserves the same level of attention. As students return to classrooms this fall, every school should be asking three questions: What is the quality of the air our students are breathing? How does the air outside affect the air inside? What can we do to make that air cleaner? The answers will be different for every school. But the responsibility is the same.We need to know what children are breathing. We need to understand the risks. And we need to act. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a healthy environment. Clean air should not be an added benefit for schools that can afford it. It should be a fundamental part of what we consider a safe school. When we send our children back to school, we should think not only about what they will learn, but about the air they will breathe while they’re learning.","

As millions of children return to school this August, parents and teachers are thinking about the year ahead. Are classrooms safe? Is the drinking water clean? Are buildings prepared for another year of learning?

There is another question we should be asking: What are our children breathing while they are at school?

Air quality is one of the most overlooked factors in creating a healthy learning environment. We have established clear expectations around clean drinking water, but we have been much slower to recognize that the air children breathe for six or more hours a day deserves the same attention.

This is especially true for schools located near major roads and freeways.

The freeway next door

Across the United States, thousands of schools are located near busy highways and major transportation corridors. A nationwide study of more than 114,000 U.S. public and private schools found that about 15% of those studied were within 250 meters, or roughly 820 feet, of a major roadway. The study estimated that 6.4 million students attended those schools.

The EPA has similarly highlighted that nearly 17,000 schools are within one-tenth of a mile, or 100 meters, of a major road. Vehicle pollutant concentrations tend to be higher closer to roadways, with the highest levels generally occurring within the first 500 feet.
These numbers represent millions of children spending their school days near a significant source of air pollution.

Vehicles produce pollutants including fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants can enter school buildings through ventilation systems, open doors and windows, cracks, and other pathways. A child can spend most of their school day indoors and still be exposed to pollution generated just outside the school walls.

I’ve seen this firsthand in Boyle Heights, California. Surrounded by major interstate freeways, schools in the area bear a disproportionate pollution burden compared with schools farther from major roadways. IQAir installed air quality monitors and filtration systems in schools there because we recognized the importance of understanding what students were breathing and taking action to improve the air.

Boyle Heights is one example of a much larger challenge.

The same nationwide study found that schools serving predominantly Black students were 18% more likely to be located within 250 meters of a major roadway. Schools serving more economically disadvantaged students were also more likely to be located near major roads.

The burden of traffic-related air pollution is not distributed equally. For many communities, where a child goes to school can influence the quality of the air they breathe.

$\"\"$

Map A displays the number of students attending a US school within 250 meters of a roadway in 2014, while Map B shows total percentages. Source: National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine

Children are more vulnerable

Children are not simply small adults. Their lungs are still developing, they breathe more air relative to their body size, and they spend a significant portion of their day in schools.

The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of children worldwide breathe air that exceeds its air quality guidelines. In the United States, the EPA estimates that children spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

Exposure to air pollution during childhood has been associated with respiratory problems, including asthma, and can affect developing lungs. If a school is next to a freeway, understanding outdoor air quality should be part of understanding indoor air quality.

We can't manage what we don't measure

Air pollution is difficult to address because much of it is invisible. A classroom can look clean while containing elevated levels of particulate matter or other pollutants.

That is why schools need reliable air quality monitoring. Monitoring can help identify changes throughout the day, reveal differences between indoor and outdoor conditions, and determine whether ventilation and filtration strategies are effective.

For schools near freeways, this information is particularly valuable. Pollution levels can vary based on traffic patterns, weather, and other conditions. Continuous monitoring can help identify when and where exposure risks may be greatest.

But monitoring is only the first step. Schools also need the ability to improve the air they measure through proper HVAC maintenance, effective ventilation, reducing indoor pollution sources, and high-efficiency filtration.

For schools affected by outdoor particulate pollution, filtration can be particularly important. Medical-grade filtration technologies, such as HyperHEPA, are designed to capture extremely small particles and can help reduce fine particulate matter indoors.

The objective is simple: Reduce children's exposure to harmful pollutants wherever we can.

Clean air is part of learning

Children are at school to learn, and the physical environment can influence their ability to focus and perform. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to headaches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms, while research has connected better ventilation with improved cognitive performance.

We invest enormous resources in teachers, technology, curriculum, and school facilities because we understand that the environment in which children learn matters. Clean air should be part of that equation.

It should not be acceptable for a child attending a school next to a freeway to face a greater pollution burden simply because of where their school happens to be located. Communities near major transportation corridors and other pollution sources are often disproportionately low-income communities and communities of color, creating a significant environmental justice concern.

We cannot accept a system where access to clean air depends on a school's ZIP code.

We have rightly made clean drinking water a basic expectation for schools. Clean air deserves the same level of attention.

As students return to classrooms this fall, every school should be asking three questions:

What is the quality of the air our students are breathing?
How does the air outside affect the air inside?
What can we do to make that air cleaner?

The answers will be different for every school. But the responsibility is the same.
We need to know what children are breathing. We need to understand the risks. And we need to act.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a healthy environment. Clean air should not be an added benefit for schools that can afford it. It should be a fundamental part of what we consider a safe school.

When we send our children back to school, we should think not only about what they will learn, but about the air they will breathe while they’re learning.

","the-back-to-school-risks-were-still-overlooking-the-air-children-breathe","gid://shopify/Article/642110292046","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/the-back-to-school-risks-were-still-overlooking-the-air-children-breathe","2026-08-20T12:00:04Z",[14,315,316],"The Back-To-School Risks We’re Still Overlooking: The Air Children Breathe",{"_66":311,"_80":-5,"_82":312,"_84":313,"_86":314},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274697683022","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/TL_BackToSchoolroadpollutio_Desktop_99cfbd0b-2387-485e-8906-824b6d640905.jpg?v=1787072275",1748,1404,"Parents","Thought Leadership","Glory Dolphin Hammes",{"_51":52,"_53":336,"_11":337,"_56":338,"_58":339,"_60":340,"_62":341,"_64":342,"_66":343,"_68":344,"_70":-5,"_71":345,"_73":346,"_75":347,"_77":348},{"_51":52,"_53":320,"_11":321,"_56":322,"_58":323,"_60":324,"_62":325,"_64":326,"_66":327,"_68":328,"_70":-5,"_71":329,"_73":330,"_75":331,"_77":332},{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Air changes per hour – why should this matter to you? Read and find out before you invest in an air purifier.","

Air changes per hour – why should this matter to you? Read and find out before you invest in an air purifier.

","Air changes per hour (ACH) is a ventilation metric that measures how frequently indoor air is replaced and filtered within a 60-minute time period. When choosing an air purifier, ACH values can play an important role in determining air cleaning efficiency and filtration power. Understanding ACH values, metric calculations, and associated symptom relief is key to guarantee maximum air quality protection and fast filtration efficiency within indoor spaces. What does ACH mean? Air changes per hour is a metric system utilized to measure how often indoor air particles are cleaned and filtered within one hour in a controlled indoor space, meaning an ACH value of 2 equals to air particles being replaced 2 times in an hour. ACH values commonly range on a scale of 1-6; however, exceptional air quality filtering and ventilation can produce higher ACH levels (1). For air purifiers, the higher the ACH calculated value, the higher the indication that air particles within a room have been replaced through filter circulation. Low ACH values could determine stagnant air or a lack of proper ventilation in an enclosed space. Therefore, by calculating ACH levels for air purifiers or air cleaning systems, families and homeowners can gain a better understanding of the air filtration efficiency surrounding them. How do you measure ACH? Air changes per hour is calculated through a simple equation combining system airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM) with timespan divided by the room dimensions. Check product packaging to see manufacturer labeled ACH values or calculate at home through personal measurements. To measure air changes per hour, utilize the equation: Measuring ACH levels not only allows for an in-depth understanding of the surrounding ventilation and filtration efficiency in a space, but also ensures health symptoms are alleviated and clean air quality is maintained through quantitative data. Most manufacturers provide ACH only for the highest speed setting. Therefore, it’s important to understand ACH, so that you are aware how to determine ACH on the speed setting that you will use the air purifier. You will need the CFM for each speed setting to determine this. It’s important to have at least two air changes per hour to make an acceptable difference in air quality in a room or space. What does ACH help with? Air changes per hour measures differences in air quality and pertain associated benefits with higher ACH values that help alleviate health conditions and symptoms. According to a recent study, higher ACH levels have been found to be associated with respiratory symptom relief, reduced allergies, and healthier breathing by eliminating infectious aerosols (2). Rooms with high activity may require higher ACH levels to properly address elevated airborne pollutant activity. Contrastingly, large rooms with low activity or occupancy may not require high ACH levels to sufficiently provide clean air ventilation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an ACH level of 7 or higher for the “best” ventilation efficiency, labeling an ACH value of 4 as “good” and a 6 as “better” (3). Why does ACH matter when choosing an air purifier? Air changes per hour is an important measurement tool and scale for determining air filtration efficiency, ensuring proper circulation and ventilation is actively cleaning the air. Selecting an air purifier with a high ACH value ensures maximum filtration efficiency while improving health conditions and symptoms. By utilizing ACH values to choose clean air systems, efficient ventilation and filtration power can be guaranteed for indoor spaces. Individuals with asthma, eczema, and respiratory difficulties also experienced an improvement of symptoms through ACH measurements and stability. Elevated ACH levels can substantially reduce the time to remove airborne pollutants, creating a high-filtration-efficiency environment and limiting exposure to harmful particles. Check for “Shortcutting” in air purifier design In air purification, \"shortcutting\" is an airflow design flaw where an air cleaner's intake and exhaust are too close, causing freshly filtered air to re-enter the machine immediately instead of circulating through the room. IQAir systems prevents shortcutting by placing intakes and outputs at opposite ends with its Swiss Design and manufacturing. Understanding Shortcutting: The Problem: Poorly designed purifiers pull clean air right back in, wasting energy and reducing effective room cleaning. The IQAir Design: Units like the HealthPro series separate intake (bottom) and outflow (top/opposite ends) to force complete room air mixing. Result: Maximizes air changes per hour (ACH) without recycling already-purified air. How to increase ACH levels Air changes per hour values are not set in stone and are influenced by the actual speed setting being used and if the air purifier is designed to prevent shortcutting. High ACH levels have been linked to allergen symptom relief, the dilution of indoor airborne pollutants, and reduced exposure to harmful particles. ACH levels can be elevated within indoor spaces through additional air cleaning technology and daily ventilation practices, such as: Air cleaning technology: Utilize multiple HyperHEPA air purifiers in high activity spaces, rely on HVAC filtration to increase airflow, and install an air quality monitor to know when outdoor ventilation is safe Daily practices: Open windows during periods of low outdoor activity, employ fans to increase air circulation throughout rooms, and routinely clean surfaces to limit airborne pollutants Employing additional air quality metrics could help further contextualize the filtration and ventilation efficiency within indoor air, such as CADR and CCM. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how fast an air purifier can produce clean air, while Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) determines how much pollutants an air purifier can capture before losing efficiency. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is ACH important?Yes, air changes per hour (ACH) is an important metric system for determining clean air ventilation and filtration efficiency. ACH measures how often an air cleaning system can clean and replace the air particles in a room. Specific ACH values detail how efficiently and effectively an air purifier system functions within the hour timeframe. By quantifying performance results, the air purifier selection process is simplified and ensures the most optimal decision can be made. Where can I find my ACH level?Check the air cleaning device’s product packaging for a listed ACH value or ranking. If no ACH value is listed, utilize the ACH equation to calculate at home and determine a device’s ventilation efficiency. What does ACH stand for?ACH is an acronym for air changes per hour, meaning this metric measures how many times air particles can be replaced within an hour in an indoor space. How do CCM and CADR relate to ACH?Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM), Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), and Air Changes per Hour (ACH) are all metrics measuring specific aspects of clean air quality, such as ventilation, filtration, and healthy particle production. These metrics help quantify air purifier capabilities to find the best air cleaning results through proven data collection. Employ CCM, CADR, and ACH calculations to ensure maximum pollutant protection and filtration efficiency is achieved between every air cleaning device. Conclusion Air changes per hour (ACH) is an essential metric tool that allows us to understand ventilation efficiency, symptom relief, and clean air filtration through quantitative, tangible data values and levels. Without understanding ACH, health risks and invisible pollutants may unknowingly prevail within indoor spaces. Employ clean air technology and filtration practices to achieve high ACH levels for maximum ventilation efficiency and harmful pollutant reduction.","

Air changes per hour (ACH) is a ventilation metric that measures how frequently indoor air is replaced and filtered within a 60-minute time period. When choosing an air purifier, ACH values can play an important role in determining air cleaning efficiency and filtration power.

