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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":196,"_11":197,"_56":198,"_58":198,"_60":199,"_62":200,"_64":201,"_66":202,"_68":203,"_70":-5,"_71":204,"_73":205,"_75":206,"_77":207},{"_51":52,"_53":180,"_11":181,"_56":182,"_58":182,"_60":183,"_62":184,"_64":185,"_66":186,"_68":187,"_70":-5,"_71":188,"_73":189,"_75":190,"_77":191},{"_51":52,"_53":164,"_11":165,"_56":166,"_58":166,"_60":167,"_62":168,"_64":169,"_66":170,"_68":171,"_70":-5,"_71":172,"_73":173,"_75":174,"_77":175},{"_51":52,"_53":147,"_11":148,"_56":149,"_58":149,"_60":150,"_62":151,"_64":152,"_66":153,"_68":154,"_70":-5,"_71":155,"_73":156,"_75":157,"_77":158},{"_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",[179,162,163],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_66":176,"_80":177,"_82":178,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269475545166","Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_HimalayanSalt_061419_750_0b979b61-4b6f-4eeb-8061-88996d52278e.jpg?v=1751543619","Air Quality",{"_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",[195,162,163],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_66":192,"_80":193,"_82":194,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270220755022","Close-up of what appears to be a room air purifier with some plants in the background (another indoor air purifying tool that has been shown to be ineffective in improving indoor air quality).","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_misconceptions-about-air-purifiers_993189ad-b0e5-4283-84af-8cf2c530fc4d.jpg?v=1758212556","Air Cleaning Technology",{"_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",[179,14,163,211],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_66":208,"_80":209,"_82":210,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273488543822","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_a8a07ca3-c3c0-4315-854e-f2a5aa9b0f22.jpg?v=1779917272","Wildfires",{"_51":52,"_53":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":283,"_11":284,"_56":285,"_58":286,"_60":287,"_62":288,"_64":289,"_66":290,"_68":291,"_70":-5,"_71":292,"_73":293,"_75":294,"_77":295},{"_51":52,"_53":267,"_11":268,"_56":269,"_58":270,"_60":271,"_62":272,"_64":273,"_66":274,"_68":275,"_70":-5,"_71":276,"_73":277,"_75":278,"_77":279},{"_51":52,"_53":251,"_11":252,"_56":253,"_58":254,"_60":255,"_62":256,"_64":257,"_66":258,"_68":259,"_70":-5,"_71":260,"_73":261,"_75":262,"_77":263},{"_51":52,"_53":234,"_11":235,"_56":236,"_58":237,"_60":238,"_62":239,"_64":240,"_66":241,"_68":242,"_70":-5,"_71":243,"_73":244,"_75":245,"_77":246},{"_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},"Learn what is driving Indonesia's severe forest and peatland fires and how smoke, emissions, and persistent peat fires are affecting communities.","

Learn what is driving Indonesia's severe forest and peatland fires and how smoke, emissions, and persistent peat fires are affecting communities.

","Where are the Indonesian wildfires burning? As of October 1, 2026, Indonesia is experiencing ongoing widespread forest and land fires, known nationally as karhutla. The event consists of surface and underground fires burning across the archipelago, with the heaviest activity concentrated in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Another major front is in South Papua. Many of the fires are burning in Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo. West Kalimantan has recorded the largest cumulative burned area of any province, followed by Central Kalimantan and South Papua. There are additional fires burning in South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan. What distinguishes this event from a conventional forest fire is the fuel. Indonesia holds roughly 36 percent of the world's tropical peatlands, and when those waterlogged soils are dried by drought, fire moves below the surface and smolders through deep organic deposits, producing about three times more fine particulate matter, five times more sulfur dioxide, three times more organic carbon, and twice the methane and carbon monoxide of other tropical forest fires (1). Fire has also reached protection forests, conservation forests, and Key Biodiversity Areas, along with national parks and forest reserves stretching from the Gunung Kendeng forest area in Central Sulawesi to protected peat domes in Kalimantan. Research on past seasons has established that these fires are overwhelmingly human-ignited, with El Niño conditions and rural land-clearing practices together explaining most of the year-to-year variation in burning (2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The cities and areas affected by the Indonesia wildfires include: Banjarmasin and surrounding areas in South Kalimantan Central Kalimantan East Kalimantan Jambi Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan Merauke Regency, South Papua Riau South Sumatra West Kalimantan Smoke exposure extends well beyond the burn areas themselves. More than 12.5 million people across seven Indonesian provinces have been exposed to haze, and respiratory infections linked to the fires rose to 113,336 cases as of September 9, roughly double the 50,891 cases recorded on September 1 (3). Throughout September, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore have frequently ranked among the most polluted major cities in the world as wildfire haze affected the region. Air quality map of Southeast Asia, on October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of October 1, 2026, firefighting progress varies across Indonesia. Some fires have been extinguished or entered the cooling stage, while active fires and peat hotspots remain in several regions. Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that around 3,800 hectares of forest and land fires had been extinguished between September 24 and 30, 2026 (6). Weather remains the limiting factor. Indonesia's meteorological agency has confirmed that September is still a critical phase, with dry conditions dominant, rain cloud potential low across most of the country, and El Niño expected to persist into early 2027, meaning natural rainfall is unlikely to help extinguish the fires in the near term (7). Between September 1 and September 7, Indonesia released 19.7 million metric tons of fire emissions, the highest of any country in the world that week and more than a third of the global total (8). Why are Indonesia's 2026 wildfires so severe? Indonesian authorities describe this as the most intense wildfire season in 11 years. A strong El Niño, reinforced by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, left about 90 percent of the country with little to no rain in early August, drying peat deposits that are normally too wet to burn underground. Forecasters expect El Niño to persist into early 2027, with low rain cloud potential across most of the archipelago, so the rainfall that usually ends the season may not arrive until late October or November (9). Peat smolders below the surface at low temperatures rather than burning through the canopy, which makes these fires both difficult to extinguish and exceptionally polluting. Drought creates the conditions, but ignition is almost entirely caused by human activity, and long-run analysis shows a one percentage point increase in village poverty corresponds to roughly a 20 percent increase in the probability of fire (10). The season escalated faster than suppression could scale, with burned area jumping from roughly 109,000 hectares in July to about 1.32 million hectares in August, and fire emissions running 273 percent above the seasonal average in early September. Even where flames are gone, embers survive below the surface, so wetting and cooling continue at sites already declared extinguished. Are there any evacuation orders or emergency alerts in place? Indonesian authorities have placed the worst-affected provinces under formal emergency alert status. Jambi has maintained a karhutla Emergency Alert status running from April 27 through November 30, 2026, with Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency under its own alert. Central Kalimantan's provincial Emergency Alert extends through October 31, 2026, and covers districts including East Kotawaringin, Kapuas, Sukamara, Seruyan, Palangka Raya, and West Kotawaringin. South Kalimantan declared an emergency alert for fire and drought from July 6 through October 31, 2026, while West Kalimantan has held provincial alert status since February 2 with an emergency response period layered on top of it (11). Rather than broad mandatory evacuations, authorities have focused on sheltering, mask distribution, and medical surge capacity. Nearly a million masks and hundreds of oxygen concentrator units have been distributed to affected residents, and thousands of medical workers have been deployed, with additional personnel dispatched as needs are identified. Schools across Borneo and Sumatra have shifted to remote learning, nine national parks have closed, and flights have been delayed because of heavy smoke (12). Disaster officials have proposed smoke-free, accessible shelters, evacuation routes, and visual or text alerts for vulnerable residents. Analysts have also called for a national disaster declaration and evacuation support for vulnerable groups, estimating that 17.3 million people across 12 provinces could be affected by acute respiratory infections (13). Residents should monitor air quality and official notices, limit outdoor activity during heavy haze, keep windows and doors closed, wear a well-fitted respirator outdoors, and report signs of fire immediately. 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 Indonesian wildfires burning?

As of October 1, 2026, Indonesia is experiencing ongoing widespread forest and land fires, known nationally as karhutla. The event consists of surface and underground fires burning across the archipelago, with the heaviest activity concentrated in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Another major front is in South Papua.

Many of the fires are burning in Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo. West Kalimantan has recorded the largest cumulative burned area of any province, followed by Central Kalimantan and South Papua. There are additional fires burning in South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan.

What distinguishes this event from a conventional forest fire is the fuel. Indonesia holds roughly 36 percent of the world's tropical peatlands, and when those waterlogged soils are dried by drought, fire moves below the surface and smolders through deep organic deposits, producing about three times more fine particulate matter, five times more sulfur dioxide, three times more organic carbon, and twice the methane and carbon monoxide of other tropical forest fires (1).

Fire has also reached protection forests, conservation forests, and Key Biodiversity Areas, along with national parks and forest reserves stretching from the Gunung Kendeng forest area in Central Sulawesi to protected peat domes in Kalimantan.

Research on past seasons has established that these fires are overwhelmingly human-ignited, with El Niño conditions and rural land-clearing practices together explaining most of the year-to-year variation in burning (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The cities and areas affected by the Indonesia wildfires include:

\nBanjarmasin and surrounding areas in South Kalimantan\n
Central Kalimantan
East Kalimantan
Jambi
Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan
Merauke Regency, South Papua
Riau
South Sumatra
West Kalimantan

Smoke exposure extends well beyond the burn areas themselves. More than 12.5 million people across seven Indonesian provinces have been exposed to haze, and respiratory infections linked to the fires rose to 113,336 cases as of September 9, roughly double the 50,891 cases recorded on September 1 (3).

Throughout September, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore have frequently ranked among the most polluted major cities in the world as wildfire haze affected the region.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Southeast Asia, on October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of October 1, 2026, firefighting progress varies across Indonesia. Some fires have been extinguished or entered the cooling stage, while active fires and peat hotspots remain in several regions.

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that around 3,800 hectares of forest and land fires had been extinguished between September 24 and 30, 2026 (6).

