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A kitten rescue in Ontario needed a powerful clean air solution fast – and found it. Learn more about the essential role of clean air in shelters.

","content","Nestled in a small town near Cornwall, Canada, Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue serves as a lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable kittens (1). For nearly eight years, rescue founder Mellissa has worked tirelessly to save and nurture the most fragile feline lives in the region. Yet despite Mellissa’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment for those in her care, animal rescues must always contend with a formidable health challenge. Poor air quality impacts both kittens and the humans who care for them. Thanks to advanced air purification technology, the rescue now breathes easier—literally and figuratively. Mission built on compassion Mellissa’s journey to creating Tiny but Mighty began with heartbreak. As a volunteer at her local animal shelter, she learned of the euthanasia of kittens deemed too young to care for. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she founded her own kitten-focused rescue in 2017. “I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.” “I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. They wouldn’t let up,” Mellissa shared. “Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.” Mellissa provides a safe space for kittens to grow and thrive until they find their carefully screened forever homes. Today, the rescue operates solely on donations and community support. “It’s such an incredible community. People do come through to support what I’m doing, so it’s incredible.” But running a rescue isn’t without its challenges, and one significant one she uncovered was air quality. Nova the kitten enjoying toys at the Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues Caring for kittens in any enclosed environment presents unique challenges. Despite her meticulous cleaning habits, Mellissa found air quality to be a problem. “The dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and sneeze.” There would still be dust, odors, and allergens in the space “even though I use 99% dust-free litter.” Mellissa explained. “It’s great compared to some I’ve tried, but the dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and make little sneezes.” This poor air quality not only affected visitors but also had potential health implications for the kittens and Mellissa herself. Dust mites, microscopic creatures that feed on animal’s dead skin, can cause year-round allergic reactions in both cats and humans, including sneezing, runny and itchy noses, watery eyes, and even rashes. Components of pet dander can also act as an allergen, triggering similar reactions. Determined to find a solution to her dust problem, she began her search for an air purifier that could meet the rescue’s unique needs. Life changing air cleaning solution Determined to tackle the persistent dust and allergens, Mellissa sought an air purifier that could truly meet the unique demands of her rescue. After years of frustration with a previous model, she knew she needed a solution that could handle constant activity, fine dust particles, and odors effectively. Mellissa recalled, “The dust was still spreading throughout the house, and I thought, ‘this is just not enough.’” That’s when Mellissa’s father suggested looking into IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE. Intrigued by its reputation for advanced filtration capabilities, Mellissa decided to give it a try—and the results were immediate and noticeable. The HealthPro Plus XE is equipped with HyperHEPA filtration, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than most air purifiers can filter. This efficiency, proven to remove particles far smaller than bacteria or viruses, combined with gas-phase filtration to eliminate odors, made it an ideal solution for the rescue’s air quality challenges. “The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact,” Mellissa shared. The HealthPro Plus XE at work next to Leia the cat. Not only did she see a dramatic improvement in the air quality for the kittens, but visitors also noticed the difference. The previously lingering food and litter odors were gone. “I definitely don’t smell that anymore,” Mellissa said. “I’m really impressed.” “The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact.” When it comes to daily use, Mellissa has found a setup that works perfectly for the rescue’s needs. During cleaning, she runs the fan at its highest setting, ensuring dust and particles are quickly filtered out. For everyday operation, she adjusts the fan to levels 2 or 3, which run quietly enough not to disturb the kittens at night. Looking ahead For Mellissa, clean air ensures a brighter future for Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. She intends to continue providing even more kittens with a safe haven before transitioning to loving homes. The cleaner air and lack of odor in the rescue has already improved adoption visits, a critical step in finding forever homes for the kittens. Mellissa emphasizes her desire to address the root cause of ownerless kittens—unspayed and neutered animals in the population. She hopes to get the word out to more pet owners about the crucial role of spaying and neutering their animals. As she warns, “the cat overpopulation is so crazy here. Spay and neuter your cats, spay and neuter your dogs to help lower those populations.” Conclusion Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue’s story underscores the profound difference clean air technology can make in transforming lives—both human and animal. For Mellissa, investing in air purification wasn’t just about solving a nuisance; it was about creating a healthier, more inviting space where kittens could thrive and visitors could feel comfortable. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of air quality, she has set a powerful example for other rescues, shelters, and even individual pet owners facing similar challenges.","contentHtml","

Nestled in a small town near Cornwall, Canada, Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue serves as a lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable kittens (1). For nearly eight years, rescue founder Mellissa has worked tirelessly to save and nurture the most fragile feline lives in the region.

Yet despite Mellissa’s dedication to maintaining a clean environment for those in her care, animal rescues must always contend with a formidable health challenge. Poor air quality impacts both kittens and the humans who care for them.

Thanks to advanced air purification technology, the rescue now breathes easier—literally and figuratively.

Mission built on compassion

Mellissa’s journey to creating Tiny but Mighty began with heartbreak. As a volunteer at her local animal shelter, she learned of the euthanasia of kittens deemed too young to care for. Unwilling to accept this outcome, she founded her own kitten-focused rescue in 2017.

“I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.”

“I had so many dreams about saving these kittens. They wouldn’t let up,” Mellissa shared. “Something told me to just do it myself—start my own rescue.”

Mellissa provides a safe space for kittens to grow and thrive until they find their carefully screened forever homes. Today, the rescue operates solely on donations and community support. “It’s such an incredible community. People do come through to support what I’m doing, so it’s incredible.”

But running a rescue isn’t without its challenges, and one significant one she uncovered was air quality.

Nova the kitten enjoying toys at the Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue.

Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues

Caring for kittens in any enclosed environment presents unique challenges. Despite her meticulous cleaning habits, Mellissa found air quality to be a problem.

“The dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and sneeze.”

There would still be dust, odors, and allergens in the space “even though I use 99% dust-free litter.” Mellissa explained. “It’s great compared to some I’ve tried, but the dust is crazy. The kittens will go in their litter box and make little sneezes.”

This poor air quality not only affected visitors but also had potential health implications for the kittens and Mellissa herself. Dust mites, microscopic creatures that feed on animal’s dead skin, can cause year-round allergic reactions in both cats and humans, including sneezing, runny and itchy noses, watery eyes, and even rashes.

Components of pet dander can also act as an allergen, triggering similar reactions.

Determined to find a solution to her dust problem, she began her search for an air purifier that could meet the rescue’s unique needs.

Life changing air cleaning solution

Determined to tackle the persistent dust and allergens, Mellissa sought an air purifier that could truly meet the unique demands of her rescue. After years of frustration with a previous model, she knew she needed a solution that could handle constant activity, fine dust particles, and odors effectively.

Mellissa recalled, “The dust was still spreading throughout the house, and I thought, ‘this is just not enough.’”

That’s when Mellissa’s father suggested looking into IQAir’s HealthPro Plus XE. Intrigued by its reputation for advanced filtration capabilities, Mellissa decided to give it a try—and the results were immediate and noticeable.

The HealthPro Plus XE is equipped with HyperHEPA filtration, capable of capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than most air purifiers can filter. This efficiency, proven to remove particles far smaller than bacteria or viruses, combined with gas-phase filtration to eliminate odors, made it an ideal solution for the rescue’s air quality challenges.

“The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact,” Mellissa shared.

$\"\"$

The HealthPro Plus XE at work next to Leia the cat.

Not only did she see a dramatic improvement in the air quality for the kittens, but visitors also noticed the difference. The previously lingering food and litter odors were gone. “I definitely don’t smell that anymore,” Mellissa said. “I’m really impressed.”

“The kittens aren’t sneezing anymore. The air purifier has had a huge impact.”

When it comes to daily use, Mellissa has found a setup that works perfectly for the rescue’s needs. During cleaning, she runs the fan at its highest setting, ensuring dust and particles are quickly filtered out. For everyday operation, she adjusts the fan to levels 2 or 3, which run quietly enough not to disturb the kittens at night.

Looking ahead

For Mellissa, clean air ensures a brighter future for Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue. She intends to continue providing even more kittens with a safe haven before transitioning to loving homes.

The cleaner air and lack of odor in the rescue has already improved adoption visits, a critical step in finding forever homes for the kittens.

Mellissa emphasizes her desire to address the root cause of ownerless kittens—unspayed and neutered animals in the population. She hopes to get the word out to more pet owners about the crucial role of spaying and neutering their animals. As she warns, “the cat overpopulation is so crazy here. Spay and neuter your cats, spay and neuter your dogs to help lower those populations.”

Conclusion

Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue’s story underscores the profound difference clean air technology can make in transforming lives—both human and animal.

For Mellissa, investing in air purification wasn’t just about solving a nuisance; it was about creating a healthier, more inviting space where kittens could thrive and visitors could feel comfortable. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of air quality, she has set a powerful example for other rescues, shelters, and even individual pet owners facing similar challenges.

","handle","cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","id","gid://shopify/Article/634971062350","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2025-01-27T13:00:00Z","tags",[88,89],"title","Cleaner air, healthier kittens: Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue","image",{"_66":79,"_80":81,"_82":83,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269919354958","altText","Cat resting next to air purifier.","url","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/KittenRescue_Desk_b3d57834-7858-4bac-b89f-c734afea302e.jpg?v=1755513318","width",2880,"height",1500,"Pets","Success Stories","news","name","IQAir Staff Writers",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn about Permian Health's innovative approach to improving air quality in Gambia, using cutting-edge technology to reveal invisible pollutants and safeguard public health.","

Learn about Permian Health's innovative approach to improving air quality in Gambia, using cutting-edge technology to reveal invisible pollutants and safeguard public health.

","In the slender West African nation of Gambia, Dr. Sunkaru Touray of Permian Health Lung Institute is leading an unprecedented initiative to illuminate the invisible dangers of air pollution through the strategic deployment of low-cost air quality monitors. A vision born from necessity Dr. Touray, a pulmonologist and critical care physician originally from Kartong, The Gambia, was profoundly affected by the respiratory issues he encountered while practicing in New Mexico. These issues, often linked to hydrocarbon exposure and environmental pollutants, spurred him to address similar problems in Gambia, where air quality data is scarce. \"There's a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air,\" Dr. Touray noted. Recognizing the parallels between New Mexico and Gambia, Dr. Touray envisioned the Permian Health Clean Air Initiative. This initiative aims not only to collect data but to empower Gambians with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air. “There’s a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air.”–Dr. Sunkaru Touray, Founder, Permian Health The journey of Permian Health Permian Health's mission is clear: to democratize access to air quality data in Gambia by installing low-cost air quality monitors throughout the country. The team selected IQAir’s AirVisual outdoor monitors for this critical work. “These devices are proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and can operate on solar power,” Dr. Touray said. “They also have 4G LTE connectivity,” which make the monitors ideally suited for Gambia's diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Banjul to the rural countryside. \"The goal,\" Dr. Touray explained, \"is not just to collect data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.\" Highlighting areas of concern: Brikama’s air quality Brikama stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced across Gambia. Known for its bustling markets and as a hub for both commerce and community life, the town also grapples with air quality issues that pose risks to its residents. By placing monitors in strategic locations, including the busy highway through Brikama, Permian Health is mapping pollution levels and raising awareness among the local population about the air they breathe daily—while simultaneously acting as a testament to the potential of grassroots air monitoring networks in challenging regions. Dr Touray said, \"As we look to the future, the lessons learned from Brikama will inform our expansion strategies to other regions facing similar challenges. Our success in achieving nationwide coverage, with Brikama as a keystone in our network, exemplifies the scalable model of Permian Health Clean Air Initiative.” “The goal is not to just collect the data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health.” Local feedback has been largely positive. According to Dr. Touray, real-time access to air quality monitor information has improved local understanding of the dangers of poor air quality, especially during the dry, dusty Harmattan season typically experienced from November to March. Permian Health has collaborated with local groups such as the Brikama Nema Diaspora Group (BRIND) and Karamie’s Health clinic to install sensors in key areas, allowing residents and medical professionals to access real-time air quality data. Pioneering work on the ground To date, the Permian Health air quality network has grown to 14 sensors, achieving nationwide coverage with an air quality sensor in all regions of The Gambia—proof of the project's rapid scalability and success. The project has successfully installed air quality monitors in various locations, including urban areas and industrial sites. These monitors provide real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, which pose the greatest threat to human health, offering invaluable insights into the air pollution across different regions of Gambia. \"We have sensors in the most densely populated areas,” Dr. Touray said. \"Through the process of collecting PM 2.5 data in Gambia and identifying pollution hotspots, we educate the public about air quality and its impact on public health—and also communicate the importance of installing air quality sensors as a means to make a change.\" This foundational work sets the stage for enhanced accuracy and credibility in air quality monitoring, as underscored by a pivotal development in the project's journey. “The recent addition of a reference-grade monitor donated by MetOne marks a significant leap in our capacity for precision and validation of the data collected by our existing sensor network,” Dr. Touray said. However, maintaining and expanding the network can be impeded by dust accumulation on solar panels during the Harmattan season, unreliable power supplies, and other issues. ‘While we have made significant progress in addressing some of these challenges, connectivity and maintenance in remote areas remain ongoing hurdles in our efforts to maintain and expand the sensor network efficiently,’ Dr. Touray explained. Uniting minds and garnering accolades To raise awareness about their work, Permian Health has created a promotional video which serves as a powerful tool to inform and engage the public about their project. A key milestone for the project was the establishment of the first air quality conference in Gambia, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academia, and civil society to discuss the findings and implications of the collected data. \"This conference was a pivotal moment for us, marking the beginning of a national conversation on air quality,\" reflects Dr. Touray. This national conversation is already making a policy impact. The Ministry of Health has issued public health advisories several times since the air quality sensors were deployed, raising air quality awareness in communities around the country. Dr. Touray emphasizes the importance of partnering with the Gambian government to leverage their data for national air quality standards and planning. \"Working closely with governmental bodies is crucial for our success,\" Dr. Touray notes, highlighting his strong connections within the National Environment Agency, which have been supportive of their endeavors. With the NEA, Permian Health was able to release their first air quality report based on initial installations. This sets the table for future updates from newly installed sensors. Additionally, the project's recent recognition by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago with an Air Quality Award highlights the global acknowledgment of their impactful work. This prestigious award will enable Permian Health to scale their network further. Currently, there are 22 low-cost sensors deployed, and Gambia will, for the first time ever, have a reference monitor to assist in enhancing air quality monitoring and assessment. Hopes for the Future Thanks to their recent Air Quality Award, Permian Health acquired an 10 sensors, bringing the total to 26 sensors across The Gambia. Six new sensors have been deployed to NEA headquarters, two major health centers with support from the Ministry of Health, and in housing developments in partnership with Gambia’s largest real estate company, TAF Africa Global. The remaining sensors will be deployed to the National Stadium, Gambia International Airport, the Seaport in Banjul, and a major intersection as soon as final government approvals are processed. Dr. Touray envisions a future where every Gambian has access to air quality information, enabling them to protect themselves and their families from air pollution. Furthermore, he hopes to leverage the data collected to advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations in Gambia. “We’re not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change.” \"We're not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change,\" says Dr. Touray. \"Our ultimate goal is for Gambia to set national air quality standards, informed by the comprehensive data we've gathered.\" A key step toward this goal is the second Clean Air Conference, which Permian Health is organizing in partnership with the NEA. The event will bring together stakeholders, including officials from the ministries of Health, Environment, Transport, and Education, to develop a national air quality work plan. According to Dr. Touray, Permian Health is conducting an inventory assessment to determine the key sources of pollution, such as waste burning, reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking, and transport-related emissions. \"Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with the NEA and the Ministry of Health, to expand and maintain our sensor network.\" \"We plan to enhance public awareness campaigns, especially during high-risk periods, to better inform the community about air quality concerns. We would also like to engage more with local TV stations for them to display air quality and weather information from our network. The takeaway Dr. Sunkaru Touray's work with Permian Health exemplifies innovative activism. The project not only addresses air quality data gaps but also empowers communities to tackle air pollution—an issue that transcends borders. Dr. Touray's mission goes beyond monitoring; it's about transforming the fabric of public health through the lens of air quality.","

In the slender West African nation of Gambia, Dr. Sunkaru Touray of Permian Health Lung Institute is leading an unprecedented initiative to illuminate the invisible dangers of air pollution through the strategic deployment of low-cost air quality monitors.

A vision born from necessity

Dr. Touray, a pulmonologist and critical care physician originally from Kartong, The Gambia, was profoundly affected by the respiratory issues he encountered while practicing in New Mexico. These issues, often linked to hydrocarbon exposure and environmental pollutants, spurred him to address similar problems in Gambia, where air quality data is scarce. \"There's a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air,\" Dr. Touray noted.

Recognizing the parallels between New Mexico and Gambia, Dr. Touray envisioned the Permian Health Clean Air Initiative. This initiative aims not only to collect data but to empower Gambians with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.

“There’s a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air.”

–Dr. Sunkaru Touray, Founder, Permian Health

The journey of Permian Health

Permian Health's mission is clear: to democratize access to air quality data in Gambia by installing low-cost air quality monitors throughout the country. The team selected IQAir’s AirVisual outdoor monitors for this critical work. “These devices are proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and can operate on solar power,” Dr. Touray said. “They also have 4G LTE connectivity,” which make the monitors ideally suited for Gambia's diverse environments—from the bustling streets of Banjul to the rural countryside.

\"The goal,\" Dr. Touray explained, \"is not just to collect data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health and advocate for cleaner air.\"

\nHighlighting areas of concern: Brikama’s air quality\n

Brikama stands as a poignant example of the challenges faced across Gambia. Known for its bustling markets and as a hub for both commerce and community life, the town also grapples with air quality issues that pose risks to its residents. By placing monitors in strategic locations, including the busy highway through Brikama, Permian Health is mapping pollution levels and raising awareness among the local population about the air they breathe daily—while simultaneously acting as a testament to the potential of grassroots air monitoring networks in challenging regions.

$\"\"$

Dr Touray said, \"As we look to the future, the lessons learned from Brikama will inform our expansion strategies to other regions facing similar challenges. Our success in achieving nationwide coverage, with Brikama as a keystone in our network, exemplifies the scalable model of Permian Health Clean Air Initiative.”

“The goal is not to just collect the data but to empower our communities with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health.”

Local feedback has been largely positive. According to Dr. Touray, real-time access to air quality monitor information has improved local understanding of the dangers of poor air quality, especially during the dry, dusty Harmattan season typically experienced from November to March.

Permian Health has collaborated with local groups such as the Brikama Nema Diaspora Group (BRIND) and Karamie’s Health clinic to install sensors in key areas, allowing residents and medical professionals to access real-time air quality data.

Pioneering work on the ground

To date, the Permian Health air quality network has grown to 14 sensors, achieving nationwide coverage with an air quality sensor in all regions of The Gambia—proof of the project's rapid scalability and success. The project has successfully installed air quality monitors in various locations, including urban areas and industrial sites. These monitors provide real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5, which pose the greatest threat to human health, offering invaluable insights into the air pollution across different regions of Gambia.

\"We have sensors in the most densely populated areas,” Dr. Touray said. \"Through the process of collecting PM 2.5 data in Gambia and identifying pollution hotspots, we educate the public about air quality and its impact on public health—and also communicate the importance of installing air quality sensors as a means to make a change.\"

This foundational work sets the stage for enhanced accuracy and credibility in air quality monitoring, as underscored by a pivotal development in the project's journey. “The recent addition of a reference-grade monitor donated by MetOne marks a significant leap in our capacity for precision and validation of the data collected by our existing sensor network,” Dr. Touray said.

However, maintaining and expanding the network can be impeded by dust accumulation on solar panels during the Harmattan season, unreliable power supplies, and other issues.

‘While we have made significant progress in addressing some of these challenges, connectivity and maintenance in remote areas remain ongoing hurdles in our efforts to maintain and expand the sensor network efficiently,’ Dr. Touray explained.

Uniting minds and garnering accolades

To raise awareness about their work, Permian Health has created a promotional video which serves as a powerful tool to inform and engage the public about their project.

A key milestone for the project was the establishment of the first air quality conference in Gambia, bringing together stakeholders from the government, academia, and civil society to discuss the findings and implications of the collected data.

\"This conference was a pivotal moment for us, marking the beginning of a national conversation on air quality,\" reflects Dr. Touray.

This national conversation is already making a policy impact. The Ministry of Health has issued public health advisories several times since the air quality sensors were deployed, raising air quality awareness in communities around the country.

Dr. Touray emphasizes the importance of partnering with the Gambian government to leverage their data for national air quality standards and planning. \"Working closely with governmental bodies is crucial for our success,\" Dr. Touray notes, highlighting his strong connections within the National Environment Agency, which have been supportive of their endeavors.

With the NEA, Permian Health was able to release their first air quality report based on initial installations. This sets the table for future updates from newly installed sensors.

Additionally, the project's recent recognition by the Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago with an Air Quality Award highlights the global acknowledgment of their impactful work. This prestigious award will enable Permian Health to scale their network further.

Currently, there are 22 low-cost sensors deployed, and Gambia will, for the first time ever, have a reference monitor to assist in enhancing air quality monitoring and assessment.

Hopes for the Future

Thanks to their recent Air Quality Award, Permian Health acquired an 10 sensors, bringing the total to 26 sensors across The Gambia.

$\"\"$

Six new sensors have been deployed to NEA headquarters, two major health centers with support from the Ministry of Health, and in housing developments in partnership with Gambia’s largest real estate company, TAF Africa Global. The remaining sensors will be deployed to the National Stadium, Gambia International Airport, the Seaport in Banjul, and a major intersection as soon as final government approvals are processed.

Dr. Touray envisions a future where every Gambian has access to air quality information, enabling them to protect themselves and their families from air pollution. Furthermore, he hopes to leverage the data collected to advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations in Gambia.

“We’re not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change.”

\"We're not just collecting data for the sake of it. We want to drive change,\" says Dr. Touray. \"Our ultimate goal is for Gambia to set national air quality standards, informed by the comprehensive data we've gathered.\"

A key step toward this goal is the second Clean Air Conference, which Permian Health is organizing in partnership with the NEA. The event will bring together stakeholders, including officials from the ministries of Health, Environment, Transport, and Education, to develop a national air quality work plan.

According to Dr. Touray, Permian Health is conducting an inventory assessment to determine the key sources of pollution, such as waste burning, reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking, and transport-related emissions. \"Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with the NEA and the Ministry of Health, to expand and maintain our sensor network.\"

\"We plan to enhance public awareness campaigns, especially during high-risk periods, to better inform the community about air quality concerns. We would also like to engage more with local TV stations for them to display air quality and weather information from our network.

The takeaway

Dr. Sunkaru Touray's work with Permian Health exemplifies innovative activism. The project not only addresses air quality data gaps but also empowers communities to tackle air pollution—an issue that transcends borders.

Dr. Touray's mission goes beyond monitoring; it's about transforming the fabric of public health through the lens of air quality.

","permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","gid://shopify/Article/634018988110","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","2025-03-24T17:00:00Z",[109,110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s Air Quality Crusade in Gambia",{"_66":106,"_80":107,"_82":108,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269813416014","Man working on pole","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/PermianHealth_Desk_A_e25c0fb4-f682-4892-bbc6-5c8e0d753ac9.jpg?v=1754481444","Community","Featured Contributor",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"WWF Pakistan is tackling air pollution with IQAir. Learn how real-time data is driving change across the country.","

WWF Pakistan is tackling air pollution with IQAir. Learn how real-time data is driving change across the country.