Understanding ACH values, metric calculations, and associated symptom relief is key to guarantee maximum air quality protection and fast filtration efficiency within indoor spaces.

What does ACH mean?

Air changes per hour is a metric system utilized to measure how often indoor air particles are cleaned and filtered within one hour in a controlled indoor space, meaning an ACH value of 2 equals to air particles being replaced 2 times in an hour. ACH values commonly range on a scale of 1-6; however, exceptional air quality filtering and ventilation can produce higher ACH levels (1).

For air purifiers, the higher the ACH calculated value, the higher the indication that air particles within a room have been replaced through filter circulation. Low ACH values could determine stagnant air or a lack of proper ventilation in an enclosed space.

Therefore, by calculating ACH levels for air purifiers or air cleaning systems, families and homeowners can gain a better understanding of the air filtration efficiency surrounding them.

How do you measure ACH?

Air changes per hour is calculated through a simple equation combining system airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM) with timespan divided by the room dimensions. Check product packaging to see manufacturer labeled ACH values or calculate at home through personal measurements. To measure air changes per hour, utilize the equation:
$\"\"$

Measuring ACH levels not only allows for an in-depth understanding of the surrounding ventilation and filtration efficiency in a space, but also ensures health symptoms are alleviated and clean air quality is maintained through quantitative data.

Most manufacturers provide ACH only for the highest speed setting. Therefore, it’s important to understand ACH, so that you are aware how to determine ACH on the speed setting that you will use the air purifier. You will need the CFM for each speed setting to determine this. It’s important to have at least two air changes per hour to make an acceptable difference in air quality in a room or space.

What does ACH help with?

Air changes per hour measures differences in air quality and pertain associated benefits with higher ACH values that help alleviate health conditions and symptoms.

According to a recent study, higher ACH levels have been found to be associated with respiratory symptom relief, reduced allergies, and healthier breathing by eliminating infectious aerosols (2). Rooms with high activity may require higher ACH levels to properly address elevated airborne pollutant activity. Contrastingly, large rooms with low activity or occupancy may not require high ACH levels to sufficiently provide clean air ventilation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an ACH level of 7 or higher for the “best” ventilation efficiency, labeling an ACH value of 4 as “good” and a 6 as “better” (3).

Why does ACH matter when choosing an air purifier?

Air changes per hour is an important measurement tool and scale for determining air filtration efficiency, ensuring proper circulation and ventilation is actively cleaning the air. Selecting an air purifier with a high ACH value ensures maximum filtration efficiency while improving health conditions and symptoms. By utilizing ACH values to choose clean air systems, efficient ventilation and filtration power can be guaranteed for indoor spaces.

Individuals with asthma, eczema, and respiratory difficulties also experienced an improvement of symptoms through ACH measurements and stability. Elevated ACH levels can substantially reduce the time to remove airborne pollutants, creating a high-filtration-efficiency environment and limiting exposure to harmful particles.

Check for “Shortcutting” in air purifier design

In air purification, \"shortcutting\" is an airflow design flaw where an air cleaner's intake and exhaust are too close, causing freshly filtered air to re-enter the machine immediately instead of circulating through the room.

IQAir systems prevents shortcutting by placing intakes and outputs at opposite ends with its Swiss Design and manufacturing.

Understanding Shortcutting:

The Problem: Poorly designed purifiers pull clean air right back in, wasting energy and reducing effective room cleaning.
The IQAir Design: Units like the HealthPro series separate intake (bottom) and outflow (top/opposite ends) to force complete room air mixing.
Result: Maximizes air changes per hour (ACH) without recycling already-purified air.

How to increase ACH levels

Air changes per hour values are not set in stone and are influenced by the actual speed setting being used and if the air purifier is designed to prevent shortcutting. High ACH levels have been linked to allergen symptom relief, the dilution of indoor airborne pollutants, and reduced exposure to harmful particles. ACH levels can be elevated within indoor spaces through additional air cleaning technology and daily ventilation practices, such as:

Air cleaning technology: Utilize multiple HyperHEPA air purifiers in high activity spaces, rely on HVAC filtration to increase airflow, and install an air quality monitor to know when outdoor ventilation is safe
Daily practices: Open windows during periods of low outdoor activity, employ fans to increase air circulation throughout rooms, and routinely clean surfaces to limit airborne pollutants

Employing additional air quality metrics could help further contextualize the filtration and ventilation efficiency within indoor air, such as CADR and CCM. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how fast an air purifier can produce clean air, while Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) determines how much pollutants an air purifier can capture before losing efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ACH important?
Yes, air changes per hour (ACH) is an important metric system for determining clean air ventilation and filtration efficiency. ACH measures how often an air cleaning system can clean and replace the air particles in a room. Specific ACH values detail how efficiently and effectively an air purifier system functions within the hour timeframe.

By quantifying performance results, the air purifier selection process is simplified and ensures the most optimal decision can be made.

Where can I find my ACH level?
Check the air cleaning device’s product packaging for a listed ACH value or ranking. If no ACH value is listed, utilize the ACH equation to calculate at home and determine a device’s ventilation efficiency.

What does ACH stand for?
ACH is an acronym for air changes per hour, meaning this metric measures how many times air particles can be replaced within an hour in an indoor space.

How do CCM and CADR relate to ACH?
Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM), Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), and Air Changes per Hour (ACH) are all metrics measuring specific aspects of clean air quality, such as ventilation, filtration, and healthy particle production. These metrics help quantify air purifier capabilities to find the best air cleaning results through proven data collection.

Employ CCM, CADR, and ACH calculations to ensure maximum pollutant protection and filtration efficiency is achieved between every air cleaning device.

Conclusion

Air changes per hour (ACH) is an essential metric tool that allows us to understand ventilation efficiency, symptom relief, and clean air filtration through quantitative, tangible data values and levels. Without understanding ACH, health risks and invisible pollutants may unknowingly prevail within indoor spaces.

Employ clean air technology and filtration practices to achieve high ACH levels for maximum ventilation efficiency and harmful pollutant reduction.

","what-is-ach-and-why-it-matters-for-air-purifiers","gid://shopify/Article/642080964686","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-is-ach-and-why-it-matters-for-air-purifiers","2026-08-13T16:08:11Z",[194,335],"What is ACH and why it matters for air purifiers",{"_66":333,"_80":-5,"_82":334,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274634014798","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/A_e3d14acb-d21f-41ce-8ce7-6d1a85987c83.jpg?v=1786638563","Featured articles",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Cooking smoke and kitchen odors carry harmful airborne pollutants that elevate health risks. Learn what types of particles are in kitchen pollutants and how air purifiers can remove them.","

Cooking smoke and kitchen odors carry harmful airborne pollutants that elevate health risks. Learn what types of particles are in kitchen pollutants and how air purifiers can remove them.

","Yes, air purifiers can remove both cooking smoke and kitchen odors, but not all air filtration systems can withstand both types of indoor pollutants. If kitchens are left untreated, cooking smoke and odors can cause long-term health risks, spreading to other parts of a home. And while formaldehyde remains the most common VOC found in homes (it’s source is mainly new furniture, building materials and combustion), cooking is the leading source of indoor air pollution, with the main pollutants being PM2.5 and NO2. Understanding the pollutants kitchen emissions carry, associated health risks, and effective filtration methods ensures clean air is maintained while dinner is served. What causes cooking smoke? Cooking smoke is a combination of various pollutants and chemical emissions released when preparing food, often derived from heated appliances, such as stoves and toasters. Without proper ventilation or air filtration, cooking smoke spreads throughout indoor spaces, sticking to common surfaces, such as walls and cabinet doors. Over time, these particles can continue to build up and compromise respiratory health. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 people worldwide use harmful cooking methods that put health at risk (1). Carrying multiple different chemicals and particles, cooking smoke can lead to harmful indoor air quality conditions. What is in cooking smoke? Cooking smoke is comprised of multiple different layers of pollutants that carry their own harmful effects, such as fine particulate matter, gaseous emissions, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cooking smoke produces PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants, particles measuring 2.5 microns or less and up to 10 microns, respectively. Between the gaseous chemicals released and ultrafine pollutants produced, specific particles include: Nitrogen Oxide Carbon Monoxide Formaldehyde Soot Smoke Benzene Long-term exposure to these particles can cause elevated health risks for lung cancer, respiratory complications, nasal irritation, and heart disease. Short-term symptoms can range from dizziness and confusion to chest pain and weakness. Alongside smoke exposure health risks, kitchen odors and smells can cause their own harmful effects as well. Most common causes of kitchen odor Kitchen odors are gaseous chemical emissions derived from various household sources, such as cleaning sprays, scented products, and open gas stove flames. Chemical pollutants are often mixed within scented or aerosol kitchen products that become airborne when sprayed and possibly ingested when eating. Kitchen odors can manifest through hidden sources as well, such as rotten food and sink drains, which produce mold spores that can persist. Kitchen odors and mold spores linger if left untreated, manifesting on common surfaces such as fabrics, furniture, and walls. Extreme cases of mold exposure can lead to elevated health risks and respiratory symptoms. Various kitchen practices could also increase the likelihood of harmful cooking smoke and odor particles as well. What contributes to cooking smoke and kitchen odor? Some households may produce more abundant cooking smoke and kitchen odor particles based on cooking practices and appliances utilized. For instance, gas stoves create harmful gaseous emissions and smoke that can become airborne or get exposed to food. A study published in 2023 found gas stoves to be accountable for 13% of childhood asthma cases (2). Aside from appliance emissions, cooking practices can also elevate pollutant particle levels. Overcooking food, burning fats and oils, stir-frying, and deep-frying can create abundant gaseous emissions and smoke (3). Unkept kitchens or spaces with a lack of ventilation may also encounter stronger kitchen odors. To combat abundant cooking smoke and kitchen odor particles—cooking methods, open ventilation, and multi-layer air filtration are key in minimizing pollutants. Clean air methods for kitchens and cooking spaces Eliminating both kitchen odors and cooking smoke is not easy, requiring multilayer air quality interventions alongside routine rituals and cleaning. Several interventions can help improve the air quality in the kitchen: Using an electric stove instead of a gas stove, as gas stoves produce significantly more air pollution than electric stovetops. Installing a high quality exhaust range hood. Exhaust hoods actually expel air out of the house, while most range hoods recirculate air throughout the house. It is best to upgrade your range hood to an exhaust hood. Open windows when there is active cooking and utilize kitchen exhaust fans to ventilate out smoke. Utilizing an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology and activated carbon is key—HyperHEPA filtration captures ultrafine particulate matter like cooking smoke, while activated carbon filters remove gaseous odor particles. Daily practices and awareness can help ensure kitchen pollutants are kept at a minimum, including: Cooking Methods: Avoid burning food and oils. Kitchen Maintenance: Routinely clean surfaces, install a multifilter air purifier, and utilize chemical-free and scent-free cleaning products. Appliance Awareness: Ensure appliances are turned off when not in use and install air quality monitors next to stovetops. Through mindful cooking methods and powerful multilayer filtration, comprehensively clean air in kitchens is achievable. Conclusion Source control such as upgrading to electric stovetops and high-quality exhaust range hoods can help reduce the amount of air pollution from cooking smoke and kitchen odors. Air purifiers can effectively remove kitchen odors and cooking smoke if the system utilizes multilayer HyperHEPA filtration and activated carbon. By employing multilayer air filtration, maximum pollutant protection is provided and all various types of airborne particles are captured. To ensure kitchen odors and smoke are eliminated at the source—clean cooking practices and electric stovetops can reduce pollutant exposure before it begins, keeping food and air quality safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are kitchen odors and cooking smoke harmful?Yes, if left untreated, kitchen odors and cooking smoke can linger indoors, sticking to common surfaces such as furniture, fabrics, and walls. Long-term exposure with these pollutants can lead to elevated health risks and respiratory complications, especially for sensitive groups, such as children and the elderly. How do I get rid of kitchen odors and cooking smoke?To eliminate both kitchen odors and cooking smoke, it is important to utilize an air purifier with multilayer activated carbon and HyperHEPA filtration. Activated carbon filters eliminate gaseous odor particles while HyperHEPA filtration removes ultrafine particulate matter, providing comprehensively clean air quality. Alongside air filtration, daily practices and clean cooking methods are key to limiting pollutant particles. Electric stoves, routine cleaning, and consistent ventilation can help minimize and protect against kitchen pollutants. What causes kitchen odors and cooking smoke?Kitchen odors and cooking smoke can be caused by and further elevated through several different variables. For cooking smoke, gas stoves are found to produce heightened levels of gaseous pollutants and smoke compared to electric burners. Food preparation methods such as overcooking or deep-frying ingredients can lead to an abundance of cooking smoke as well. For kitchen odors, lack of filtration and unclean spaces can elevate risks for mold production and lingering pollutants. To defend against kitchen odors, it is key to utilize chemical-free sanitization products and open windows during cooking hours to maximize ventilation. What is the difference between kitchen odors and cooking smoke?The main differences between kitchen odors and cooking smoke are the types of particles they release and origin sources. Cooking smoke is a combination of gaseous emissions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ultrafine particulate matter that is released during heated food preparation. On the other hand, kitchen odors do not necessarily depend on heat, releasing gaseous and chemical emissions through household cleaning products, sink drains, and molded food.","

Yes, air purifiers can remove both cooking smoke and kitchen odors, but not all air filtration systems can withstand both types of indoor pollutants. If kitchens are left untreated, cooking smoke and odors can cause long-term health risks, spreading to other parts of a home.