Weather remains the limiting factor. Indonesia's meteorological agency has confirmed that September is still a critical phase, with dry conditions dominant, rain cloud potential low across most of the country, and El Niño expected to persist into early 2027, meaning natural rainfall is unlikely to help extinguish the fires in the near term (7).

Between September 1 and September 7, Indonesia released 19.7 million metric tons of fire emissions, the highest of any country in the world that week and more than a third of the global total (8).

Why are Indonesia's 2026 wildfires so severe?

Indonesian authorities describe this as the most intense wildfire season in 11 years. A strong El Niño, reinforced by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, left about 90 percent of the country with little to no rain in early August, drying peat deposits that are normally too wet to burn underground. Forecasters expect El Niño to persist into early 2027, with low rain cloud potential across most of the archipelago, so the rainfall that usually ends the season may not arrive until late October or November (9).

Peat smolders below the surface at low temperatures rather than burning through the canopy, which makes these fires both difficult to extinguish and exceptionally polluting. Drought creates the conditions, but ignition is almost entirely caused by human activity, and long-run analysis shows a one percentage point increase in village poverty corresponds to roughly a 20 percent increase in the probability of fire (10).

The season escalated faster than suppression could scale, with burned area jumping from roughly 109,000 hectares in July to about 1.32 million hectares in August, and fire emissions running 273 percent above the seasonal average in early September. Even where flames are gone, embers survive below the surface, so wetting and cooling continue at sites already declared extinguished.

Are there any evacuation orders or emergency alerts in place?

Indonesian authorities have placed the worst-affected provinces under formal emergency alert status. Jambi has maintained a karhutla Emergency Alert status running from April 27 through November 30, 2026, with Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency under its own alert.

Central Kalimantan's provincial Emergency Alert extends through October 31, 2026, and covers districts including East Kotawaringin, Kapuas, Sukamara, Seruyan, Palangka Raya, and West Kotawaringin. South Kalimantan declared an emergency alert for fire and drought from July 6 through October 31, 2026, while West Kalimantan has held provincial alert status since February 2 with an emergency response period layered on top of it (11).

Rather than broad mandatory evacuations, authorities have focused on sheltering, mask distribution, and medical surge capacity. Nearly a million masks and hundreds of oxygen concentrator units have been distributed to affected residents, and thousands of medical workers have been deployed, with additional personnel dispatched as needs are identified. Schools across Borneo and Sumatra have shifted to remote learning, nine national parks have closed, and flights have been delayed because of heavy smoke (12).

Disaster officials have proposed smoke-free, accessible shelters, evacuation routes, and visual or text alerts for vulnerable residents. Analysts have also called for a national disaster declaration and evacuation support for vulnerable groups, estimating that 17.3 million people across 12 provinces could be affected by acute respiratory infections (13).

Residents should monitor air quality and official notices, limit outdoor activity during heavy haze, keep windows and doors closed, wear a well-fitted respirator outdoors, and report signs of fire immediately.

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-indonesia-forest-and-peatland-fires-september-2026","gid://shopify/Article/642323251278","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-indonesia-forest-and-peatland-fires-september-2026","2026-10-01T17:05:45Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Indonesia forest and peatland fires",{"_66":231,"_80":232,"_82":233,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275417235534","Forest fire.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire27Desktop_d0ca5210-6e46-4e26-8c60-8fe787b51b1c.jpg?v=1790875064",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Smoke drifting north from Indonesia is impacting air quality in Singapore. Read and learn more about this air quality event.","

Smoke drifting north from Indonesia is impacting air quality in Singapore. Read and learn more about this air quality event.

","Is the air quality good in Singapore? On October 2, 2026 at 2 AM (SGT), many air quality stations in Singapore are measuring local air quality in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range. The city’s air quality is “moderate” at this hour with an AQI of 96 but has been in the “unhealthy” range within the past 24 hours due to transboundary haze. Air quality map of Singapore at 2 AM (SGT) on October 2. Source: IQAir. Hourly air quality in Singapore from October 1 through October 2. Source: IQAir. Air quality in Singapore and in much of Southeast Asia is being affected by forest and peatland fires in Indonesia which have been burning since early September. Singapore's national average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 11.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 50, classified as \"moderate” and 2.38 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Monthly air quality in Singapore. Air quality in September and early October was in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range. Source: IQAir. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Singapore’s air quality map. Why is there an air quality alert in Singapore? Singapore's poor air quality is a direct consequence of Indonesia's most intense wildfire season in 11 years. Extreme drought, driven by a powerful El Niño amplified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, left roughly nine-tenths of Indonesia rainless by early August. The peat soils of Sumatra and Kalimantan, landscapes that ordinarily stay too waterlogged to ignite, dried out and began to burn (1). With the southwest monsoon blowing steadily from those regions toward Singapore, haze crossed the Strait of Malacca over the following weeks. The smoke itself is unusually toxic. Peat smolders underground at low temperatures, cooking centuries of organic soil and releasing far more fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide per hectare than typical vegetation fires. Those particles are small enough to ride the monsoon for hundreds of kilometers. Singapore is likely to continue to experience haze in coming months. The El Niño event is forecast to hold into early 2027 and the soaking rains that normally end the season are unlikely to arrive before late October or November (2). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Singapore?

On October 2, 2026 at 2 AM (SGT), many air quality stations in Singapore are measuring local air quality in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range. The city’s air quality is “moderate” at this hour with an AQI of 96 but has been in the “unhealthy” range within the past 24 hours due to transboundary haze.

$\"\"$

Air quality map of Singapore at 2 AM (SGT) on October 2. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$

Hourly air quality in Singapore from October 1 through October 2. Source: IQAir.

Air quality in Singapore and in much of Southeast Asia is being affected by forest and peatland fires in Indonesia which have been burning since early September.

Singapore's national average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 11.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 50, classified as \"moderate” and 2.38 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$

Monthly air quality in Singapore. Air quality in September and early October was in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range. Source: IQAir.

For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Singapore’s air quality map.

Why is there an air quality alert in Singapore?

Singapore's poor air quality is a direct consequence of Indonesia's most intense wildfire season in 11 years.

Extreme drought, driven by a powerful El Niño amplified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, left roughly nine-tenths of Indonesia rainless by early August. The peat soils of Sumatra and Kalimantan, landscapes that ordinarily stay too waterlogged to ignite, dried out and began to burn (1). With the southwest monsoon blowing steadily from those regions toward Singapore, haze crossed the Strait of Malacca over the following weeks.

The smoke itself is unusually toxic. Peat smolders underground at low temperatures, cooking centuries of organic soil and releasing far more fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide per hectare than typical vegetation fires. Those particles are small enough to ride the monsoon for hundreds of kilometers.

Singapore is likely to continue to experience haze in coming months. The El Niño event is forecast to hold into early 2027 and the soaking rains that normally end the season are unlikely to arrive before late October or November (2).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

","singapore-air-quality-alert-transboundary-haze","gid://shopify/Article/642436989006","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/singapore-air-quality-alert-transboundary-haze","2026-10-01T19:10:23Z",[179,14,211],"Singapore Air Quality Alert: Transboundary Haze",{"_66":247,"_80":-5,"_82":248,"_84":249,"_86":250},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275418316878","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/SingaporeMobile_32511e9c-e989-43dd-a309-eeedee105dc9.jpg?v=1790882365",840,700,{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Severe storms have caused flash flooding, landslides and power outages across Crete, Greece, disrupting roads and prompting severe weather alerts. Learn about affected areas, response efforts and current warnings.","

Severe storms have caused flash flooding, landslides and power outages across Crete, Greece, disrupting roads and prompting severe weather alerts. Learn about affected areas, response efforts and current warnings.

","What is the location of the flooding? Since September 30, 2026, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have caused widespread flooding and landslides across the Greek island of Crete. The worst impacts have been reported in the Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi regional units, where roads, homes and infrastructure have been affected. More than 150 millimeters of rain has fallen in parts of the island (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding? Severe flooding has impacted multiple cities and regions across the Greek island of Crete: Chania Heraklion Lasithi Rethymno Sitia What is the current containment status of the flooding? Flooding remains ongoing across Crete, with extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, properties, and farms. Firefighters responded to more than 250 calls, while municipal crews used machinery and pumps to clear debris, restore access, and remove water from affected buildings. Severe weather remains active, with additional heavy rain and thunderstorms expected through October 4, keeping the risk of further flooding elevated (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? A red weather alert remains in effect, and a 112 emergency message urged residents to avoid travel in affected mountainous areas, including Zoniana, Livadia, and Mylopotamos (3). Schools were suspended in several affected municipalities. Authorities also warned residents not to cross flooded roads and to remain cautious in landslide-prone areas (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?

Since September 30, 2026, severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have caused widespread flooding and landslides across the Greek island of Crete. The worst impacts have been reported in the Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi regional units, where roads, homes and infrastructure have been affected. More than 150 millimeters of rain has fallen in parts of the island (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Severe flooding has impacted multiple cities and regions across the Greek island of Crete:

Chania
Heraklion
Lasithi
Rethymno
Sitia

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Flooding remains ongoing across Crete, with extensive damage to roads, infrastructure, properties, and farms. Firefighters responded to more than 250 calls, while municipal crews used machinery and pumps to clear debris, restore access, and remove water from affected buildings. Severe weather remains active, with additional heavy rain and thunderstorms expected through October 4, keeping the risk of further flooding elevated (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A red weather alert remains in effect, and a 112 emergency message urged residents to avoid travel in affected mountainous areas, including Zoniana, Livadia, and Mylopotamos (3). Schools were suspended in several affected municipalities. Authorities also warned residents not to cross flooded roads and to remain cautious in landslide-prone areas (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.