","In Pakistan, where vast horizons stretch beneath seemingly clear skies, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of data and awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen. Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed 15 stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat. \"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan. As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.” Pakistan's Air Quality Challenge Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data. \"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions, and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained. WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan. “Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data. With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country. Rolling Out Pakistan’s Air Quality Network WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing a total of air quality sensors in 15 key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. All 15 stations are currently up and running. Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change. Air Quality Data in Action With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan. \"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.” Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives. Vision For the Future WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data. \"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution. The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\" “Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.” Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 70 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2024 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony. Conclusion WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters. “This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”","

In Pakistan, where vast horizons stretch beneath seemingly clear skies, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of data and awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen.

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, WWF-Pakistan has taken significant steps to address air pollution using IQAir’s air quality monitoring technology. WWF-Pakistan has successfully deployed 15 stations across Pakistan and published data to IQAir’s AirVisual platform, establishing the country’s largest air quality monitoring network. With this initiative, WWF-Pakistan is transforming how the country understands and confronts this invisible threat.

\"We have successfully reached the goal of installing AirVisual Outdoor sensors in 15 of our offices across Pakistan,\" said WWF-Pakistan’s Research Officer, Muhammad Huzaifa who led this initiative in Pakistan.

As of now, WWF-Pakistan has air monitoring stations located in key regions like Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Peshawar. They provide real-time data that is accessible to both policymakers and the public. \"We are excited to say that we’ve published the data from these stations to IQAir’s platform, where communities can see their local air quality in real-time.”

Pakistan's Air Quality Challenge

Pakistan's urban centers, such as Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi, frequently grapple with thick layers of smog. While this is a visible reminder of air pollution, the more dangerous pollutants often remain unseen and unmonitored. One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan has been the need for more reliable, public air quality data.

\"Our air quality network provides crucial air quality data in some of Pakistan’s most polluted regions, and are often ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world\" Huzaifa explained.

WWF-Pakistan, the nation’s largest environmental organization, has been addressing critical environmental issues since 1970. Originally focused on protecting wildlife and ecosystems, the organization’s scope has broadened to include tackling climate change, protecting vulnerable habitats, and securing vital resources like freshwater. Now, through their air quality monitoring initiative, they are addressing one of the most pressing health and environmental crises facing Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, there is little public air quality data available,” Huzaifa noted. “This information vacuum has left policymakers and citizens unprepared to tackle the pollution crisis.” WWF-Pakistan’s initiative helps fill this gap, ensuring the public has access to real-time, localized air quality data.

With real-time data now available, citizens, governments, and policymakers can work together to implement solutions, reduce pollution and improve health outcomes across the country.

Rolling Out Pakistan’s Air Quality Network

WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing a total of air quality sensors in 15 key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. All 15 stations are currently up and running.

Partnering with IQAir adds both credibility and precision to the project. \"IQAir's AirVisual air quality monitors are globally recognized for their accuracy and ability to track even the smallest fluctuations in air quality,\" said Huzaifa. \"IQAir's technology is built to withstand all sorts of weather and having it in place ensures that people will trust the data.\" This transparency is essential for mobilizing both community efforts and policy interventions, as reliable information is crucial to driving meaningful change.

Air Quality Data in Action

With the sensors online and data flowing into the IQAir platform, WWF-Pakistan's live contributor profile showcases the impact of their work, allowing anyone to monitor air quality in real-time. This transparency empowers citizens and policymakers alike to take informed action, using reliable data to drive meaningful change across the country. Explore WWF-Pakistan’s profile to see the live data from their monitoring stations across Pakistan.

\"Data isn’t just a tool for awareness—it’s the foundation for meaningful action,\" Nazifa Butt, Director Climate Action and Sustainability WWF-Pakistan emphasized. “Now that we have the data, we have something to report and base our decisions on.”

Nazifa emphasized the importance of storytelling. “We’re going to have to tell two parts of the story,” she explained, pointing out how data can not only expose alarming trends but also inspire communities to push for change—through policies, advocacy, and local initiatives.

Vision For the Future

WWF-Pakistan envisions a future where every region of the country has access to real-time, accurate air quality data.

\"Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan,\" Nazifa explained. By providing access to this data, WWF-Pakistan aims to foster a culture of proactive health management, where individuals and communities can take the steps necessary to protect themselves from pollution.

The air quality data being gathered is more than just numbers—it’s a lifeline for communities struggling with the dangers of polluted air. “Our initiative is laying the foundation for a National Clean Air Research Centre,\" Huzaifa said. \"This will be a hub for research and data-driven policies, enabling us to tackle pollution with innovative strategies.\"

“Each sensor we deploy is a step closer to a healthier, more sustainable Pakistan.”

Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 70 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2024 across the country, ranging from clean water access and forest preservation to sustainable infrastructure development. These efforts, working in tandem with the air quality monitoring network, are all part of WWF's broader mission to protect the planet's natural environment and create a future where both people and nature can thrive in harmony.

Conclusion

WWF-Pakistan's initiative is a testament to the transformative power of data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. As this vital work advances, it invites everyone to contribute to the cause—because in the fight for clean air, every voice and every action matters.

“This initiative,” Nazifa said, “lays the foundation for what we envision as Pakistan’s future air quality innovation hub. It will serve as a hub for developing strategies and methods to tackle air pollution, aligning efforts across governmental and non-governmental sectors, both locally and internationally, in the fight against climate change.”

","revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","gid://shopify/Article/634659078222","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","2025-11-12T17:43:22Z",[109,110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_66":124,"_80":125,"_82":126,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270766047310","WWF Team standing Next to Solar Panel","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_PakistanContributor_Desk_A_1ed3d785-94f0-4a6f-af87-5d895532bd30.jpg?v=1762969405",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.","

Discover how Tedy Mwendwa's air quality monitoring project in Nairobi is bridging critical gaps in Africa's air quality data. Learn more.

","“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.” In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data. Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning. \"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.” “It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.” Local expertise, global resources drive innovation Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight. The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity. The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life. These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa. By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa. The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people. While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives. Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said. Cultivating environmental consciousness Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.” “Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.” Conclusion From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.","

“Every day, I witness the severe impact of poor air quality on my community,” Tedy Mwendwa explained. “Using my expertise in electrical engineering, I felt compelled to create change.”

In the heart of Africa, amidst bustling cities and vibrant rural landscapes, Mwendwa is pioneering a movement for cleaner air in Kenya. With a professional foundation in electrical engineering and a passion for environmental stewardship, Mwendwa's deployment of a low-cost air quality sensor in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, marks a pivotal step in revealing and addressing pollution and bridging critical gaps in Africa’s air quality data.

Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air

In late 2021, Mwendwa established an air quality station. Set up along one of Nairobi’s busy thoroughfares, the station gathers data on pollutants from sources like vehicular exhaust and biomass burning.

\"It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution.”

“It's about leveraging technology to unveil the hidden dangers of pollution,” Mwendwa said. “Empowering our community with this data is crucial for driving action and advocating for sustainable solutions. Without data, we remain in the dark.”

Local expertise, global resources drive innovation

Building on the foundation of community-driven air monitoring, the project has taken a step forward. It now hosts East Africa’s first Monster Aerosol System (a platform that houses advanced aerosol analyzers), featuring a Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (TOF-ACSM). This technology provides real-time, high-resolution data on airborne particles—including nitrates, ammonium, and chlorides—uncovering the chemical fingerprints of pollution with unprecedented precision. Paired with a black carbon monitor, the system offers a comprehensive view of airborne composition and sources. These reference-grade instruments build on the project’s original IQAir AirVisual Outdoor monitor—pairing community-level, real-time data with laboratory-grade chemical insight.

The TOF-ACSM will help identify pollution sources—from mineral dust kicked up by unpaved roads and construction to organic aerosols tied to biomass burning and traffic emissions. It will also track seasonal and daily shifts in air quality, influenced by weather patterns and human activity.

The initiative is expanding further with the deployment of GRIMM EDM 180 reference monitors across Nairobi, replacing older equipment to deliver faster, more accurate readings with minimal maintenance. In collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA), these monitors will be placed along major highways and construction zones, ensuring data reflects the realities of urban life.

These advancements are part of the NBO-CHEM Project (Nairobi Aerosol Chemistry and Monitoring Initiative), an effort funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by Prof. Daniel M. Westervelt, Dr. Godwin Opinde, and Tedy Mwendwa.

By combining local expertise with state-of-the-art scientific resources, the project aims to transform how we understand air pollution in East Africa.

The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa

The new additions to the project are heartening developments towards advancing air quality understanding in East Africa. Yet, despite the increasing efforts to monitor air quality globally, Africa remains one of the most underrepresented continents in terms of air quality data. According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, there is only one monitoring station for every 3.7 million people.

While coverage has expanded to include more African countries in recent years, there are still vast areas without sufficient data. For example, countries like Niger and Sudan remain without publicly available monitoring data.

Air pollution is a major health threat, causing an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide each year. Without accurate data, it is challenging to address the sources and impacts of air pollution effectively. Grassroots efforts like Mwendwa's are crucial in filling these data gaps, providing models for further projects and inspiring broader initiatives.

Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow

Utilizing an AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitor, Mwendwa’s station gathers critical real-time data. “The AirVisual sensor was easy to deploy and requires little maintenance, even in our somewhat extreme conditions with limited resources,” he said.

The project, though small, is already making a difference in the community. “By sharing a link to the AirVisual Platform and using the app, we can easily get our data to students nationwide, enabling them to conduct their own research on pollution,” he said. The data has also been used to inform parents with small children of the effects of poor air quality. \"They need to understand that this data can help give them a better life,\" Mwendwa said.

Cultivating environmental consciousness

Mwendwa envisions a future where air quality stations span Africa, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and proactive health management. “The data my station is gathering empowers students to conduct community research, highlighting pollution's impact and fostering greater understanding,” he said. “This awareness can significantly influence the general population.\"

Mwendwa plans further collaborations with local governments, communities, and international bodies, with this initial project laying a foundation for sustainable environmental policies and practices. “Our goal is to illuminate the unseen threats of pollution through technology,” he said. “Providing our community, and beyond, with this data, equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future. Without data, we are navigating blindly.”

“Providing our community with this data equips them to advocate for sustainable solutions essential for a healthier future.”

Conclusion

From a low-cost sensor to a full NBO-CHEM reference hybrid network, Mwendwa’s project shows how local leadership and modern tools can accelerate Kenya’s clean-air progress. The project is an invitation to communities and policymakers to engage in a similar quest for healthier environments.

Mwendwa's efforts symbolize more than geographic growth—they embody the momentum of a global movement dedicated to clean air. His work exemplifies uniting technology, data, and collective engagement to tackle one of our era's most pressing challenges.

Achieving cleaner air is a communal endeavor, demanding innovation and cooperation. Mwendwa's project is a rallying cry to all, inviting participation in crafting a healthier, sustainable future for generations to come.

","revealing-the-invisible-kenya","gid://shopify/Article/634090586190","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-kenya","2025-12-01T13:00:00Z",[110,89],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_66":140,"_80":141,"_82":142,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273486184526","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_cd749b43-0150-45f4-a731-3aaad86eb4f3.jpg?v=1779905052",{"_51":52,"_53":196,"_11":197,"_56":198,"_58":198,"_60":199,"_62":200,"_64":201,"_66":202,"_68":203,"_70":-5,"_71":204,"_73":205,"_75":206,"_77":207},{"_51":52,"_53":180,"_11":181,"_56":182,"_58":182,"_60":183,"_62":184,"_64":185,"_66":186,"_68":187,"_70":-5,"_71":188,"_73":189,"_75":190,"_77":191},{"_51":52,"_53":164,"_11":165,"_56":166,"_58":166,"_60":167,"_62":168,"_64":169,"_66":170,"_68":171,"_70":-5,"_71":172,"_73":173,"_75":174,"_77":175},{"_51":52,"_53":147,"_11":148,"_56":149,"_58":149,"_60":150,"_62":151,"_64":152,"_66":153,"_68":154,"_70":-5,"_71":155,"_73":156,"_75":157,"_77":158},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn more how scented candles release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit — and can harm your health.","Are scented candles bad for you?Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.Paraffin waxAre paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like: alkenes acetone benzene toluene These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).Is burning candles bad for you?In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including: allergies asthma COPD (5) respiratory tract infections heart attacks strokes cancer So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).Chemical fragrancesAnother problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7): formaldehyde petroleum distillates limonene alcohol esters These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as: headaches dizziness allergy symptoms asthma attacks respiratory tract infections cancer Cored wicksMany candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).Safer alternativesTo limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air: Use essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma. Simmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. Create potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home. The takeawayLighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.","

Are scented candles bad for you?

Burning a scented candle is a popular way to create a pleasant ambiance at home. Scents such aslavender, jasmine, and sandalwood can be relaxing and invigorating. During the holidays, many people find the warm glow and aroma of pine, gingerbread, or cinnamon makes a room feel more festive.

Unfortunately, most mass-produced scented candles can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release harmful chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

So while you and your family may enjoy the fragrance of scented candles in your home, they may be harmful to your health. Read on to learn why some candles are bad for you.

Paraffin wax

Are paraffin wax candles safe? In what way can wax be harmful?

According to a 2017 study in the International Journal of Tropical Disease and Health, paraffin candles emit pollutants that can threaten human health and shouldn’t be burned in enclosed areas (1).

Most candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. To create paraffin wax candles, petroleum waste is chemically bleached, deodorized, and made into wax. When burned, paraffin wax can release toxicvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including known carcinogens like:

alkenes
acetone
benzene
toluene

These are the same chemicals found in diesel fuel emissions and are known to cause allergies, asthma attacks, and skin problems.

A 2005 study published by the University of South Florida showed that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit (2).

Is burning candles bad for you?

In addition to releasing toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax produces soot composed of particulate matter such as, PM2.5 and ultrafine particles that can remain suspended in the air for hours. According to the University of South Florida study, ultrafine soot particles are similar to diesel exhaust in both their size and composition. They penetrate deeply into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream (3).

A 2000 study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that soot emissions from candles are significantly higher after wax breakthrough occurs and when a candle is smoldering (4).

Ultrafine particles are associated with severe health issues, including:

allergies
asthma
COPD (5)
respiratory tract infections
heart attacks
strokes
cancer

So, are candles bad for your health? Not all candles produce the same amount of air pollutants. A 2002 study published in theJournal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society found that soywax, much like beeswax candles, burned at a significantly lower rate and resulted in less soot than paraffin candles (6).

Chemical fragrances

Another problem with scented candles is that the chemicals they use to create a pleasing aroma are generally far from wholesome.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature.

Most scented candles use synthetic fragrances and dyes that give off dangerous VOCs even at room temperature. Commonly emitted VOCs related to the scent in candles include (7):

formaldehyde
petroleum distillates
limonene
alcohol
esters

These harmful chemicals can cause health problems, such as:

headaches
dizziness
allergy symptoms
asthma attacks
respiratory tract infections
cancer
\n\n\t

Cored wicks

Many candles have cored wicks made from cotton that are wrapped around a metal support. The design helps keep the wick from falling over into the wax. This is especially useful for scented candles because the fragrance oils soften the wax and allow non-cored wicks to go limp.

Are candles toxic? If they have lead in them, possibly. Lead was once commonly used in cored candlewicks — especially in candles imported from overseas. However, after determining that these wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the manufacture and sale of all candles with lead-core wicks in 2003 (8). Zinc and tin have been used as a substitute since the ban.

All metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned.

However, all metal-core wicks release trace amounts of heavy metals into the air when they are burned. Wicks with zinc and tin cores can still release small amounts of lead particles (9,10).

Safer alternatives

To limit soot stains and poor air quality in your home, you should avoid or restrict the use of candles (11).

If you still crave the pleasant ambiance and aroma of scented candles, here are safer ways to scent the air:

\nUse essential oils for fragrance.Essential oils can be placed in a diffuser or in bathwater to create a desired aroma.
\nSimmer spices.Place spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove.
\nCreate potpourri.Dried items such as flowers, berries, fruit rinds, wood chips, and spices can be placed in bowls or fabric bags and placed around your home.

The takeaway

Lighting scented candles may seem like a relaxing way to enjoy your home. But burning scented candles releases VOC pollutants and worsens your home’s indoor air quality. Although fragrances from safer alternatives like essential oils can be pleasant, trulyclean air smells like nothing at all.

","hidden-dangers-scented-candles","gid://shopify/Article/564925464654","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/hidden-dangers-scented-candles","2016-12-04T22:35:53Z",[162,163],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_66":159,"_80":160,"_82":161,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269279461454","Two lit candles","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/49_scented_desktop_RE_8f4a0295-45a8-421d-870a-900787fa96cc.jpg?v=1749633122","Health and Wellness","Popular articles",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"They look great on your nightstand, but are they worth their salt as air purifiers? Learn more.","Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?Again, two words: negative ionization.If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.1 Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.2The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O3).There are two main types of ozone: Stratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Tropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke. Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including: Coughing Wheezing Trouble breathing Stuffy nose Dizziness Tingling in arms and legs Fever3,4 Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:5 Stable air temperature Moderate to high humidity Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium Lack of airborne pollutants Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.6Take the claims with a grain of...well, saltSo here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead: Be aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes. Control sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions. Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%. Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites. Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Ventilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels. Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good. Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking. Use an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone. Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.","

Himalayan salt lamps DO NOT purify indoor air.

These trendy little lamps consist of a light bulb placed inside a chunk of pink Himalayan salt. They’re easily recognized by their hand-carved, often stylized shapes and dim, pinkish glow they emit when light shines through them.

They’ve been gaining popularity for years, mostly because their distinct color and unique appearance make them attractive objects for interior decoration, and their glow can add a pleasing atmosphere to a room.

But their recent rise in popularity as “natural” air purifiers should trouble you.

A host of (often misleading) studies supporting the use of salt in treating respiratory conditions have escalated demand for these little pink things, especially within the well-primed alternative medicine market, full of people who may already be seeking home remedies for all sorts of health conditions and indoor environmental issues when modern medicine hasn’t seemed to help.

And you shouldn’t buy a Himalayan salt lamp to purify your air for one major reason: they’re negative ionizers, and negative ionization is one of the most absurd air purification myths ever devised.

Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?

Again, two words: negative ionization.

If you ever hear the words “ionization” (in one form or another) and “air purification” in the same sentence, you should run in the opposite direction.

In the context of air purification, negative ionization happens when negatively charged particles attach themselves, or “charge,” pollutant particles in the air, effectively removing them from ambient air by causing them to stick to nearby surfaces.

This phenomenon also occurs in nature – know that distinct smell in the air after a thunderstorm? That’s the result of “atmospheric space charge” as air ions are generated by the electric fields of storms.¹ Many air purifiers and purification devices sold in stores, including Himalayan salt lamps and a variety of “air ionizers,” artificially produce high voltage to achieve this same effect.

The problem with negative ionization, though, is that it doesn’t actually remove pollutants from your indoor air – it just causes the particles to adhere themselves to nearby surfaces, where they’re easily stirred up by indoor activities like dusting, vacuuming, and ventilation.

Charged particles can also stick to your respiratory tract, where charged particles can settle in your windpipe and lungs and cause even more harm that if they’d just remained in the air. Studies show that these particles can penetrate deep into your respiratory system and cause both heart and lung conditions.²

The average, nightstand-sized Himalayan salt lamp generates only a small number of negative ions into the air, so you may not notice any tangible change in your air quality or health, at least immediately. But these lamps can be huge: you can buy salt lamps that weight up to 300 pounds for thousands of dollars, and their ionization effects may have a more noticeable effect on your air, especially if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have a much harder time getting out.

And negative ionizers have another dark secret: they can also create indoor ozone (O₃).

There are two main types of ozone:

\nStratospheric ozone: Alayer of ozone occurs naturally several miles up in the atmosphere, where it protects the surface of the earth (and people’s skin) from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
\nTropospheric ozone: Also called ground-level ozone or smog, ground-level ozone tends to develop when heat from sunlight reacts with chemicals near the ground, many of which are produced by emissions from vehicle exhaust and factory smoke.

Negative ionization can generate tropospheric ozone indoors. While stratospheric ozone has no interaction with us in the lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is far more harmful when it builds up to high levels. And perhaps one of the starkest examples of ground-level ozone is one that millions of us know very well – the smog that forms in major cities during rush hour.

If you live near a freeway, dense urban center, or even at a high elevation where you can see the area around an urban area. A few hours or less after rush hour begins and the sun begins to rise, you’ll start to notice a visible layer of haze build up. This is ground-level ozone, and even though it’s a typical feature of modern life, extensive research shows that it causes a plethora of immediate symptoms, including:

Coughing
Wheezing
Trouble breathing
Stuffy nose
Dizziness
Tingling in arms and legs
Fever^3,4\n

Further research suggests that ozone is also responsible for long-term health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. Emerging studies on rats also suggest that ozone could cause seizures and blindness.

So even though you may not get rush-hour levels of ozone in your home from a salt lamp, indoor ozone buildup can indeed cause some disruptive health effects if you don’t follow best practices for good Indoor Air Quality.

So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?

So how did someone come up with the idea that Himalayan salt lamps have any health effects at all?

The story stretches back millennia. Truly authentic Himalayan salt comes from the Khewra salt reserves in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Salt mined here is thought to be millions of years old and contain numerous minerals.

Salt lamps have been proposed for use in treatments for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because of their purported therapeutic effects on your respiratory system. This treatment even has a clinical term: halotherapy, based on an ages-old respiratory treatment technique known as speleotherapy. First used in Eastern Europe, speleotherapy consists of spending time in a salt cave, where four environmental conditions are thought to help reduce symptoms of respiratory illness:⁵

Stable air temperature
Moderate to high humidity
Presence of aerosol elements, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium
Lack of airborne pollutants

Halotherapy takes the notion that salt cave environments are good for respiratory health by having people inhale small amounts of salt particles that are released into the ambient air of a controlled room to “reproduce” a salt cave’s microclimate. But there’s no conclusive evidence that either speleotherapy or halotherapy actually relieve respiratory symptoms.⁶

Take the claims with a grain of...well, salt

So here’s the takeaway: We’re not saying you shouldn’t get a Himalayan salt lamp. Their dim glow can be quite soothing at night when you’re trying to fall asleep.

But they don’t purify air. And “air purifiers” that emits ions and ozone may make your indoor air quality worse, introduce new health problems, and exacerbate existing ones.

You can take many precautions to monitorand keep your indoor air clean, but buying a salt lamp isn’t one of them. Try these proven methods instead:

\nBe aware of your indoor air quality. The AirVisual Series consists of portable air quality monitors that use cutting-edge laser technology to give you real-time measurements of key pollutants, including particulate matter. AirVisual Series also provides 72-hour historical and forecast data so that you can know exactly when and why your indoor air quality changes.
\nControl sources of poor indoor air quality. If you’re thinking about buying a salt lamp to purify your air, chances are that you do have air quality issues that you may be able to do something about. The first step to improving your indoor indoor air quality is source control.This means eliminating individual sources of pollution or reducing their emissions.\n\n\t
- Regularly clean your HVAC system ducts. Install a whole-house air purifier into your HVAC system to reduce indoor pollutants by up to 95%.
- Replace water-damaged areas of your home to prevent mold and dust mites.
- Keep paints, solvents, and other chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
\n\n\t
\nVentilate your home. Let in fresh air regularly to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants. This is especially important if you live in an airtight, energy-efficient home in which indoor pollutants have nowhere to go and thus build up to dangerous levels.\n\n\t
- Open doors and windows when outdoor air quality is good.
- Use a range hood for your stove to capture gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking.
\n\n\t
\nUse an air purifier with HyperHEPA technology. The IQAir HealthPro Plusis the best air purifier for even the smallest pollutant particles, removing up to 99.5% of particulates down to 0.003 microns, like viruses and ultrafine particles from vehicle exhaust. The Atempersonal air purifier can also provide pure, pollutant-free air directly into your personal breathing zone.