And while formaldehyde remains the most common VOC found in homes (it’s source is mainly new furniture, building materials and combustion), cooking is the leading source of indoor air pollution, with the main pollutants being PM2.5 and NO2. Understanding the pollutants kitchen emissions carry, associated health risks, and effective filtration methods ensures clean air is maintained while dinner is served.

What causes cooking smoke?

Cooking smoke is a combination of various pollutants and chemical emissions released when preparing food, often derived from heated appliances, such as stoves and toasters. Without proper ventilation or air filtration, cooking smoke spreads throughout indoor spaces, sticking to common surfaces, such as walls and cabinet doors. Over time, these particles can continue to build up and compromise respiratory health.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 people worldwide use harmful cooking methods that put health at risk (1). Carrying multiple different chemicals and particles, cooking smoke can lead to harmful indoor air quality conditions.

What is in cooking smoke?

Cooking smoke is comprised of multiple different layers of pollutants that carry their own harmful effects, such as fine particulate matter, gaseous emissions, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cooking smoke produces PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants, particles measuring 2.5 microns or less and up to 10 microns, respectively. Between the gaseous chemicals released and ultrafine pollutants produced, specific particles include:

Nitrogen Oxide
Carbon Monoxide
Formaldehyde
Soot
Smoke
Benzene

Long-term exposure to these particles can cause elevated health risks for lung cancer, respiratory complications, nasal irritation, and heart disease. Short-term symptoms can range from dizziness and confusion to chest pain and weakness. Alongside smoke exposure health risks, kitchen odors and smells can cause their own harmful effects as well.

Most common causes of kitchen odor

Kitchen odors are gaseous chemical emissions derived from various household sources, such as cleaning sprays, scented products, and open gas stove flames. Chemical pollutants are often mixed within scented or aerosol kitchen products that become airborne when sprayed and possibly ingested when eating. Kitchen odors can manifest through hidden sources as well, such as rotten food and sink drains, which produce mold spores that can persist.

Kitchen odors and mold spores linger if left untreated, manifesting on common surfaces such as fabrics, furniture, and walls. Extreme cases of mold exposure can lead to elevated health risks and respiratory symptoms. Various kitchen practices could also increase the likelihood of harmful cooking smoke and odor particles as well.

What contributes to cooking smoke and kitchen odor?

Some households may produce more abundant cooking smoke and kitchen odor particles based on cooking practices and appliances utilized. For instance, gas stoves create harmful gaseous emissions and smoke that can become airborne or get exposed to food. A study published in 2023 found gas stoves to be accountable for 13% of childhood asthma cases (2).

Aside from appliance emissions, cooking practices can also elevate pollutant particle levels. Overcooking food, burning fats and oils, stir-frying, and deep-frying can create abundant gaseous emissions and smoke (3). Unkept kitchens or spaces with a lack of ventilation may also encounter stronger kitchen odors.

To combat abundant cooking smoke and kitchen odor particles—cooking methods, open ventilation, and multi-layer air filtration are key in minimizing pollutants.

Clean air methods for kitchens and cooking spaces

Eliminating both kitchen odors and cooking smoke is not easy, requiring multilayer air quality interventions alongside routine rituals and cleaning. Several interventions can help improve the air quality in the kitchen:

Using an electric stove instead of a gas stove, as gas stoves produce significantly more air pollution than electric stovetops.
Installing a high quality exhaust range hood. Exhaust hoods actually expel air out of the house, while most range hoods recirculate air throughout the house. It is best to upgrade your range hood to an exhaust hood. Open windows when there is active cooking and utilize kitchen exhaust fans to ventilate out smoke.
Utilizing an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology and activated carbon is key—HyperHEPA filtration captures ultrafine particulate matter like cooking smoke, while activated carbon filters remove gaseous odor particles.
Daily practices and awareness can help ensure kitchen pollutants are kept at a minimum, including:\n
- Cooking Methods: Avoid burning food and oils.
- Kitchen Maintenance: Routinely clean surfaces, install a multifilter air purifier, and utilize chemical-free and scent-free cleaning products.
- Appliance Awareness: Ensure appliances are turned off when not in use and install air quality monitors next to stovetops.
\n

Through mindful cooking methods and powerful multilayer filtration, comprehensively clean air in kitchens is achievable.

Conclusion

Source control such as upgrading to electric stovetops and high-quality exhaust range hoods can help reduce the amount of air pollution from cooking smoke and kitchen odors. Air purifiers can effectively remove kitchen odors and cooking smoke if the system utilizes multilayer HyperHEPA filtration and activated carbon. By employing multilayer air filtration, maximum pollutant protection is provided and all various types of airborne particles are captured.

To ensure kitchen odors and smoke are eliminated at the source—clean cooking practices and electric stovetops can reduce pollutant exposure before it begins, keeping food and air quality safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are kitchen odors and cooking smoke harmful?
Yes, if left untreated, kitchen odors and cooking smoke can linger indoors, sticking to common surfaces such as furniture, fabrics, and walls. Long-term exposure with these pollutants can lead to elevated health risks and respiratory complications, especially for sensitive groups, such as children and the elderly.

How do I get rid of kitchen odors and cooking smoke?
To eliminate both kitchen odors and cooking smoke, it is important to utilize an air purifier with multilayer activated carbon and HyperHEPA filtration. Activated carbon filters eliminate gaseous odor particles while HyperHEPA filtration removes ultrafine particulate matter, providing comprehensively clean air quality.

Alongside air filtration, daily practices and clean cooking methods are key to limiting pollutant particles. Electric stoves, routine cleaning, and consistent ventilation can help minimize and protect against kitchen pollutants.

What causes kitchen odors and cooking smoke?
Kitchen odors and cooking smoke can be caused by and further elevated through several different variables.

For cooking smoke, gas stoves are found to produce heightened levels of gaseous pollutants and smoke compared to electric burners. Food preparation methods such as overcooking or deep-frying ingredients can lead to an abundance of cooking smoke as well.

For kitchen odors, lack of filtration and unclean spaces can elevate risks for mold production and lingering pollutants. To defend against kitchen odors, it is key to utilize chemical-free sanitization products and open windows during cooking hours to maximize ventilation.

What is the difference between kitchen odors and cooking smoke?
The main differences between kitchen odors and cooking smoke are the types of particles they release and origin sources.

Cooking smoke is a combination of gaseous emissions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ultrafine particulate matter that is released during heated food preparation. On the other hand, kitchen odors do not necessarily depend on heat, releasing gaseous and chemical emissions through household cleaning products, sink drains, and molded food.

","can-air-purifiers-remove-cooking-smoke-and-kitchen-odors","gid://shopify/Article/642027913294","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/can-air-purifiers-remove-cooking-smoke-and-kitchen-odors","2026-08-18T15:00:04Z",[194,335],"Can air purifiers remove cooking smoke and kitchen odors?",{"_66":349,"_80":350,"_82":351,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274697748558","Atem Earth in a kitchen","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_CanAirPurifiersRemoveCookingSmokeKitchenOdors_Desk_803f802d-2108-44c2-9d31-20de4ce87b08.jpg?v=1787072941","Air Quality News - Air Quality","description","","http://www.iqair.cn/cn-en/newsroom?cursor=eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2NDE5MDExOTk0MzgsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3ODcwNDAwMDAwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MTF9&direction=next&tag=Air+Quality","jsonLd",{"_358":359,"_360":361,"_92":352,"_353":354,"_82":355},"@context","https://schema.org","@type","Blog","Air Quality News",{"_75":-5,"_353":-5},"articles",{"_366":367,"_368":369},"nodes",[377,378,379,380,381,382,383,384,385,386,387,388],"pageInfo",{"_370":371,"_372":371,"_373":374,"_375":376},"hasPreviousPage",true,"hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2NDIwNDQ1OTIyMDYsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3ODYxMzQ2MzQwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MjN9","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2NDIxMDQ5NTA4NjIsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE3ODY5NDMzMDMwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MTJ9",{"_51":52,"_53":558,"_11":559,"_56":560,"_58":561,"_60":562,"_62":563,"_64":564,"_66":565,"_68":566,"_70":-5,"_71":567,"_73":568,"_75":569,"_77":570},{"_51":52,"_53":542,"_11":543,"_56":544,"_58":545,"_60":546,"_62":547,"_64":548,"_66":549,"_68":550,"_70":-5,"_71":551,"_73":552,"_75":553,"_77":554},{"_51":52,"_53":527,"_11":528,"_56":529,"_58":530,"_60":531,"_62":532,"_64":533,"_66":534,"_68":535,"_70":-5,"_71":536,"_73":537,"_75":538,"_77":539},{"_51":52,"_53":511,"_11":512,"_56":513,"_58":514,"_60":515,"_62":516,"_64":517,"_66":518,"_68":519,"_70":-5,"_71":520,"_73":521,"_75":522,"_77":523},{"_51":52,"_53":496,"_11":497,"_56":498,"_58":499,"_60":500,"_62":501,"_64":502,"_66":503,"_68":504,"_70":-5,"_71":505,"_73":506,"_75":507,"_77":508},{"_51":52,"_53":481,"_11":482,"_56":483,"_58":484,"_60":485,"_62":486,"_64":487,"_66":488,"_68":489,"_70":-5,"_71":490,"_73":491,"_75":492,"_77":493},{"_51":52,"_53":465,"_11":466,"_56":467,"_58":468,"_60":469,"_62":470,"_64":471,"_66":472,"_68":473,"_70":-5,"_71":474,"_73":475,"_75":476,"_77":477},{"_51":52,"_53":450,"_11":451,"_56":452,"_58":453,"_60":454,"_62":455,"_64":456,"_66":457,"_68":458,"_70":-5,"_71":459,"_73":460,"_75":461,"_77":462},{"_51":52,"_53":434,"_11":435,"_56":436,"_58":437,"_60":438,"_62":439,"_64":440,"_66":441,"_68":442,"_70":-5,"_71":443,"_73":444,"_75":445,"_77":446},{"_51":52,"_53":419,"_11":420,"_56":421,"_58":422,"_60":423,"_62":424,"_64":425,"_66":426,"_68":427,"_70":-5,"_71":428,"_73":429,"_75":430,"_77":431},{"_51":52,"_53":404,"_11":405,"_56":406,"_58":407,"_60":408,"_62":409,"_64":410,"_66":411,"_68":412,"_70":-5,"_71":413,"_73":414,"_75":415,"_77":416},{"_51":52,"_53":389,"_11":390,"_56":391,"_58":392,"_60":393,"_62":394,"_64":395,"_66":396,"_68":397,"_70":-5,"_71":398,"_73":399,"_75":400,"_77":401},{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Record-breaking heat is affecting residents across South Korea, increasing heat illness and wildfire risks. Find out more about the South Korea heatwave.","

Record-breaking heat is affecting residents across South Korea, increasing heat illness and wildfire risks. Find out more about the South Korea heatwave.