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-crete-flash-flooding-greece","gid://shopify/Article/642443804750","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-alert-crete-flash-flooding-greece","2026-10-02T05:51:35Z",[179,14,266],"Indoor Air Quality Alert: Crete Flash Flooding, Greece",{"_66":264,"_80":-5,"_82":265,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275423428686","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Flooding6Desktop_9313ecea-65f9-4664-99ab-d33a18b2fa65.jpg?v=1790920296","Molds",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Dangerous heat is forecast across California, with Southern California facing an extended hot spell. Find out more about the California heatwave.","

Dangerous heat is forecast across California, with Southern California facing an extended hot spell. Find out more about the California heatwave.

","Why is there a heatwave in the Southwest? The heatwave is driven by a strong ridge of high pressure over the eastern Pacific and the West Coast. High pressure causes air to sink and warm as it descends. The ridge is forecast to stay in place for an unusually long time, which is why the heat could last well into October. Light offshore winds are adding to the heat. These winds blow from the inland deserts toward the ocean, pushing hot, dry air all the way to the coast. They also limit the marine layer of clouds and fog that normally keeps coastal areas mild in autumn. Unusually warm ocean water is also playing a role. Sea surface temperatures along the Southern California and Baja California coastlines are near record highs. This weakens the cooling effect the ocean usually provides and keeps nighttime temperatures high. The heat also follows an exceptionally hot summer, with August 2026 ranking as the warmest on record in several Southern California counties (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave? The heatwave is affecting large parts of the Southwest, including the following cities and areas: Los Angeles Ventura Santa Barbara Orange County Inland Empire San Diego Central Coast San Joaquin Valley Sacramento Valley San Francisco Bay Area Triple-digit highs are expected to be widespread in the Inland Empire and inland valleys, while coastal areas will see highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. Beyond California, Las Vegas, Reno, and Phoenix will also see warmer-than-usual weather, and heat alerts could expand to Nevada and Arizona if temperatures continue to rise (2). How long will the heatwave last? The heatwave began on Friday, October 2, and is expected to last through at least the end of next week. The first peak is expected over the weekend of October 3 and 4, when highs could reach up to 102°F in parts of Southern California. The heat is not expected to ease after the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, offshore winds and persistent high pressure will continue through the week (3). Some relief may arrive late next week, with gradual cooling expected to begin around Friday, October 9. An upper-level trough bringing tropical moisture could lower temperatures further over the weekend of October 10 and 11. Are there any alerts in place? The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the coast and valleys of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The warning runs from 10 A.M. Friday, October 2, to 8 P.M. Thursday, October 8, and may be extended if the heat continues. Highs are expected to range from the mid 80s at the coast to 105°F inland, with overnight lows staying in the 70s. Shorter heat advisories are also in effect for the Central Coast, the San Joaquin Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area from October 3 to 4, and for the Sacramento Valley from October 3 to 5. Gusty winds combined with low humidity raise the risk of wildfires, and smoke from any new fires could quickly worsen local air quality. Residents should find out where their local cooling centers are and be ready for possible power outages (4).","

Why is there a heatwave in the Southwest?

The heatwave is driven by a strong ridge of high pressure over the eastern Pacific and the West Coast. High pressure causes air to sink and warm as it descends. The ridge is forecast to stay in place for an unusually long time, which is why the heat could last well into October.

Light offshore winds are adding to the heat. These winds blow from the inland deserts toward the ocean, pushing hot, dry air all the way to the coast. They also limit the marine layer of clouds and fog that normally keeps coastal areas mild in autumn.

Unusually warm ocean water is also playing a role. Sea surface temperatures along the Southern California and Baja California coastlines are near record highs. This weakens the cooling effect the ocean usually provides and keeps nighttime temperatures high. The heat also follows an exceptionally hot summer, with August 2026 ranking as the warmest on record in several Southern California counties (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?

The heatwave is affecting large parts of the Southwest, including the following cities and areas:

\nLos Angeles
\n
\nVentura
\n
\nSanta Barbara
\n
\nOrange County
\n
Inland Empire
\nSan Diego
\n
Central Coast
San Joaquin Valley
\nSacramento Valley
\nSan Francisco Bay Area

Triple-digit highs are expected to be widespread in the Inland Empire and inland valleys, while coastal areas will see highs in the upper 80s and low 90s.

Beyond California, Las Vegas, Reno, and Phoenix will also see warmer-than-usual weather, and heat alerts could expand to Nevada and Arizona if temperatures continue to rise (2).

How long will the heatwave last?

The heatwave began on Friday, October 2, and is expected to last through at least the end of next week. The first peak is expected over the weekend of October 3 and 4, when highs could reach up to 102°F in parts of Southern California.

The heat is not expected to ease after the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, offshore winds and persistent high pressure will continue through the week (3).

Some relief may arrive late next week, with gradual cooling expected to begin around Friday, October 9. An upper-level trough bringing tropical moisture could lower temperatures further over the weekend of October 10 and 11.

Are there any alerts in place?

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the coast and valleys of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

The warning runs from 10 A.M. Friday, October 2, to 8 P.M. Thursday, October 8, and may be extended if the heat continues. Highs are expected to range from the mid 80s at the coast to 105°F inland, with overnight lows staying in the 70s.

Shorter heat advisories are also in effect for the Central Coast, the San Joaquin Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area from October 3 to 4, and for the Sacramento Valley from October 3 to 5.

Gusty winds combined with low humidity raise the risk of wildfires, and smoke from any new fires could quickly worsen local air quality. Residents should find out where their local cooling centers are and be ready for possible power outages (4).

","heatwave-map-spotlight-california-usa-october-2026","gid://shopify/Article/642446196814","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-california-usa-october-2026","2026-10-02T16:05:05Z",[179,14],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: Southwest USA",{"_66":280,"_80":281,"_82":282,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275428638798","Dry land under a scorching sun.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/CA-Heatwave_Desk_64e13bc0-79b7-4ef4-9dfa-d34cbc271891.jpg?v=1790957986",{"_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 October 3, 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 October 3, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire has burned approximately 35,520 acres and is 87% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned approximately 10,896 acres and is 95% contained (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders for the Clark Creek, Shale Creek, and Jerked Prairie areas have been lifted as fire conditions have improved. 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 October 3, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire is 87% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is 95% contained.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of October 3, 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 October 3, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire has burned approximately 35,520 acres and is 87% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire has burned approximately 10,896 acres and is 95% contained (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders for the Clark Creek, Shale Creek, and Jerked Prairie areas have been lifted as fire conditions have improved.

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 October 3, 2026, the Sand Creek Fire is 87% contained, while the Bobcat Lakes Fire is 95% 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","2026-10-03T15:32:35Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Fires, Montana",{"_66":296,"_80":-5,"_82":297,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275438108750","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire17Desktop_9ee92b7f-4d99-4ed6-a8b3-c986438f18cb.jpg?v=1791041557",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"The Dome Fire is burning in a remote area of Yosemite National Park and has prompted several trail closures. Find out more about the Dome Fire.","

The Dome Fire is burning in a remote area of Yosemite National Park and has prompted several trail closures. Find out more about the Dome Fire.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire is burning north of Wawona Dome in a remote area of Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California. The fire is approximately one-quarter mile north of Chilnualna Falls and is visible from Wawona Road, also known as Highway 41 (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the Dome Fire? The cities and areas affected by the Dome Fire include: Buena Vista Lake trail area Chilnualna Falls and Trail Crescent Lake trail area Mariposa County Wawona Yosemite National Park The fire is moving away from Wawona, and officials have reported no immediate threat to the community or other developed areas. What is the current containment status of the Dome Fire? As of October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire has burned 6,632 acres and is 40% contained. Firefighters are responding from the ground and air. Limited access, steep terrain, terrain-aligned fire runs, wind, and short-range spotting are complicating suppression efforts. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? No evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or evacuation centers have been reported for the Dome Fire. The community of Wawona is not under immediate threat. The Chilnualna Falls Trail and trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes are closed. Yosemite National Park otherwise remains open and is operating normally. 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 October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire is 40% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire is burning north of Wawona Dome in a remote area of Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California.

The fire is approximately one-quarter mile north of Chilnualna Falls and is visible from Wawona Road, also known as Highway 41 (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the Dome Fire?

The cities and areas affected by the Dome Fire include:

Buena Vista Lake trail area
Chilnualna Falls and Trail
Crescent Lake trail area
Mariposa County
\nWawona
\n
Yosemite National Park

The fire is moving away from Wawona, and officials have reported no immediate threat to the community or other developed areas.

What is the current containment status of the Dome Fire?

As of October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire has burned 6,632 acres and is 40% contained.

Firefighters are responding from the ground and air. Limited access, steep terrain, terrain-aligned fire runs, wind, and short-range spotting are complicating suppression efforts.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

No evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or evacuation centers have been reported for the Dome Fire. The community of Wawona is not under immediate threat.

The Chilnualna Falls Trail and trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes are closed. Yosemite National Park otherwise remains open and is operating normally.

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 October 3, 2026, the Dome Fire is 40% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-dome-fire-yosemite-national-park-california","gid://shopify/Article/642353233998","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-dome-fire-yosemite-national-park-california","2026-10-03T15:36:20Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Dome Fire, Yosemite National Park, California",{"_66":311,"_80":232,"_82":312,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275438207054","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire25Desktop_1cb87320-a746-4af6-afc9-c8d359c2401a.jpg?v=1791041782",{"_51":52,"_53":332,"_11":333,"_56":334,"_58":335,"_60":336,"_62":337,"_64":338,"_66":339,"_68":340,"_70":-5,"_71":341,"_73":342,"_75":343,"_77":344},{"_51":52,"_53":315,"_11":316,"_56":317,"_58":318,"_60":319,"_62":320,"_64":321,"_66":322,"_68":323,"_70":-5,"_71":324,"_73":325,"_75":326,"_77":327},{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Airborne pollutants can distract in-school learning and compromise student health. Learn about the far-reaching effects of poor air quality in classrooms internationally.","

Airborne pollutants can distract in-school learning and compromise student health. Learn about the far-reaching effects of poor air quality in classrooms internationally.