Sure, a salt lamp can be a nice accessory and bring some calm into your home. But there’s plenty you can do to actually keep your indoor air clean and bring yourself some peace of mind knowing that your home is a clean air sanctuary.
\n\n

","himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/564925366350","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","2019-06-17T13:49:29Z",[179,162,163],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_66":176,"_80":177,"_82":178,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/269475545166","Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_HimalayanSalt_061419_750_0b979b61-4b6f-4eeb-8061-88996d52278e.jpg?v=1751543619","Air Quality",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"How can you know what air purifier manufacturers to trust? Let's look more critically at air purification.","The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification. But not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Not all air purifiers safely clean the air. Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction. What should I look for in an air purifier? Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier. 1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry. What is a HEPA filter? High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market. But it wasn’t always that way. Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1). Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2). HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants. In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3). Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size. 2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal. All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA. To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4). The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5). So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6). Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less. Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media. 3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA. While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air. Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in. How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think: Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen. Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields. Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter). Air passes through the activated carbon bed. Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area. Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8). Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes. Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to. The takeaway Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are: HyperHEPA media for particle filtration No system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing Activated carbon for gas and odor filtration But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier. What should I avoid in an air purifier? When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited. But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase. So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health. Ionizer air purifiers Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture. Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10). But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12): Ionizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions. Ionizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations. Verdict Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.” Ozone Generators It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13). Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm. However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18): Ozone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases. Ozone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children. Indoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks. Verdict Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets. UV Light Purifiers Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20). One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI. In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21). But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26): Bacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful. Some bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light. UV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5. Many UV air purifiers produce ozone. UV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer. Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter. Verdict Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated. What do I do now? At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system. So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality: Get a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence. Use advanced gas-phase filtration. Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon. The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration. Use a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere. Install a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality. Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs. The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.","

The home air purifier market has undergone many shifts and starts in its decades-long history as an affordable solution for indoor air quality. Along with those shifts have been seemingly ground breaking advancements in filtration technologies that may seem like the next revolution in air purification.

But not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Not all air purifiers safely clean the air.

Let's take an evidence-based approach to the industry and separate the fact from the fiction.

What should I look for in an air purifier?

Before we examine the various air purifiers on the market with a critical eye, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what does make a good air purifier.

$\"Air$

1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry.

What is a HEPA filter?

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture airborne particles from moving air using a dense, random arrangement of fibers. HEPA filters use the physics of particles moving through air to yank them out of the air flow. Their operation is simple but extremely effective, and HEPA filters are now standard issue for almost every air purifier on the market.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Air purifiers have been around for well over a century. The first air purification systems appeared in the 1850s in charcoal-based masks used by coal miners. They were designed to keep toxic dust out of their lungs. The technology was so successful that, less than twenty years later, respirators were added to these types of masks to protect firefighters from breathing in smoke chemicals and pollutants (1).

Beginning in the 1940s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission started experimenting with high-efficiency particulate arrestance, better known now as HEPA, as a method of shielding soldiers from atomic radiation on World War II battlefields (2).

HEPA filters did nothing to filter radiation particles, but researchers quickly learned that HEPA filters could filter out many harmful pollutants.

In 1963, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, the founders of IQAir, introduced the world’s first residential air filter based on HEPA technology, helping reduce indoor pollution as well as chronic asthma symptoms. Not long after, HEPA became so widespread that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required that all filters sold under the name “HEPA” must filter at least 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns (3).

Since then, HEPA air purification has become the standard for the air purification industry. HEPA is now thrown around as a generic term for air filters, but HEPA filters continue to filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.

The HyperHEPA filter builds upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems.

Many manufacturers, including IQAir, have built upon the HEPA model to create even more efficient filtration systems. IQAir’s patented HyperHEPAfilter is one such filter. HyperHEPA filters remove 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, which are 100 times smaller than the DOE’s required 0.3-micron particle size.

2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal.

All air purifier manufacturers know that their filters need to live up to this HEPA standard. But long-standing, strict guidelines around air filters can provide a false sense of security in HEPA.

To advertise an air purifier as HEPA, it only needs to contain HEPA paper, the paper used to construct a HEPA filter. Whether the air purifier’s Total System Efficiency meets HEPA requirements is another story. In fact, most HEPA air purifiers are not tested for total efficiency (4).

The hidden factor at work here is leakage. Despite the high efficiency of many HEPA filters, the housing designs of many air purifiers are not airtight. This means that dirty, unfiltered air passes around the HEPA filter through tiny openings, cracks, and space around the frame of the HEPA filter itself or between the frame and the purifier housing (5).

So even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, they’re only telling part of the story. In some cases, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less (6).

Even though many air purifiers claim that their HEPA filters remove nearly 100% of particles from the air that passes through them, the actual efficiency of the whole air purifier design, with leakage considered, is closer to 80% or less.

Some air purifier manufacturers have resolved this issue with designs that are built to minimize or eliminate leakage. IQAir uses patented 3D UltraSeal knife-edge-in-groove sealing between the filter frame and the purifier housing to guarantee the full efficiency of our HyperHEPA filtration media.

3. Concerned about gas and odors? Go beyond HEPA.

While HyperHEPA filters are great at getting particles out of the air, they do NOT take gases and odors out of the air.

Unlike particles, the molecules that comprise gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not solid and will float through even the densest HyperHEPA filters. That’s where activated carbon filters come in.

How do these filters work? It’s simpler than you might think:

Chunks of carbon material (like charcoal) are exposed to high concentrations of oxygen.
Countless pores open on the carbon surface, increasing the carbon surface area enormously. At this point, a pound of activated carbon can have the same surface area as 100 football fields.
Several pounds of activated carbon are arranged in a flat “bed” and packaged in a proprietary filter design (such as IQAir’s V5 Cell gas and odor control filter).
Air passes through the activated carbon bed.
Gas, chemical, and VOC molecules are adsorbed into the carbon pores, meaning that they chemically bond to the extensive charcoal surface area.

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes (7)(8).

Activated carbon adsorption is the go-to method of filtration for gases as well as chemical pollutants from vehicle emissions and combustion processes.

Some air purifiers are designed to maximize activated carbon in case you’re more concerned about, for example, gases from cooking or odors from pets than about particle pollution in your home. IQAir’s GC MultiGas is built for such a purpose—while carbon filters generally use a few pounds of carbon, the GC MultiGas contains 12 pounds of activated carbon as well as impregnated alumina, providing well over 1200 football fields worth of surface area for gas and VOC molecules to adsorb to.

The takeaway

Now you know that the elements of a good air purifier are:

\nHyperHEPA media for particle filtration
\nNo system leakage due to sealed filter and purifier housing
\nActivated carbon for gas and odor filtration

But we're not done yet. Just as important to know is what not to look for in an air purifier.

What should I avoid in an air purifier?

When considering air purifiers, some people wonder about their effectiveness and even potential risks. Question often arise, such as \"Do air purifiers work?\" or \"Are air purifiers effective?\" The answer is that while some air cleaning methods can remove particles and pollutants from the air, their capabilities are often limited.

But it's not just about effectiveness. People also ask, \"Are air purifiers bad for you?\" This concern arises from potential hidden costs to your health. It's important to be aware of inefficiencies and any potential risks associated with the air purifier you're considering before making a purchase.

So, if you're in the market for an air purifier, remember to ask yourself whether it will be effective at removing pollutants and particles from the air, and whether it poses any risks to your health.

Ionizer air purifiers

Ionizers are purported to purify air by sending out negatively charged ions (anions) that attract positively charged pollution particles (cations), causing them to leave the air and stick to surfaces like ceilings, walls, and furniture.

Many popular air purifiers use ionization technology, also called negative ionization, as a central component of their operation. Research suggests that ionizers can help stop potentially infectious molds and bacteria from spreading in sterile environments like dental clinics and hospitals (9)(10).

But there are two critical downsides to ionization (11)(12):

\nIonizer air purifiersdon’t get rid of pollutants. Particles charged by negative ions aren’t removed from the air—they merely stick to surfaces nearby. This includes surfaces inside your airways, such as your windpipe and alveoli, the sacs of air in your lungs. Pollutant build-up can cause heart, lung, and other respiratory conditions.
\nIonizer air purifierscan generate harmful ozone. Ionizers produce ozone (O3) that can build up to dangerous levels indoors. At even low levels, indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb (the organ that helps your brain process odors), and even be fatal at high concentrations. \n

Indoor ozone can irritate your airways, trigger asthma attacks, damage your olfactory bulb, and even be fatal at high concentrations.

Verdict

Don't buy an ionizer air purifier.They don’t remove particles from the air, and the ozone they produce can have harmful side effects, even if the purifier claims that they only charge the particles “a little bit.”

Ozone Generators

It’s worth saying again: ozone is TERRIBLE for you, especially indoor ozone build-up. The health concerns are serious enough that in 2017, California banned the use of ozonehome air purifiers (13).

Ozone generators use a process called corona discharge to release ozone molecules into the air. When an ozone molecule intermingles with a particle or gas molecule, an ozone atom clings to the other molecule and blows it up in a process known as oxidation. Oxidation in the atmosphere after a lightning strike is also what makes the air smell so distinct after a thunderstorm.

However, ozone generators do little to clean air and are quite bad for you. Here’s just a short (and far from complete) list of reasons why (14)(15)(16)(17)(18):

\nOzone can take years to fully clear even a small room of gases.
\nOzone reactions can introduce ultrafine particles (UFPs) into the air.UFPs can get into your lungs and your bloodstream, causing heart disease and even stunting lung development in children.
\nIndoor ozone levels can rise five to ten times above recommended limits,which range from 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), because of a lack of ventilation and in combination with outdoor ozone that seeps indoors.To put this in perspective, those who are sensitive to ozone, such as children, people with asthma, and pets, start experiencing health effects at only 0.01 ppm. Even a “safe” ozone generator that emits a small amount of ozone can quickly trigger potentially life-threatening ailments like asthma attacks.

Verdict

Don’t buy an ozone generator. They’re NOT air purifiers. Not only do they fail to clean your air, they hurt you and the most vulnerable in your home: your children and your pets.

UV Light Purifiers

Ultraviolet (UV) light is often used to disinfect equipment in hospitals and prevent the spread of harmful strains of bacteria and viruses (19)(20).

One of the most common UV purification methods is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI.

In UVGI, intense UV lights are shined on bacteria and viruses, damaging their DNA beyond repair. Bacterial cells and viruses then shut themselves down because they can no longer function. This is called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which effectively destroys their ability to cause infections (21).

But UV air purification isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why(22) (23) (24) (25) (26):

\nBacteria and viruses need to be exposed to UV light for a certain amount of timebefore they’re rendered harmless: some strains need to be treated with UV for several hours in direct UV light before they’re destroyed.Home UV air purifiers don’t shine UV light on them long enough to be genuinely useful.
\nSome bacteria can come back to life and become infectious again even after being disinfected by UV light.
\nUV lights do nothing for pollutant particles.Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter, like PM10 and PM2.5.
Many UV air purifiers produce ozone.
\nUV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes. Sure, most UV purifiers block the light from shining out of the purifier, but even brief UV exposure can cause permanent skin and eye damage as well as cancer.

Air treated with UV light can still be full of harmful particulate matter.

Verdict

Don’t buy a UV light air purifier. UV light somewhat disinfects but doesn’t purify air, and research shows that UV’s disinfection potential for air may be exaggerated.

What do I do now?

At this point, you should feel like you have a good sense of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to a truly effective air purification system.

So, what should you do now, armed with your knowledge of what makes a good air purifier? You have a multitude of options for maximizing your indoor air quality:

\nGet a HyperHEPA air purifier. Patented HyperHEPA filtration technology removes 99.5% of pollutant particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles in existence.
\nUse advanced gas-phase filtration.\n
- Patented V5 Cell gas and odor control filters, used in HealthPro Series air purifiers, eliminateharmful chemicals and compounds with five pounds of activated carbon.
- The GC MultiGas features 12 pounds of activated carbon and impregnated alumina to help protect you against indoor gases and chemicals, in addition to our powerful HyperHEPA particle filtration.
\n
\nUse a personal air purifier. Atem Series personal air purifiers are equipped with HyperHEPA filtration technology and a PureJet diffuser that instantly blankets you in clean air. They’re sleek, compact, and portable, allowing you to breathe virtually pure air anytime, anywhere.
\nInstall a whole-house air purifier. Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system at home uses outdoor air to heat and cool your home, so even with an indoor air purifier, your air still might become polluted by outdoor particulates on days with poor air quality. The PerfectPro Series whole-house air purifier is equipped with the most powerful HyperHEPA filters available for a residential air purification systems. It fits seamlessly into your existing HVAC system, ensuring that air entering your home is always up to the highest possible standard of quality.

Still not sure? Read about some of the misconceptions that surround air purification technology. Use our Help Me Choose tool to see what air purifier may work best for your indoor air quality needs.

The most capable air purification technology is always backed by evidence-based facts and science. When it comes to choosing the best air purifier, science has got your back.

","do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","gid://shopify/Article/564925431886","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","2022-01-02T14:14:32Z",[195,162,163],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_66":192,"_80":193,"_82":194,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/270220755022","Close-up of what appears to be a room air purifier with some plants in the background (another indoor air purifying tool that has been shown to be ineffective in improving indoor air quality).","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AQL_misconceptions-about-air-purifiers_993189ad-b0e5-4283-84af-8cf2c530fc4d.jpg?v=1758212556","Air Cleaning Technology",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn why wildfire smoke poses a health risk to people living far downwind and what you can do to help protect yourself.","When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation. The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways: by robbing it of oxygen through particulate matter irritation Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.1 Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke. What’s in wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire. Wildfire smoke often contains: water vapor particulate matter trace minerals carbon dioxide carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O3) levels volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants) Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body. Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including: the types of wood and vegetation burning the moisture content the fire temperature wind conditions other weather-related influences The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health. Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs. The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body. Clean the air with high-performance air filtration Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers Click here Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:2 Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition. Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population. Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease. Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk. Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia. Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.3 The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.4 Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.5 The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition. How wildfire smoke behaves Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as: weather geographical terrain the stage of the fire wind Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you. Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact. Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts. Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe. Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.6 Wildfire safety tips Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires. Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires. Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available. Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help. Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants. Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO2 from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire. Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO2, and NO2, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health. Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions. During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air. The takeaway Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source. Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks. By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.","

When considering the dangers of wildfires, thoughts of fleeing your home while a raging wildfire rapidly approaches can easily consume your imagination. However, the number one cause of death from fires is smoke inhalation.

The primary cause of death from wildfires is smoke inhalation. 50 to 80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.

Inhaling smoke damages your body in one or both of the following ways:

by robbing it of oxygen
through particulate matter irritation

Smoke inhalation is particularly dangerous because you may not show symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after exposure. 50–80 percent of fire deaths are from smoke inhalation.¹

Read on to learn how to help protect the health of yourself and your loved ones, and learn some wildfire smoke safety tips to rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary wildfire safety precautions to reduce the consequences of toxic wildfire smoke.

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of thousands of individual compounds, including harmful particles and gases that pose a severe health risk to anyone (including pets) nearby and downwind from a fire.

Wildfire smoke often contains:

\n
water vapor
\n
\n
particulate matter
\n
\n
trace minerals
\n
\n
carbon dioxide
\n
\n
carbon monoxide
\n
\n
nitrogen oxides
\n
\n
hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide compounds that contribute to elevated ozone (O₃) levels
\n
\n
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acrolein and formaldehyde (potent respiratory irritants)
\n

Wildfire smoke often contains fine (PM2.5) and ultrafine particles that can be absorbed directly into your blood stream and reach any organ or area of your body.

$\"What's$

Pictured: The typical contents of wildfire smoke, including ultrafine particles (≤ 0.3 microns), PM2.5 (2.5-10 microns), acrolein, PM10 (> 10 microns), formaldehyde, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Source: IQAir

Wildfire smoke composition depends upon multiple factors, including:

\n
the types of wood and vegetation burning
\n

\n
the moisture content
\n
\n
the fire temperature
\n
\n
wind conditions
\n
\n
other weather-related influences
\n

The primary pollutant threatening the health of those nearby and downwind of a wildfire is particulate matter. Wildfire smoke often contains fine (or PM2.5) and ultrafine particles. These tiny airborne particles are the most dangerous to your health.

Fine particles (smaller than 2.5 microns) penetrate deeply into your lungs.

The most dangerous are ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 microns), which represent 90% of all airborne particles. These particles are tiny and can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Once in your blood, they can reach any organ or area of your body.

Clean the air with high-performance air filtration
Learn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers

Click here

Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations

Most healthy adults will recover from smoke exposure. However, certain individuals are more at risk for severe health consequences, including:²

\n
Young children. Children whose lungs are still developing are considered more vulnerable, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing condition.
\n
\n
Pregnant women. Wildfire smoke inhalation puts pregnant women and their unborn children at a higher risk than the general population.
\n
\n
Older adults. This population is at-risk due to an increased rate of pre-existing heart and lung disease.
\n
\n
Anyone with a respiratory disease. Individuals with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, asthma, or another respiratory disease are at-risk.
\n
\n
Individuals with heart disease. Circulatory diseases include high blood pressure, vascular diseases, heart failure, and cerebrovascular conditions. These conditions make sufferers susceptible to heart attacks, transient chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia.
\n

Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular pre-existing conditions may find that they experience more severe symptoms and find it harder to breathe.³

The full impact of wildfire smoke is not yet fully understood. A 2017 review in Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology found that there are still important study opportunities for exploring the long-term health implications of smoke exposure, smoke exposure recovery, and additional smoke inhalation health impacts for children.⁴

Exposure to smoke can be dangerous simply due to the microorganisms within the smoke. A 2020 study in Science magazine noted that microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke.⁵ The study theorizes that infectious disease may be spread as bacteria and fungi become part of smoke’s particulate composition.

 Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungal spores, comprise some of the particulate matter found in smoke, and infectious disease may be spread as they become part of the smoke’s particulate composition.

How wildfire smoke behaves

Many factors affect wildfire smoke behavior, such as:

\n
weather
\n
\n
geographical terrain
\n
\n
the stage of the fire
\n
\n
wind
\n

Use the live, interactive air quality map below to see how weather, wind, and location can impact the behavior of wildfire smoke near you.

$\"placeholder$

Windy conditions generally cause smoke to mix with larger volumes of air to lower smoke concentrations. However, strong winds also can spread fires more quickly, causing larger fires with greater impact.

Regional weather can be the dominant determinant in how a fire behaves as well as how smoke affects surrounding areas. However, regional weather systems can spread fires quickly and result in larger fires with more smoke generated, creating the potential for even greater impacts.

Strong regional weather systems can also dominate a fire’s behavior for days and be the determining factor of where and how smoke will affect an area.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the Western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.

Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source. In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.⁶

Wildfire safety tips

Wildfire smoke events can occur seemingly without warning. But there are steps you can take to prepare yourself using appropriate safety precautions for wildfires.

\n
Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires.
\n
\n
Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available.
\n
\n
Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help.
\n
\n
Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants.
\n
\n
Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO₂ from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire.
\n
\n
Use an air quality monitoring app to keep track of pollutants in your environment. The AirVisual app displays real-time hyperlocal data from over 80,000 sensors around the world. The app also tracks up to six key wildfire pollutants, such as PM2.5, CO₂, and NO₂, so that you have the best picture of your local air quality during a wildfire and can take action to help protect your health.
\n

$\"Google$ $\"App$ $\"Android\"$

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

During a wildfire, it’s also important to monitor your local air quality to see how wildfire smoke will affect your outdoor air.

The takeaway

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. And while wildfire smoke may be a warning sign of imminent fires, smoke also delivers its own set of risks for people living miles beyond the source.

Though smoke pollutants carried on the wind may be invisible, their impacts are felt by those most at risk. Smoke pollutants pose health threats that range from irritation and cough to more serious respiratory and cardiac risks.

By helping control smoke pollutants that threaten our indoor air quality through monitoring and air purification, it's possible to help manage wildfire smoke health risks.

","how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","gid://shopify/Article/564925399118","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","2022-12-29T21:46:38Z",[179,211,163,212],"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","Climate","Wildfires",{"_51":52,"_53":298,"_11":299,"_56":300,"_58":301,"_60":302,"_62":303,"_64":304,"_66":305,"_68":306,"_70":-5,"_71":307,"_73":308,"_75":309,"_77":310},{"_51":52,"_53":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":236,"_11":237,"_56":238,"_58":239,"_60":240,"_62":241,"_64":242,"_66":243,"_68":244,"_70":-5,"_71":245,"_73":246,"_75":247,"_77":248},{"_51":52,"_53":219,"_11":220,"_56":221,"_58":221,"_60":222,"_62":223,"_64":224,"_66":225,"_68":226,"_70":-5,"_71":227,"_73":228,"_75":229,"_77":230},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Celebrate your independence from dangerous air pollutants this July 4th. Learn how.","It’s an annual tradition most Americans look forward to—and most dogs dread: spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the skies on the 4th of July to celebrate the United States of America’s Independence Day. But every year, airborne pollutants from exploded fireworks degrade air quality across the country. Every year, the air quality index (AQI) on July 4 shows a significant drop in air quality in cities celebrating with fireworks. And bear in mind – the current U.S. air quality index isn’t reflective of the more recent, science-backed, and comprehensive World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality value guideline discussed in the IQAir 2025 World Air Quality Report. The WHO recommended guideline established that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should be no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). That’s nearly half the current U.S. “good” AQI of 9 μg/m3 – which, by that definition, is not really good. It’s not just the large, sanctioned commercial pyrotechnic displays that cause spikes in air pollution around the country on this holiday, it’s also the small gatherings that include fireworks – legal and illegal. Making matters worse, fireworks and the accompanying poor air quality can further degrade already poor air quality during wildfire season. It’s projected that wildfire risk will be above normal across much of the U.S. West and Great Plains in summer 2026 – meaning smoky skies and firework smoke could create a terrible combination this year (1). There are many ways you can have a healthy, happy Fourth of July for yourself, your family, and your friends, and not contribute to the overall air pollution that day. Always know what’s in your air. Download Airvisual → What fireworks do to air quality From sparklers, smoke bombs and firecrackers, to spectacular overhead explosions, all fireworks release combustion particles and gases into the air. These can ultimately travel for miles on wind currents. Two common sources of pollutants in fireworks are: Black powder (gunpowder) – a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate Colorants – chemicals that radiate different colors when ignited The chemicals in the colorants are wide-ranging and often toxic. They include: Strontium, lithium (for reds) Calcium, calcium chloride (oranges) Sodium, sodium chloride (yellows) Barium (greens) Copper (blues) Chlorine (greens and blues) Typical types of particles that fireworks introduce into the atmosphere are PM2.5, PM10 (coarse particles ranging from 2.5–10 microns in diameter), PM0.1 (ultrafine particles—also known as UFPs—smaller than 0.3 microns in diameter, and by far the most dangerous), and volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs, airborne vapor or gaseous compounds responsible for many odors). Note that many of these particles are so tiny that they can be inhaled into the lungs where they infiltrate the bloodstream, causing many health problems. Studies confirm fireworks’ impact on air pollution In Albany, New York, PM pollutant concentrations were found to be up to 10 times higher than normal in the hours right after a fireworks show (2). Air quality at 315 locations around the United States on July 4 measured PM2.5 increases from 42% to 370%. A study in 2015 of air quality at 315 locations around the United States on July 4 measured PM2.5 increases from 42% to 370%. The highest concentrations of pollutants typically occurred in the nine o’clock hour. Elevated concentrations lasted sometimes until noon on July 5 (3). Researchers in 2019 reported that PM10 concentrations in the Netherlands, which were averaging around 29 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), climbed as high as 598 μg/m3 (a nearly 2,000% increase) in some places during the first hour after New Year’s Eve fireworks shows (4). Alternatives to fireworks for a happy July 4th The above studies were interested in the air pollution that collectively develops from Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. Regardless of how good or bad your local air quality is on that day, individual get-togethers endanger your personal breathing spaces. And in some jurisdictions, fireworks are prohibited. Though professional fireworks displays are permitted, Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks (5). Similar bans are in place in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach, California (6). Arizona and local governments in Washington State can prohibit fireworks during times of high fire risk (7)(8). Here are some fun ways to participate in the festivities without creating air pollution, thus protecting your and your loved ones’ lungs, as well as helping preserve air quality on a larger scale. Regardless of how good or bad your local air quality is on July 4, individual get-togethers endanger your personal breathing spaces. You will be able to find more information, including step-by-step instructions, by conducting a web search on any of the following ideas: Little kids Balloon poppers – safely shoots red, white, and blue confetti into the air Balloon firecrackers – confetti plus a bang Soda/Mentos fountains Balloons with LED lights inside – yes, they really make LEDs just for this LED ropes and glow sticks – write in the sky like you can with sparklers Little kids with adult supervision (9), (10) Dry ice – the CO2 emitted from them is not considered a source of pollution Non-polluting chemical-reaction experiments such as a baking soda/vinegar volcano, or for more extreme fun, “elephant toothpaste” (11) Bigger kids (12) Non-polluting chemical-reaction experiments Confetti cannons with biodegradable confetti – uses compressed air for propulsion Gender-reveal cannons with nontoxic powder Non-toxic Holi powder Soda/Mentos rockets Laser light shows Community activities Drone light shows – a huge, colorful nighttime spectacle gaining in popularity (13)(14) Outdoor movies – an outdoor projector, massive screen, intense sound system, (maybe a movie with a lot of explosions?) can create a memorable visual and aural experience Personal protection from poor air Even if you decide to have an Independence Day celebration void of activities that contribute to air pollution, the air quality around you will likely be hazardous to your health. To help avoid the potential impacts of air pollution: Monitor your air quality in real-time Wear a mask (rated N95, KN95, FFP2) when outdoors Close doors and windows Set HVAC to filter indoor (recirculated) air Indoor air quality is greatly impacted by outdoor pollution; use a room air purifier or whole-house air purifier to help keep the air clean Explore high-performance air purifiers CLICK HERE Conclusion Fireworks are a grand, traditional experience, but between the dangers they present because of their explosive qualities, and the dangers they present because of their toxic qualities, it makes sense to rethink how to celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July. Keep in mind that there are various “safe” firework alternatives, such as fog machines, paper sky lanterns, and some other chemical-reaction experiments, that do contribute to air pollution and therefore should be avoided. Take a moment to consider some of the fun alternatives we’ve offered to traditional July 4 fireworks. Your lungs—and your dog—just may have a happier, healthier Independence Day in 2026.","

It’s an annual tradition most Americans look forward to—and most dogs dread: spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the skies on the 4th of July to celebrate the United States of America’s Independence Day. But every year, airborne pollutants from exploded fireworks degrade air quality across the country.