","Why is there a heatwave in South Korea? On August 7, 2026, the South Korea heatwave reached record-breaking temperatures, with mercury levels surpassing 40 degrees Celsius or about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Korean Meteorologists Association, the heatwave is due to “simultaneous influence from the North Pacific High and Tiberian high-pressure systems,” causing heat to become pressurized and trapped within South Korea (1). Researchers also believe the nearby Typhoon Dolphin could be influencing the heatwave and possibly worsen conditions. If Typhoon Dolphin moves towards eastern China, humidity levels could increase and worsen heatwave conditions; however, if the typhoon moves south, stronger winds could occur and bring temporary relief from the strong heat (2). Which cities or area are affected by the heatwave? Extreme heat associated with the ongoing heatwave is affecting several cities and regions across South Korea, including (3)(4): Busan Changwon Daegu Goryeong Gwanyang Gyeongju Incheon Seoul Yangsan Yeoju Yeongweol How long will the heatwave last? The heatwave is expected to ease slightly going into the weekend of August 8 to August 9, when temperatures are expected to drop to 35°C (95°F) (5). High temperatures are likely to remain during the summer months and throughout the western region of the country. Long-term relief would depend on the path of Typhoon Dolphin, which could bring increased winds and rainfall if the typhoon moves south. Scientists warn that human activity and excessive pollutant emissions could lead to more frequent heatwaves across the globe, with prolonged effects and increasingly intense temperatures. Are there any alerts in place? The Korea Meteorologists Association issued their first-ever heatwave warning to residents living in regions of Seoul and Gyeonggi on August 3, extending the warning to an all-capital alert by August 4 (6). Heatwave warnings were recently created in South Korea during 2026 as city officials noticed the extreme temperatures and rising medical cases. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered public agencies and organizations to mobilize all available resources to defend against the extreme heat, sending flying drones with loudspeakers and thermal imaging cameras to warn citizens working in rural farmlands and countrysides (7). President Lee also sought out widespread electrical reformation as demands for air conditioning units increased. Within urban city regions, sprinkler trucks have been deployed to busy streets to cool off locals, and multiple baseball games across the country were cancelled for public heat safety concerns. Residents are advised to continue monitoring new heatwave alerts, stay inside when possible, and seek shade and hydration while venturing outside.","

Why is there a heatwave in South Korea?

On August 7, 2026, the South Korea heatwave reached record-breaking temperatures, with mercury levels surpassing 40 degrees Celsius or about 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the Korean Meteorologists Association, the heatwave is due to “simultaneous influence from the North Pacific High and Tiberian high-pressure systems,” causing heat to become pressurized and trapped within South Korea (1).

Researchers also believe the nearby Typhoon Dolphin could be influencing the heatwave and possibly worsen conditions. If Typhoon Dolphin moves towards eastern China, humidity levels could increase and worsen heatwave conditions; however, if the typhoon moves south, stronger winds could occur and bring temporary relief from the strong heat (2).

Which cities or area are affected by the heatwave?

Extreme heat associated with the ongoing heatwave is affecting several cities and regions across South Korea, including (3)(4):

\n
Busan
\n
\n
\n Changwon \n
\n
\n
Daegu
\n
Goryeong
Gwanyang
Gyeongju
Incheon
\n
Seoul
\n
Yangsan
Yeoju
Yeongweol

How long will the heatwave last?

The heatwave is expected to ease slightly going into the weekend of August 8 to August 9, when temperatures are expected to drop to 35°C (95°F) (5). High temperatures are likely to remain during the summer months and throughout the western region of the country. Long-term relief would depend on the path of Typhoon Dolphin, which could bring increased winds and rainfall if the typhoon moves south.

Scientists warn that human activity and excessive pollutant emissions could lead to more frequent heatwaves across the globe, with prolonged effects and increasingly intense temperatures.

Are there any alerts in place?

The Korea Meteorologists Association issued their first-ever heatwave warning to residents living in regions of Seoul and Gyeonggi on August 3, extending the warning to an all-capital alert by August 4 (6). Heatwave warnings were recently created in South Korea during 2026 as city officials noticed the extreme temperatures and rising medical cases.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered public agencies and organizations to mobilize all available resources to defend against the extreme heat, sending flying drones with loudspeakers and thermal imaging cameras to warn citizens working in rural farmlands and countrysides (7). President Lee also sought out widespread electrical reformation as demands for air conditioning units increased.

Within urban city regions, sprinkler trucks have been deployed to busy streets to cool off locals, and multiple baseball games across the country were cancelled for public heat safety concerns.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring new heatwave alerts, stay inside when possible, and seek shade and hydration while venturing outside.

","heatwave-map-spotlight-south-korea","gid://shopify/Article/642044592206","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-south-korea","2026-08-07T20:30:34Z",[14,210],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Korea",{"_66":402,"_80":-5,"_82":403,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274546491470","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Heatwave1Desktop_033f4b7c-05eb-4aad-bb70-bedc807c3507.jpg?v=1786135058",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Get the latest updates on the Woodside Fire in California burning near Santa Rosa. Find out more about impacted areas, current containment status, evacuation orders, and road closures.","

Get the latest updates on the Woodside Fire in California burning near Santa Rosa. Find out more about impacted areas, current containment status, evacuation orders, and road closures.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? The Woodside Fire burned in Sonoma County, California, along Highway 1 on the Sonoma Coast near Salt Point State Park and Timber Cove (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the Woodside Fire? The areas affected by the Woodside Fire included: Ocean Cove Private Camp Salt Point State Park Steelwater Cove Regional Park Timber Cove Timber Cove subdivision Several regional cities also recorded severely degraded air quality, including: Cloverdale Healdsburg Santa Rosa Sebastopol Sonoma What is the current containment status of the Woodside Fire? The 151.5-acre Woodside Fire reached 100% containment on August 8, 2026 (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation orders and warnings for Zones 1D1 and 1D2 were lifted, allowing residents to return home. 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 August 8, 2026, the Woodside Fire was 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

The Woodside Fire burned in Sonoma County, California, along Highway 1 on the Sonoma Coast near Salt Point State Park and Timber Cove (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the Woodside Fire?

The areas affected by the Woodside Fire included:

Ocean Cove Private Camp
Salt Point State Park
Steelwater Cove Regional Park
Timber Cove
Timber Cove subdivision

Several regional cities also recorded severely degraded air quality, including:

What is the current containment status of the Woodside Fire?

The 151.5-acre Woodside Fire reached 100% containment on August 8, 2026 (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders and warnings for Zones 1D1 and 1D2 were lifted, allowing residents to return home.

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 August 8, 2026, the Woodside Fire was 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-woodside-fire-california","gid://shopify/Article/641985478734","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-woodside-fire-california","2026-08-08T18:37:42Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Woodside Fire, California",{"_66":417,"_80":-5,"_82":418,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274555371598","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_aa9f459c-66a6-4557-927a-3783d0fc35c4.jpg?v=1786214279",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Typhoon Dolphin brings heavy rain and flooding to eastern China, with over 1 million evacuated. Learn about affected areas, flood risks, evacuation alerts, and indoor air quality protection.","

Typhoon Dolphin brings heavy rain and flooding to eastern China, with over 1 million evacuated. Learn about affected areas, flood risks, evacuation alerts, and indoor air quality protection.

","What is the location of the flooding? As of August 9, 2026, Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China this year, made landfall in eastern China, triggering widespread flood watches and warnings across multiple provinces (1). Heavy rainfall is expected across central and northern regions through Wednesday, with risks of mountain torrents, flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging. Wind map of eastern China, as of August 10, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding? Flood watches and warnings have been issued for multiple cities and regions across eastern and central China (2): Eastern Regions: Fujian Province, Jiangsu Province, Shanghai, Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou, Taizhou, Wenzhou, Yuhuan) Central Regions: Anhui Province, Hubei Province (eastern), Hunan Province (eastern), Jiangxi Province Other Provinces at Risk: Chongqing, Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Sichuan, Yunnan What is the current containment status of the flooding? Flooding remains ongoing, with 250–500 mm of rainfall forecast in parts of Zhejiang. Emergency response has been raised to Level II, while ferry services have been suspended, vessels recalled to port, and more than 1,000 emergency shelters opened (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? China has issued its highest-level red typhoon alert, with more than 1 million people evacuated from affected areas. Schools, tourist attractions, and some transport services have also been suspended. Authorities advise residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid unnecessary travel, and move to designated shelters when instructed (4). How can I protect myself from mold after flooding? It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood. Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage. Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores. If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water. Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth. Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic. Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work. If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration. Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.","

What is the location of the flooding?

As of August 9, 2026, Typhoon Dolphin, the strongest tropical cyclone to hit China this year, made landfall in eastern China, triggering widespread flood watches and warnings across multiple provinces (1).

Heavy rainfall is expected across central and northern regions through Wednesday, with risks of mountain torrents, flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging.

$\"\"$ Wind map of eastern China, as of August 10, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Flood watches and warnings have been issued for multiple cities and regions across eastern and central China (2):

\nEastern Regions: Fujian Province, Jiangsu Province, Shanghai, Zhejiang Province (Hangzhou, Taizhou, Wenzhou, Yuhuan)
\nCentral Regions: Anhui Province, Hubei Province (eastern), Hunan Province (eastern), Jiangxi Province\n
\nOther Provinces at Risk: Chongqing, Guizhou, Hainan, Henan, Sichuan, Yunnan\n

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Flooding remains ongoing, with 250–500 mm of rainfall forecast in parts of Zhejiang. Emergency response has been raised to Level II, while ferry services have been suspended, vessels recalled to port, and more than 1,000 emergency shelters opened (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

China has issued its highest-level red typhoon alert, with more than 1 million people evacuated from affected areas. Schools, tourist attractions, and some transport services have also been suspended.

Authorities advise residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid unnecessary travel, and move to designated shelters when instructed (4).

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
\nRun a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

","indoor-air-quality-alert-typhoon-dolphin-flooding-in-china","gid://shopify/Article/642056486990","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-alert-typhoon-dolphin-flooding-in-china","2026-08-10T10:33:47Z",[14,210,249],"Indoor Air Quality Alert: Typhoon Dolphin Flooding in China",{"_66":432,"_80":-5,"_82":433,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274577719374","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/TyphoonDolphin_Desk_ef3c2c58-9a50-444c-8066-a2cabeaf08ef.jpg?v=1786372830",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Some of the biggest cities in the world are also the toughest cities for people with asthma. See what makes their air so dangerous. Learn more.","

Some of the biggest cities in the world are also the toughest cities for people with asthma. See what makes their air so dangerous. Learn more.