","As autumn approaches and schools are preparing to begin sessions, air quality can be a hidden deterrent, impacting student learning and engagement globally. Depending on school location and regional environment, airborne pollutants could be produced at elevated levels and invade indoor classroom air. Protecting student health through clean indoor air secures productive learning spaces. By understanding the different types of classroom pollutants, associated health implications, and joint parent-educator clean air efforts, students can breathe healthier air with no learning disruptions. What airborne pollutants can be found in classrooms? School location and the surrounding outside air quality environment can have a great impact on various levels of airborne pollutants. For instance, daycares located in populous urban cities may experience heightened levels of traffic emissions, while schools neighboring rural areas could see increased wildfire risk and allergen activity. These air quality events can harbor a wide range of unhealthy pollutant particles, such as: Smoke Pollen Pet dander Gases Odors Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) PM2.5, particulate matter down to 2.5 microns in size PM10, particulate matter down to 10 microns in size With multiple students per class and multiple classrooms within schools, airborne pollutants can be easily knocked into the air throughout the day and transferred from one individual to the next. According to Harvard University, synthetic carpets and dyes schools commonly use have been known to release airborne chemicals, impacting student health (1). CO2, an odorless invisible gas, can also be released through vehicle exhausts in neighboring streets, wildfire smoke, and indoor building vents. Air quality can be infectious as well. Bacterial and viral particles can pass between individuals and cause elevated risks for illness within larger crowds. Airborne viruses, such as SARS- CoV-2 and influenza, can spread through close-contact exposure, especially in stale indoor environments. SARS- CoV-2 is the virus that leads to the COVID-19 disease. How does air pollution impact learning? Air pollution impacts critical areas of student learning, including attendance levels, cognitive function, and test scores. In a survey of studies mostly drawn from urban schools in countries including the U.S., the UK, Sweden, and Brazil, it was found that long-term exposure and higher peaks in pollution could impact school performance and outcomes. This was especially true in schools affected by socioeconomic factors (2). A paper published in 2025 found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure in an urban California school district caused a 5.7% increase in full-day student absences and a 28% increase in office referrals over a three-day window (3). The same rise in pollution levels also increased teacher absences due to illness by 13.1%. A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics reviewed cognitive function in school age children at schools affected by traffic-related pollutants (4). Analysis found that exposure to these pollutants resulted in lower verbal comprehension in girls, while boys experienced a reduced working memory. Between 2001 and 2018, researchers tracked 2.8 million public school students in North Carolina. This large representation of students spanning the student’s entire time in public schools confirmed that exposure to PM2.5 played a negative role in standardized test scoring (5). Can airborne pollutants impact adolescent health? Yes. Aside from bacterial and viral illnesses, airborne pollutants have been linked to elevated health risks and symptoms that disrupt personal learning and productivity. A 2019 study found that even short-term exposure to airborne pollutants increased the risk for adolescent youth to be hospitalized for mental health concerns, such as intense stress, sadness, anxiety, and harmful thoughts or behaviors (6). Air pollution has a demonstrated, strong impact on children’s lung development. Children living London were found to have much smaller lungs than those of their peers living in Luton, England due to exposure to traffic-sourced air pollution. However, a 2026 study found a decline in childhood lung impairment following the establishment of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Children ages 6-9 years old in London were found to have seen accelerated lung growth compared to the control group in Luton. The London children also experienced an improvement in clinically impaired lung function, dropping from 14% to 9%. Poor air quality can have prolonged effects on developing children and sensitive groups, exacerbating pre-existing symptoms and conditions. Another 2019 research study discovered a link between school absences and asthma, specifically noting urban locations and pollution (7). In the U.S. alone, almost 8,000 public schools are within 500 feet of highways, truck routes, and other traffic-heavy roads, elevating PM2.5 levels within the region of these learning spaces (8). School staff health is also impacted by airborne pollutants. Teachers and staff may experience short- and long-term health problems from poor indoor air quality, ranging from coughing, sneezing, and headaches to more serious health outcomes, like respiratory tract infection and disease and asthma (9). Air pollution affects schools internationally Air pollution is a global issue and schools can experience exacerbated pollutants levels by environmental factors unique to the location. In Delhi, India, some schools reported a shift to hybrid learning systems due to elevated unhealthy pollutant levels from ongoing traffic emissions and urbanization (10). On the days kids are in-person for school, bus transportation could be barred completely, and outdoor recess time can be limited (11). City-wide pollution depends on systematic change and community action for air quality improvements. In Beijing, China, persistent urban air pollution concerns from parents pushed several schools to adopt air cleaning technology. The Beijing Municipal Education Commission came to the decision in 2017 to implement air purifiers across the school district, as several private schools within the city already had integrated clean air systems built (12). In Ontario, Canada, modern federal government aid has supported the reformation of ventilation systems in 72 school boards within the province, as a response from COVID-19 resilience programs (13). According to a 2011 research study, about 16% of primary public schools across Canada’s 10 most populous cities were located near major highways (14). In Melbourne, Australia, in-school programs and new government support opportunities are driving air quality changes within local communities (15)(16). According to a 2024 climate report, one in six Australian schools and childcare centers were located in close proximity to busy roadways, increasing premature health risks and respiratory symptoms (17). How to reduce unhealthy pollutants Air cleaning tools provide optimized support in minimizing airborne pollutant exposure and contagious spread of viral particles. HyperHEPA air purifiers contain maximized filtration, capturing 99.5% of ultrafine pollutants down to 0.003 microns in size, such as smoke, pollen, and particulate matter. Extended runtimes and automated air cleaning devices can be effective for learning spaces as airborne pollutants can disrupt teaching at any time. Schools can join the Clean Air Schools program to help foster safer, healthier learning environments for students. In California, home to the largest number of Clean Air Schools in the country, some students are already benefitting from cleaner air. A pilot study by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) demonstrated that low-cost, high efficiency HVAC filters removed up to 90% of ultrafine particles and diesel particulate matter from indoor air in three schools near refineries, freeways, and industrial facilities. Cleaner indoor air means reduced absenteeism as well. Through a combination of source control, proper ventilation, and effective air filtration, schools can increase classroom attendance. This can mean increased school funding where funds are linked to lowered absenteeism and better Average Daily Attendance (ADA) (18). Socio-economic disadvantaged and pollution impacted schools can also apply for grant funding, through the Clean Air for Kids initiative from the Foundation for Clean Air. What can schools doSchool staff and district officials can make an impactful difference in student health between every classroom with the proper integrated air cleaning technology and awareness. Implementing advanced school-wide filtration alongside air quality event awareness can help protect student and staff well-being, such as: Join the Schools4Earth program Become a Clean Air School Apply for Clean Air for Kids funding if applicable Open school-wide windows and doors for maximized ventilation when the air is clean Host district meetings or open inquiry drop boxes to collect student health questions and air quality concerns Routinely sanitize commonly used surfaces Avoid scented chemical cleaning aerosols Open classroom windows for maximized airflow ventilation, when the outdoor air is clean Incorporate air quality monitoring and pollutant effects into educational lessons plans What can educators do Teachers and educators have the power to enact positive air quality changes within classrooms and learning spaces. By utilizing air quality innovations and daily clean air methods, students can feel inspired and learn more about environmental awareness, such as: Apply for Clean Air for Kids funding Equip indoor air quality monitors with real-time visual maps Utilize HyperHEPA air cleaning devices for maximized pollutant filtration Routinely sanitize commonly used surfaces Avoid scented chemical cleaning aerosols Open classroom windows for maximized air flow ventilation Incorporate air quality monitoring and pollutant effects into educational lessons plans What can parents doParents, relatives, and community members can take initiatives and plan ahead for students to transition smoothly and safely into new indoor environments. Practicing air-conscious lifestyle choices alongside at-home filtration ensures students feel prepared and aware of air quality conditions, including: Ensure schools are equipped with indoor and outdoor air quality monitors to spread awareness Keep KN95 masks on hand during wildfire smoke events Donate air purification devices to classrooms in public schools Routinely sanitize school backpacks and clothes that can track in pollutants Discuss specific air quality or health needs with educators to ensure proper childcare Drive an electric vehicle or utilize school bus drop-offs to limit traffic emissions Attend school district meetings to contribute to air quality improvements Clean air preparation and lifestyle choices for students can help build environmental awareness and secure healthy breathing conditions both in school and at home. Conclusion Schools should feel like safe, productive learning spaces no matter the location or city it resides in. Securing clean air quality and practicing air-conscious choices can be impactful steps to creating a healthy environment for students this upcoming school year. With the Clean Air School certification with monitoring tools, air quality can be implemented within daily schedules or even educational lesson plans. By leveraging air quality data, technology, and filtration, student health protection can be maximized and fit seamlessly into environmental education.","

As autumn approaches and schools are preparing to begin sessions, air quality can be a hidden deterrent, impacting student learning and engagement globally. Depending on school location and regional environment, airborne pollutants could be produced at elevated levels and invade indoor classroom air. Protecting student health through clean indoor air secures productive learning spaces.

By understanding the different types of classroom pollutants, associated health implications, and joint parent-educator clean air efforts, students can breathe healthier air with no learning disruptions.

What airborne pollutants can be found in classrooms?

School location and the surrounding outside air quality environment can have a great impact on various levels of airborne pollutants. For instance, daycares located in populous urban cities may experience heightened levels of traffic emissions, while schools neighboring rural areas could see increased wildfire risk and allergen activity. These air quality events can harbor a wide range of unhealthy pollutant particles, such as:

Smoke
Pollen
Pet dander
Gases
Odors
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)\n
\nPM2.5, particulate matter down to 2.5 microns in size
\nPM10, particulate matter down to 10 microns in size
\n

With multiple students per class and multiple classrooms within schools, airborne pollutants can be easily knocked into the air throughout the day and transferred from one individual to the next. According to Harvard University, synthetic carpets and dyes schools commonly use have been known to release airborne chemicals, impacting student health (1). CO2, an odorless invisible gas, can also be released through vehicle exhausts in neighboring streets, wildfire smoke, and indoor building vents.