Every year, the air quality index (AQI) on July 4 shows a significant drop in air quality in cities celebrating with fireworks.

And bear in mind – the current U.S. air quality index isn’t reflective of the more recent, science-backed, and comprehensive World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality value guideline discussed in the IQAir 2025 World Air Quality Report. The WHO recommended guideline established that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should be no more than 5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). That’s nearly half the current U.S. “good” AQI of 9 μg/m3 – which, by that definition, is not really good.

It’s not just the large, sanctioned commercial pyrotechnic displays that cause spikes in air pollution around the country on this holiday, it’s also the small gatherings that include fireworks – legal and illegal.

Making matters worse, fireworks and the accompanying poor air quality can further degrade already poor air quality during wildfire season. It’s projected that wildfire risk will be above normal across much of the U.S. West and Great Plains in summer 2026 – meaning smoky skies and firework smoke could create a terrible combination this year (1).

There are many ways you can have a healthy, happy Fourth of July for yourself, your family, and your friends, and not contribute to the overall air pollution that day.

Always know what’s in your air. Download Airvisual →

What fireworks do to air quality

From sparklers, smoke bombs and firecrackers, to spectacular overhead explosions, all fireworks release combustion particles and gases into the air. These can ultimately travel for miles on wind currents.

Two common sources of pollutants in fireworks are:

Black powder (gunpowder) – a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate
Colorants – chemicals that radiate different colors when ignited

The chemicals in the colorants are wide-ranging and often toxic. They include:

Strontium, lithium (for reds)
Calcium, calcium chloride (oranges)
Sodium, sodium chloride (yellows)
Barium (greens)
Copper (blues)
Chlorine (greens and blues)

Typical types of particles that fireworks introduce into the atmosphere are PM2.5, PM10 (coarse particles ranging from 2.5–10 microns in diameter), PM0.1 (ultrafine particles—also known as UFPs—smaller than 0.3 microns in diameter, and by far the most dangerous), and volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs, airborne vapor or gaseous compounds responsible for many odors). Note that many of these particles are so tiny that they can be inhaled into the lungs where they infiltrate the bloodstream, causing many health problems.

Studies confirm fireworks’ impact on air pollution

In Albany, New York, PM pollutant concentrations were found to be up to 10 times higher than normal in the hours right after a fireworks show (2).

Air quality at 315 locations around the United States on July 4 measured PM2.5 increases from 42% to 370%.

A study in 2015 of air quality at 315 locations around the United States on July 4 measured PM2.5 increases from 42% to 370%. The highest concentrations of pollutants typically occurred in the nine o’clock hour. Elevated concentrations lasted sometimes until noon on July 5 (3).

Researchers in 2019 reported that PM10 concentrations in the Netherlands, which were averaging around 29 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), climbed as high as 598 μg/m3 (a nearly 2,000% increase) in some places during the first hour after New Year’s Eve fireworks shows (4).

Alternatives to fireworks for a happy July 4th

The above studies were interested in the air pollution that collectively develops from Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. Regardless of how good or bad your local air quality is on that day, individual get-togethers endanger your personal breathing spaces.

And in some jurisdictions, fireworks are prohibited. Though professional fireworks displays are permitted, Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks (5). Similar bans are in place in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach, California (6). Arizona and local governments in Washington State can prohibit fireworks during times of high fire risk (7)(8).

Here are some fun ways to participate in the festivities without creating air pollution, thus protecting your and your loved ones’ lungs, as well as helping preserve air quality on a larger scale.

Regardless of how good or bad your local air quality is on July 4, individual get-togethers endanger your personal breathing spaces.

You will be able to find more information, including step-by-step instructions, by conducting a web search on any of the following ideas:

Little kids

Balloon poppers – safely shoots red, white, and blue confetti into the air
Balloon firecrackers – confetti plus a bang
Soda/Mentos fountains
Balloons with LED lights inside – yes, they really make LEDs just for this
LED ropes and glow sticks – write in the sky like you can with sparklers

Little kids with adult supervision (9), (10)

Dry ice – the CO2 emitted from them is not considered a source of pollution
Non-polluting chemical-reaction experiments such as a baking soda/vinegar volcano, or for more extreme fun, “elephant toothpaste” (11)

Bigger kids (12)

Non-polluting chemical-reaction experiments
Confetti cannons with biodegradable confetti – uses compressed air for propulsion
Gender-reveal cannons with nontoxic powder
Non-toxic Holi powder
Soda/Mentos rockets
Laser light shows

Community activities

Drone light shows – a huge, colorful nighttime spectacle gaining in popularity (13)(14)
Outdoor movies – an outdoor projector, massive screen, intense sound system, (maybe a movie with a lot of explosions?) can create a memorable visual and aural experience

Personal protection from poor air

Even if you decide to have an Independence Day celebration void of activities that contribute to air pollution, the air quality around you will likely be hazardous to your health. To help avoid the potential impacts of air pollution:

Monitor your air quality in real-time
Wear a mask (rated N95, KN95, FFP2) when outdoors
Close doors and windows
Set HVAC to filter indoor (recirculated) air
Indoor air quality is greatly impacted by outdoor pollution; use a room air purifier or whole-house air purifier to help keep the air clean

Explore high-performance air purifiers

CLICK HERE

Conclusion

Fireworks are a grand, traditional experience, but between the dangers they present because of their explosive qualities, and the dangers they present because of their toxic qualities, it makes sense to rethink how to celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July.

Keep in mind that there are various “safe” firework alternatives, such as fog machines, paper sky lanterns, and some other chemical-reaction experiments, that do contribute to air pollution and therefore should be avoided.

Take a moment to consider some of the fun alternatives we’ve offered to traditional July 4 fireworks. Your lungs—and your dog—just may have a happier, healthier Independence Day in 2026.

","no-fireworks-july-4","gid://shopify/Article/564874936398","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/no-fireworks-july-4","2026-07-01T17:00:00Z",[179,235,162],"4th of July fireworks: Yay or nay?",{"_66":231,"_80":-5,"_82":232,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273943986254","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/article_July4th_B_daf77aa6-b218-42b1-ab0a-e827873b6842.jpg?v=1782925762",839,674,"Featured articles",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Iron Fire and Hastings Fire in Utah, including affected communities, evacuation information, and current containment efforts.","

Find out more about the Iron Fire and Hastings Fire in Utah, including affected communities, evacuation information, and current containment efforts.

","What are the names and locations of the wildfires? As of July 2, 2026, the Iron Fire is burning approximately 4 miles northwest of Eureka in Utah, affecting portions of Juab and Tooele counties. The wildfire has impacted areas near Highway 6 and Highway 36, remaining under active firefighting and containment efforts (1). The Cherry Fire is burning off Cherry Creek Road, southwest of Maple Peak and east of Chicken Rock in Juab and Tooele counties, Utah. The fire is burning primarily through grass, sagebrush, and scattered juniper and expanded rapidly under extreme fire weather conditions after being reported on June 26, 2026. The Hastings Fire burned near Hastings Pass Road, approximately 2 miles east of Aragonite Road in the Hastings Pass area of Utah. The fire was located in Tooele County and affected lands near the Interstate 80 corridor before being fully contained (2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The Iron Fire has affected the following communities and areas: Eureka Elberta Goshen Highway 6 corridor Highway 36 corridor The Hastings Fire affected the following areas: Hastings Pass Rydalch Pass area Interstate 80 corridor Recreation areas north of Rydalch Pass The Cherry Fire has affected the following cities and areas: Chimney Rock Pass Eureka Lofgreen Mammoth Silver City Tintic Junction Vernon Reservoir area Smoke from these fires and the Cottonwood fire is also impacting air quality in several cities: Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa, Colorado Moab, Utah Montrose, Colorado Salt Lake City, Utah Silverton, Colorado What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of July 2, 2026, the Iron Fire is estimated at 41,842 acres and is 98% contained. Firefighters continue direct and indirect suppression operations, structure protection efforts, and containment line construction around the fire perimeter. The Cherry Fire has burned 34,252 acres and remains 76% contained. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines, protect structures, and use indirect suppression tactics while challenging weather conditions, including Red Flag Warning conditions, continue to support rapid fire growth (3). The Hastings Fire burned approximately 26,422.6 acres and is now 100% contained. Are there any evacuation orders, warnings, or shelter information? A Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation order remains in effect for the Town of Eureka due to the Iron Fire. Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders are also in effect for Mammoth, Silver City, Eureka, and Tintic Junction due to the Cherry Fire. Additional evacuation orders remain in place for the area surrounding Vernon Reservoir and Lofgreen. Authorities have instructed residents to leave immediately using State Route 6 through Eureka to the east or travel south toward Delta. Road closures remain in effect on portions of Highway 6, Highway 36, and Old Highway 148. Community meetings are being held to provide updates on both the Cherry and Iron fires. Available shelters include: Elberta LDS Chapel, 15456 S 12800 W St, Elberta, Utah Goshen LDS Chapel, 75 S Center St, Goshen, Utah LDS Church, 280 Main St, Vernon, Utah All evacuation orders, warnings, and public alerts related to the Hastings Fire have been lifted following full containment. The public may still encounter firefighting personnel and equipment in the area as suppression activities are finalized. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of June 30, 2026, the Iron Fire is 98% contained.The Cherry Fire is 76% contained.The Hastings Fire is 100% contained.","

What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

As of July 2, 2026, the Iron Fire is burning approximately 4 miles northwest of Eureka in Utah, affecting portions of Juab and Tooele counties. The wildfire has impacted areas near Highway 6 and Highway 36, remaining under active firefighting and containment efforts (1).

The Cherry Fire is burning off Cherry Creek Road, southwest of Maple Peak and east of Chicken Rock in Juab and Tooele counties, Utah. The fire is burning primarily through grass, sagebrush, and scattered juniper and expanded rapidly under extreme fire weather conditions after being reported on June 26, 2026.

The Hastings Fire burned near Hastings Pass Road, approximately 2 miles east of Aragonite Road in the Hastings Pass area of Utah. The fire was located in Tooele County and affected lands near the Interstate 80 corridor before being fully contained (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The Iron Fire has affected the following communities and areas:

\nEureka
\n
Elberta
Goshen
Highway 6 corridor
Highway 36 corridor

The Hastings Fire affected the following areas:

Hastings Pass
Rydalch Pass area
Interstate 80 corridor
Recreation areas north of Rydalch Pass

The Cherry Fire has affected the following cities and areas:

Chimney Rock Pass
Eureka
Lofgreen
Mammoth
Silver City
Tintic Junction
Vernon Reservoir area

Smoke from these fires and the Cottonwood fire is also impacting air quality in several cities:

\nGrand Junction, Colorado
\nMesa, Colorado
\n
\nMoab, Utah
\n
\nMontrose, Colorado
\n
\nSalt Lake City, Utah
\n
\nSilverton, Colorado
\n

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of July 2, 2026, the Iron Fire is estimated at 41,842 acres and is 98% contained. Firefighters continue direct and indirect suppression operations, structure protection efforts, and containment line construction around the fire perimeter.

The Cherry Fire has burned 34,252 acres and remains 76% contained. Firefighters are working to establish containment lines, protect structures, and use indirect suppression tactics while challenging weather conditions, including Red Flag Warning conditions, continue to support rapid fire growth (3).

The Hastings Fire burned approximately 26,422.6 acres and is now 100% contained.

Are there any evacuation orders, warnings, or shelter information?

A Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation order remains in effect for the Town of Eureka due to the Iron Fire. Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders are also in effect for Mammoth, Silver City, Eureka, and Tintic Junction due to the Cherry Fire.

Additional evacuation orders remain in place for the area surrounding Vernon Reservoir and Lofgreen. Authorities have instructed residents to leave immediately using State Route 6 through Eureka to the east or travel south toward Delta.

Road closures remain in effect on portions of Highway 6, Highway 36, and Old Highway 148. Community meetings are being held to provide updates on both the Cherry and Iron fires.

Available shelters include:

Elberta LDS Chapel, 15456 S 12800 W St, Elberta, Utah
Goshen LDS Chapel, 75 S Center St, Goshen, Utah
LDS Church, 280 Main St, Vernon, Utah

All evacuation orders, warnings, and public alerts related to the Hastings Fire have been lifted following full containment. The public may still encounter firefighting personnel and equipment in the area as suppression activities are finalized.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

As of June 30, 2026, the Iron Fire is 98% contained.
The Cherry Fire is 76% contained.
The Hastings Fire is 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-iron-fire-and-hastings-fire-utah","gid://shopify/Article/641772126286","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-iron-fire-and-hastings-fire-utah","2026-07-02T05:19:48Z",[179,211,212],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Iron Fire and Hastings Fire, Utah",{"_66":249,"_80":-5,"_82":250,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273949392974","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_33baf64e-cc8c-4ad9-b545-ac0337863945.jpg?v=1782970398",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Cottonwood Fire burning near Beaver, Utah, including affected communities, evacuation orders, and the latest containment updates.","

Find out more about the Cottonwood Fire burning near Beaver, Utah, including affected communities, evacuation orders, and the latest containment updates.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of July 2, 2026, the Cottonwood Fire is burning near Beaver, Utah, near UT-153 at Mile Marker 5, spanning portions of Beaver and Piute Counties. The wildfire is impacting areas near Fishlake National Forest and the B Mountain region east of Beaver City. The fire has grown rapidly due to high temperatures, strong winds, and extremely dry vegetation conditions (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire include: Arrowhead Summer Homes B Mountain area B Bench Road Beaver Bone Hollow area Eagle Point Resort HiLo Estates Lower South Creek foothills Merchant Valley Residents throughout the surrounding Beaver area and communities east of Beaver City are advised to avoid all roads leading toward the fire area to support ongoing emergency operations. Smoke from this fire, the Iron fire, and the Hastings fire is also impacting air quality in several cities: Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa, Colorado Moab, Utah Montrose, Colorado Salt Lake City, Utah Silverton, Colorado What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of July 2, 2026, the Cottonwood Fire has burned approximately 93,918 acres and remains 19% contained. Firefighters continue full suppression efforts as the wildfire continues to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Multiple Hotshot crews, structural protection teams, heavy equipment operators, helicopters, and air tankers are working to protect structures, reduce hazardous fuels, and establish containment lines where conditions allow. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders remain in effect for HiLo Estates, Merchant Valley, Eagle Point Resort, and Arrowhead Summer Homes. Residents evacuating these areas are instructed to travel east toward the town of Junction. Authorities have also issued closure orders covering the fire area and surrounding roads and trails. Beaver County officials continue to urge the public to stay away from all roads leading toward the wildfire to ensure safe access for emergency responders. While no evacuation orders are currently in place for Piute County, residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Everbridge emergency alert system and monitor official emergency notifications. 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 July 2, 2026, this fire is 19% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of July 2, 2026, the Cottonwood Fire is burning near Beaver, Utah, near UT-153 at Mile Marker 5, spanning portions of Beaver and Piute Counties.

The wildfire is impacting areas near Fishlake National Forest and the B Mountain region east of Beaver City. The fire has grown rapidly due to high temperatures, strong winds, and extremely dry vegetation conditions (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Cottonwood Fire include:

Arrowhead Summer Homes
B Mountain area
B Bench Road
Beaver
Bone Hollow area
Eagle Point Resort
HiLo Estates
Lower South Creek foothills
Merchant Valley

Residents throughout the surrounding Beaver area and communities east of Beaver City are advised to avoid all roads leading toward the fire area to support ongoing emergency operations.

Smoke from this fire, the Iron fire, and the Hastings fire is also impacting air quality in several cities:

\nGrand Junction, Colorado
\nMesa, Colorado
\n
\nMoab, Utah
\n
\nMontrose, Colorado
\n
\nSalt Lake City, Utah
\n
\nSilverton, Colorado
\n

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of July 2, 2026, the Cottonwood Fire has burned approximately 93,918 acres and remains 19% contained.

Firefighters continue full suppression efforts as the wildfire continues to exhibit extreme fire behavior. Multiple Hotshot crews, structural protection teams, heavy equipment operators, helicopters, and air tankers are working to protect structures, reduce hazardous fuels, and establish containment lines where conditions allow.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders remain in effect for HiLo Estates, Merchant Valley, Eagle Point Resort, and Arrowhead Summer Homes. Residents evacuating these areas are instructed to travel east toward the town of Junction. Authorities have also issued closure orders covering the fire area and surrounding roads and trails.

Beaver County officials continue to urge the public to stay away from all roads leading toward the wildfire to ensure safe access for emergency responders.

While no evacuation orders are currently in place for Piute County, residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Everbridge emergency alert system and monitor official emergency notifications.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

As of July 2, 2026, this fire is 19% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-cottonwood-fire-utah","gid://shopify/Article/641777303630","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-cottonwood-fire-utah","2026-07-02T05:26:06Z",[179,211,212],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Cottonwood Fire, Utah",{"_66":264,"_80":265,"_82":266,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273949360206","Fire burning dry long grass.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire12Desktop_efe9e3a9-3b96-4098-bef1-17d6fb5caeb8.jpg?v=1782970377",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Aspen Acres Fire, including the latest containment efforts, affected communities, and evacuation information.","

Find out more about the Aspen Acres Fire, including the latest containment efforts, affected communities, and evacuation information.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of July 2, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire is burning across Custer and Pueblo counties of Colorado. The fire is affecting areas near the communities of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and the Aspen Acres Campground. It has also prompted closures within portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to protect public safety (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire include: Beulah Bishops Castle Burnt Mill to I-25 Crow Cutoff Highway 165 south to the Pueblo County line Lazy Acres North Creek area Rye San Isabel South of Highway 96 Three R Road to Crow Cutoff 12 Mile Road Waterbarrel Road What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of July 2, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned approximately 47,952.8 acres and remains 0% contained. Firefighters continue suppression efforts while monitoring active fire growth on both the Pueblo and Custer sides of the incident. Crews have transitioned between day and night operations as changing weather conditions, strong winds, and low humidity continue to support extreme fire behavior. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple areas in Pueblo and Custer counties, including Beulah, Rye, Lazy Acres, San Isabel, Bishops Castle, the North Creek area, and locations south of Highway 96. Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to leave immediately, and wireless emergency alerts warn that delaying evacuation may leave residents without a safe opportunity to evacuate. An evacuation center remains open at the Pueblo County Recreation Center, where small household pets are accepted. Large animal and livestock sheltering is available at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. The Wetmore Community Center shelter has been closed, although emergency resources remain available should additional sheltering become necessary. 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 July 2, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of July 2, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire is burning across Custer and Pueblo counties of Colorado. The fire is affecting areas near the communities of Beulah, Rye, San Isabel, and the Aspen Acres Campground.

It has also prompted closures within portions of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands to protect public safety (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Aspen Acres Fire include:

Beulah
Bishops Castle
Burnt Mill to I-25
Crow Cutoff
Highway 165 south to the Pueblo County line
Lazy Acres
North Creek area
Rye
San Isabel
South of Highway 96
Three R Road to Crow Cutoff
12 Mile Road
Waterbarrel Road

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of July 2, 2026, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned approximately 47,952.8 acres and remains 0% contained.

Firefighters continue suppression efforts while monitoring active fire growth on both the Pueblo and Custer sides of the incident. Crews have transitioned between day and night operations as changing weather conditions, strong winds, and low humidity continue to support extreme fire behavior.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Mandatory Level 3 \"Go\" evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple areas in Pueblo and Custer counties, including Beulah, Rye, Lazy Acres, San Isabel, Bishops Castle, the North Creek area, and locations south of Highway 96.

Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to leave immediately, and wireless emergency alerts warn that delaying evacuation may leave residents without a safe opportunity to evacuate.

An evacuation center remains open at the Pueblo County Recreation Center, where small household pets are accepted. Large animal and livestock sheltering is available at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

The Wetmore Community Center shelter has been closed, although emergency resources remain available should additional sheltering become necessary.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

As of July 2, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-aspen-acres-fire-colorado","gid://shopify/Article/641817378894","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-aspen-acres-fire-colorado","2026-07-02T05:27:03Z",[179,211,212],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Aspen Acres Fire, Colorado",{"_66":280,"_80":281,"_82":282,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273949458510","Forest fire","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire9Desktop_f1fd52cc-664e-4dc6-87a9-2f2278168c05.jpg?v=1782970436",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Central Chile faces poor air quality with unhealthy AQI levels. Learn more about affected cities, causes, and when conditions may improve.","

Central Chile faces poor air quality with unhealthy AQI levels. Learn more about affected cities, causes, and when conditions may improve.