","More than 260 million people worldwide live with asthma, making it one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. For far too many people, poor air quality is an everyday health risk. For much of the world's population, clean air remains out of reach. According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report, only 14% of cities surveyed met the WHO's annual PM2.5 air quality guideline of 5 μg/m³. Exposure to air pollution triggers asthma attacks and may also increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in children. \"Exposure to air pollution triggers asthma attacks and may also increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in children.” Uncovering invisible air pollutants at their source is a key component in protecting human health. While air pollution is a global health concern, some cities are affected far more than others. Three major cities stand out for their combination of persistent air pollution, documented respiratory health impacts, and environmental conditions that can intensify asthma risks. 3. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city on Earth, and staying warm there is exactly what makes the air so dangerous. About 60% of the city’s 1.9 million residents live in ger districts, sprawling residential neighborhoods where a household can burn three to six tons of raw coal over a single winter to survive temperatures below -20°C (1). Winter temperature inversions then seal that smoke over the city like a lid, trapping it in a layer 500 to 800 meters deep (2). The resulting pollution levels are staggering. Cold-season PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar averages around 114 µg/m³, several times Mongolia’s own national standard (3). \"A ten-year study in Ulaanbaatar found that cold-season asthma admissions were 2.6 times higher than in the warm months.” Asthma follows the smoke. A ten-year study counted 8,283 asthma hospitalizations in Ulaanbaatar between 2008 and 2017 and found that cold-season admissions were 2.6 times higher than in the warm months. Every 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 raised the risk of an asthma admission by roughly 3 to 4%. Bronchial asthma is now more common in the capital than in Mongolia’s 21 provinces and rising every year (4). Children carry the heaviest burden. UNICEF found that children in a heavily polluted district of central Ulaanbaatar had 40% lower lung function than children living in rural Mongolia, and during the winter of 2024–2025 one senior pediatrician reported that admissions for respiratory illness had nearly doubled compared to the year before (5). 2. Delhi, India Delhi was the most polluted major city in the world in 2025, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 99.6 µg/m³. For the tens of millions of people who live there, the worst stretch arrives every winter, when PM2.5 climbs to roughly 200 µg/m³ and monitoring stations across the city log AQI readings above 400, deep into the hazardous range (6). Vehicles produce roughly two-thirds of Delhi’s pollution (7). Industry, construction dust, and landfill fires also contribute to poor air quality. Then every autumn, rice-stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana sends a wave of smoke over the city just as cooling air traps it near the ground (8). The health impacts become most visible during these pollution episodes. Government data presented to India's parliament recorded more than 204,000 respiratory emergencies at six major Delhi hospitals between 2022 and 2024, with over 30,000 patients requiring hospitalization (9). Respiratory admissions rise by 15 to 20% during severe pollution events, with children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) facing the greatest risks (10). Despite stricter vehicle standards, construction curbs, and seasonal controls, winter smog remains an annual crisis for India's capital (11). 1. Lahore, Pakistan Lahore sits about 400 kilometers northwest of Delhi and shares many of the same seasonal air pollution challenges. During winter, the two cities regularly alternate at the top of global pollution rankings. In 2025, Lahore was the second most polluted major city in the world, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 88.9 µg/m³ (12).Traffic congestion, industrial emissions, brick kilns, and crop residue burning in surrounding districts all contribute to the city's smog, while winter temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground for days at a time (13). For people living with asthma, the consequences are severe. A study of 500 Lahore residents found that asthma prevalence more than doubled during peak smog season, rising from 12.5% to 28.7%, while hospital admissions increased from 20 to 46 per 1,000 people. Doctors describe winter as a respiratory health emergency, with children among the hardest hit as severe coughing, wheezing, and asthma flare-ups become increasingly common. The burden falls most heavily on lower-income communities, where access to air purifiers, high-quality masks, and other protective measures is often limited (14). Where else is asthma a problem? Extreme pollution is not only a South and Central Asian story. IQAir's 2025 ranking data points to trouble spots for asthma sufferers in every region. North AmericaTlaxcalancingo and Saltillo, Mexico both recorded PM2.5 concentrations more than six times the WHO annual guideline in 2025, driven by Puebla's traditional brick kilns and Saltillo's heavy manufacturing. In the U.S., the three most polluted cities Cudahy, East Los Angeles, and Huntington Park all sit in southeast Los Angeles County, boxed in by freeway and port freight traffic, with air nearly three times the WHO safe limit. But pollution is only part of the asthma story: the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2025 Asthma Capitals report names Detroit the most challenging American city to live with asthma, followed by Rochester and Allentown, places where asthma prevalence, emergency visits, and deaths pile up alongside poverty and gaps in care (15). In Canada, a record wildfire season left the northern towns of Flin Flon and Pinehouse breathing air almost five times the safe limit, for Flin Flon, nearly triple its own levels the year before. EuropeThe continent's worst air in 2025 was in Iğdır, a city in eastern Turkey that has Ulaanbaatar's problem in miniature, a mountain-ringed valley where winter inversions trap smoke from coal heating, pushing pollution to roughly thirteen times the WHO limit. Similar conditions affect parts of the Balkans, with Sarajevo breathing air nearly six times the limit. AfricaN'Djamena, Chad and Kinshasa, DRC both exceeded the limit roughly tenfold, though the smoke comes from different sources: Saharan dust and biomass fuels in N'Djamena, charcoal production and slash-and-burn agriculture around Kinshasa. With relatively few air quality monitors across the continent, the true picture is likely even worse. OceaniaOceana was the world's cleanest region in 2025, though there are areas still impacted by poor air quality and in which asthma suffers must take note. Nelson and Collie, a New Zealand valley town and an Australian coal town respectively, topped the list at more than double the safe limit, driven largely by winter wood-burner smoke. What to do to prevent asthma flareups Although it's not always possible to avoid outdoor air pollution, people with asthma have options for reducing exposure and lowering the risk of flareups. Check the air before heading out: Pollution levels swing widely through the day, typically peaking during morning and evening traffic and on cold, still nights. Download a free air quality app to know when to move a workout indoors or reschedule errands. Keep outdoor air outside: Close windows and doors during peak pollution hours and run a high-performance air purifier indoors, especially in the bedroom. Wear a mask on bad days: A well-fitted KN95 mask filters out the fine particles that trigger attacks. Don’t exercise next to traffic: Pollutant concentrations are highest close to busy roads. Choose parks and side streets and skip outdoor workouts entirely when air quality is unhealthy. Keep your asthma action plan current: Refill medications before smog season begins, carry an reliever inhaler, and ask the doctor how to adjust treatment when air quality deteriorates. Add neighborhoods to the map: Community-run outdoor air quality monitors feed hyperlocal data into the same global platform used for this article. Become a data contributor. The takeaway Whether the source is coal smoke in Ulaanbaatar, traffic in Delhi, or crop burning around Lahore, the pattern is the same: pollution rises, and people with asthma are the first to feel it. The interventions that work begin with reliable air quality data and the public pressure it creates. For people with asthma, knowing what is in the air today means fewer surprises, flareups, and trips to the emergency room. Controlling air pollution at the source in the world’s biggest cities and maintaining a personal plan for poor air quality days can help manage poor air quality for asthma sufferers everywhere.","

More than 260 million people worldwide live with asthma, making it one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. For far too many people, poor air quality is an everyday health risk.

For much of the world's population, clean air remains out of reach. According to the 2025 World Air Quality Report, only 14% of cities surveyed met the WHO's annual PM2.5 air quality guideline of 5 μg/m³. Exposure to air pollution triggers asthma attacks and may also increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in children.

\"Exposure to air pollution triggers asthma attacks and may also increase the risk of developing asthma, particularly in children.”

Uncovering invisible air pollutants at their source is a key component in protecting human health. While air pollution is a global health concern, some cities are affected far more than others. Three major cities stand out for their combination of persistent air pollution, documented respiratory health impacts, and environmental conditions that can intensify asthma risks.

3. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city on Earth, and staying warm there is exactly what makes the air so dangerous. About 60% of the city’s 1.9 million residents live in ger districts, sprawling residential neighborhoods where a household can burn three to six tons of raw coal over a single winter to survive temperatures below -20°C (1).

Winter temperature inversions then seal that smoke over the city like a lid, trapping it in a layer 500 to 800 meters deep (2). The resulting pollution levels are staggering. Cold-season PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar averages around 114 µg/m³, several times Mongolia’s own national standard (3).

\"A ten-year study in Ulaanbaatar found that cold-season asthma admissions were 2.6 times higher than in the warm months.”

Asthma follows the smoke. A ten-year study counted 8,283 asthma hospitalizations in Ulaanbaatar between 2008 and 2017 and found that cold-season admissions were 2.6 times higher than in the warm months. Every 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5 raised the risk of an asthma admission by roughly 3 to 4%. Bronchial asthma is now more common in the capital than in Mongolia’s 21 provinces and rising every year (4).

Children carry the heaviest burden. UNICEF found that children in a heavily polluted district of central Ulaanbaatar had 40% lower lung function than children living in rural Mongolia, and during the winter of 2024–2025 one senior pediatrician reported that admissions for respiratory illness had nearly doubled compared to the year before (5).

2. Delhi, India

Delhi was the most polluted major city in the world in 2025, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 99.6 µg/m³. For the tens of millions of people who live there, the worst stretch arrives every winter, when PM2.5 climbs to roughly 200 µg/m³ and monitoring stations across the city log AQI readings above 400, deep into the hazardous range (6).

Vehicles produce roughly two-thirds of Delhi’s pollution (7). Industry, construction dust, and landfill fires also contribute to poor air quality. Then every autumn, rice-stubble burning in neighboring Punjab and Haryana sends a wave of smoke over the city just as cooling air traps it near the ground (8).

The health impacts become most visible during these pollution episodes. Government data presented to India's parliament recorded more than 204,000 respiratory emergencies at six major Delhi hospitals between 2022 and 2024, with over 30,000 patients requiring hospitalization (9). Respiratory admissions rise by 15 to 20% during severe pollution events, with children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) facing the greatest risks (10).

Despite stricter vehicle standards, construction curbs, and seasonal controls, winter smog remains an annual crisis for India's capital (11).

1. Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore sits about 400 kilometers northwest of Delhi and shares many of the same seasonal air pollution challenges. During winter, the two cities regularly alternate at the top of global pollution rankings.

In 2025, Lahore was the second most polluted major city in the world, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 88.9 µg/m³ (12).Traffic congestion, industrial emissions, brick kilns, and crop residue burning in surrounding districts all contribute to the city's smog, while winter temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground for days at a time (13).

For people living with asthma, the consequences are severe. A study of 500 Lahore residents found that asthma prevalence more than doubled during peak smog season, rising from 12.5% to 28.7%, while hospital admissions increased from 20 to 46 per 1,000 people. Doctors describe winter as a respiratory health emergency, with children among the hardest hit as severe coughing, wheezing, and asthma flare-ups become increasingly common. The burden falls most heavily on lower-income communities, where access to air purifiers, high-quality masks, and other protective measures is often limited (14).

Where else is asthma a problem?

Extreme pollution is not only a South and Central Asian story. IQAir's 2025 ranking data points to trouble spots for asthma sufferers in every region.

North America
Tlaxcalancingo and Saltillo, Mexico both recorded PM2.5 concentrations more than six times the WHO annual guideline in 2025, driven by Puebla's traditional brick kilns and Saltillo's heavy manufacturing.

In the U.S., the three most polluted cities Cudahy, East Los Angeles, and Huntington Park all sit in southeast Los Angeles County, boxed in by freeway and port freight traffic, with air nearly three times the WHO safe limit. But pollution is only part of the asthma story: the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2025 Asthma Capitals report names Detroit the most challenging American city to live with asthma, followed by Rochester and Allentown, places where asthma prevalence, emergency visits, and deaths pile up alongside poverty and gaps in care (15).

In Canada, a record wildfire season left the northern towns of Flin Flon and Pinehouse breathing air almost five times the safe limit, for Flin Flon, nearly triple its own levels the year before.

Europe
The continent's worst air in 2025 was in Iğdır, a city in eastern Turkey that has Ulaanbaatar's problem in miniature, a mountain-ringed valley where winter inversions trap smoke from coal heating, pushing pollution to roughly thirteen times the WHO limit.

Similar conditions affect parts of the Balkans, with Sarajevo breathing air nearly six times the limit.

Africa
N'Djamena, Chad and Kinshasa, DRC both exceeded the limit roughly tenfold, though the smoke comes from different sources: Saharan dust and biomass fuels in N'Djamena, charcoal production and slash-and-burn agriculture around Kinshasa. With relatively few air quality monitors across the continent, the true picture is likely even worse.

Oceania
Oceana was the world's cleanest region in 2025, though there are areas still impacted by poor air quality and in which asthma suffers must take note. Nelson and Collie, a New Zealand valley town and an Australian coal town respectively, topped the list at more than double the safe limit, driven largely by winter wood-burner smoke.

What to do to prevent asthma flareups

Although it's not always possible to avoid outdoor air pollution, people with asthma have options for reducing exposure and lowering the risk of flareups.