Air quality can be infectious as well. Bacterial and viral particles can pass between individuals and cause elevated risks for illness within larger crowds. Airborne viruses, such as SARS- CoV-2 and influenza, can spread through close-contact exposure, especially in stale indoor environments. SARS- CoV-2 is the virus that leads to the COVID-19 disease.

How does air pollution impact learning?

Air pollution impacts critical areas of student learning, including attendance levels, cognitive function, and test scores. In a survey of studies mostly drawn from urban schools in countries including the U.S., the UK, Sweden, and Brazil, it was found that long-term exposure and higher peaks in pollution could impact school performance and outcomes. This was especially true in schools affected by socioeconomic factors (2).

A paper published in 2025 found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure in an urban California school district caused a 5.7% increase in full-day student absences and a 28% increase in office referrals over a three-day window (3). The same rise in pollution levels also increased teacher absences due to illness by 13.1%.

A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics reviewed cognitive function in school age children at schools affected by traffic-related pollutants (4). Analysis found that exposure to these pollutants resulted in lower verbal comprehension in girls, while boys experienced a reduced working memory.

Between 2001 and 2018, researchers tracked 2.8 million public school students in North Carolina. This large representation of students spanning the student’s entire time in public schools confirmed that exposure to PM2.5 played a negative role in standardized test scoring (5).

Can airborne pollutants impact adolescent health?

Yes. Aside from bacterial and viral illnesses, airborne pollutants have been linked to elevated health risks and symptoms that disrupt personal learning and productivity. A 2019 study found that even short-term exposure to airborne pollutants increased the risk for adolescent youth to be hospitalized for mental health concerns, such as intense stress, sadness, anxiety, and harmful thoughts or behaviors (6).

Air pollution has a demonstrated, strong impact on children’s lung development. Children living London were found to have much smaller lungs than those of their peers living in Luton, England due to exposure to traffic-sourced air pollution. However, a 2026 study found a decline in childhood lung impairment following the establishment of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Children ages 6-9 years old in London were found to have seen accelerated lung growth compared to the control group in Luton. The London children also experienced an improvement in clinically impaired lung function, dropping from 14% to 9%.

Poor air quality can have prolonged effects on developing children and sensitive groups, exacerbating pre-existing symptoms and conditions. Another 2019 research study discovered a link between school absences and asthma, specifically noting urban locations and pollution (7). In the U.S. alone, almost 8,000 public schools are within 500 feet of highways, truck routes, and other traffic-heavy roads, elevating PM2.5 levels within the region of these learning spaces (8).

School staff health is also impacted by airborne pollutants. Teachers and staff may experience short- and long-term health problems from poor indoor air quality, ranging from coughing, sneezing, and headaches to more serious health outcomes, like respiratory tract infection and disease and asthma (9).

Air pollution affects schools internationally

Air pollution is a global issue and schools can experience exacerbated pollutants levels by environmental factors unique to the location.

In Delhi, India, some schools reported a shift to hybrid learning systems due to elevated unhealthy pollutant levels from ongoing traffic emissions and urbanization (10). On the days kids are in-person for school, bus transportation could be barred completely, and outdoor recess time can be limited (11). City-wide pollution depends on systematic change and community action for air quality improvements.

In Beijing, China, persistent urban air pollution concerns from parents pushed several schools to adopt air cleaning technology. The Beijing Municipal Education Commission came to the decision in 2017 to implement air purifiers across the school district, as several private schools within the city already had integrated clean air systems built (12).

In Ontario, Canada, modern federal government aid has supported the reformation of ventilation systems in 72 school boards within the province, as a response from COVID-19 resilience programs (13). According to a 2011 research study, about 16% of primary public schools across Canada’s 10 most populous cities were located near major highways (14).

In Melbourne, Australia, in-school programs and new government support opportunities are driving air quality changes within local communities (15)(16). According to a 2024 climate report, one in six Australian schools and childcare centers were located in close proximity to busy roadways, increasing premature health risks and respiratory symptoms (17).

How to reduce unhealthy pollutants

Air cleaning tools provide optimized support in minimizing airborne pollutant exposure and contagious spread of viral particles. HyperHEPA air purifiers contain maximized filtration, capturing 99.5% of ultrafine pollutants down to 0.003 microns in size, such as smoke, pollen, and particulate matter. Extended runtimes and automated air cleaning devices can be effective for learning spaces as airborne pollutants can disrupt teaching at any time.

Schools can join the Clean Air Schools program to help foster safer, healthier learning environments for students. In California, home to the largest number of Clean Air Schools in the country, some students are already benefitting from cleaner air. A pilot study by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) demonstrated that low-cost, high efficiency HVAC filters removed up to 90% of ultrafine particles and diesel particulate matter from indoor air in three schools near refineries, freeways, and industrial facilities.

Cleaner indoor air means reduced absenteeism as well. Through a combination of source control, proper ventilation, and effective air filtration, schools can increase classroom attendance. This can mean increased school funding where funds are linked to lowered absenteeism and better Average Daily Attendance (ADA) (18).

Socio-economic disadvantaged and pollution impacted schools can also apply for grant funding, through the Clean Air for Kids initiative from the Foundation for Clean Air.

What can schools do
School staff and district officials can make an impactful difference in student health between every classroom with the proper integrated air cleaning technology and awareness. Implementing advanced school-wide filtration alongside air quality event awareness can help protect student and staff well-being, such as:

Join the Schools4Earth program
Become a Clean Air School\n
Apply for Clean Air for Kids funding if applicable
Open school-wide windows and doors for maximized ventilation when the air is clean
Host district meetings or open inquiry drop boxes to collect student health questions and air quality concerns
Routinely sanitize commonly used surfaces
Avoid scented chemical cleaning aerosols
Open classroom windows for maximized airflow ventilation, when the outdoor air is clean
Incorporate air quality monitoring and pollutant effects into educational lessons plans
\n

What can educators do
Teachers and educators have the power to enact positive air quality changes within classrooms and learning spaces. By utilizing air quality innovations and daily clean air methods, students can feel inspired and learn more about environmental awareness, such as:

Apply for Clean Air for Kids funding
Equip indoor air quality monitors with real-time visual maps
Utilize HyperHEPA air cleaning devices for maximized pollutant filtration
Routinely sanitize commonly used surfaces
Avoid scented chemical cleaning aerosols
Open classroom windows for maximized air flow ventilation
Incorporate air quality monitoring and pollutant effects into educational lessons plans

What can parents do
Parents, relatives, and community members can take initiatives and plan ahead for students to transition smoothly and safely into new indoor environments. Practicing air-conscious lifestyle choices alongside at-home filtration ensures students feel prepared and aware of air quality conditions, including:

Ensure schools are equipped with indoor and outdoor air quality monitors to spread awareness
Keep KN95 masks on hand during wildfire smoke events
Donate air purification devices to classrooms in public schools
Routinely sanitize school backpacks and clothes that can track in pollutants
Discuss specific air quality or health needs with educators to ensure proper childcare
Drive an electric vehicle or utilize school bus drop-offs to limit traffic emissions
Attend school district meetings to contribute to air quality improvements

Clean air preparation and lifestyle choices for students can help build environmental awareness and secure healthy breathing conditions both in school and at home.

Conclusion

Schools should feel like safe, productive learning spaces no matter the location or city it resides in. Securing clean air quality and practicing air-conscious choices can be impactful steps to creating a healthy environment for students this upcoming school year. With the Clean Air School certification with monitoring tools, air quality can be implemented within daily schedules or even educational lesson plans.

By leveraging air quality data, technology, and filtration, student health protection can be maximized and fit seamlessly into environmental education.

","classroom-air-quality-impacts-students-globally","gid://shopify/Article/642330427470","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/classroom-air-quality-impacts-students-globally","2026-09-28T19:07:59Z",[195,179,330,331],"Classroom air quality impacts learning",{"_66":328,"_80":-5,"_82":329,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275382370382","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/ProtectingKidsClassroomAir_AtemX_Desk_6c5cfacd-4f87-4d34-b3ce-d9eff27286c3.jpg?v=1790694883","Featured articles","Parents",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Not sure where your air purifier should go in the living room? The answer depends less on the spot and more on whether it's properly sized for the space. Here's how to get both right.","

Not sure where your air purifier should go in the living room? The answer depends less on the spot and more on whether it's properly sized for the space. Here's how to get both right.