","Is the air quality good in Chile? As of July 2, 2026, air quality in central Chile remains poor, with major cities experiencing \"unhealthy\" to \"very unhealthy\" levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 2:00 AM (Chile Standard Time, GMT-4), some urban centers recorded AQI readings ranging from 100 to 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, wear masks outdoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions fluctuate throughout the day, central Chile regularly experiences seasonal pollution episodes during the colder months. Studies conducted in Santiago and Temuco have confirmed that for every 50 µg/m³ increase in PM10 levels in 24 hours, there is an average increase of about 3% in general mortality, with increases in PM10 also associated with higher respiratory and cardiovascular mortality (1). Air quality map of central Chile, as of 2:00 AM (local time) on July 2, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Chile? As of July 2, 2026, several cities in central Chile are experiencing degraded air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Chillán Coyhaique Rancagua Talca Temuco For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels across the region, see Chile's air quality map. When will the air quality improve in Chile? Research shows PM2.5 increases from April through July, then begins to decrease in September and October as spring arrives and atmospheric conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersal. Mean PM2.5 levels during the cold season from April through September are more than twice as high as those in the warm season from October through March. In the near term, isolated rainfall or stronger winds may offer brief relief (2). Lasting improvement depends on consistent enforcement of restrictions on wood burning and vehicle emissions during pollution alert episodes. What is causing poor air quality in Chile? Firewood produces as much as 94% of fine particulate matter emissions in some Chilean cities according to the Ministry of Environment, with two million homes heated using solid biofuels nationwide, and the firewood market generating an estimated 800 million dollars annually (3). Firewood smoke from residential heating is responsible for more than 90% of PM2.5 emissions in cities located between the O'Higgins and Aysén regions, where indiscriminate use of firewood for heating is the primary driver of seasonal air quality crises (4). In Santiago, the situation is compounded by the city's position between the Andes and the Cordillera de la Costa, which creates a pocket where stagnant air accumulates and disperses slowly, while vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel power generation, and construction dust add a persistent pollution base throughout the year. How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Chile?

As of July 2, 2026, air quality in central Chile remains poor, with major cities experiencing \"unhealthy\" to \"very unhealthy\" levels and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 2:00 AM (Chile Standard Time, GMT-4), some urban centers recorded AQI readings ranging from 100 to 300, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, wear masks outdoors, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors.

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

$\"\"$ Air quality map of central Chile, as of 2:00 AM (local time) on July 2, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in Chile?

As of July 2, 2026, several cities in central Chile are experiencing degraded air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

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

When will the air quality improve in Chile?

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

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

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

What is causing poor air quality in Chile?

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

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

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

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

","chile-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/641694269518","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/chile-air-quality-alert","2026-07-02T05:58:08Z",[179,211],"Chile Air Quality Alert",{"_66":296,"_80":-5,"_82":297,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273949851726","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Chile_SmokySky_Desk_124d1aaf-2e6e-4208-a282-81c844c4bfa7.jpg?v=1782971891",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Find out more about the Kane Springs Fire and Grapevine Fire in Nevada, including affected areas, containment efforts, and current fire conditions.","

Find out more about the Kane Springs Fire and Grapevine Fire in Nevada, including affected areas, containment efforts, and current fire conditions.

","What are the name and location of the wildfires? As of July 2, 2026, two active wildfires are burning in Lincoln County, Nevada, challenging firefighters with dry fuels, strong winds, and rugged terrain. The Kane Springs Fire is burning near Kane Springs Road, approximately five miles southwest of Elgin, Nevada. The fire is spreading through grass and brush fuels across remote terrain in southeastern Nevada (1). The Grapevine Fire is burning in and around the Clover Mountains Wilderness southeast of Caliente, Nevada. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain with timber fuels and has experienced rapid growth due to strong winds and critically dry conditions (2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires? The cities and areas affected by the Kane Springs Fire and Grapevine Fire include: Caliente Clover Mountains Wilderness Elgin Kane Springs Road area Southeastern Lincoln County Washington County What is the current containment status of the wildfires? As of July 2, 2026, the Kane Springs Fire has burned approximately 17,042 acres and is 90% contained. Firefighters continue strengthening containment lines along the eastern flank while utilizing natural barriers, previous burn scars, and existing road systems to limit additional fire spread. Aircraft and ground crews remain actively engaged in suppression operations. The Grapevine Fire has burned approximately 26,464 acres and remains 72% contained. Firefighters continue working in difficult terrain to establish and reinforce containment lines. Strong winds and extreme fire behavior have complicated suppression efforts, although crews are making progress in some areas of the fire perimeter. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? No evacuation orders or evacuation centers have been issued for the Kane Springs Fire as of the latest available updates. For the Grapevine Fire, a Level 1 – \"Ready\" evacuation alert is in place for zones WSH-E003, WSH-E022, and WSH-E023 in Washington County near the Clover Mountains Wilderness southeast of Caliente. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed, prepare for possible evacuation, and monitor official updates. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid both fire areas due to active fire behavior and ongoing firefighting operations. 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 July 2, 2026, the Kane Springs Fire has reached 90% containment, while the Grapevine Fire remains at 72% containment.","

What are the name and location of the wildfires?

As of July 2, 2026, two active wildfires are burning in Lincoln County, Nevada, challenging firefighters with dry fuels, strong winds, and rugged terrain.

The Kane Springs Fire is burning near Kane Springs Road, approximately five miles southwest of Elgin, Nevada. The fire is spreading through grass and brush fuels across remote terrain in southeastern Nevada (1).

The Grapevine Fire is burning in and around the Clover Mountains Wilderness southeast of Caliente, Nevada. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain with timber fuels and has experienced rapid growth due to strong winds and critically dry conditions (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The cities and areas affected by the Kane Springs Fire and Grapevine Fire include:

Caliente
Clover Mountains Wilderness
Elgin
Kane Springs Road area
Southeastern Lincoln County
Washington County

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

As of July 2, 2026, the Kane Springs Fire has burned approximately 17,042 acres and is 90% contained.

Firefighters continue strengthening containment lines along the eastern flank while utilizing natural barriers, previous burn scars, and existing road systems to limit additional fire spread. Aircraft and ground crews remain actively engaged in suppression operations.

The Grapevine Fire has burned approximately 26,464 acres and remains 72% contained. Firefighters continue working in difficult terrain to establish and reinforce containment lines.

Strong winds and extreme fire behavior have complicated suppression efforts, although crews are making progress in some areas of the fire perimeter.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

No evacuation orders or evacuation centers have been issued for the Kane Springs Fire as of the latest available updates.

For the Grapevine Fire, a Level 1 – \"Ready\" evacuation alert is in place for zones WSH-E003, WSH-E022, and WSH-E023 in Washington County near the Clover Mountains Wilderness southeast of Caliente. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed, prepare for possible evacuation, and monitor official updates.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid both fire areas due to active fire behavior and ongoing firefighting operations.

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 July 2, 2026, the Kane Springs Fire has reached 90% containment, while the Grapevine Fire remains at 72% containment.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-kane-springs-fire-and-grapevine-fire-nevada","gid://shopify/Article/641760264270","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-kane-springs-fire-and-grapevine-fire-nevada","2026-07-02T06:42:45Z",[179,211,212],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Kane Springs Fire and Grapevine Fire, Nevada",{"_66":311,"_80":312,"_82":313,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273950441550","Wildfire on a mountain","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Wildfire2Desktop_b87f2cfa-5388-4fa0-ac56-c875b88bdc70.jpg?v=1782974570",{"_51":52,"_53":331,"_11":332,"_56":221,"_58":221,"_60":222,"_62":223,"_64":224,"_66":225,"_68":226,"_70":-5,"_71":227,"_73":333,"_75":229,"_77":334},{"_51":52,"_53":316,"_11":317,"_56":318,"_58":319,"_60":320,"_62":321,"_64":322,"_66":323,"_68":324,"_70":-5,"_71":325,"_73":326,"_75":327,"_77":328},{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Air purifiers may not function properly if placed in an improper space. Discover the ideal air purifier for your space, tailored to meet your needs.","

Air purifiers may not function properly if placed in an improper space. Discover the ideal air purifier for your space, tailored to meet your needs.

","Air purifiers are powerful air cleaning tools that remove airborne pollutants and harmful chemicals from indoor spaces through multilayer filtration. However, not every air purifier is fit for any sized space. Room dimensions and the environment air purifiers are housed in can greatly impact the performance and filtration efficiency of the device. Understanding optimal air purifier sizes, environments, and locations helps ensure air cleaning systems function properly and are filtrating invisible pollutants with maximum efficiency. What is the best air purifier for my room size? Air cleaning systems are designed to cater to specific types of environments and room sizes to ensure airborne pollutants are properly filtrated and cleaned. Following suggested room air purifier pairing maximizes filtration efficiency and helps secure comprehensively clean air quality. Optimal room size and air purifier type pairings include: Portable air purifiers: Best fitted for small rooms or spaces that are temporarily occupied, such as hotel rooms, personal vehicles, and public bathrooms. Tabletop air purifiers: Best fitted for personal spaces or small rooms with low activity, such as desks, workspaces, or bedrooms. Floor-standing air purifiers: Best fitted for large rooms with high activity or pollutant emissions, such as living rooms, kitchens, and game rooms. HVAC air cleaning systems: Best fitted for whole-house utilization, capturing pollutants through various airducts and vents in a home. Check for suggested dimensions or types of rooms on the air cleaning device’s packaging or instruction manual. Mismatched or unsuitable room and air purifier pairings can lead to compromised air quality conditions, causing elevated health risks and pollutant particle exposure. How does room size impact air purifiers? Improper air purifier and room pairings could greatly reduce performance results, leaving particles untreated and personal health potentially compromised. If a room is too large or has too high of daily activity for an air purifier, the system may take longer to filtrate all pollutant particles effectively, resulting in an unstable air quality conditions and more airborne particulate matter. If a space is too small for a large air purifier, excess electrical utilization and higher utility bills could occur when smaller energy-efficient systems can provide sufficient filtration power. The key to securing maximum protection is understanding environment dynamics and the presence of airborne pollutants, as insufficient air purifier and room pairings can lead to unaddressed air quality concerns. What types of particles do air purifiers filter? If placed in an optimal environment, air purifiers can remove various harmful chemicals and airborne pollutant particles such as PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – all linked to respiratory symptoms and elevated health risks. PM2.5 is particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in size and PM10 includes particles up to 10 microns. These particle types include various allergens and indoor pollutants including pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke. To ensure proper air purifier utilization and maximum filtration efficiency, air metrics and measurements are key in quantifying performance results and ensuring optimal room pairings. How to find the most efficient air purifier for a space Air filtration and ventilation metrics allows for air purifiers to be tested for optimal utilization and ensures air cleaning systems are functioning properly and up to industry standards within the indoor space they are housed in (1). By calculating the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), Air Changes per Hour (ACH), and Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM), an air purifier’s performance efficiency can be quantified and measured. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how quickly an air cleaning tool can remove pollutants and produce clean air quality. CADR is a metric tool for calculating an air purifier’s initial performance power, but does not determine overall system efficiency and should be used in conjunction with other air metrics. Optimal CADR value should be 2/3 of the total room dimensions, often listed on the outside of product packaging. Air Changes per Hour (ACH) measures how many times air particles are replaced in an indoor space within a 60-minute time period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests an ACH value of seven or higher as the “best” ventilation efficiency, labeling an ACH value of four as “good” and a six as “better.” Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) measures how much pollutants and particulate matter can be captured and filtrated before the air cleaning device loses filtration efficiency. CCM is an optimal metric in determining long-term air purifier performance as it measures efficiency duration. Check the outside product packing and look for higher CCM values such as P4 or F4 – the higher the CCM value, the greater the long-term performance of an air cleaning system. Need help finding the perfect air purifier for your home? CLICK HERE Clean air methods for all indoor spaces Alongside air measurements and metrics, daily clean air methods and practices can help ensure air purifier systems are functioning properly and continue to work at maximum efficiency throughout various rooms (2). By understanding optimal room pairings and clean air practices, comprehensively clean air quality can be achieved with ease, such as: Pollutant source control: Avoid spraying scented or chemical cleaning products, place air purifiers in high activity rooms, and close windows during harmful outdoor air quality events. Room ventilation: Open windows during high indoor activity, install air quality monitors to know when ventilation is safe, and utilize fans to increase airflow and circulation. Efficient filtration: Check air purifier packaging for high CCM or ACH values, place air cleaning devices away from furniture to avoid blockages, and run air systems on a daily schedule to ensure maximum filtration. Analyzing optimal room and air purifier pairings while employing clean air practices provides a pathway to maximum pollutant protection and efficient filtration power. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What air purifier is best for large spaces and low activity? Floor-standing air purifiers are an excellent choice for large spaces with low activity. Large rooms house an abundance of airborne particles that require sufficient filtration to achieve comprehensively clean air quality. If the space has low activity levels, all-day utilization may not be necessary and just a few hours of runtime could be effective enough to filtrate pollutant particles. What air purifier is best for small spaces and high activity? Table-top or floor-standing air purifiers are both effective choices for small spaces with high activity. Compact, personal spaces can be sufficiently cleaned with extended, daily utilization of smaller air purifier units. The key to address heightened levels of pollutant activity is longer runtimes for air cleaning systems – ideally a 24-hour utilization period would provide maximum protection against harmful particles. How long do air purifier filters last? Air purifier filters can last anywhere between 1-4 years, depending on size, model, and daily utilization. How do I know if an air purifier is right for my space?To verify an air purifier is performing at an optimal efficiency within an indoor space, utilize air metrics such as Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) and Air Changes per Hour (ACH). CCM measures how many pollutant particles can be captured before an air cleaning system loses efficiency, analyzing long-term performance and longevity. Aim to select systems with a CCM value of P4 or F4 – the higher the P and F values, the greater the filtration power of an air purifier. ACH measures how often air particles within an indoor space can be replaced or cleaned in a 60-minute time period. High ACH values have been linked to respiratory and allergen symptom relief, with a ranking of seven or higher labeled as “best” according to the CDC. Conclusion Air purifiers are effective air cleaning tools that remove airborne pollutants, particulate matter, and pollutants from indoor air, but only when paired properly with an optimal room to house the system. Improper room size or environment pairings can impact air purifier performance greatly if placed in an inadequate space type or dimensions. Utilize our room dimension and air purifier pairing guide, and double check efficiency results through performance metrics or air quality monitoring to ensure effective filtration power and comprehensively clean air quality is maintained indoors.","

Air purifiers are powerful air cleaning tools that remove airborne pollutants and harmful chemicals from indoor spaces through multilayer filtration. However, not every air purifier is fit for any sized space. Room dimensions and the environment air purifiers are housed in can greatly impact the performance and filtration efficiency of the device.

Understanding optimal air purifier sizes, environments, and locations helps ensure air cleaning systems function properly and are filtrating invisible pollutants with maximum efficiency.

What is the best air purifier for my room size?

Air cleaning systems are designed to cater to specific types of environments and room sizes to ensure airborne pollutants are properly filtrated and cleaned. Following suggested room air purifier pairing maximizes filtration efficiency and helps secure comprehensively clean air quality. Optimal room size and air purifier type pairings include:

\nPortable air purifiers: Best fitted for small rooms or spaces that are temporarily occupied, such as hotel rooms, personal vehicles, and public bathrooms.
\nTabletop air purifiers: Best fitted for personal spaces or small rooms with low activity, such as desks, workspaces, or bedrooms.
\nFloor-standing air purifiers: Best fitted for large rooms with high activity or pollutant emissions, such as living rooms, kitchens, and game rooms.
\nHVAC air cleaning systems: Best fitted for whole-house utilization, capturing pollutants through various airducts and vents in a home.

Check for suggested dimensions or types of rooms on the air cleaning device’s packaging or instruction manual. Mismatched or unsuitable room and air purifier pairings can lead to compromised air quality conditions, causing elevated health risks and pollutant particle exposure.

How does room size impact air purifiers?

Improper air purifier and room pairings could greatly reduce performance results, leaving particles untreated and personal health potentially compromised.

If a room is too large or has too high of daily activity for an air purifier, the system may take longer to filtrate all pollutant particles effectively, resulting in an unstable air quality conditions and more airborne particulate matter. If a space is too small for a large air purifier, excess electrical utilization and higher utility bills could occur when smaller energy-efficient systems can provide sufficient filtration power.

The key to securing maximum protection is understanding environment dynamics and the presence of airborne pollutants, as insufficient air purifier and room pairings can lead to unaddressed air quality concerns.

What types of particles do air purifiers filter?

If placed in an optimal environment, air purifiers can remove various harmful chemicals and airborne pollutant particles such as PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – all linked to respiratory symptoms and elevated health risks. PM2.5 is particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in size and PM10 includes particles up to 10 microns. These particle types include various allergens and indoor pollutants including pollen, pet dander, dust, and smoke.

To ensure proper air purifier utilization and maximum filtration efficiency, air metrics and measurements are key in quantifying performance results and ensuring optimal room pairings.

How to find the most efficient air purifier for a space

Air filtration and ventilation metrics allows for air purifiers to be tested for optimal utilization and ensures air cleaning systems are functioning properly and up to industry standards within the indoor space they are housed in (1). By calculating the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), Air Changes per Hour (ACH), and Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM), an air purifier’s performance efficiency can be quantified and measured.

The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how quickly an air cleaning tool can remove pollutants and produce clean air quality. CADR is a metric tool for calculating an air purifier’s initial performance power, but does not determine overall system efficiency and should be used in conjunction with other air metrics. Optimal CADR value should be 2/3 of the total room dimensions, often listed on the outside of product packaging.

Air Changes per Hour (ACH) measures how many times air particles are replaced in an indoor space within a 60-minute time period. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests an ACH value of seven or higher as the “best” ventilation efficiency, labeling an ACH value of four as “good” and a six as “better.”

Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) measures how much pollutants and particulate matter can be captured and filtrated before the air cleaning device loses filtration efficiency. CCM is an optimal metric in determining long-term air purifier performance as it measures efficiency duration. Check the outside product packing and look for higher CCM values such as P4 or F4 – the higher the CCM value, the greater the long-term performance of an air cleaning system.

Need help finding the perfect air purifier for your home?

CLICK HERE

Clean air methods for all indoor spaces

Alongside air measurements and metrics, daily clean air methods and practices can help ensure air purifier systems are functioning properly and continue to work at maximum efficiency throughout various rooms (2). By understanding optimal room pairings and clean air practices, comprehensively clean air quality can be achieved with ease, such as:

\nPollutant source control: Avoid spraying scented or chemical cleaning products, place air purifiers in high activity rooms, and close windows during harmful outdoor air quality events.
\nRoom ventilation: Open windows during high indoor activity, install air quality monitors to know when ventilation is safe, and utilize fans to increase airflow and circulation.
\nEfficient filtration: Check air purifier packaging for high CCM or ACH values, place air cleaning devices away from furniture to avoid blockages, and run air systems on a daily schedule to ensure maximum filtration.

Analyzing optimal room and air purifier pairings while employing clean air practices provides a pathway to maximum pollutant protection and efficient filtration power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What air purifier is best for large spaces and low activity?
Floor-standing air purifiers are an excellent choice for large spaces with low activity.

Large rooms house an abundance of airborne particles that require sufficient filtration to achieve comprehensively clean air quality. If the space has low activity levels, all-day utilization may not be necessary and just a few hours of runtime could be effective enough to filtrate pollutant particles.

What air purifier is best for small spaces and high activity?
Table-top or floor-standing air purifiers are both effective choices for small spaces with high activity.

Compact, personal spaces can be sufficiently cleaned with extended, daily utilization of smaller air purifier units. The key to address heightened levels of pollutant activity is longer runtimes for air cleaning systems – ideally a 24-hour utilization period would provide maximum protection against harmful particles.

How long do air purifier filters last?
Air purifier filters can last anywhere between 1-4 years, depending on size, model, and daily utilization.

How do I know if an air purifier is right for my space?
To verify an air purifier is performing at an optimal efficiency within an indoor space, utilize air metrics such as Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) and Air Changes per Hour (ACH).

CCM measures how many pollutant particles can be captured before an air cleaning system loses efficiency, analyzing long-term performance and longevity. Aim to select systems with a CCM value of P4 or F4 – the higher the P and F values, the greater the filtration power of an air purifier.

ACH measures how often air particles within an indoor space can be replaced or cleaned in a 60-minute time period. High ACH values have been linked to respiratory and allergen symptom relief, with a ranking of seven or higher labeled as “best” according to the CDC.

Conclusion

Air purifiers are effective air cleaning tools that remove airborne pollutants, particulate matter, and pollutants from indoor air, but only when paired properly with an optimal room to house the system. Improper room size or environment pairings can impact air purifier performance greatly if placed in an inadequate space type or dimensions.

Utilize our room dimension and air purifier pairing guide, and double check efficiency results through performance metrics or air quality monitoring to ensure effective filtration power and comprehensively clean air quality is maintained indoors.

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Explore 5 practical ways to reduce waste during Ramadan—food, plastics, water, energy, and transportation—and emphasizing the spirit of renewal.

","For roughly a quarter of the world’s population, Ramadan is a month that reshapes daily life — from meals and prayer to family gatherings and community care (1). It’s a deeply meaningful season, and for many, a chance to recommit to living with intention. Because daily routines change so much during Ramadan — what we cook, what we buy, how we gather, and how we travel — it can also be a natural moment to reduce waste and use shared resources more thoughtfully. Ramadan, in brief Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and acts of charity. At its heart, it’s about renewal, self-discipline, gratitude, and caring for others — values that naturally support more mindful choices in everyday life. Here are five simple tips to get started. 1. Plan meals to reduce food waste Iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast) and suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins) are meaningful moments, and it’s common to overestimate how much food a household (or a gathering) will actually need. The result isn’t just extra dishes and leftovers. Food waste also represents wasted water, packaging, and energy. Ramadan is a time to pause and reflect on what we truly need — and to treat food as a blessing, not a given. A helpful mindset shift is to plan Ramadan meals the way you might plan for hosting: start with what you know you’ll use, then leave room to adjust. Try planning a few days at a time instead of shopping “for the whole week,” especially early in the month while you’re learning your family’s rhythm. A simple approach that works for many households: Shop with a short list. Buy what you can realistically cook and finish. Cook modestly, then add. It’s easier to make a little more than to undo too much. Give leftovers a purpose. For instance, tonight’s iftar can become tomorrow’s suhoor. If you do end up with extra, consider sharing it intentionally — with neighbors, friends, or anyone who might benefit. It keeps the spirit of generosity intact while preventing waste. 2. Cut single-use plastics at iftars and gatherings Community iftars and mosque nights are some of the most beautiful parts of Ramadan. They can also be where waste quietly piles up: plastic water bottles, cups, plates, and cutlery — often used for minutes and then and can remain in the environment for years. Ramadan is a month of gathering, so it’s an opportunity to gather thoughtfully, with small choices that reduce waste and what we throw away. 3. Conserve water, especially during wudu and in the kitchen Water use often increases during Ramadan: more cooking, more cleaning, more wudu (ritual washing before prayer), more guests. Because the month is busy, it’s easy to use more than necessary without noticing. Ramadan is a reminder that intention can show up in small moments — including how we use everyday resources like water. Instead of treating water conservation like a major lifestyle overhaul, treat it like mindfulness: small, repeated moments of intention. In daily routines, that can look like: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth Avoiding continuously running water during wudu Washing produce in a bowl instead of under a running faucet If your mosque provides bottled water, another simple step is to finish what you take and dispose of it properly — or bring your own reusable bottle so fewer bottles are left behind at the end of the night. In many regions, water is already a scarce resource. Mindful use is practical and deeply aligned with the month’s emphasis on gratitude. An eco-friendly Ramadan isn’t about perfection. It’s about small choices that add up across households and communities. 4. Use less energy and practice conscious consumption Ramadan evenings often run late. Lights stay on longer. Kitchens stay busy. Families make extra store trips. None of this is “wrong” — it’s simply part of how Ramadan changes the rhythm of life. But the month can also be an invitation to simplify: to reduce what’s unnecessary, keep what’s meaningful, and build habits you’ll want to continue. That’s the heart of reflection — noticing where our routines drift into excess and gently returning to what matters. One way to think about energy and consumption during Ramadan is: reduce the “background” load. The small, forgettable things that add up. A few low-effort shifts: Turn off lights, chargers, and appliances when they’re not in use Swap to energy-efficient bulbs where possible Reduce store trips by planning ahead (one larger trip instead of many small ones) Avoid impulse purchases and overbuying “just in case” And if you want a non-technical “reset” that fits the spirit of the month: swap a bit of screen time for something quieter — reading, reflection, or community time. 5. Rethink transportation and build community habits During Ramadan, trips to the mosque, grocery store, and family gatherings can add up quickly, especially in communities where events run nightly. Transportation is one of those areas where small changes can have a collective impact. Ramadan is about community care, and how we move and how often we drive can be part of that care. If it’s feasible in your area, walking or cycling to prayers can reduce fuel and road use while adding something surprisingly valuable: a calm transition into the evening. When distance or safety makes that unrealistic, community habits can still help: Carpool for taraweeh (special evening prayers during Ramadan) or community events Combine errands into one trip instead of several Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency When these habits spread across a neighborhood, they don’t just reduce environmental impact, they also strengthen community connection, which is part of what Ramadan is about. The takeaway Eco-friendly habits don’t have to feel like a separate “project.” They can be part of what Ramadan already teaches: intentional living, moderation, and gratitude. If you choose just one change this month, make it a simple one — and make it consistent. Small actions, repeated across weeks of Ramadan and shared across communities, can carry forward long after Eid.","

For roughly a quarter of the world’s population, Ramadan is a month that reshapes daily life — from meals and prayer to family gatherings and community care (1). It’s a deeply meaningful season, and for many, a chance to recommit to living with intention.