\nCheck the air before heading out: Pollution levels swing widely through the day, typically peaking during morning and evening traffic and on cold, still nights. Download a free air quality app to know when to move a workout indoors or reschedule errands.
\nKeep outdoor air outside: Close windows and doors during peak pollution hours and run a high-performance air purifier indoors, especially in the bedroom.
\nWear a mask on bad days: A well-fitted KN95 mask filters out the fine particles that trigger attacks.
\nDon’t exercise next to traffic: Pollutant concentrations are highest close to busy roads. Choose parks and side streets and skip outdoor workouts entirely when air quality is unhealthy.
\nKeep your asthma action plan current: Refill medications before smog season begins, carry an reliever inhaler, and ask the doctor how to adjust treatment when air quality deteriorates.
\nAdd neighborhoods to the map: Community-run outdoor air quality monitors feed hyperlocal data into the same global platform used for this article. Become a data contributor.
\n

The takeaway

Whether the source is coal smoke in Ulaanbaatar, traffic in Delhi, or crop burning around Lahore, the pattern is the same: pollution rises, and people with asthma are the first to feel it. The interventions that work begin with reliable air quality data and the public pressure it creates.

For people with asthma, knowing what is in the air today means fewer surprises, flareups, and trips to the emergency room. Controlling air pollution at the source in the world’s biggest cities and maintaining a personal plan for poor air quality days can help manage poor air quality for asthma sufferers everywhere.

","top-three-worst-cities-for-asthmatics","gid://shopify/Article/641940422734","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/top-three-worst-cities-for-asthmatics","2026-08-10T15:00:01Z",[14,449,335,162],"Top three worst cities for asthmatics",{"_66":447,"_80":-5,"_82":448,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274578014286","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_Top3CitiesAsthma_Desk_649a7b0f-abea-4535-b837-ae05e8d5c65a.jpg?v=1786375413","Allergies and Asthma",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"A severe heatwave is affecting South Asia, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) across the region. Learn more about ongoing heat risks and alerts.","

A severe heatwave is affecting South Asia, 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? Since April 2026, South Asia has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface (1). Temperatures across much of the region have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit). 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 countries are affected by the heatwave? Extreme heat and heat stress are affecting several countries across South Asia, including: Afghanistan Bangladesh India Pakistan 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 (2). Monsoon rainfall can provide temporary relief, but high temperatures and humidity may continue to produce significant heat stress between periods of rainfall. Are there any alerts in place? Multiple heat alerts remain active across South Asia. National meteorological agencies issue heatwave warnings and advisories as dangerous conditions develop, with alert levels varying by country and region. 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?

Since April 2026, South Asia has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface (1).

Temperatures across much of the region have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit).

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 countries are affected by the heatwave?

Extreme heat and heat stress are affecting several countries across South Asia, including:

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 (2).

Monsoon rainfall can provide temporary relief, but high temperatures and humidity may continue to produce significant heat stress between periods of rainfall.

Are there any alerts in place?

Multiple heat alerts remain active across South Asia. National meteorological agencies issue heatwave warnings and advisories as dangerous conditions develop, with alert levels varying by country and region.

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","2026-08-11T11:17:15Z",[14,210],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Asia",{"_66":463,"_80":-5,"_82":464,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274593251406","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_93d34a75-12bc-4244-b28c-32da406a872f.jpg?v=1786447057",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the transboundary haze alert affecting Kuching, Malaysia, and the wider Sarawak region.","

Find out more about the transboundary haze alert affecting Kuching, Malaysia, and the wider Sarawak region.

","Is the air quality good in Southeast Asia? On August 11, 2026, air quality is poor across western Sarawak, Indonesian Borneo and parts of Sumatra, in part due to forest fire smoke and peatland burning. Kuching, Malaysia on Borneo Island was the most polluted major city in the world at 12:00 AM (local time), with AQI of 171, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range. These conditions can affect everyone, with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions facing greater risks. For a more detailed look, see Kuching's air quality map. Southeast Asia accounts for six of the 30 most polluted major cities in the world this morning, with Kuala Lumpur 3rd, Jakarta 6th, Medan 14th, Singapore 20th, and Hanoi 25th. Major cities ranking list showing Kuching, Malaysia as the most polluted city. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Kuching? Air quality is forecasted to improve into the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range by tomorrow. Hourly air quality forecast for Kuching, Malaysia, on August 11, 2026. Source: IQAir. Dry weather will continue across much of Southeast Asia over the next few days, so fires and haze may persist. Winds from the southeast or south may continue carrying smoke from West Kalimantan into western Sarawak (1). Indonesian authorities are working to control the fires using 43 helicopters and 15 fixed-wing aircraft. They are also using cloud seeding to encourage rainfall, but a lack of suitable rain clouds is slowing these efforts (2). Air quality map of Southeast Asia, on August 11, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kuching? Kuching’s poor air quality is primarily caused by transboundary smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia. Prevailing southeasterly and southerly winds are carrying this smoke northward into western Sarawak (3). These fires are burning during a longer and more severe dry season intensified by El Niño. According to Forestry Ministry data, fires affected 107,465 hectares between January and June 2026, representing a 110% increase compared with the same period in 2023 (4). El Niño and dry weather do not directly start fires. Instead, they dry vegetation and peatlands, allowing fires to ignite more easily and spread further (5). Indonesian officials say most fires result from deliberate or accidental human activity, including peatland burning, land clearing, and campfires (6). Limited rainfall makes the fires more difficult to control and allows fine particulate pollution to accumulate over affected communities. Peatland fires are particularly concerning because they can smolder for long periods and release persistent smoke containing PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs (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 Southeast Asia?

On August 11, 2026, air quality is poor across western Sarawak, Indonesian Borneo and parts of Sumatra, in part due to forest fire smoke and peatland burning.

Kuching, Malaysia on Borneo Island was the most polluted major city in the world at 12:00 AM (local time), with AQI of 171, which falls within the \"unhealthy\" range.

These conditions can affect everyone, with children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions facing greater risks.

For a more detailed look, see Kuching's air quality map.

Southeast Asia accounts for six of the 30 most polluted major cities in the world this morning, with Kuala Lumpur 3rd, Jakarta 6th, Medan 14th, Singapore 20th, and Hanoi 25th.

$\"\"$ Major cities ranking list showing Kuching, Malaysia as the most polluted city. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Kuching?

Air quality is forecasted to improve into the \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" range by tomorrow.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kuching, Malaysia, on August 11, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Dry weather will continue across much of Southeast Asia over the next few days, so fires and haze may persist. Winds from the southeast or south may continue carrying smoke from West Kalimantan into western Sarawak (1).

Indonesian authorities are working to control the fires using 43 helicopters and 15 fixed-wing aircraft. They are also using cloud seeding to encourage rainfall, but a lack of suitable rain clouds is slowing these efforts (2).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Southeast Asia, on August 11, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kuching?

Kuching’s poor air quality is primarily caused by transboundary smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia. Prevailing southeasterly and southerly winds are carrying this smoke northward into western Sarawak (3).

These fires are burning during a longer and more severe dry season intensified by El Niño. According to Forestry Ministry data, fires affected 107,465 hectares between January and June 2026, representing a 110% increase compared with the same period in 2023 (4).

El Niño and dry weather do not directly start fires. Instead, they dry vegetation and peatlands, allowing fires to ignite more easily and spread further (5). Indonesian officials say most fires result from deliberate or accidental human activity, including peatland burning, land clearing, and campfires (6).

Limited rainfall makes the fires more difficult to control and allows fine particulate pollution to accumulate over affected communities. Peatland fires are particularly concerning because they can smolder for long periods and release persistent smoke containing PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs (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.

","transboundary-air-quality-alert-kuching-malaysia-most-polluted-major-city","gid://shopify/Article/642067628110","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/transboundary-air-quality-alert-kuching-malaysia-most-polluted-major-city","2026-08-11T16:55:16Z",[14,210],"Transboundary Air Quality Alert: Kuching, Malaysia most polluted major city",{"_66":478,"_80":479,"_82":480,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274598559822","Polluted skies.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SEAsia_CityPollution_Desk_e2740b45-97b6-4ba7-87b7-8108519f36b9.jpg?v=1786472372",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Central Chile is experiencing elevated air pollution levels. Learn more about affected cities, underlying causes, and the expected outlook.","

Central Chile is experiencing elevated air pollution levels. Learn more about affected cities, underlying causes, and the expected outlook.

","Is the air quality good in Chile? As of August 12, 2026, air quality in central Chile remains poor, with major cities experiencing \"unhealthy\" to \"very unhealthy\" levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 12:00 AM (Chile Standard Time, GMT-4), some urban centers recorded AQI readings ranging from 100 to 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, wear masks outdoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions fluctuate throughout the day, central Chile regularly experiences seasonal pollution episodes during the colder months. Studies conducted in Santiago and Temuco have confirmed that for every 50 µg/m³ increase in PM10 levels in 24 hours, there is an average increase of about 3% in general mortality, with increases in PM10 also associated with higher respiratory and cardiovascular mortality (1). Air quality map of central Chile at 12:00 AM (local time) on August 12, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Chile? As of August 12, 2026, several cities in central Chile are experiencing degraded air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Coyhaique Loncoche Los Ángeles Osorno Rancagua Santiago Talca For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels across the region, see Chile's air quality map. When will the air quality improve in Chile? Research shows PM2.5 increases from April through July, then begins to decrease in September and October as spring arrives and atmospheric conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersal. Mean PM2.5 levels during the cold season from April through September are more than twice as high as those in the warm season from October through March. In the near term, isolated rainfall or stronger winds may offer brief relief (2). Lasting improvement depends on consistent enforcement of restrictions on wood burning and vehicle emissions during pollution alert episodes. What is causing poor air quality in Chile? Firewood produces as much as 94% of fine particulate matter emissions in some Chilean cities according to the Ministry of Environment, with two million homes heated using solid biofuels nationwide, and the firewood market generating an estimated 800 million dollars annually (3). Firewood smoke from residential heating is responsible for more than 90% of PM2.5 emissions in cities located between the O'Higgins and Aysén regions, where indiscriminate use of firewood for heating is the primary driver of seasonal air quality crises (4). In Santiago, the situation is compounded by the city's position between the Andes and the Cordillera de la Costa, which creates a pocket where stagnant air accumulates and disperses slowly, while vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel power generation, and construction dust add a persistent pollution base throughout the year. 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 Chile?

As of August 12, 2026, air quality in central Chile remains poor, with major cities experiencing \"unhealthy\" to \"very unhealthy\" levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 12:00 AM (Chile Standard Time, GMT-4), some urban centers recorded AQI readings ranging from 100 to 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, wear masks outdoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions fluctuate throughout the day, central Chile regularly experiences seasonal pollution episodes during the colder months. Studies conducted in Santiago and Temuco have confirmed that for every 50 µg/m³ increase in PM10 levels in 24 hours, there is an average increase of about 3% in general mortality, with increases in PM10 also associated with higher respiratory and cardiovascular mortality (1).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of central Chile at 12:00 AM (local time) on August 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Chile?

As of August 12, 2026, several cities in central Chile are experiencing degraded air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels across the region, see Chile's air quality map.

When will the air quality improve in Chile?

Research shows PM2.5 increases from April through July, then begins to decrease in September and October as spring arrives and atmospheric conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersal.

Mean PM2.5 levels during the cold season from April through September are more than twice as high as those in the warm season from October through March. In the near term, isolated rainfall or stronger winds may offer brief relief (2).

Lasting improvement depends on consistent enforcement of restrictions on wood burning and vehicle emissions during pollution alert episodes.

What is causing poor air quality in Chile?

Firewood produces as much as 94% of fine particulate matter emissions in some Chilean cities according to the Ministry of Environment, with two million homes heated using solid biofuels nationwide, and the firewood market generating an estimated 800 million dollars annually (3).

Firewood smoke from residential heating is responsible for more than 90% of PM2.5 emissions in cities located between the O'Higgins and Aysén regions, where indiscriminate use of firewood for heating is the primary driver of seasonal air quality crises (4).

In Santiago, the situation is compounded by the city's position between the Andes and the Cordillera de la Costa, which creates a pocket where stagnant air accumulates and disperses slowly, while vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel power generation, and construction dust add a persistent pollution base throughout the year.

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.