","Where you put an air purifier in a living room matters, but not as much as whether the unit is properly sized and running at an adequate fan speed for the room. Get sizing right, and placement has real flexibility. Get it wrong, and where you put the purifier becomes the deciding factor in whether you're breathing cleaner air at all, because an undersized or under-powered unit can't rely on general circulation to reach the whole room. In that case, the fix isn't a better spot on the wall; it's moving the purifier closer to where people actually sit. That relationship is the starting point for figuring out where a living room air purifier belongs. Why does air purifier placement matter in a living room? Living rooms are usually the largest, most heavily used room in the home, and increasingly, they flow directly into kitchens and dining areas with no wall to separate them. That combination of size, activity, and open layout is exactly what makes sizing worth settling before placement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends placing a portable air cleaner in the room where occupants spend the most time (1), which for many households is the living room. A few placement habits work against that regardless of sizing: a purifier tucked into a corner, wedged behind a sofa, or placed too close to a wall has its airflow restricted no matter how powerful it is on paper. Where exactly should you put an air purifier in the living room? Start by confirming the air purifier is a good match for the room. If it's correctly sized and running at an adequate fan speed, general best practices apply: Use the longest open wall. Position the purifier along the room's longest unobstructed wall, facing into the room, for the most even reach in both directions. Give it breathing room. Furniture, curtains, or a wall pressed too close to the intake or output vents restricts circulation and reduces performance. Stay out of the walkway. A central, open position works better than a high-traffic path, where the purifier is more likely to be bumped, blocked, or unplugged. If the air purifier is undersized or running on a lower fan speed, prioritize proximity instead: position it within a few feet of your main seating area, and check whether raising the fan speed solves the problem before assuming a different spot will. How do open floor plans affect air purifier placement in the living room? Open floor plans raise the sizing stakes. When a living room flows into a kitchen or dining area with no dividing wall, the effective space the purifier needs to clean is larger than the living room alone, so a purifier well-matched to the living room by itself may be undersized once the adjoining space is factored in. If it's sized for the combined square footage, positioning it near the boundary between the two areas lets it serve both. If not, the same proximity rule from above applies: keep it close to where people actually sit. This is also a whole-room ventilation question. The EPA notes that homes should aim for a baseline air exchange rate under ASHRAE residential ventilation standards, and larger, merged living spaces naturally require more air movement to maintain consistent air quality throughout (2). What pollution sources could influence air purifier placement in the living room? Within whatever flexibility sizing allows, specific pollutants common to a living room can help fine-tune exactly where the purifier goes: Pets. Position the purifier nearer a pet's favorite spot to help capture dander and hair before it spreads. Fireplaces or wood stoves. Keep a reasonable distance from direct heat, but stay within range to help capture soot and smoke. Windows and entryways. Place the purifier nearer a window or entry point if outdoor pollution is a regular concern, keeping windows closed during pollution spikes. Cooking odors from an open kitchen. Positioning near the kitchen-living room boundary can help capture cooking smoke too, provided sizing supports covering that combined area. How should you size an air purifier for a large or open-concept living room? Since sizing is what determines how much freedom you have with placement, it's worth knowing what to look for. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how quickly a purifier can produce clean air in a room, but it only reflects short-term, initial performance. It doesn't indicate how well a purifier will keep performing as it accumulates pollutants over weeks and months. Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) is a better indicator of long-term performance, measuring how much particulate matter and gas a filter can capture before its efficiency starts to decline, rated in tiers from P1 to P4 for particles and F1 to F4 for gases. For a large or open-concept living room, an air purifier with both an appropriate room-size rating and a high CCM tier, run at a matched fan speed, is what earns you placement flexibility in the first place. What to avoid when placing a living room air purifier A few placement habits work against performance no matter how the purifier is sized: Tucking it behind or under furniture, TV consoles, or entertainment centers Pushing it directly against a wall or into a corner Placing it beneath curtains or behind floor-length drapes Setting it directly beside heat sources like a fireplace, radiator, or sun-exposed window Positioning it in a doorway or walkway where airflow, and foot traffic, gets blocked Conclusion Placement isn't the first question to ask about a living room air purifier; sizing is. A properly sized purifier running at an adequate fan speed can go almost anywhere, and a central, unobstructed spot along the room's longest wall is a sound default. A purifier that's undersized or running too low doesn't have that flexibility and belongs as close to your seating area as possible instead. Settle sizing first, and placement becomes fine-tuning, not a fix for a problem the purifier itself can't solve. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) Should I put my air purifier in the corner of the living room?It's best to avoid corners regardless of sizing. Corners restrict airflow on two sides at once, creating a dead zone that reduces circulation. Can one air purifier cover an open living room and kitchen?Yes, if it's sized for the combined square footage and run at an adequate fan speed. If not, keep it near your main seating area instead. How far should an air purifier be from the couch?A properly sized, adequately powered air purifier has flexibility, and a nearby wall position works well. An undersized or low-speed purifier should stay within a few feet of your seating area. Should I run my living room air purifier all day?Many air purifiers are designed for continuous operation and running one consistently at a fan speed matched to the room helps maintain more stable air quality in a high-traffic space. Does a fireplace affect where I should place my air purifier?Yes. Keep a reasonable distance from direct heat and flames but stay positioned to help capture smoke and soot particles that drift into the room when the fireplace is in use.","

Where you put an air purifier in a living room matters, but not as much as whether the unit is properly sized and running at an adequate fan speed for the room. Get sizing right, and placement has real flexibility. Get it wrong, and where you put the purifier becomes the deciding factor in whether you're breathing cleaner air at all, because an undersized or under-powered unit can't rely on general circulation to reach the whole room. In that case, the fix isn't a better spot on the wall; it's moving the purifier closer to where people actually sit.

That relationship is the starting point for figuring out where a living room air purifier belongs.

Why does air purifier placement matter in a living room?

Living rooms are usually the largest, most heavily used room in the home, and increasingly, they flow directly into kitchens and dining areas with no wall to separate them. That combination of size, activity, and open layout is exactly what makes sizing worth settling before placement.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends placing a portable air cleaner in the room where occupants spend the most time (1), which for many households is the living room. A few placement habits work against that regardless of sizing: a purifier tucked into a corner, wedged behind a sofa, or placed too close to a wall has its airflow restricted no matter how powerful it is on paper.

Where exactly should you put an air purifier in the living room?

Start by confirming the air purifier is a good match for the room. If it's correctly sized and running at an adequate fan speed, general best practices apply:

\nUse the longest open wall. Position the purifier along the room's longest unobstructed wall, facing into the room, for the most even reach in both directions.
\nGive it breathing room. Furniture, curtains, or a wall pressed too close to the intake or output vents restricts circulation and reduces performance.
\nStay out of the walkway. A central, open position works better than a high-traffic path, where the purifier is more likely to be bumped, blocked, or unplugged.

If the air purifier is undersized or running on a lower fan speed, prioritize proximity instead: position it within a few feet of your main seating area, and check whether raising the fan speed solves the problem before assuming a different spot will.

How do open floor plans affect air purifier placement in the living room?

Open floor plans raise the sizing stakes. When a living room flows into a kitchen or dining area with no dividing wall, the effective space the purifier needs to clean is larger than the living room alone, so a purifier well-matched to the living room by itself may be undersized once the adjoining space is factored in.

If it's sized for the combined square footage, positioning it near the boundary between the two areas lets it serve both. If not, the same proximity rule from above applies: keep it close to where people actually sit.

This is also a whole-room ventilation question. The EPA notes that homes should aim for a baseline air exchange rate under ASHRAE residential ventilation standards, and larger, merged living spaces naturally require more air movement to maintain consistent air quality throughout (2).

What pollution sources could influence air purifier placement in the living room?

Within whatever flexibility sizing allows, specific pollutants common to a living room can help fine-tune exactly where the purifier goes:

\nPets. Position the purifier nearer a pet's favorite spot to help capture dander and hair before it spreads.
\nFireplaces or wood stoves. Keep a reasonable distance from direct heat, but stay within range to help capture soot and smoke.
\nWindows and entryways. Place the purifier nearer a window or entry point if outdoor pollution is a regular concern, keeping windows closed during pollution spikes.
\nCooking odors from an open kitchen. Positioning near the kitchen-living room boundary can help capture cooking smoke too, provided sizing supports covering that combined area.
\n

How should you size an air purifier for a large or open-concept living room?

Since sizing is what determines how much freedom you have with placement, it's worth knowing what to look for.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how quickly a purifier can produce clean air in a room, but it only reflects short-term, initial performance. It doesn't indicate how well a purifier will keep performing as it accumulates pollutants over weeks and months.

Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) is a better indicator of long-term performance, measuring how much particulate matter and gas a filter can capture before its efficiency starts to decline, rated in tiers from P1 to P4 for particles and F1 to F4 for gases. For a large or open-concept living room, an air purifier with both an appropriate room-size rating and a high CCM tier, run at a matched fan speed, is what earns you placement flexibility in the first place.

What to avoid when placing a living room air purifier

A few placement habits work against performance no matter how the purifier is sized:

Tucking it behind or under furniture, TV consoles, or entertainment centers
Pushing it directly against a wall or into a corner
Placing it beneath curtains or behind floor-length drapes
Setting it directly beside heat sources like a fireplace, radiator, or sun-exposed window
Positioning it in a doorway or walkway where airflow, and foot traffic, gets blocked
\n

Conclusion

Placement isn't the first question to ask about a living room air purifier; sizing is. A properly sized purifier running at an adequate fan speed can go almost anywhere, and a central, unobstructed spot along the room's longest wall is a sound default. A purifier that's undersized or running too low doesn't have that flexibility and belongs as close to your seating area as possible instead.

Settle sizing first, and placement becomes fine-tuning, not a fix for a problem the purifier itself can't solve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Should I put my air purifier in the corner of the living room?
It's best to avoid corners regardless of sizing. Corners restrict airflow on two sides at once, creating a dead zone that reduces circulation.

Can one air purifier cover an open living room and kitchen?
Yes, if it's sized for the combined square footage and run at an adequate fan speed. If not, keep it near your main seating area instead.

How far should an air purifier be from the couch?
A properly sized, adequately powered air purifier has flexibility, and a nearby wall position works well. An undersized or low-speed purifier should stay within a few feet of your seating area.

Should I run my living room air purifier all day?
Many air purifiers are designed for continuous operation and running one consistently at a fan speed matched to the room helps maintain more stable air quality in a high-traffic space.

Does a fireplace affect where I should place my air purifier?
Yes. Keep a reasonable distance from direct heat and flames but stay positioned to help capture smoke and soot particles that drift into the room when the fireplace is in use.