Because daily routines change so much during Ramadan — what we cook, what we buy, how we gather, and how we travel — it can also be a natural moment to reduce waste and use shared resources more thoughtfully.

Ramadan, in brief

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed through fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and acts of charity. At its heart, it’s about renewal, self-discipline, gratitude, and caring for others — values that naturally support more mindful choices in everyday life.

Here are five simple tips to get started.

1. Plan meals to reduce food waste

Iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast) and suhoor (the pre-dawn meal before fasting begins) are meaningful moments, and it’s common to overestimate how much food a household (or a gathering) will actually need. The result isn’t just extra dishes and leftovers. Food waste also represents wasted water, packaging, and energy. Ramadan is a time to pause and reflect on what we truly need — and to treat food as a blessing, not a given.

A helpful mindset shift is to plan Ramadan meals the way you might plan for hosting: start with what you know you’ll use, then leave room to adjust. Try planning a few days at a time instead of shopping “for the whole week,” especially early in the month while you’re learning your family’s rhythm.

A simple approach that works for many households:

Shop with a short list. Buy what you can realistically cook and finish.
Cook modestly, then add. It’s easier to make a little more than to undo too much.
Give leftovers a purpose. For instance, tonight’s iftar can become tomorrow’s suhoor.

If you do end up with extra, consider sharing it intentionally — with neighbors, friends, or anyone who might benefit. It keeps the spirit of generosity intact while preventing waste.

2. Cut single-use plastics at iftars and gatherings

Community iftars and mosque nights are some of the most beautiful parts of Ramadan. They can also be where waste quietly piles up: plastic water bottles, cups, plates, and cutlery — often used for minutes and then and can remain in the environment for years. Ramadan is a month of gathering, so it’s an opportunity to gather thoughtfully, with small choices that reduce waste and what we throw away.

3. Conserve water, especially during wudu and in the kitchen

Water use often increases during Ramadan: more cooking, more cleaning, more wudu (ritual washing before prayer), more guests. Because the month is busy, it’s easy to use more than necessary without noticing. Ramadan is a reminder that intention can show up in small moments — including how we use everyday resources like water.

Instead of treating water conservation like a major lifestyle overhaul, treat it like mindfulness: small, repeated moments of intention. In daily routines, that can look like:

Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
Avoiding continuously running water during wudu
Washing produce in a bowl instead of under a running faucet

If your mosque provides bottled water, another simple step is to finish what you take and dispose of it properly — or bring your own reusable bottle so fewer bottles are left behind at the end of the night.

In many regions, water is already a scarce resource. Mindful use is practical and deeply aligned with the month’s emphasis on gratitude.

An eco-friendly Ramadan isn’t about perfection. It’s about small choices that add up across households and communities.

4. Use less energy and practice conscious consumption

Ramadan evenings often run late. Lights stay on longer. Kitchens stay busy. Families make extra store trips. None of this is “wrong” — it’s simply part of how Ramadan changes the rhythm of life.

But the month can also be an invitation to simplify: to reduce what’s unnecessary, keep what’s meaningful, and build habits you’ll want to continue. That’s the heart of reflection — noticing where our routines drift into excess and gently returning to what matters.

One way to think about energy and consumption during Ramadan is: reduce the “background” load. The small, forgettable things that add up.

A few low-effort shifts:

Turn off lights, chargers, and appliances when they’re not in use
Swap to energy-efficient bulbs where possible
Reduce store trips by planning ahead (one larger trip instead of many small ones)
Avoid impulse purchases and overbuying “just in case”

And if you want a non-technical “reset” that fits the spirit of the month: swap a bit of screen time for something quieter — reading, reflection, or community time.

5. Rethink transportation and build community habits

During Ramadan, trips to the mosque, grocery store, and family gatherings can add up quickly, especially in communities where events run nightly. Transportation is one of those areas where small changes can have a collective impact. Ramadan is about community care, and how we move and how often we drive can be part of that care.

If it’s feasible in your area, walking or cycling to prayers can reduce fuel and road use while adding something surprisingly valuable: a calm transition into the evening. When distance or safety makes that unrealistic, community habits can still help:

Carpool for taraweeh (special evening prayers during Ramadan) or community events
Combine errands into one trip instead of several
Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency

When these habits spread across a neighborhood, they don’t just reduce environmental impact, they also strengthen community connection, which is part of what Ramadan is about.

The takeaway

Eco-friendly habits don’t have to feel like a separate “project.” They can be part of what Ramadan already teaches: intentional living, moderation, and gratitude.

If you choose just one change this month, make it a simple one — and make it consistent. Small actions, repeated across weeks of Ramadan and shared across communities, can carry forward long after Eid.

","eco-friendly-ramadan","gid://shopify/Article/640412418126","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/eco-friendly-ramadan","2026-03-09T16:00:06Z",[162],"5 Tips for an eco-friendly Ramadan",{"_66":386,"_80":-5,"_82":387,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273488412750","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Ramadan_Article_Desktop_98d43d94-47b4-4a40-8a56-a05632d2b20b.jpg?v=1779917161",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Don’t wait for smoke to fill the skies – follow these tips to be ready for crop burning season this year.","

Don’t wait for smoke to fill the skies – follow these tips to be ready for crop burning season this year.

","Crop burning is the deliberate burning of agricultural leftovers, such as rice straw or wheat stubble, to clear fields quickly for the next planting cycle. Crop burning smoke can travel hundreds of miles and linger for days or weeks, depending on weather conditions. Millions of tons of crop residue are burned annually, sending smoke into distant cities and neighboring countries (1). Agricultural fire smoke creates a recurring seasonal health problem that disrupts daily life, strains healthcare systems, and deepens the global burden of air pollution. In the weeks leading up to crop burning season, it’s critical to make a plan to avoid exposure to smoke and airborne pollutants. What is crop burning? Crop burning is a fast, low-cost way to clear leftover plant material after harvest. Farmers may burn straw, stalks, or stubble directly in the field, or pile residues and burn them in one place. For many growers, time is critical. There is often only a short window between harvest and the next planting. Burning can remove heavy residue quickly, reduce certain pests or plant diseases, and prepare fields faster than mechanical methods that require extra fuel, labor, and equipment passes. Burns often happen in that narrow window between harvest and planting, which is why smoke shows up seasonally. Weather plays a major role, and wind can carry smoke far beyond the field, while still air can trap it closer to the ground. Burning is efficient, but it comes with trade-offs. Some nutrients in crop residue—especially nitrogen and sulfur—can turn into gases and drift away with the smoke. Others, like phosphorus and potassium, remain in the ash, which can blow away or wash off the field before those nutrients return to the soil (2). The science behind the smoke When crops burn, they release a complex, invisible cocktail of pollutants. When crops burn, they release a complex, invisible cocktail of pollutants. At the forefront is PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These microscopic particles are small enough to bypass some of the body’s defenses, reach deep into the lungs, and in some cases enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 can trigger inflammation, worsen asthma, and is linked to long-term risks like lung cancer and heart disease. Crop burning smoke can also release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all pollutants that can negatively impact human health. Studies have found links between crop burning spikes and rises in hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, including asthma (3). Who is most at risk? When crop burning season arrives, the health burden falls greatest on those individuals who are the most vulnerable. Children, whose lungs are still developing, face heightened risks of asthma and stunted lung growth from prolonged exposure to PM2.5 (4). The elderly, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, see hospitalizations surge as fine particles deepen inflammation and exacerbate chronic diseases (5). For outdoor workers, including farm workers, there’s no escaping the impact of crop residue smoke. For outdoor workers, including farm workers, there’s no escaping the impact of crop residue smoke. Their livelihoods force them into the thick of the pollution, where every breath increases the risk of severe respiratory distress. People with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases can be strongly impacted by the smoke. Repeated exposure to PM2.5 from smoke aggravates asthma, decreases lung function, and is linked to premature death (6). In urban populations downwind, particularly in densely packed cities with poor ventilation, smoke settles into a stubborn haze. Low-income communities, often lacking access to air filtration or healthcare, are hit hardest. Where is crop burning most common? Crop residue burning happens in agricultural regions worldwide. It tends to be most prevalent where large harvests are followed by a short turnaround to the next planting, and where residue is difficult to manage quickly with equipment, labor, or storage options. South Asia Burning is widespread after harvests, especially for wheat, rice, and maize stubble. Smoke can drift across borders, affecting parts of Pakistan, northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal (7). During the post-monsoon burning season, studies estimate crop-residue burning can contribute about 30–34% of surface PM2.5 on average, and about 50–56% during plume events that transport smoke downwind toward major population centers (8). East Asia China has worked to curb crop stubble burning, but enforcement varies and seasonal burning persists—particularly in parts of Northeast China (9). Southeast Asia In mainland Southeast Asia, seasonal haze has been strongly linked to open biomass burning, a category that includes agricultural residue burning along with other burning types. One regional analysis estimated open biomass burning contributed about 57% of PM2.5 concentrations across parts of mainland Southeast Asia during the period studied. In addition to crop residue burning, land clearing practices in countries such as Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia contribute to seasonal haze. Smoke can travel across national borders and affect neighboring countries downwind. Regional coordination has increased, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to phase out the practice across member states (10) Europe Many European Union member states and the United Kingdom have strong restrictions on open burning. Even so, smoke can still drift in from neighboring countries where enforcement is weaker or where rules differ (11)(12). United States In the United States, agricultural burning occurs in multiple crop systems and has been identified as an understudied health concern for some rural communities, including parts of the Upper Great Plains . In EPA’s 2020 National Emissions Inventory (NEI), agricultural burning is shown as a measurable PM2.5 emissions source, with emissions concentrated in Florida, Washington, Georgia, and Horth Dakota, among others (13). Global and local efforts to curb crop burning The first step in preparing for crop burning season is to eliminate the smoke at its source. If farmers lack access to alternatives to residue burning and enforcement is inconsistent, there can be mitigation challenges. But there are promising solutions that combine top-down policies with grassroots adoption of new technologies. The first step in preparing for crop burning season is to eliminate the smoke at its source. For instance, India provides subsidies for “happy seeders,” machines that plant new crops without burning stubble. Farmers who adopted the technology were able to cut costs on land preparation, irrigation, and fuel use while still maintaining consistent, moderate crop yields (14). China’s strict bans and enforcement via satellite surveillance helped reduce fires in key provinces like Heilongjiang (15). However, controlled fires are starting to make a comeback as some local officials are loosening restrictions. While there are companies and initiatives to pay farmers for stubble use as biofuels or animal feed, greater subsidies may be needed to support farmers due to the high supply and low demand for crop waste. Turning waste into income offers a powerful alternative to the traditional burns. For instance, in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are piloting programs to convert rice straw into biofuel or compost, turning waste into revenue (16) (17). If you live downwind of agricultural regions—or you’ve seen seasonal haze before—planning ahead can reduce exposure when smoke returns. How to protect your family and community Stopping the fires at their source is critical. Even so, it’s essential to develop an action plan and know what steps to take before smoke begins to drift into homes and businesses. What governments, communities, and organizations can do Pass legislation strongly limiting crop burning and regularly enforcing those laws. Support local farmers by providing subsidies for no-burn equipment and techniques. Push local, regional, and national officials for stricter enforcement of burning bans. Report violations to local environmental agencies. Help connect farmers with cooperatives that offer affordable rentals of no burn equipment. What individuals can do Before smoke arrives: Set up a simple monitoring routine: check PM2.5 and the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly so you can spot poor air quality conditions early. Ventilate only when outdoor air is clean. Prep your indoor air plan: identify a “clean room” (usually a bedroom or living room) where you can keep windows closed and run a high-performance air purifier. If you may need to be outdoors during smoky periods, keep a well-fitted pollution mask on hand. When smoke is high: Keep windows and doors closed and avoid bringing smoky air indoors. Reduce indoor pollution sources that add particles to the air (for example: don’t burn candles, limit frying or high-smoke cooking). Move exercise and kids’ playtime indoors until air quality improves. If you must go outside, wear a well-fitted face mask and keep outdoor time as short as possible. Run a high-performance air purifier consistently, especially in your clean room. Track conditions with an air quality monitor and an air quality app so you can adjust quickly as smoke rises or clears. Conclusion Push for stronger legislation and enforcement, or helping farmers adopt smokeless alternatives, there are options for helping get ahead of the annual smoke. This harvest season, take steps to safeguard your health, stand with vulnerable neighbors, and demand systems that prioritize clean air for all.","

Crop burning is the deliberate burning of agricultural leftovers, such as rice straw or wheat stubble, to clear fields quickly for the next planting cycle. Crop burning smoke can travel hundreds of miles and linger for days or weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Millions of tons of crop residue are burned annually, sending smoke into distant cities and neighboring countries (1). Agricultural fire smoke creates a recurring seasonal health problem that disrupts daily life, strains healthcare systems, and deepens the global burden of air pollution.

In the weeks leading up to crop burning season, it’s critical to make a plan to avoid exposure to smoke and airborne pollutants.

What is crop burning?

Crop burning is a fast, low-cost way to clear leftover plant material after harvest. Farmers may burn straw, stalks, or stubble directly in the field, or pile residues and burn them in one place.

For many growers, time is critical. There is often only a short window between harvest and the next planting. Burning can remove heavy residue quickly, reduce certain pests or plant diseases, and prepare fields faster than mechanical methods that require extra fuel, labor, and equipment passes.

Burns often happen in that narrow window between harvest and planting, which is why smoke shows up seasonally. Weather plays a major role, and wind can carry smoke far beyond the field, while still air can trap it closer to the ground.

Burning is efficient, but it comes with trade-offs. Some nutrients in crop residue—especially nitrogen and sulfur—can turn into gases and drift away with the smoke. Others, like phosphorus and potassium, remain in the ash, which can blow away or wash off the field before those nutrients return to the soil (2).

The science behind the smoke

When crops burn, they release a complex, invisible cocktail of pollutants.

When crops burn, they release a complex, invisible cocktail of pollutants.

At the forefront is PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These microscopic particles are small enough to bypass some of the body’s defenses, reach deep into the lungs, and in some cases enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 can trigger inflammation, worsen asthma, and is linked to long-term risks like lung cancer and heart disease.

Crop burning smoke can also release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all pollutants that can negatively impact human health.

Studies have found links between crop burning spikes and rises in hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, including asthma (3).

Who is most at risk?

When crop burning season arrives, the health burden falls greatest on those individuals who are the most vulnerable.

Children, whose lungs are still developing, face heightened risks of asthma and stunted lung growth from prolonged exposure to PM2.5 (4). The elderly, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, see hospitalizations surge as fine particles deepen inflammation and exacerbate chronic diseases (5).

For outdoor workers, including farm workers, there’s no escaping the impact of crop residue smoke.

For outdoor workers, including farm workers, there’s no escaping the impact of crop residue smoke. Their livelihoods force them into the thick of the pollution, where every breath increases the risk of severe respiratory distress.

People with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases can be strongly impacted by the smoke. Repeated exposure to PM2.5 from smoke aggravates asthma, decreases lung function, and is linked to premature death (6).

In urban populations downwind, particularly in densely packed cities with poor ventilation, smoke settles into a stubborn haze. Low-income communities, often lacking access to air filtration or healthcare, are hit hardest.

Where is crop burning most common?

Crop residue burning happens in agricultural regions worldwide. It tends to be most prevalent where large harvests are followed by a short turnaround to the next planting, and where residue is difficult to manage quickly with equipment, labor, or storage options.

South Asia

Burning is widespread after harvests, especially for wheat, rice, and maize stubble. Smoke can drift across borders, affecting parts of Pakistan, northern India, Bangladesh, and Nepal (7). During the post-monsoon burning season, studies estimate crop-residue burning can contribute about 30–34% of surface PM2.5 on average, and about 50–56% during plume events that transport smoke downwind toward major population centers (8).

East Asia

China has worked to curb crop stubble burning, but enforcement varies and seasonal burning persists—particularly in parts of Northeast China (9).

Southeast Asia

In mainland Southeast Asia, seasonal haze has been strongly linked to open biomass burning, a category that includes agricultural residue burning along with other burning types. One regional analysis estimated open biomass burning contributed about 57% of PM2.5 concentrations across parts of mainland Southeast Asia during the period studied.

In addition to crop residue burning, land clearing practices in countries such as Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia contribute to seasonal haze. Smoke can travel across national borders and affect neighboring countries downwind. Regional coordination has increased, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to phase out the practice across member states (10)

Europe

Many European Union member states and the United Kingdom have strong restrictions on open burning. Even so, smoke can still drift in from neighboring countries where enforcement is weaker or where rules differ (11)(12).

United States

In the United States, agricultural burning occurs in multiple crop systems and has been identified as an understudied health concern for some rural communities, including parts of the Upper Great Plains . In EPA’s 2020 National Emissions Inventory (NEI), agricultural burning is shown as a measurable PM2.5 emissions source, with emissions concentrated in Florida, Washington, Georgia, and Horth Dakota, among others (13).

Global and local efforts to curb crop burning

The first step in preparing for crop burning season is to eliminate the smoke at its source. If farmers lack access to alternatives to residue burning and enforcement is inconsistent, there can be mitigation challenges. But there are promising solutions that combine top-down policies with grassroots adoption of new technologies.

The first step in preparing for crop burning season is to eliminate the smoke at its source.

For instance, India provides subsidies for “happy seeders,” machines that plant new crops without burning stubble. Farmers who adopted the technology were able to cut costs on land preparation, irrigation, and fuel use while still maintaining consistent, moderate crop yields (14).

China’s strict bans and enforcement via satellite surveillance helped reduce fires in key provinces like Heilongjiang (15). However, controlled fires are starting to make a comeback as some local officials are loosening restrictions. While there are companies and initiatives to pay farmers for stubble use as biofuels or animal feed, greater subsidies may be needed to support farmers due to the high supply and low demand for crop waste.

Turning waste into income offers a powerful alternative to the traditional burns. For instance, in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are piloting programs to convert rice straw into biofuel or compost, turning waste into revenue (16) (17).

If you live downwind of agricultural regions—or you’ve seen seasonal haze before—planning ahead can reduce exposure when smoke returns.

How to protect your family and community

Stopping the fires at their source is critical. Even so, it’s essential to develop an action plan and know what steps to take before smoke begins to drift into homes and businesses.

What governments, communities, and organizations can do

Pass legislation strongly limiting crop burning and regularly enforcing those laws.
Support local farmers by providing subsidies for no-burn equipment and techniques.
Push local, regional, and national officials for stricter enforcement of burning bans.
Report violations to local environmental agencies.
Help connect farmers with cooperatives that offer affordable rentals of no burn equipment.

What individuals can do

Before smoke arrives:

Set up a simple monitoring routine: check PM2.5 and the Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly so you can spot poor air quality conditions early.
Ventilate only when outdoor air is clean.
Prep your indoor air plan: identify a “clean room” (usually a bedroom or living room) where you can keep windows closed and run a high-performance air purifier.
If you may need to be outdoors during smoky periods, keep a well-fitted pollution mask on hand.

When smoke is high:

Keep windows and doors closed and avoid bringing smoky air indoors.
Reduce indoor pollution sources that add particles to the air (for example: don’t burn candles, limit frying or high-smoke cooking).
Move exercise and kids’ playtime indoors until air quality improves.
If you must go outside, wear a well-fitted face mask and keep outdoor time as short as possible.
Run a high-performance air purifier consistently, especially in your clean room.
Track conditions with an air quality monitor and an air quality app so you can adjust quickly as smoke rises or clears.

Conclusion

Push for stronger legislation and enforcement, or helping farmers adopt smokeless alternatives, there are options for helping get ahead of the annual smoke.

This harvest season, take steps to safeguard your health, stand with vulnerable neighbors, and demand systems that prioritize clean air for all.

","how-to-prepare-for-crop-burning-season","gid://shopify/Article/640445677646","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-to-prepare-for-crop-burning-season","2026-03-16T16:39:46Z",[179,109,162],"How to prepare for crop burning season",{"_66":401,"_80":-5,"_82":402,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/272948920398","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/A_3760668a-a28e-4eff-b242-6f11f79b095a.jpg?v=1776697233",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Microplastics are a growing health concern – so can an air purifier remove these from the air we breathe? Find out more.","

Microplastics are a growing health concern – so can an air purifier remove these from the air we breathe? Find out more.