","chile-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/641694269518","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/chile-air-quality-alert","2026-08-12T04:42:11Z",[14,210],"Chile Air Quality Alert",{"_66":494,"_80":-5,"_82":495,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274606391374","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Chile_SmokySky_Desk_e501449d-ffd6-4b8c-b9bf-8d379d422e40.jpg?v=1786509754",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Successive heatwaves continue to affect Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Learn more about the ongoing heat and safety measures.","

Successive heatwaves continue to affect Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Learn more about the ongoing heat and safety measures.

","Why is there a heatwave in Europe? Since late May 2026, Europe has experienced several severe heatwaves, with intense heat affecting different regions. Persistent high-pressure systems have created heat domes that trap hot air from North Africa, resulting in clear skies, limited rainfall, and prolonged extreme temperatures. Climate change is contributing to the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme heat in Europe, which is warming faster than any other continent (1). Which countries are affected by the heatwave? The current heatwave is primarily affecting Southern Europe (2). Countries currently experiencing extreme heat include: Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia France Greece Italy Montenegro North Macedonia Portugal Spain Turkey Additional areas may be affected as further heatwave phases develop. How long will the heatwave last? Temperatures in the hottest areas are exceeding 40°C (104°F). Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of Europe through August, with successive heat phases affecting different regions (3). Prolonged heat is worsening drought conditions and increasing wildfire risk across affected areas. Are there any alerts in place? National meteorological agencies continue to issue heat warnings as conditions develop, with alert levels varying by country and region (4). Authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned or cool environments, and checking on vulnerable people. Residents should follow local weather services and health authorities for the latest heat warnings and safety guidance.","

Why is there a heatwave in Europe?

Since late May 2026, Europe has experienced several severe heatwaves, with intense heat affecting different regions.

Persistent high-pressure systems have created heat domes that trap hot air from North Africa, resulting in clear skies, limited rainfall, and prolonged extreme temperatures.

Climate change is contributing to the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme heat in Europe, which is warming faster than any other continent (1).

Which countries are affected by the heatwave?

The current heatwave is primarily affecting Southern Europe (2). Countries currently experiencing extreme heat include:

Additional areas may be affected as further heatwave phases develop.

How long will the heatwave last?

Temperatures in the hottest areas are exceeding 40°C (104°F). Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in parts of Europe through August, with successive heat phases affecting different regions (3).

Prolonged heat is worsening drought conditions and increasing wildfire risk across affected areas.

Are there any alerts in place?

National meteorological agencies continue to issue heat warnings as conditions develop, with alert levels varying by country and region (4).

Authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity during peak heat, staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned or cool environments, and checking on vulnerable people.

Residents should follow local weather services and health authorities for the latest heat warnings and safety guidance.

","heatwave-map-spotlight-europe","gid://shopify/Article/641777467470","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-europe","2026-08-12T06:53:03Z",[14,210],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: Europe",{"_66":509,"_80":-5,"_82":510,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274608291918","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SEurope_Heatwave_D_22fae7d3-bd86-418b-8519-3a6453fc61d8.jpg?v=1786517605",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the Snyder, Babylon, Ferris, and Gold Mountain wildfires currently burning across Colorado and Utah, including affected communities and emergency updates.","

Find out more about the Snyder, Babylon, Ferris, and Gold Mountain wildfires currently burning across Colorado and Utah, including affected communities and emergency updates.

","What are the names and locations of the wildfires? As of August 13, 2026, major wildfires across Colorado and Utah have burned more than 235,000 acres combined. Three of the four major fires are now fully contained, while the Gold Mountain Fire remains active, with firefighting operations ongoing. The Snyder Fire burned on Snyder Mesa in Mesa and Grand counties, Colorado, near the Utah border and the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (1). The Babylon Fire is burning in the San Juan County portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Blanding and Bears Ears National Monument, prompting closures in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District (2). The Ferris Fire is burning across Montezuma and Dolores counties after merging with the Doe Canyon Fire, threatening rural communities and recreation areas (3). The Gold Mountain Fire is burning in southwest Colorado, originating just two miles north of the City of Ouray near County Road 14. The wildfire has expanded across the Uncompahgre National Forest, burning actively through the Cimarron Ridge, Owl Creek Pass, and Silver Jack Reservoir areas across Ouray, Gunnison, Montrose, and Hinsdale counties (4). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The following cities and areas are affected by the wildfires across Colorado and Utah: Snyder Fire: Fruita, Glade Park, Grand Junction, Loma, Snyder Mesa, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Pollock Canyon Estates, and nearby areas along the Colorado River corridor. Babylon Fire: Babylon Pasture, Bears Ears National Monument, Blanding, Monticello, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Canyonlands National Park, and surrounding areas. Ferris Fire: Dolores, Lone Mesa State Park, McPhee Dam, Bradfield Campground, Glade Ranch Subdivision, and nearby communities in Montezuma County. Gold Mountain Fire: Ouray, Ridgway, Panoramic Heights, Black Lake, Cow Creek, Whispering Pines, and nearby mountain communities. What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of August 13, 2026, containment status varies across the affected fires: Snyder Fire: 28,264 acres burned; 100% contained as of July 18. Babylon Fire: 107,189 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 12. Ferris Fire: 64,881 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 6. Gold Mountain Fire: 39,674 acres burned; 87% contained, with structure protection and suppression operations ongoing. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders and warnings associated with the Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire were lifted by July 1, July 17, and August 6, respectively, following improved fire conditions. On August 6, evacuation status for the Gold Mountain Fire was further downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1 in Gunnison County as fire conditions continued to improve. 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 August 13, 2026, the Gold Mountain Fire is 87% contained. The Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire are 100% contained, having reached full containment on July 18, August 12, and August 6, respectively.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of August 13, 2026, major wildfires across Colorado and Utah have burned more than 235,000 acres combined. Three of the four major fires are now fully contained, while the Gold Mountain Fire remains active, with firefighting operations ongoing.

The Snyder Fire burned on Snyder Mesa in Mesa and Grand counties, Colorado, near the Utah border and the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (1).

The Babylon Fire is burning in the San Juan County portion of the Manti-La Sal National Forest near Blanding and Bears Ears National Monument, prompting closures in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District (2).

The Ferris Fire is burning across Montezuma and Dolores counties after merging with the Doe Canyon Fire, threatening rural communities and recreation areas (3).

The Gold Mountain Fire is burning in southwest Colorado, originating just two miles north of the City of Ouray near County Road 14. The wildfire has expanded across the Uncompahgre National Forest, burning actively through the Cimarron Ridge, Owl Creek Pass, and Silver Jack Reservoir areas across Ouray, Gunnison, Montrose, and Hinsdale counties (4).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The following cities and areas are affected by the wildfires across Colorado and Utah:

\nSnyder Fire: Fruita, Glade Park, Grand Junction, Loma, Snyder Mesa, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Pollock Canyon Estates, and nearby areas along the Colorado River corridor.
\nBabylon Fire: Babylon Pasture, Bears Ears National Monument, Blanding, Monticello, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Canyonlands National Park, and surrounding areas.
\nFerris Fire: Dolores, Lone Mesa State Park, McPhee Dam, Bradfield Campground, Glade Ranch Subdivision, and nearby communities in Montezuma County.
\nGold Mountain Fire: Ouray, Ridgway, Panoramic Heights, Black Lake, Cow Creek, Whispering Pines, and nearby mountain communities.

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of August 13, 2026, containment status varies across the affected fires:

\nSnyder Fire: 28,264 acres burned; 100% contained as of July 18.
\n
\nBabylon Fire: 107,189 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 12.
\n
\nFerris Fire: 64,881 acres burned; 100% contained as of August 6.
\n
\nGold Mountain Fire: 39,674 acres burned; 87% contained, with structure protection and suppression operations ongoing.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders and warnings associated with the Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire were lifted by July 1, July 17, and August 6, respectively, following improved fire conditions.

On August 6, evacuation status for the Gold Mountain Fire was further downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1 in Gunnison County as fire conditions continued to improve.

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 August 13, 2026, the Gold Mountain Fire is 87% contained. The Snyder Fire, Babylon Fire, and Ferris Fire are 100% contained, having reached full containment on July 18, August 12, and August 6, respectively.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-snyder-babylon-ferris-and-gold-mountain-wildfires-in-colorado-and-utah","gid://shopify/Article/641808498766","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-snyder-babylon-ferris-and-gold-mountain-wildfires-in-colorado-and-utah","2026-08-13T12:32:20Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Snyder, Babylon, Ferris, and Gold Mountain Fires in Colorado and Utah",{"_66":524,"_80":525,"_82":526,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274631000142","Huge wildfire","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire1Desktop_c38d6815-ff2f-4e97-8da9-15f0f0e4cae2.jpg?v=1786624344",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"A wave of wildfires is sweeping across southern Europe, forcing mass evacuations and burning thousands of hectares. Learn more about impacted areas, evacuations, and firefighting efforts.","

A wave of wildfires is sweeping across southern Europe, forcing mass evacuations and burning thousands of hectares. Learn more about impacted areas, evacuations, and firefighting efforts.

","Where are the wildfires located? Since early July 2026, Mediterranean Europe has experienced an active wildfire season, with new fires continuing to ignite as others are contained. Collectively, the blazes have scorched thousands of hectares, causing widespread damage and impacting air quality across affected regions (1). The fires follow a record-breaking summer heatwave, with extreme heat and dry conditions continuing into August. European authorities have warned that elevated wildfire danger could persist through August. Which countries are affected by the wildfires? The following countries have remained affected by active wildfires since early July: France Greece Italy Portugal Spain Since August 10, wildfire activity has intensified in southeast Europe, with extreme dry conditions fueling new fires (2). What is the current containment status of the wildfires? Containment status varies across the affected countries. While some major wildfires have been contained, firefighters continue to battle active blazes in several regions. Thousands of personnel, hundreds of vehicles, and firefighting aircraft have been deployed throughout the wildfire season to protect communities and limit further spread. Hot conditions continue to increase wildfire risk and may complicate containment efforts where fires remain active (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in several affected countries throughout the wildfire season, with many residents and tourists temporarily evacuated from communities threatened by active fires (4). Many evacuation orders have since been lifted as conditions improved, while others remain in place where fires continue to pose a risk. Authorities continue to urge the public to follow official safety guidance, heed evacuation instructions where issued, and avoid activities that could ignite new wildfires. 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.","

Where are the wildfires located?

Since early July 2026, Mediterranean Europe has experienced an active wildfire season, with new fires continuing to ignite as others are contained. Collectively, the blazes have scorched thousands of hectares, causing widespread damage and impacting air quality across affected regions (1).

The fires follow a record-breaking summer heatwave, with extreme heat and dry conditions continuing into August. European authorities have warned that elevated wildfire danger could persist through August.

Which countries are affected by the wildfires?

The following countries have remained affected by active wildfires since early July:

France
Greece
Italy
Portugal
Spain

Since August 10, wildfire activity has intensified in southeast Europe, with extreme dry conditions fueling new fires (2).

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

Containment status varies across the affected countries. While some major wildfires have been contained, firefighters continue to battle active blazes in several regions.

Thousands of personnel, hundreds of vehicles, and firefighting aircraft have been deployed throughout the wildfire season to protect communities and limit further spread.

Hot conditions continue to increase wildfire risk and may complicate containment efforts where fires remain active (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders and alerts have been issued in several affected countries throughout the wildfire season, with many residents and tourists temporarily evacuated from communities threatened by active fires (4).

Many evacuation orders have since been lifted as conditions improved, while others remain in place where fires continue to pose a risk.

Authorities continue to urge the public to follow official safety guidance, heed evacuation instructions where issued, and avoid activities that could ignite new wildfires.

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

","wildfire-map-spotlight-southern-europe-wildfires","gid://shopify/Article/641836777550","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-southern-europe-wildfires","2026-08-14T12:44:11Z",[14,210,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Southern Europe Wildfires",{"_66":540,"_80":-5,"_82":541,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274645090382","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/CityMountainFire1Desktop_213e747a-2a48-4b47-8502-96859be5352c.jpg?v=1786711455",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about the historic Indiana flooding.","

Find out more about the historic Indiana flooding.