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Kolkata records AQI above 170 as the monsoon withdraws. Elevated PM2.5 and ozone are driving today's pollution. Learn more about the causes and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in Kolkata, India? As of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM IST (GMT+5:30), air quality in Kolkata, India, is poor, with AQI exceeding 170, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant and ozone also significantly elevated. Kolkata's annual average PM2.5 concentration was 51 µg/m³ in 2025, exceeding the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³ by more than 10 times. Poor air quality is a persistent problem in the city, with conditions remaining unhealthy for most of the year except during the summer and monsoon months. India's national average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" and 9.78 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing India sixth globally. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kolkata's air quality map. Kolkata, India, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Kolkata, India, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Kolkata, India? AQI is forecast to remain elevated through next week with no significant meteorological relief. October through February historically marks Kolkata's worst months for air quality, as temperature inversions and reduced rainfall trap pollutants near the surface. Lasting improvement requires sustained emission controls across all major pollution sectors. Hourly air quality forecast for Kolkata, India, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Kolkata, India? The primary sources of air pollution in Kolkata include vehicular emissions at 51.4%, industrial sources at 24.5%, and dust at 21.1% (1). Today's elevated ozone reflects residual photochemical activity as the monsoon withdraws, while secondary PM2.5 from SO₂ and NH₃ reactions originating from three nearby coal power plants further compounds the city's chronic pollution burden. 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 Kolkata, India?

As of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM IST (GMT+5:30), air quality in Kolkata, India, is poor, with AQI exceeding 170, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant and ozone also significantly elevated.

Kolkata's annual average PM2.5 concentration was 51 µg/m³ in 2025, exceeding the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³ by more than 10 times. Poor air quality is a persistent problem in the city, with conditions remaining unhealthy for most of the year except during the summer and monsoon months.

India's national average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\" and 9.78 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³, placing India sixth globally.

For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Kolkata's air quality map.

$\"Kolkata$ Kolkata, India, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of Kolkata, India, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Kolkata, India?

AQI is forecast to remain elevated through next week with no significant meteorological relief. October through February historically marks Kolkata's worst months for air quality, as temperature inversions and reduced rainfall trap pollutants near the surface. Lasting improvement requires sustained emission controls across all major pollution sectors.

$\"Hourly$ Hourly air quality forecast for Kolkata, India, as of September 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Kolkata, India?

The primary sources of air pollution in Kolkata include vehicular emissions at 51.4%, industrial sources at 24.5%, and dust at 21.1% (1). Today's elevated ozone reflects residual photochemical activity as the monsoon withdraws, while secondary PM2.5 from SO₂ and NH₃ reactions originating from three nearby coal power plants further compounds the city's chronic pollution burden.

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.

","kolkata-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-9-30-2026","gid://shopify/Article/642424995918","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/kolkata-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-9-30-2026","2026-09-30T04:16:05Z",[179,14],"September 30, 2026: Kolkata among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_66":399,"_80":-5,"_82":400,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275390791758","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/KolkataDesktop_b8fb0a71-55c4-4c17-9056-82c5e951a8f7.jpg?v=1790741766",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"A pair of growing fires is impacting air quality near Big Sur, California. Learn more.","

A pair of growing fires is impacting air quality near Big Sur, California. Learn more.

","What is the name and location of the wildfires? As of September 30, 2026, two wildfires have affected California’s central coast in the Los Padres National Forest. The Timber Fire is burning southeast of Loma Vista in Monterey County, along the Big Sur coastline, near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the Ventana Wilderness. The Plaskett Fire was located approximately 20 miles south of the Timber Fire, spanning Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties along the Highway 1 corridor near the Nacimiento River. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? Several communities and areas in Central California affected by wildfires include: Big Sur Cambria Morro Bay Paso Robles San Luis Obispo What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of September 30, 2026, the Timber Fire has burned approximately 25,349 acres and remains 88% contained (1). The Plaskett Fire burned 29,993 acres and reached 100% containment on September 29 (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders remain in place for numerous Monterey County zones affected by the Timber Fire. Evacuation orders for the Plaskett Fire were lifted on September 16 as fire conditions improved. 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 September 30, 2026, the Timber Fire is 88% contained, while the Plaskett Fire reached 100% contained on September 29.","

What is the name and location of the wildfires?

As of September 30, 2026, two wildfires have affected California’s central coast in the Los Padres National Forest.

The Timber Fire is burning southeast of Loma Vista in Monterey County, along the Big Sur coastline, near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the Ventana Wilderness.

The Plaskett Fire was located approximately 20 miles south of the Timber Fire, spanning Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties along the Highway 1 corridor near the Nacimiento River.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

Several communities and areas in Central California affected by wildfires include:

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of September 30, 2026, the Timber Fire has burned approximately 25,349 acres and remains 88% contained (1). The Plaskett Fire burned 29,993 acres and reached 100% containment on September 29 (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders remain in place for numerous Monterey County zones affected by the Timber Fire. Evacuation orders for the Plaskett Fire were lifted on September 16 as fire conditions improved.

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 September 30, 2026, the Timber Fire is 88% contained, while the Plaskett Fire reached 100% contained on September 29.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-timber-and-plaskett-fires-california","gid://shopify/Article/642203484238","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-timber-and-plaskett-fires-california","2026-09-30T07:34:55Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Timber and Plaskett Fires, California",{"_66":414,"_80":-5,"_82":415,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275396788302","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/article_timber-wildfire_a7c630be-1c43-48eb-a4fe-31ab305fc650.jpg?v=1790753696",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Heavy rain has flooded Bangkok and communities across Thailand. Find out more about the September 2026 Thailand floods.","

Heavy rain has flooded Bangkok and communities across Thailand. Find out more about the September 2026 Thailand floods.

","What is the location of the flooding? As of September 30, 2026, the September 2026 Thailand floods are centered on the capital, Bangkok, and continue to affect large parts of central and eastern Thailand. The flooding followed heavy, accumulated rainfall between September 16 and 28. River overflow and higher discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam made it worse (1). Bangkok received about 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain in three days. That is nearly as much as the low-lying city usually gets in all of September. The rain came from an area of low pressure that moved northwest up the Gulf of Thailand and then stalled over central Thailand for about two days (2). Canals across Bangkok have burst their banks and flooded the roads next to them. City officials say the eastern part of the capital has been hit hardest (3). Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding? Flooding has affected 41 provinces, 214 districts, and more than 5,100 villages. About 927,400 households, or more than 2.5 million people, have been affected. At least 23 people have died nationwide since September 16, including four in Bangkok (4). The following provinces and areas across Thailand are among those directly affected: Ayutthaya Bangkok Chachoengsao Chanthaburi Chon Buri Nakhon Nayok Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Sawan Pathum Thani Prachin Buri Sa Kaeo Samut Prakan Suphan Buri In Bangkok, about 329,000 households have been affected. Affected neighborhoods include: Bang Kapi Khan Na Yao Khlong Chan Khlong Sam Wa Lat Krabang Saphan Sung Suan Luang Wang Thonglang Samut Prakan, home to Suvarnabhumi Airport, has reported the highest toll outside the capital, with 260,784 households affected and eight deaths. What is the current containment status of the flooding? As of September 30, 2026, floodwaters are receding in Bangkok, and recovery work is underway where water levels have dropped. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expects water to drain from major roads within two days. Other flooded areas may take up to a week to clear (5). The heaviest rain ended when the low-pressure system moved northwest on Sunday, September 27. However, as of September 28, flooding was still ongoing in 28 provinces, and several areas reported rising or stagnant water levels (6). Travel is still disrupted. Thai Airways cut about 30% of its planned departures from Bangkok and expects reduced service for at least three days. About 5,600 bags remain stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport (7). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Bangkok authorities initially declared all 50 of the city's districts a flood disaster zone. On September 29, the designation was lifted in 21 districts and remained in place in 29. The declaration gives local organizations the authority to act quickly. In Bangkok, nearly 6,000 people have moved into 234 evacuation centers. Outside the capital, 27 temporary shelters have opened in Sa Kaeo, and more shelters have been set up in Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima. Rising reservoirs in an eastern province have also led to evacuations. More than 80,000 residents in flooded areas cannot leave their homes, and mobile kitchens and boats are delivering meals to them. Residents are urged to stay home, and people living near canals should move their belongings to upper floors. Drivers are advised to move vehicles to higher ground, and free parking is available at MRT park-and-ride lots until October 2. Authorities warn that more rain could cause flash flooding, river overflow, and landslides, especially in low-lying areas and areas near waterways (8). 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 September 30, 2026, the September 2026 Thailand floods are centered on the capital, Bangkok, and continue to affect large parts of central and eastern Thailand. The flooding followed heavy, accumulated rainfall between September 16 and 28. River overflow and higher discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam made it worse (1).

Bangkok received about 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain in three days. That is nearly as much as the low-lying city usually gets in all of September. The rain came from an area of low pressure that moved northwest up the Gulf of Thailand and then stalled over central Thailand for about two days (2).

Canals across Bangkok have burst their banks and flooded the roads next to them. City officials say the eastern part of the capital has been hit hardest (3).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Flooding has affected 41 provinces, 214 districts, and more than 5,100 villages. About 927,400 households, or more than 2.5 million people, have been affected. At least 23 people have died nationwide since September 16, including four in Bangkok (4).

The following provinces and areas across Thailand are among those directly affected:

In Bangkok, about 329,000 households have been affected. Affected neighborhoods include:

Samut Prakan, home to Suvarnabhumi Airport, has reported the highest toll outside the capital, with 260,784 households affected and eight deaths.

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of September 30, 2026, floodwaters are receding in Bangkok, and recovery work is underway where water levels have dropped. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expects water to drain from major roads within two days. Other flooded areas may take up to a week to clear (5).

The heaviest rain ended when the low-pressure system moved northwest on Sunday, September 27. However, as of September 28, flooding was still ongoing in 28 provinces, and several areas reported rising or stagnant water levels (6).

Travel is still disrupted. Thai Airways cut about 30% of its planned departures from Bangkok and expects reduced service for at least three days. About 5,600 bags remain stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport (7).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Bangkok authorities initially declared all 50 of the city's districts a flood disaster zone. On September 29, the designation was lifted in 21 districts and remained in place in 29. The declaration gives local organizations the authority to act quickly.