","Yes—high-efficiency, filtration-based air purifiers can reduce airborne microplastics. Airborne microplastics are typically fibers and fragments that range from visible specks down to microscopic particles. Some research also discusses nanoplastics (much smaller plastic particles), which may behave more like ultrafine particles in air. A well-designed air purifier that uses mechanical filtration (HEPA/HyperHEPA-class) can capture airborne plastic fibers and fragments as air passes through the filter—reducing how much of this material remains suspended indoors. Because filtration performance depends on the full system (airflow + seal + filter media), the most reliable results come from purifiers built for high particle removal efficiency over time. What are microplastics? Microplastics are small pieces of plastic typically defined as less than 5 millimeters in size. In the air, microplastics often show up as tiny fibers (for example, from synthetic textiles) or irregular fragments (from degraded plastics) (1). You may also see the term nanoplastics, which refers to even smaller plastic particles—often discussed as particles smaller than 1 micrometer. In practical terms: Microplastics are often captured like dust and other similarly sized fibers. Nanoplastics behave more like ultrafine particles, which makes high-performance filtration especially important. Why airborne microplastics are a growing concern Airborne microplastics can be released when common materials shed fibers or wear down—including synthetic clothing, carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture, plastic packaging, and household dust. Indoors, these particles can build up because we spend so much time inside and because fabrics and soft furnishings continuously shed small fibers. Researchers are still mapping the full health picture. What’s clear is that inhalation is one potential exposure pathway, alongside food and water. The main concern with airborne particles—plastic or otherwise—is that smaller particles can be inhaled more deeply into the respiratory system, and they can contribute to irritation or inflammation depending on exposure levels and individual sensitivity (2). A practical takeaway: The same strategies that reduce other indoor particle pollution (dust, PM2.5, smoke) also help reduce airborne microplastic fibers and fragments. How air purifiers capture microplastics Air purifiers reduce airborne microplastics the same way they reduce other particles: by pulling room air through a dense filter that physically traps particles. The most effective approach for occupied spaces is mechanical filtration, not ozone or reactive chemistry. Key factors that determine effectiveness: Filter media (HEPA/HyperHEPA-class): These filters are designed to capture fine particles efficiently. Airborne microplastics are often fibers and fragments that fall well within the range that high-efficiency filters can trap. System design airflow, and sealing: Performance isn’t just the filter—it’s also how much clean air the purifier delivers, how well the housing prevents bypass leakage, and how consistently it performs as filters load over time. Placement and run time: Because microplastics can be continuously shed indoors, filtration works best when the purifier runs consistently, especially in bedrooms and living areas. A note on performance metrics: Many brands highlight CADR, which is mainly a speed metric (how quickly a purifier can reduce particle concentration in a test room). For long-term protection, it also matters how well a purifier holds up as the filter loads. Metrics like Cumulate Clean Mass (CCM) are designed to reflect durability over time—how much pollution a system can remove before performance declines. In practical terms, a purifier that starts strong but loses efficiency quickly won’t reduce exposure as consistently as one built for sustained performance. Limitations and complementary strategies Air filtration can reduce what’s floating in the air—but microplastics can also settle on surfaces or enter the body through other exposure pathways (such as food and water). That’s why the most effective approach is layered: reduce shedding at the source, keep particles from building up, and filter what remains airborne. Practical steps to reduce airborne microplastics at home: Reduce shedding sources (where feasible): Choose natural fibers for bedding and frequently used textiles; wash synthetic clothing with care to reduce fiber shedding. Clean to remove settled dust: Vacuum regularly (ideally with a HEPA-filtered vacuum) and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth so microplastic particles aren’t reintroduced into your breathing space. Ventilate strategically: When outdoor air quality is good, bring in fresh air to dilute indoor particle buildup. Use filtration consistently: Run a properly sized air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time—especially sleeping areas. What this means for everyday indoor air If you’re trying to reduce exposure, the goal is straightforward: reduce airborne particles in the rooms where you live and sleep. High-efficiency filtration is one of the most practical tools because it addresses microplastics and other common indoor pollutants at the same time. Frequently Asked Questions Can all air purifiers remove microplastics? Not all air purifiers are equally effective. Look for models with HyperHEPA filtration, which capture particles as small as 0.003–0.3 microns. Standard filters may not trap the smallest microplastics. If long-term performance matters to you, look for evidence of sustained efficiency over time (for example, testing frameworks that evaluate durability such as CCM, not only initial speed). How often should I replace my purifier’s filter to ensure it captures microplastics? Filter replacement depends on your air quality, run time, and the specific model. Many high-performance systems include a filter-life indicator—follow that guidance, since loaded filters reduce airflow and effectiveness. In higher-pollution homes (smoke, pets, heavy dust), you may need more frequent changes than “typical use.” Do air purifiers create microplastic pollution? No. Air purifiers remove microplastics from the air and trap them in the filter. However, disposing of used filters responsibly is important to prevent plastic waste from re-entering the environment. The takeaway Air purifiers with HyperHEPA filtration are a proven way to reduce airborne microplastics in your home, capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns. While no single solution can eliminate all microplastic exposure, combining advanced air filtration with plastic reduction and good ventilation creates a healthier indoor environment. As research continues to uncover the health impacts of microplastics, investing in medical-grade air purification is a proactive step to protect your lungs and overall well-being. For best results, choose a purifier sized for your space and run it continuously—especially in areas where you spend the most time.","

Yes—high-efficiency, filtration-based air purifiers can reduce airborne microplastics. Airborne microplastics are typically fibers and fragments that range from visible specks down to microscopic particles. Some research also discusses nanoplastics (much smaller plastic particles), which may behave more like ultrafine particles in air.

A well-designed air purifier that uses mechanical filtration (HEPA/HyperHEPA-class) can capture airborne plastic fibers and fragments as air passes through the filter—reducing how much of this material remains suspended indoors. Because filtration performance depends on the full system (airflow + seal + filter media), the most reliable results come from purifiers built for high particle removal efficiency over time.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic typically defined as less than 5 millimeters in size. In the air, microplastics often show up as tiny fibers (for example, from synthetic textiles) or irregular fragments (from degraded plastics) (1).

You may also see the term nanoplastics, which refers to even smaller plastic particles—often discussed as particles smaller than 1 micrometer.

In practical terms:

\nMicroplastics are often captured like dust and other similarly sized fibers.
\nNanoplastics behave more like ultrafine particles, which makes high-performance filtration especially important.
\n

Why airborne microplastics are a growing concern

Airborne microplastics can be released when common materials shed fibers or wear down—including synthetic clothing, carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture, plastic packaging, and household dust. Indoors, these particles can build up because we spend so much time inside and because fabrics and soft furnishings continuously shed small fibers.

Researchers are still mapping the full health picture. What’s clear is that inhalation is one potential exposure pathway, alongside food and water. The main concern with airborne particles—plastic or otherwise—is that smaller particles can be inhaled more deeply into the respiratory system, and they can contribute to irritation or inflammation depending on exposure levels and individual sensitivity (2).

A practical takeaway: The same strategies that reduce other indoor particle pollution (dust, PM2.5, smoke) also help reduce airborne microplastic fibers and fragments.

How air purifiers capture microplastics

Air purifiers reduce airborne microplastics the same way they reduce other particles: by pulling room air through a dense filter that physically traps particles. The most effective approach for occupied spaces is mechanical filtration, not ozone or reactive chemistry.

Key factors that determine effectiveness:

\nFilter media (HEPA/HyperHEPA-class): These filters are designed to capture fine particles efficiently. Airborne microplastics are often fibers and fragments that fall well within the range that high-efficiency filters can trap.
\nSystem design airflow, and sealing: Performance isn’t just the filter—it’s also how much clean air the purifier delivers, how well the housing prevents bypass leakage, and how consistently it performs as filters load over time.
\nPlacement and run time: Because microplastics can be continuously shed indoors, filtration works best when the purifier runs consistently, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
\n

A note on performance metrics: Many brands highlight CADR, which is mainly a speed metric (how quickly a purifier can reduce particle concentration in a test room).

For long-term protection, it also matters how well a purifier holds up as the filter loads.
Metrics like Cumulate Clean Mass (CCM) are designed to reflect durability over time—how much pollution a system can remove before performance declines. In practical terms, a purifier that starts strong but loses efficiency quickly won’t reduce exposure as consistently as one built for sustained performance.

Limitations and complementary strategies

Air filtration can reduce what’s floating in the air—but microplastics can also settle on surfaces or enter the body through other exposure pathways (such as food and water). That’s why the most effective approach is layered: reduce shedding at the source, keep particles from building up, and filter what remains airborne.

Practical steps to reduce airborne microplastics at home:

\nReduce shedding sources (where feasible): Choose natural fibers for bedding and frequently used textiles; wash synthetic clothing with care to reduce fiber shedding.
\nClean to remove settled dust: Vacuum regularly (ideally with a HEPA-filtered vacuum) and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth so microplastic particles aren’t reintroduced into your breathing space.
\nVentilate strategically: When outdoor air quality is good, bring in fresh air to dilute indoor particle buildup.
\nUse filtration consistently: Run a properly sized air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time—especially sleeping areas.
\n

What this means for everyday indoor air

If you’re trying to reduce exposure, the goal is straightforward: reduce airborne particles in the rooms where you live and sleep.

High-efficiency filtration is one of the most practical tools because it addresses microplastics and other common indoor pollutants at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all air purifiers remove microplastics?

Not all air purifiers are equally effective. Look for models with HyperHEPA filtration, which capture particles as small as 0.003–0.3 microns. Standard filters may not trap the smallest microplastics. If long-term performance matters to you, look for evidence of sustained efficiency over time (for example, testing frameworks that evaluate durability such as CCM, not only initial speed).

How often should I replace my purifier’s filter to ensure it captures microplastics?

Filter replacement depends on your air quality, run time, and the specific model. Many high-performance systems include a filter-life indicator—follow that guidance, since loaded filters reduce airflow and effectiveness. In higher-pollution homes (smoke, pets, heavy dust), you may need more frequent changes than “typical use.”

Do air purifiers create microplastic pollution?

No. Air purifiers remove microplastics from the air and trap them in the filter. However, disposing of used filters responsibly is important to prevent plastic waste from re-entering the environment.

The takeaway

Air purifiers with HyperHEPA filtration are a proven way to reduce airborne microplastics in your home, capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns. While no single solution can eliminate all microplastic exposure, combining advanced air filtration with plastic reduction and good ventilation creates a healthier indoor environment.

As research continues to uncover the health impacts of microplastics, investing in medical-grade air purification is a proactive step to protect your lungs and overall well-being. For best results, choose a purifier sized for your space and run it continuously—especially in areas where you spend the most time.

","do-air-purifiers-remove-airborne-microplastics","gid://shopify/Article/640752484430","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-remove-airborne-microplastics","2026-03-24T15:32:45Z",[195,179,162],"Do air purifiers remove airborne microplastics?",{"_66":416,"_80":-5,"_82":417,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/272790618190","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/AirborneMicroplastic_A_13c227f0-8bce-4d86-8e9f-0763537ca4c4.jpg?v=1775493392",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"See how three pivotal studies changed what the world knows about air pollution—and why that science still matters today.","

See how three pivotal studies changed what the world knows about air pollution—and why that science still matters today.

","Air quality science didn’t advance all at once. It changed through a series of breakthroughs—moments when scientists were able to prove what polluted air was doing to people, where it was coming from, and why it mattered. Some of the most important discoveries began with simple but urgent questions: Why were people getting sick? What was in the air? And could those risks be prevented? Three major turning points reshaped how the world understands air pollution today. Together, they helped transform air quality from an invisible environmental concern into a measurable public health issue—one that continues to guide policy, research, and how communities protect themselves. Scientific breakthroughs only matter if they are shared and acted on. When evidence is delayed, ignored, or dismissed, the consequences can last for years. The history of air quality science shows that progress depends not just on discovery—but on whether societies listen and respond. 1930-1952: Deadly fogs spark modern air quality research In the early 20th century, air pollution was widespread—but poorly understood. That changed when a series of deadly events forced scientists and governments to confront its health impacts. In 1930, a dense industrial fog settled over the Meuse Valley in Belgium. The combination of temperature inversion, trapped emissions, and industrial activity led to 64 deaths. Autopsies found severe respiratory damage, including excess mucus, hemorrhaging and fluid in the lungs. Investigators linked the fatalities to sulfur dioxide and other industrial pollutants, and the findings were published in the Bulletin de l'Académie royale de médecine de Belgique in 1931. It was one of the first connect air pollution with mortality (1). Despite these findings, Belgian authorities laid the blame on chance and local conditions. Ignoring the warnings, other similar, preventable disasters would unfold in later decades in both America and England. Nearly two decades later, a similar disaster struck Donora, Pennsylvania. In October 1948, a temperature inversion trapped emissions from steel and zinc plants, creating a thick smog that killed 20 people and sickened thousands (2). This time, researchers conducted one of the first large-scale epidemiological studies of air pollution, confirming the role of industrial emissions in the disaster. The research team’s findings sparked public outrage and would lay the groundwork for the United States’ Clean Air Act. Then in 1952, London’s Great Smog caused at least 4,000 deaths in just a few days (3). Investigations identified coal burning as the primary source, leading to the United Kingdom’s Clean Air Acts (4). Together, these events and the resulting studies marked a turning point. They showed that polluted air was not just unpleasant—it could be deadly. And they laid the foundation for modern air quality regulation and public health research. 1950s: Dr. Haagen-Smit cracks the LA smog code By the 1940s, Los Angeles was known for its thick, eye-stinging smog—but no one fully understood what was causing it. At the time, many believed smog came primarily from industrial emissions. But Biochemistry professor Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit began a series of experiments in 1948 that revealed smog’s true chemistry. He showed that hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide could react in sunlight to form ozone, helping explain the toxic photochemical smog blanketing Los Angeles. His research showed that cars—major emitters of both hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide—were central to the city’s air pollution (5). This revelation led to the first vehicle emissions standards (6). Haagen-Smit’s work helped clean the air and transform public perception, forcing policymakers to confront human activity’s role in environmental degradation. 1993: The “Harvard Six Cities” study and the toll of dirty air By the early 1990s, scientists had already established that extreme pollution events could be deadly. The next question was more subtle—and more important for everyday life: what about long-term exposure to lower levels of pollution? In 1993, researchers published what came to be known as the “Harvard Six Cities” study in the New England Journal of Medicine (7)(8). The study followed over 8,000 adults in six U.S. cities for up to 16 years. The participants lived in cities with varying air pollution concentrations. Researchers followed participants over time—including through mailed follow-up cards—to compare survival rates across cities with different pollution levels. The study findings linked long-term exposure to PM2.5—even at low to moderate levels then considered “safe”—to premature death. PM2.5 is particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller. The study’s results were confirmed in both a reanalysis of the original study and numerous additional studies. The Harvard Six Cities study would go on to directly influence the WHO’s air quality guidelines (9). The takeaway These breakthroughs changed more than scientific understanding—they changed how societies respond to air pollution. From proving that polluted air could cause immediate harm, to identifying the sources of modern smog, to revealing the long-term risks of fine particle exposure, each discovery helped shape the policies and protections people rely on today. They also offer a reminder: today’s air quality challenges—from microplastics to climate-driven pollution—will require the same combination of curiosity, evidence, and public accountability. Clean air progress begins with research that makes invisible risks visible and actionable. When science is trusted, shared, and turned into policy, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for protecting public health. Observed each year on April 7, World Health Day highlights the importance of science, prevention, and systems that help people live healthier lives. Air quality science is one of the clearest examples of that principle in action—and one of the strongest reminders that healthier futures depend on the evidence we choose to act on.","

Air quality science didn’t advance all at once. It changed through a series of breakthroughs—moments when scientists were able to prove what polluted air was doing to people, where it was coming from, and why it mattered.

Some of the most important discoveries began with simple but urgent questions: Why were people getting sick? What was in the air? And could those risks be prevented?

Three major turning points reshaped how the world understands air pollution today. Together, they helped transform air quality from an invisible environmental concern into a measurable public health issue—one that continues to guide policy, research, and how communities protect themselves.

Scientific breakthroughs only matter if they are shared and acted on. When evidence is delayed, ignored, or dismissed, the consequences can last for years. The history of air quality science shows that progress depends not just on discovery—but on whether societies listen and respond.

1930-1952: Deadly fogs spark modern air quality research

In the early 20th century, air pollution was widespread—but poorly understood. That changed when a series of deadly events forced scientists and governments to confront its health impacts.

In 1930, a dense industrial fog settled over the Meuse Valley in Belgium. The combination of temperature inversion, trapped emissions, and industrial activity led to 64 deaths. Autopsies found severe respiratory damage, including excess mucus, hemorrhaging and fluid in the lungs. Investigators linked the fatalities to sulfur dioxide and other industrial pollutants, and the findings were published in the Bulletin de l'Académie royale de médecine de Belgique in 1931. It was one of the first connect air pollution with mortality (1).

Despite these findings, Belgian authorities laid the blame on chance and local conditions. Ignoring the warnings, other similar, preventable disasters would unfold in later decades in both America and England.

Nearly two decades later, a similar disaster struck Donora, Pennsylvania. In October 1948, a temperature inversion trapped emissions from steel and zinc plants, creating a thick smog that killed 20 people and sickened thousands (2). This time, researchers conducted one of the first large-scale epidemiological studies of air pollution, confirming the role of industrial emissions in the disaster. The research team’s findings sparked public outrage and would lay the groundwork for the United States’ Clean Air Act.

Then in 1952, London’s Great Smog caused at least 4,000 deaths in just a few days (3). Investigations identified coal burning as the primary source, leading to the United Kingdom’s Clean Air Acts (4).

Together, these events and the resulting studies marked a turning point. They showed that polluted air was not just unpleasant—it could be deadly. And they laid the foundation for modern air quality regulation and public health research.

1950s: Dr. Haagen-Smit cracks the LA smog code

By the 1940s, Los Angeles was known for its thick, eye-stinging smog—but no one fully understood what was causing it.

At the time, many believed smog came primarily from industrial emissions. But Biochemistry professor Dr. Arie Haagen-Smit began a series of experiments in 1948 that revealed smog’s true chemistry. He showed that hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide could react in sunlight to form ozone, helping explain the toxic photochemical smog blanketing Los Angeles. His research showed that cars—major emitters of both hydrocarbons and nitrogen dioxide—were central to the city’s air pollution (5).

This revelation led to the first vehicle emissions standards (6). Haagen-Smit’s work helped clean the air and transform public perception, forcing policymakers to confront human activity’s role in environmental degradation.

1993: The “Harvard Six Cities” study and the toll of dirty air

By the early 1990s, scientists had already established that extreme pollution events could be deadly. The next question was more subtle—and more important for everyday life: what about long-term exposure to lower levels of pollution?

In 1993, researchers published what came to be known as the “Harvard Six Cities” study in the New England Journal of Medicine (7)(8). The study followed over 8,000 adults in six U.S. cities for up to 16 years. The participants lived in cities with varying air pollution concentrations. Researchers followed participants over time—including through mailed follow-up cards—to compare survival rates across cities with different pollution levels.

The study findings linked long-term exposure to PM2.5—even at low to moderate levels then considered “safe”—to premature death. PM2.5 is particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller.

The study’s results were confirmed in both a reanalysis of the original study and numerous additional studies. The Harvard Six Cities study would go on to directly influence the WHO’s air quality guidelines (9).

The takeaway

These breakthroughs changed more than scientific understanding—they changed how societies respond to air pollution.

From proving that polluted air could cause immediate harm, to identifying the sources of modern smog, to revealing the long-term risks of fine particle exposure, each discovery helped shape the policies and protections people rely on today.

They also offer a reminder: today’s air quality challenges—from microplastics to climate-driven pollution—will require the same combination of curiosity, evidence, and public accountability.

Clean air progress begins with research that makes invisible risks visible and actionable. When science is trusted, shared, and turned into policy, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for protecting public health.

Observed each year on April 7, World Health Day highlights the importance of science, prevention, and systems that help people live healthier lives. Air quality science is one of the clearest examples of that principle in action—and one of the strongest reminders that healthier futures depend on the evidence we choose to act on.

","how-three-major-studies-changed-what-we-know-about-air-pollution","gid://shopify/Article/641011089486","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-three-major-studies-changed-what-we-know-about-air-pollution","2026-04-06T16:31:58Z",[179,109,162],"How three major studies changed what we know about air pollution",{"_66":431,"_80":-5,"_82":432,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273483792462","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Blog-D-839x674_4c3de11b-ea2d-4904-9e13-a9468b39342b.jpg?v=1779899794",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Learn how HyperHEPA filtration captures ultrafine particles far smaller than the HEPA standard, and why that matters for indoor air quality.","

Learn how HyperHEPA filtration captures ultrafine particles far smaller than the HEPA standard, and why that matters for indoor air quality.

","Indoor air often contains a mix of pollutants that are easy to overlook—dust, pollen, smoke, and microscopic particles from traffic or combustion that can stay suspended in the air we breathe. For people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, reducing those particles indoors can make a noticeable difference in comfort and health. A HyperHEPA air purifier is a filtration-based air purifier designed to capture particles far smaller than the size standard commonly associated with HEPA filtration. In simple terms, it is built for environments where reducing ultrafine airborne particles is especially important. To understand why that matters, it helps to start with what standard HEPA filtration does well—and where higher-performance filtration can go further. What is HEPA filtration? HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores (1)(2). Originally developed during World War II to contain radioactive particles, HEPA technology has since become the industry standard for air purification. It works by forcing air through a dense mat of fibers, where particles are captured through a combination of interception, impaction, and diffusion. However, HEPA filters have limits. They struggle with ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 microns, including some viruses and combustion particles. In real-world use, filtration performance also depends on the purifier’s design. If air can bypass the filter because of gaps or poor sealing, some polluted air may circulate without being filtered. In real-world use, those limitations can matter most when the air contains large amounts of ultrafine pollution—such as wildfire smoke, traffic-related combustion particles, or other high-particle events. In those situations, filter performance depends not just on the filter media itself, but also on how well the overall system is sealed. What is HyperHEPA filtration? A HyperHEPA air purifier is an air purifier built with filtration media designed to capture 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than the 0.3-micron benchmark commonly associated with standard HEPA filtration. That matters because many of the particles people worry about most indoors are extremely small. Ultrafine particles from combustion, traffic pollution, smoke, and some airborne biological material can behave differently from larger dust or pollen particles, staying suspended longer and reaching deeper into the respiratory system. A HyperHEPA air purifier is not a different category of appliance from an air purifier—it is a higher-performance particle filtration approach within an air purifier. In practice, that means the purifier is designed not only around the filter media itself, but also around system sealing and airflow so that filtered air is less likely to bypass the filter. Why ultrafine particles matter Not all airborne particles behave the same way. Larger particles, like visible dust or some pollen, settle more quickly. Ultrafine particles are different: they are so small that they can stay airborne longer and move more easily through indoor spaces. That’s one reason wildfire smoke, traffic emissions, and other combustion-related pollution can be so difficult to manage indoors. Even when the air looks clean, ultrafine particles may still be present. A higher-efficiency filtration system is designed to reduce more of those smaller particles from the air people actually breathe. How is HyperHEPA different from HEPA? When comparing HEPA and HyperHEPA filtration, the main differences come down to particle size performance and system design. Particle size range HEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. This covers many common indoor particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. HyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, extending protection deeper into the ultrafine range. Real-world filtration performance A filter’s effectiveness depends not only on the media, but also on how well the purifier is built. If air bypasses the filter because of gaps or leakage, overall performance drops. HyperHEPA systems are typically designed with tighter sealing so that more of the air moved through the unit is actually filtered rather than escaping around the filter. This difference matters most when indoor air contains a large amount of ultrafine pollution, such as smoke, traffic-related particles, or other combustion byproducts. How to think about air purifier claims Not every air-cleaning technology works in the same way. Some systems are designed to capture pollutants, while others claim to destroy, neutralize, or transform them. That distinction matters. Physical filtration removes particles from circulation by trapping them in filter media. Other technologies may rely on chemical reactions, ionization, or light-based processes, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the pollutant, the room, and how the system is used. When evaluating an air purifier, it helps to ask a few simple questions: What pollutants is it actually designed to address? A good purifier should clearly state whether it is built for particles, gases and odors, or both. Particle filters address things like dust, pollen, smoke, and ultrafine particles; gases and VOCs require sorbent media such as activated carbon. Does it physically remove particles from the air? This is one of the clearest signs of a strong air-cleaning approach. Filtration-based systems trap particles in filter media instead of trying to alter them in the air or push them onto nearby surfaces. Does it rely on added reactive chemistry or generate byproducts? If a purifier uses ozone, ionization, or other reactive processes, it’s worth asking what else may be created along the way. A stronger approach is one that removes pollutants without adding new ones to the room. Is its performance based on clear, testable standards? Look beyond broad marketing claims. CADR can help show how quickly a purifier reduces particles in a room under short-term test conditions, but it does not tell you how performance holds up over time. CCM is useful because it reflects how well a purifier continues performing as filters load with pollutants, giving a better picture of long-term effectiveness. A stronger air purifier claim is usually a simpler one: capture pollutants efficiently, move enough air, and maintain that performance over time. Conclusion A HyperHEPA air purifier is a filtration-based air purifier built to capture extremely small airborne particles—well beyond the particle-size range most people associate with standard HEPA. That makes it especially relevant in situations where ultrafine pollution matters, such as wildfire smoke, traffic emissions, and other combustion-related indoor air concerns. The key idea is simple: don’t look only at whether a purifier says “HEPA.” Look at how small a particle it is designed to capture, how the system is sealed, and whether the overall design supports real-world performance over time.","

Indoor air often contains a mix of pollutants that are easy to overlook—dust, pollen, smoke, and microscopic particles from traffic or combustion that can stay suspended in the air we breathe. For people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, reducing those particles indoors can make a noticeable difference in comfort and health.