","What is the location of the flooding? As of August 16, 2026, historic flooding is affecting central, eastern, and southeastern Indiana following several days of storms that began on August 11. The South Central Indiana Flooding event covers areas within Marion, Madison, Delaware, Shelby, Fayette, Franklin, and Dearborn counties (1). Flooding is concentrated along the White River, Mississinewa River, Big Blue River, Whitewater River, West Fork of the Whitewater River, East Fork White River, Driftwood River, Flatrock River, and portions of the Wabash River (2). At least six people have died across Indiana, while flooding along the White River has caused extensive damage and evacuations in Indianapolis and surrounding communities (3). Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding? The affected cities, towns, and locations include: Dearborn County, Indiana West Harrison Delaware County, Indiana Albany Ball State University, Muncie Daleville Eaton Gaston Muncie Prairie Creek Reservoir Selma Yorktown Fayette County, Indiana Alpine Connersville East Connersville neighborhoods Neuman Lake Road area Nulltown Ott Road area Park Road area, Connersville Robinson's Whitewater Campground Shelton's Plat Waterloo Road area Franklin County, Indiana Brookville Cedar Grove Laurel Metamora New Trenton Stavetown Hamilton County, Indiana Noblesville Madison County, Indiana Anderson Chesterfield Marion County, Indiana Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Hi-Acre neighborhood, Indianapolis Indianapolis Indy Lakes Campground, Indianapolis Ravenswood, Indianapolis River Road Apartments, Indianapolis Rocky Ripple Southport Road area, Indianapolis Sunshine Gardens, Indianapolis Wicker Road and Tibbs Avenue area, Indianapolis Shelby County, Indiana Johnson's Camp, Shelbyville Lee's Camp, Shelbyville Shelbyville Walnut Grove, Shelbyville Tipton County, Indiana Senior mobile home community north of Indianapolis Hamilton County, Ohio Harrison Emergency officials reported serious flooding in Muncie and warned that nearby communities along the White River and Mississinewa River could also be affected. Flooding and flood warnings extended from Laurel and Brookville to West Harrison and Harrison, Ohio, along the Whitewater River system (4). What is the current containment status of the flooding? As of August 16, 2026, flooding remains ongoing, although water levels have begun receding in several communities. The White River peaked in Indianapolis early Sunday, and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works began reopening some flood gates while continuing to inspect levees, gates, and other flood-control infrastructure (5). Flooding continued along the White River in Anderson, where the river reached a record level of approximately 24.9 feet. Flooding was also expected to continue along the Wabash River and East Fork White River (6). Crews are clearing debris, inspecting damaged roads and bridges, conducting rescues, and monitoring flood-control systems. Shelters remain available, and additional rainfall could slow recovery or cause renewed flooding in already affected areas (7). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation orders, warnings, and travel restrictions have been issued across several affected communities: Marion County: Residents of affected River Road Apartments buildings were urged to evacuate immediately because erosion and the washout of River Road created a risk of structural failure. Residents of Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood were also strongly advised to evacuate (8). Madison County: Previous evacuation orders in Anderson were lifted for properties where floodwaters had receded. Residents were advised not to return until floodwaters had receded from their properties (9). Muncie: A Level 3 Go evacuation order covered the area from Madison Street east to Hackley Street and from Memorial Drive south to 18th Street. Shelbyville: Residents of Lee's Camp, Johnson's Camp, and Walnut Grove were placed under a Level 2 Set evacuation warning and strongly encouraged to leave before access roads flooded. Fayette County: Residents in flood-prone portions of Connersville, East Connersville, Nulltown, Alpine, and nearby areas along the Whitewater River were told to evacuate. An Orange travel watch limited travel to essential trips. Franklin County: Flood warnings covered Laurel, Metamora, Brookville, Cedar Grove, New Trenton, and other low-lying communities near the Whitewater River system. Officials previously reported more than 350 evacuations in Delaware County, while a senior mobile home community in Tipton County was also evacuated (10). Reported emergency shelter locations include: 44 Banquet Hall, 100 N. Main St., Glenwood Bam Fitness, 832 N. Eastern Ave., Connersville Connersville High School, 1100 Spartan Dr., Connersville Crosspointe Biker Church, 1130 Baseline Rd., Connersville Expo Hall, 2691 N. Park Rd., Connersville Grace Baptist Church, 6401 W. River Rd., Muncie Laurel Community Center, 218 N. Clay St., Laurel Metamora Community Center, 19162 US-52, Metamora Noble Center, 2406 N. Tibbs Ave., Indianapolis Schilling Center, 900 Mill St., Brookville Washington Township Adult Center, 8401 Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis How can I protect myself from mold after flooding? It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood. Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage. Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores. If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water. Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth. Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic. Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas. Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work. If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration. Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.","

What is the location of the flooding?

As of August 16, 2026, historic flooding is affecting central, eastern, and southeastern Indiana following several days of storms that began on August 11.

The South Central Indiana Flooding event covers areas within Marion, Madison, Delaware, Shelby, Fayette, Franklin, and Dearborn counties (1).

Flooding is concentrated along the White River, Mississinewa River, Big Blue River, Whitewater River, West Fork of the Whitewater River, East Fork White River, Driftwood River, Flatrock River, and portions of the Wabash River (2).

At least six people have died across Indiana, while flooding along the White River has caused extensive damage and evacuations in Indianapolis and surrounding communities (3).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The affected cities, towns, and locations include:

Dearborn County, Indiana

West Harrison

Delaware County, Indiana

\nAlbany
\n
Ball State University, Muncie
\n
\nDaleville
\n
\nEaton
\n
Gaston
\nMuncie
\n
Prairie Creek Reservoir
Selma
\nYorktown
\n

Fayette County, Indiana

Alpine
\nConnersville
\n
East Connersville neighborhoods
Neuman Lake Road area
Nulltown
Ott Road area
Park Road area, Connersville
\n
Robinson's Whitewater Campground
Shelton's Plat
Waterloo Road area

Franklin County, Indiana

\nBrookville
\n
Cedar Grove
Laurel
Metamora
New Trenton
Stavetown

Hamilton County, Indiana

\nNoblesville
\n

Madison County, Indiana

\nAnderson
\n
\nChesterfield
\n

Marion County, Indiana

Broad Ripple, Indianapolis
Hi-Acre neighborhood, Indianapolis
\nIndianapolis
\n
Indy Lakes Campground, Indianapolis
Ravenswood, Indianapolis
River Road Apartments, Indianapolis
Rocky Ripple
Southport Road area, Indianapolis
Sunshine Gardens, Indianapolis
Wicker Road and Tibbs Avenue area, Indianapolis

Shelby County, Indiana

Johnson's Camp, Shelbyville
Lee's Camp, Shelbyville
\nShelbyville
\n
Walnut Grove, Shelbyville

Tipton County, Indiana

Senior mobile home community north of Indianapolis

Hamilton County, Ohio

Harrison

Emergency officials reported serious flooding in Muncie and warned that nearby communities along the White River and Mississinewa River could also be affected.

Flooding and flood warnings extended from Laurel and Brookville to West Harrison and Harrison, Ohio, along the Whitewater River system (4).

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of August 16, 2026, flooding remains ongoing, although water levels have begun receding in several communities. The White River peaked in Indianapolis early Sunday, and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works began reopening some flood gates while continuing to inspect levees, gates, and other flood-control infrastructure (5).

Flooding continued along the White River in Anderson, where the river reached a record level of approximately 24.9 feet. Flooding was also expected to continue along the Wabash River and East Fork White River (6).

Crews are clearing debris, inspecting damaged roads and bridges, conducting rescues, and monitoring flood-control systems. Shelters remain available, and additional rainfall could slow recovery or cause renewed flooding in already affected areas (7).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders, warnings, and travel restrictions have been issued across several affected communities:

\nMarion County: Residents of affected River Road Apartments buildings were urged to evacuate immediately because erosion and the washout of River Road created a risk of structural failure. Residents of Rocky Ripple and Ravenswood were also strongly advised to evacuate (8).
\nMadison County: Previous evacuation orders in Anderson were lifted for properties where floodwaters had receded. Residents were advised not to return until floodwaters had receded from their properties (9).
\nMuncie: A Level 3 Go evacuation order covered the area from Madison Street east to Hackley Street and from Memorial Drive south to 18th Street.
\nShelbyville: Residents of Lee's Camp, Johnson's Camp, and Walnut Grove were placed under a Level 2 Set evacuation warning and strongly encouraged to leave before access roads flooded.
\nFayette County: Residents in flood-prone portions of Connersville, East Connersville, Nulltown, Alpine, and nearby areas along the Whitewater River were told to evacuate. An Orange travel watch limited travel to essential trips.
\nFranklin County: Flood warnings covered Laurel, Metamora, Brookville, Cedar Grove, New Trenton, and other low-lying communities near the Whitewater River system.

Officials previously reported more than 350 evacuations in Delaware County, while a senior mobile home community in Tipton County was also evacuated (10).

Reported emergency shelter locations include:

44 Banquet Hall, 100 N. Main St., Glenwood
Bam Fitness, 832 N. Eastern Ave., Connersville
Connersville High School, 1100 Spartan Dr., Connersville
Crosspointe Biker Church, 1130 Baseline Rd., Connersville
Expo Hall, 2691 N. Park Rd., Connersville
Grace Baptist Church, 6401 W. River Rd., Muncie
Laurel Community Center, 218 N. Clay St., Laurel
Metamora Community Center, 19162 US-52, Metamora
Noble Center, 2406 N. Tibbs Ave., Indianapolis
Schilling Center, 900 Mill St., Brookville
Washington Township Adult Center, 8401 Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
\nRun a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

","indoor-air-quality-alert-indiana-flooding","gid://shopify/Article/642103672910","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-alert-indiana-flooding","2026-08-16T23:38:13Z",[14,210,249],"Indoor Air Quality Alert: Indiana Flooding",{"_66":555,"_80":556,"_82":557,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/274665242702","Flooded road.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Flooding3Desktop_c3d3e33f-16e4-4c84-b096-61d9381dd556.jpg?v=1786924529",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"A record-scale wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve has burned about 3,000 hectares near the German border, prompting evacuations and a major international firefighting response.","

A record-scale wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve has burned about 3,000 hectares near the German border, prompting evacuations and a major international firefighting response.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of August 17, 2026, the High Fens wildfire is burning in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve in eastern Belgium, near the German border. The fire began on August 14 and spread through heathland, peat bogs, and pine forests, with shifting winds complicating firefighting efforts (1). Wildfire map of eastern Belgium and western Germany as of August 17, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities or areas are affected by the High Fens wildfire? The affected areas in Belgium include: Bütgenbach Jalhay Malmedy Waimes The wildfire is also producing significant smoke near the German border, affecting nearby areas in Germany. What is the current containment status of the High Fens wildfire? The wildfire has burned about 3,000 hectares (7414 acers) and remains active, with no overall containment percentage reported (2). Two fire fronts heading toward Jalhay and Monschau have been brought under control, while firefighters continue working to contain the remaining fire. Hundreds of firefighters and emergency workers, supported by aircraft, helicopters, farmers, and crews from neighboring countries, are involved in the response (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Waimes and Bütgenbach, where around 600 residents were evacuated. In Germany, authorities in Monschau ordered evacuations on two streets and warned residents near the border about smoke. Evacuated Belgian residents have been told not to return while conditions remain unsafe (4). 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.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of August 17, 2026, the High Fens wildfire is burning in the Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) nature reserve in eastern Belgium, near the German border.

The fire began on August 14 and spread through heathland, peat bogs, and pine forests, with shifting winds complicating firefighting efforts (1).

$\"\"$ Wildfire map of eastern Belgium and western Germany as of August 17, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities or areas are affected by the High Fens wildfire?

The affected areas in Belgium include:

The wildfire is also producing significant smoke near the German border, affecting nearby areas in Germany.

What is the current containment status of the High Fens wildfire?

The wildfire has burned about 3,000 hectares (7414 acers) and remains active, with no overall containment percentage reported (2).

Two fire fronts heading toward Jalhay and Monschau have been brought under control, while firefighters continue working to contain the remaining fire.

Hundreds of firefighters and emergency workers, supported by aircraft, helicopters, farmers, and crews from neighboring countries, are involved in the response (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Waimes and Bütgenbach, where around 600 residents were evacuated.

In Germany, authorities in Monschau ordered evacuations on two streets and warned residents near the border about smoke.

Evacuated Belgian residents have been told not to return while conditions remain unsafe (4).

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

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