In Bangkok, nearly 6,000 people have moved into 234 evacuation centers. Outside the capital, 27 temporary shelters have opened in Sa Kaeo, and more shelters have been set up in Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Rising reservoirs in an eastern province have also led to evacuations. More than 80,000 residents in flooded areas cannot leave their homes, and mobile kitchens and boats are delivering meals to them.

Residents are urged to stay home, and people living near canals should move their belongings to upper floors. Drivers are advised to move vehicles to higher ground, and free parking is available at MRT park-and-ride lots until October 2. Authorities warn that more rain could cause flash flooding, river overflow, and landslides, especially in low-lying areas and areas near waterways (8).

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-bangkok-and-central-thailand-flooding","gid://shopify/Article/642427682894","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-alert-bangkok-and-central-thailand-flooding","2026-09-30T13:42:40Z",[179,14,266],"Indoor Air Quality Alert: Bangkok and Central Thailand flooding",{"_66":429,"_80":430,"_82":431,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275401801806","Flooded road.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Flooding1Desktop_95d50e7d-0671-423a-9a05-42d3b16ef787.jpg?v=1790779709",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"The Widemouth 2 Fire remains active in central Utah, prompting ongoing evacuation orders. Find out more about the Widemouth 2 Fire.","

The Widemouth 2 Fire remains active in central Utah, prompting ongoing evacuation orders. Find out more about the Widemouth 2 Fire.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of October 1, 2026, the Widemouth 2 Fire is fully contained after burning across Millard and Sevier Counties in central Utah.The fire affected areas near Fillmore, Kanosh, Meadow, Joseph Peak, and the Fillmore Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Widemouth 2 Fire included: Chalk Creek Fillmore Fillmore Ranger District Joseph Peak Kanosh Meadow Millard County Sevier County What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of October 1, 2026, the Widemouth 2 Fire is 100% contained, having burned 129,741 acres. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders and alerts previously issued for the affected areas have been lifted. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of October 1, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of October 1, 2026, the Widemouth 2 Fire is fully contained after burning across Millard and Sevier Counties in central Utah.
The fire affected areas near Fillmore, Kanosh, Meadow, Joseph Peak, and the Fillmore Ranger District of Fishlake National Forest (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Widemouth 2 Fire included:

Chalk Creek
Fillmore
Fillmore Ranger District
Joseph Peak
Kanosh
Meadow
Millard County
Sevier County

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of October 1, 2026, the Widemouth 2 Fire is 100% contained, having burned 129,741 acres.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders and alerts previously issued for the affected areas have been lifted.

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 October 1, 2026, this fire is 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-widemouth-2-fire-utah","gid://shopify/Article/642035351630","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-widemouth-2-fire-utah","2026-10-01T14:14:42Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Widemouth 2 Fire, Utah",{"_66":445,"_80":446,"_82":447,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275414745166","Intense forest fire.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire10Desktop_c760416f-a557-4bef-a89a-9fd725e01250.jpg?v=1790864519",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"Find out more about Washington’s Three Queens and King fires, including containment and evacuations.","

Find out more about Washington’s Three Queens and King fires, including containment and evacuations.

","What are the names and locations of the wildfires? As of October 1, 2026, the Three Queens Fire and King Fire are burning in Kittitas County, Washington. Firefighting operations for the Three Queens Fire extend around Kachess Lake, Cle Elum Lake, Cooper Lake, and Box Canyon Creek (1). The King Fire is also burning in Kittitas County, where crews are monitoring for potential southward spread and maintaining existing control lines to protect nearby communities (2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The cities and areas affected by the Three Queens and King fires include: Baker Lane Box Canyon Creek Cle Elum Lake area Cooper Lake area Kachess Campground Kachess Lake area Kittitas County What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of October 1, 2026, the Three Queens Fire has burned 9,582.3 acres and is 33% contained. Crews are reinforcing containment lines and protecting structures near Kachess Campground and Baker Lane. The King Fire has burned 3,440 acres and is 36% contained. Recent rain and high humidity have reduced fire activity, but heavy dead vegetation continues to burn and smolder. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, Level 2 (Set) warnings, and Level 1 (Ready) notices are in effect for areas of Kittitas County due to the Three Queens Fire. Residents in Level 3 zones must leave immediately. Those in Level 2 zones should be ready to leave at short notice, while those in Level 1 zones should prepare for possible evacuation. Masks are available at Kittitas County Public Health, 507 N Nanum Street, Suite 102, in Ellensburg, and Upper Kittitas County District Court, 700 E 1st Street, in Cle Elum. 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 October 1, 2026,The Three Queens Fire is 33% contained.The King Fire is 36% contained.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of October 1, 2026, the Three Queens Fire and King Fire are burning in Kittitas County, Washington. Firefighting operations for the Three Queens Fire extend around Kachess Lake, Cle Elum Lake, Cooper Lake, and Box Canyon Creek (1).

The King Fire is also burning in Kittitas County, where crews are monitoring for potential southward spread and maintaining existing control lines to protect nearby communities (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The cities and areas affected by the Three Queens and King fires include:

Baker Lane
Box Canyon Creek
Cle Elum Lake area
Cooper Lake area
Kachess Campground
Kachess Lake area
Kittitas County

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of October 1, 2026, the Three Queens Fire has burned 9,582.3 acres and is 33% contained. Crews are reinforcing containment lines and protecting structures near Kachess Campground and Baker Lane.

The King Fire has burned 3,440 acres and is 36% contained. Recent rain and high humidity have reduced fire activity, but heavy dead vegetation continues to burn and smolder.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders, Level 2 (Set) warnings, and Level 1 (Ready) notices are in effect for areas of Kittitas County due to the Three Queens Fire.

Residents in Level 3 zones must leave immediately. Those in Level 2 zones should be ready to leave at short notice, while those in Level 1 zones should prepare for possible evacuation.

Masks are available at Kittitas County Public Health, 507 N Nanum Street, Suite 102, in Ellensburg, and Upper Kittitas County District Court, 700 E 1st Street, in Cle Elum.

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 October 1, 2026,
The Three Queens Fire is 33% contained.
The King Fire is 36% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-three-queens-and-king-fires-washington","gid://shopify/Article/642288025678","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-three-queens-and-king-fires-washington","2026-10-01T14:17:49Z",[179,14,211],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Three Queens and King Fires, Washington",{"_66":461,"_80":462,"_82":463,"_84":141,"_86":142},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/275414712398","Forest fire","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire25Desktop_ca2f536d-4b1d-4a06-9a7c-cb2733d235c0.jpg?v=1790864519",{"_92":93},{"_64":91},"India's air quality deteriorates every winter as stubble burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.","

India's air quality deteriorates every winter as stubble burning, temperature inversions, and urban emissions push AQI into unhealthy ranges across major cities. Learn more about the affected regions, causes, and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in India? On October 1, 2026, air quality in India is poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 10:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time, GMT+5:30), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\". This level is nearly 9.8 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing India sixth globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report. Air quality map of India and neighboring countries as of October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in India? As of October 1, 2026, several major cities across India are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Agra Asansol Delhi Hyderabad Kolkata Lucknow Mumbai Siliguri Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see India's air quality map. Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 10:00 AM (IST), October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in India? As the monsoon withdraws in October, India's air quality enters its most challenging seasonal period. Temperature inversions and a shallow planetary boundary layer trap pollutants near the surface, sustaining poor to severe AQI categories across India from October through February. Short-term improvements depend on favorable weather, with winds and rain helping to disperse pollutants. Full relief will not arrive until the following monsoon season, and lasting improvement requires stronger policy enforcement and effective regulation of stubble burning. What is causing poor air quality in India? The root causes of air pollution in India include household emissions, power sector emissions, industrial activities, transportation, open burning of crops and waste, and dust, with household emissions contributing about 30 to 50% of ambient PM2.5 levels year-round (1). As autumn transitions into winter, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana peaks between late October and mid-November, explaining 78% of Delhi's aerosol variance during this period (2). Post-monsoon temperature inversions intensify pollution further, with Diwali fireworks adding a sharp additional spike, pushing 80% of cities into severe or hazardous air quality categories on festival nights (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in India?

On October 1, 2026, air quality in India is poor, with major cities experiencing air quality in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 10:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time, GMT+5:30), many urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 48.9 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 134, classified as \"unhealthy for sensitive groups\". This level is nearly 9.8 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing India sixth globally in the 2025 World Air Quality Report.

$\"Air$ Air quality map of India and neighboring countries as of October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in India?

As of October 1, 2026, several major cities across India are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

\nAgra \n
\nAsansol\n
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kolkata
\n
Lucknow
\n
Mumbai
Siliguri

Air quality conditions can change throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see India's air quality map.

$\"Delhi$ Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 10:00 AM (IST), October 1, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in India?

As the monsoon withdraws in October, India's air quality enters its most challenging seasonal period. Temperature inversions and a shallow planetary boundary layer trap pollutants near the surface, sustaining poor to severe AQI categories across India from October through February.

Short-term improvements depend on favorable weather, with winds and rain helping to disperse pollutants. Full relief will not arrive until the following monsoon season, and lasting improvement requires stronger policy enforcement and effective regulation of stubble burning.

What is causing poor air quality in India?

The root causes of air pollution in India include household emissions, power sector emissions, industrial activities, transportation, open burning of crops and waste, and dust, with household emissions contributing about 30 to 50% of ambient PM2.5 levels year-round (1).

As autumn transitions into winter, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana peaks between late October and mid-November, explaining 78% of Delhi's aerosol variance during this period (2). Post-monsoon temperature inversions intensify pollution further, with Diwali fireworks adding a sharp additional spike, pushing 80% of cities into severe or hazardous air quality categories on festival nights (3).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

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