A HyperHEPA air purifier is a filtration-based air purifier designed to capture particles far smaller than the size standard commonly associated with HEPA filtration. In simple terms, it is built for environments where reducing ultrafine airborne particles is especially important.

To understand why that matters, it helps to start with what standard HEPA filtration does well—and where higher-performance filtration can go further.

What is HEPA filtration?

HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores (1)(2).

Originally developed during World War II to contain radioactive particles, HEPA technology has since become the industry standard for air purification. It works by forcing air through a dense mat of fibers, where particles are captured through a combination of interception, impaction, and diffusion.

However, HEPA filters have limits. They struggle with ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 microns, including some viruses and combustion particles. In real-world use, filtration performance also depends on the purifier’s design. If air can bypass the filter because of gaps or poor sealing, some polluted air may circulate without being filtered.

In real-world use, those limitations can matter most when the air contains large amounts of ultrafine pollution—such as wildfire smoke, traffic-related combustion particles, or other high-particle events. In those situations, filter performance depends not just on the filter media itself, but also on how well the overall system is sealed.

What is HyperHEPA filtration?

A HyperHEPA air purifier is an air purifier built with filtration media designed to capture 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns—100 times smaller than the 0.3-micron benchmark commonly associated with standard HEPA filtration.

That matters because many of the particles people worry about most indoors are extremely small. Ultrafine particles from combustion, traffic pollution, smoke, and some airborne biological material can behave differently from larger dust or pollen particles, staying suspended longer and reaching deeper into the respiratory system.

$\"\"$

A HyperHEPA air purifier is not a different category of appliance from an air purifier—it is a higher-performance particle filtration approach within an air purifier. In practice, that means the purifier is designed not only around the filter media itself, but also around system sealing and airflow so that filtered air is less likely to bypass the filter.

Why ultrafine particles matter

Not all airborne particles behave the same way. Larger particles, like visible dust or some pollen, settle more quickly. Ultrafine particles are different: they are so small that they can stay airborne longer and move more easily through indoor spaces.

That’s one reason wildfire smoke, traffic emissions, and other combustion-related pollution can be so difficult to manage indoors. Even when the air looks clean, ultrafine particles may still be present. A higher-efficiency filtration system is designed to reduce more of those smaller particles from the air people actually breathe.

How is HyperHEPA different from HEPA?

When comparing HEPA and HyperHEPA filtration, the main differences come down to particle size performance and system design.

Particle size range

\nHEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. This covers many common indoor particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores.
\nHyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns, extending protection deeper into the ultrafine range.

Real-world filtration performance

A filter’s effectiveness depends not only on the media, but also on how well the purifier is built. If air bypasses the filter because of gaps or leakage, overall performance drops.
HyperHEPA systems are typically designed with tighter sealing so that more of the air moved through the unit is actually filtered rather than escaping around the filter.

This difference matters most when indoor air contains a large amount of ultrafine pollution, such as smoke, traffic-related particles, or other combustion byproducts.

How to think about air purifier claims

Not every air-cleaning technology works in the same way. Some systems are designed to capture pollutants, while others claim to destroy, neutralize, or transform them.

That distinction matters. Physical filtration removes particles from circulation by trapping them in filter media. Other technologies may rely on chemical reactions, ionization, or light-based processes, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the pollutant, the room, and how the system is used.

When evaluating an air purifier, it helps to ask a few simple questions:

\nWhat pollutants is it actually designed to address? A good purifier should clearly state whether it is built for particles, gases and odors, or both. Particle filters address things like dust, pollen, smoke, and ultrafine particles; gases and VOCs require sorbent media such as activated carbon.
\nDoes it physically remove particles from the air? This is one of the clearest signs of a strong air-cleaning approach. Filtration-based systems trap particles in filter media instead of trying to alter them in the air or push them onto nearby surfaces.
\nDoes it rely on added reactive chemistry or generate byproducts? If a purifier uses ozone, ionization, or other reactive processes, it’s worth asking what else may be created along the way. A stronger approach is one that removes pollutants without adding new ones to the room.
\nIs its performance based on clear, testable standards? Look beyond broad marketing claims. CADR can help show how quickly a purifier reduces particles in a room under short-term test conditions, but it does not tell you how performance holds up over time. CCM is useful because it reflects how well a purifier continues performing as filters load with pollutants, giving a better picture of long-term effectiveness.

A stronger air purifier claim is usually a simpler one: capture pollutants efficiently, move enough air, and maintain that performance over time.

Conclusion

A HyperHEPA air purifier is a filtration-based air purifier built to capture extremely small airborne particles—well beyond the particle-size range most people associate with standard HEPA. That makes it especially relevant in situations where ultrafine pollution matters, such as wildfire smoke, traffic emissions, and other combustion-related indoor air concerns.

The key idea is simple: don’t look only at whether a purifier says “HEPA.” Look at how small a particle it is designed to capture, how the system is sealed, and whether the overall design supports real-world performance over time.

","what-is-a-hyperhepa-air-purifier","gid://shopify/Article/640810713166","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/what-is-a-hyperhepa-air-purifier","2026-04-14T16:30:40Z",[195,179,162],"What is a HyperHEPA air purifier?",{"_66":446,"_80":-5,"_82":447,"_84":85,"_86":87},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273483890766","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/B_6ddf31d3-fa7c-49ac-9f54-230fa7484a10.jpg?v=1779899852",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Uncover how airborne pathogens spread and what can be done to protect yourself against them.","

Uncover how airborne pathogens spread and what can be done to protect yourself against them.

","Many infectious diseases, from influenza to measles, can travel through the air in microscopic particles known as aerosols. These particles can linger, move through indoor spaces, and be inhaled by others—making them a critical factor in how infections spread. The risks from airborne pathogens are ever-present, and effective strategies are essential to mitigate their impact. How infectious agents become airborne Aerosols are microscopic solid or liquid particles in air or other gases (1). Aerosols range in size from extremely small particles to larger droplets, and many are small enough to remain suspended in the air for extended periods; research has revealed that the smaller sized aerosols can remain suspended in the air for hours, making them a highly efficient vehicle for infectious agents (2). Some of the smallest airborne particles, such as PM2.5, or particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can carry viruses, bacteria, or fungi, allowing them to spread beyond close contact and infect individuals who inhale them (3)(4). Pathogens become airborne through coughing, sneezing, and talking; even normal breathing can release infectious aerosols into the environment. Pathogens – including viruses, bacteria, and fungi – become airborne through coughing, sneezing, and talking; even normal breathing can release infectious aerosols into the environment. When an infected person exhales, tiny droplets containing the pathogen evaporate, leaving behind even smaller particles that remain airborne. This infection process is particularly effective in indoor settings, where poor ventilation can trap and concentrate these particles, increasing the risk of transmission (5). Several factors influence how effectively airborne pathogens are spread: Particle size determines how long they stay aloft—smaller particles travel farther and remain suspended longer. Humidity affects their stability; some viruses thrive in dry air, while others persist better in humid conditions (6). Ventilation plays a crucial role. Stagnant air allows aerosols to accumulate, while proper airflow dilutes and removes them. As a group of Montreal-based teachers, scientists, and doctors demonstrated in an unofficial study conducted in 2020, increased carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulated beyond acceptable levels in classrooms through poor ventilation, which may have in turn exposed students and staff to increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (7). The duration of exposure also matters; more time spent in contaminated air increases the likelihood of infection. All these factors combined shape the dynamics of airborne transmission. Although airborne transmission is a primary pathway, pathogens can also settle onto surfaces, where they may be transferred through contact—making both air and surface hygiene important in limiting spread. Common airborne pathogens and their risks Among the most well-known airborne threats are viruses that exploit aerosol transmission to infect new individuals. These can include: Influenza: Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness. It relies on airborne particles to move between people, often leading to outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and public gatherings (8). Measles: Measles, typically presented by a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, are extremely contagious. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room, infecting those who enter later (9). SARS-CoV-2: This respiratory virus spread COVID-19 globally, with aerosols playing a key role in its transmission (10). Chickenpox: Also known as varicella-zoster, chickenpox spreads through contact, through fluids, and is airborne. (11) Bacteria also pose a significant airborne risk. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB), spreads when infected individuals cough or sneeze, releasing aerosols that can remain infectious for hours (12). Legionella, another bacterial pathogen, thrives in water systems but becomes airborne through contaminated mist or droplets, causing severe pneumonia when inhaled (13). Where and how aerosol transmission happens Aerosol transmission can flourish in spaces with limited airflow. Hospitals, schools, and public transit systems are notable high-risk settings, where infected individuals can unknowingly expose many others to airborne pathogens. In hospitals, medical procedures such as intubation or even routine patient care can generate infectious aerosols, affecting both patients and healthcare providers. Schools, with their densely populated classrooms and shared facilities, can become epicenters during outbreaks of diseases like measles or influenza. Public transit, where ventilation is frequently inadequate, increases the risk of infection as passengers inhale recirculated air over prolonged periods. In these environments, people may be exposed to airborne pathogens even without direct contact with an infected individual. Research has shown that certain public spaces provide ideal conditions for rapid transmission. Research has shown that certain public spaces provide ideal conditions for rapid transmission. For example, a study on measles transmission in a pediatric practice demonstrated that airborne transmission occurred in an office setting, with unvaccinated infants facing an attack rate of 80% (4/5), compared to 7% (2/27) for vaccinated children (14). A 2024 study conducted in Finland found that all but one participant in a senior choir rehearsal were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (15). Computational modeling confirmed aerosol transmission as the likely cause. Environmental factors may further increase risk infection. Poor ventilation traps aerosols, allowing them to accumulate and linger. High occupancy increases the likelihood of exposure, while activities that involve heavy breathing—singing, shouting, or exercise—produce more aerosols and project them farther. Together, these factors determine how far airborne pathogens travel and how long they remain a risk. Protecting yourself and your community Reducing the risk of airborne transmission typically involves multiple layers of protection, combining environmental controls with personal precautions. Source control: Handwashing helps reduce transmission after particles settle on surfaces, complementing strategies that address airborne exposure. Ventilation: Opening windows, using exhaust fans, or upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems can dilute and remove infectious particles from indoor air. Carbon dioxide monitoring: Monitoring carbon dioxide serves as a practical indicator of ventilation quality. By tracking CO2, building managers and individuals can identify when ventilation needs improvement, reducing the risk of aerosol buildup and transmission. Filtration: Using a high-efficiency air purifier with advanced filtration can help reduce exposure in homes, schools, and workplaces. Masks: While loose-fitting cloth masks provide minimal defense against aerosols, wearing well-fitted KN95/FFP2 mask can help filter out 95% of airborne particles measuring down to .03 microns when worn correctly. All of these strategies combined create a robust defense against airborne threats. Conclusion By improving ventilation, monitoring indoor conditions, and using layered protection strategies, individuals and communities can better manage exposure and create safer indoor environments. This layered approach reflects a broader principle in infection prevention: reducing risk depends on combining multiple strategies rather than relying on a single intervention. In that context, World Hand Hygiene Day, observed each year on May 5, highlights how these measures work together to reduce transmission risk. While hand hygiene remains essential, growing recognition of airborne transmission points to the role of air quality and ventilation as part of a more complete approach.","

Many infectious diseases, from influenza to measles, can travel through the air in microscopic particles known as aerosols. These particles can linger, move through indoor spaces, and be inhaled by others—making them a critical factor in how infections spread.

The risks from airborne pathogens are ever-present, and effective strategies are essential to mitigate their impact.

How infectious agents become airborne

Aerosols are microscopic solid or liquid particles in air or other gases (1). Aerosols range in size from extremely small particles to larger droplets, and many are small enough to remain suspended in the air for extended periods; research has revealed that the smaller sized aerosols can remain suspended in the air for hours, making them a highly efficient vehicle for infectious agents (2).

Some of the smallest airborne particles, such as PM2.5, or particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can carry viruses, bacteria, or fungi, allowing them to spread beyond close contact and infect individuals who inhale them (3)(4).

Pathogens become airborne through coughing, sneezing, and talking; even normal breathing can release infectious aerosols into the environment.

Pathogens – including viruses, bacteria, and fungi – become airborne through coughing, sneezing, and talking; even normal breathing can release infectious aerosols into the environment. When an infected person exhales, tiny droplets containing the pathogen evaporate, leaving behind even smaller particles that remain airborne. This infection process is particularly effective in indoor settings, where poor ventilation can trap and concentrate these particles, increasing the risk of transmission (5).

Several factors influence how effectively airborne pathogens are spread:

\nParticle size determines how long they stay aloft—smaller particles travel farther and remain suspended longer.
\nHumidity affects their stability; some viruses thrive in dry air, while others persist better in humid conditions (6).
\nVentilation plays a crucial role. Stagnant air allows aerosols to accumulate, while proper airflow dilutes and removes them. As a group of Montreal-based teachers, scientists, and doctors demonstrated in an unofficial study conducted in 2020, increased carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulated beyond acceptable levels in classrooms through poor ventilation, which may have in turn exposed students and staff to increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (7).
\nThe duration of exposure also matters; more time spent in contaminated air increases the likelihood of infection.
\n

All these factors combined shape the dynamics of airborne transmission. Although airborne transmission is a primary pathway, pathogens can also settle onto surfaces, where they may be transferred through contact—making both air and surface hygiene important in limiting spread.

Common airborne pathogens and their risks

Among the most well-known airborne threats are viruses that exploit aerosol transmission to infect new individuals. These can include:

\nInfluenza: Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness. It relies on airborne particles to move between people, often leading to outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and public gatherings (8).
\nMeasles: Measles, typically presented by a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, are extremely contagious. Measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room, infecting those who enter later (9).
\nSARS-CoV-2: This respiratory virus spread COVID-19 globally, with aerosols playing a key role in its transmission (10).
\nChickenpox: Also known as varicella-zoster, chickenpox spreads through contact, through fluids, and is airborne. (11)

Bacteria also pose a significant airborne risk. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB), spreads when infected individuals cough or sneeze, releasing aerosols that can remain infectious for hours (12). Legionella, another bacterial pathogen, thrives in water systems but becomes airborne through contaminated mist or droplets, causing severe pneumonia when inhaled (13).

Where and how aerosol transmission happens

Aerosol transmission can flourish in spaces with limited airflow.

Hospitals, schools, and public transit systems are notable high-risk settings, where infected individuals can unknowingly expose many others to airborne pathogens.

In hospitals, medical procedures such as intubation or even routine patient care can generate infectious aerosols, affecting both patients and healthcare providers.
\nSchools, with their densely populated classrooms and shared facilities, can become epicenters during outbreaks of diseases like measles or influenza.
Public transit, where ventilation is frequently inadequate, increases the risk of infection as passengers inhale recirculated air over prolonged periods. In these environments, people may be exposed to airborne pathogens even without direct contact with an infected individual.
\n

Research has shown that certain public spaces provide ideal conditions for rapid transmission.

Research has shown that certain public spaces provide ideal conditions for rapid transmission. For example, a study on measles transmission in a pediatric practice demonstrated that airborne transmission occurred in an office setting, with unvaccinated infants facing an attack rate of 80% (4/5), compared to 7% (2/27) for vaccinated children (14). A 2024 study conducted in Finland found that all but one participant in a senior choir rehearsal were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (15). Computational modeling confirmed aerosol transmission as the likely cause.

Environmental factors may further increase risk infection. Poor ventilation traps aerosols, allowing them to accumulate and linger. High occupancy increases the likelihood of exposure, while activities that involve heavy breathing—singing, shouting, or exercise—produce more aerosols and project them farther.

Together, these factors determine how far airborne pathogens travel and how long they remain a risk.

Protecting yourself and your community

Reducing the risk of airborne transmission typically involves multiple layers of protection, combining environmental controls with personal precautions.

\nSource control: Handwashing helps reduce transmission after particles settle on surfaces, complementing strategies that address airborne exposure.
\nVentilation: Opening windows, using exhaust fans, or upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems can dilute and remove infectious particles from indoor air.
\nCarbon dioxide monitoring: Monitoring carbon dioxide serves as a practical indicator of ventilation quality. By tracking CO2, building managers and individuals can identify when ventilation needs improvement, reducing the risk of aerosol buildup and transmission.
\n
\nFiltration: Using a high-efficiency air purifier with advanced filtration can help reduce exposure in homes, schools, and workplaces.
\nMasks: While loose-fitting cloth masks provide minimal defense against aerosols, wearing well-fitted KN95/FFP2 mask can help filter out 95% of airborne particles measuring down to .03 microns when worn correctly.

All of these strategies combined create a robust defense against airborne threats.

Conclusion

By improving ventilation, monitoring indoor conditions, and using layered protection strategies, individuals and communities can better manage exposure and create safer indoor environments.

This layered approach reflects a broader principle in infection prevention: reducing risk depends on combining multiple strategies rather than relying on a single intervention.

In that context, World Hand Hygiene Day, observed each year on May 5, highlights how these measures work together to reduce transmission risk. While hand hygiene remains essential, growing recognition of airborne transmission points to the role of air quality and ventilation as part of a more complete approach.

","airborne-pathogens-how-aerosolized-infectious-agents-spread","gid://shopify/Article/641450016846","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/airborne-pathogens-how-aerosolized-infectious-agents-spread","2026-05-04T15:00:10Z",[179,162],"Airborne pathogens: How aerosolized infectious agents spread",{"_66":461,"_80":462,"_82":463,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273222828110","Masked commuters in crowded train, man coughing","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_AirbornePathogens_Desktop.jpg?v=1778279971",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Put healthy living at the top of your pre-vacation to-do list with these clean air travel tips.","Exploring the open road can be a fun, personally enriching adventure that allows us to experience incredible scenery and see the world with a newfound perspective. But road travel can also expose us to unhealthy pollutants and harm air quality. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to minimize your exposure to highway air pollution. You can have a great journey, breathe clean air, and cut your emissions footprint. Here are six tips to enjoying a clean air road trip this summer. Tip 1. Choose a clean air destination Start your journey off right. It’s a good idea to choose exceptionally clean road trip destinations, places with a better record for clean air than their peers. If you are wondering how a destination on your bucket list stacks up air quality-wise, the world’s most polluted cities list compiled from the 2025 World Air Quality Report is a powerful resource. Some big tourist destinations enjoyed surprisingly great air quality in 2025. Some cities that experienced good air quality for much of the year included: Anchorage, Alaska, USA Auckland, New Zealand Bar Harbor, Maine, USA Brasilia, Brazil Brisbane, Australia Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Key West, Florida, USA Melbourne, Australia Orlando, Florida, USA Reno, Nevada, USA Reykjavik, Iceland Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Seattle, Washington, USA Sedona, Arizona, USA Vail, Colorado, USA Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Wellington, New Zealand Air quality in Seattle, Washington on April 8, 2026. Source: IQAir. If you have your heart set on visiting certain places known to have poor air quality, those locations may have cleaner air during certain times of year than in others. For example, wildfire smoke may be a concern in the western United States, especially during certain months of the year. Or crop burning smoke in Chiang Mai, Thailand, could impact your ability to enjoy what should be an otherwise memorable visit to a notable tourist destination. In those circumstances, it might be better to either pick a different destination or schedule your visit when seasonal issues are less of a concern. Even the cleanest cities can be impacted by air quality events like wildfire smoke. Even the cleanest cities can be unexpectedly impacted by air quality events (like wildfire smoke). It’s important to keep an eye on your current air quality and to plan for the week ahead. The AirVisual App for Apple or Android includes real-time air quality updates and a seven-day air quality forecast. Real-time air quality, a seven-day forecast, and some listed pollutants from the free AirVisual app. Source: IQAir Clean Air Wherever You TravelExplore Atem Series travel air purifiersfor healthy air on your next journey. EXPLORE NOW Tip 2. Be clean air prepared Prep your car to reduce emissions Do your part to reduce emissions on the road by ensuring your car is as fuel-efficient as possible: (1) Service your vehicle regularly. Make sure the particulate filter is emptied regularly if your car uses diesel. Keep your tires properly inflated. Turn off your car when stationary in traffic. Leaving the engine running when the car is not moving can release many harmful pollutants into the air around you, as well as wasting fuel. Pack accordingly If the air quality changes for the worse while you’re on the road and you still want to go outdoors, a snug-fitting, KN95/FFP2 mask can keep you from breathing dust, pollen, and air pollutants. Tip 3. Optimize air quality while in the car Consider cutting down your exposure to air pollution caused by vehicles. Research shows that living and working near roadways can impact your lung function, which can lead to asthma and cardiovascular disease (2). That’s because pollutants like PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or smaller, are emitted by vehicles through incomplete fuel combustion. PM2.5, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are all vehicle emissions that can impact health. To lower your exposure to in-car pollution on the road: Keep a buffer between your vehicle and vehicles in front of you, especially diesel trucks. Roll up your windows at stop signs, traffic lights, or in heavy traffic, close your windows, and set your air on recirculate. Travel those forgotten byways – exploring winding back roads mean less traffic, less traffic lights, and oftentimes, better scenery than you’ll find on the highway! Plan to avoid cities during rush hour traffic if you’re going to stay on the highway. Pay attention to which direction smoke is blowing during wildfire season. If possible, route your trip away from the direct path of drifting smoke. Deodorizers or car air fresheners aren’t substitutes for fresh air. They’re pollutant sources, emitters of VOCs. Run a car air purifier. A car air purifier with HyperHEPA Plus particle filtration technology captures commonly found highway pollutants in your car’s interior and prevents them from reaching your breathing space. Tip 4. Sleep safe and sound Air pollutants aren’t limited to the road. Your motel room may appear clean, but the indoor air quality could affect your health and comfort during your overnight stay. Dust, pollen, mold inside walls, and VOCs from cleaning materials can all affect indoor air quality. Dust, pollen, mold inside walls, and VOCs from cleaning materials can all affect indoor air quality in hotels and other lodging. Keep your room’s air quality healthy: If your room’s air quality is poor, open windows and ventilate the room. On high pollen count days or when the outdoor air quality is very poor, keep windows closed. Bring a portable personal air purifier for your room. Setting up a personal air purifier on a bedside table or desk will mean only clean, filtered air reaches the space where you breathe. Tip 5. Enjoy the clean air outdoors Maybe “hitting the road” means not getting in a motor vehicle at all! Instead of driving, consider finding travel alternatives that let you spend more time outdoors – hike, run, camp, walk, or cycle those beautiful vistas already close to home. Big cities like Washington D.C. and New York City have huge parks found on maps of the USA – the National Mall and Central Park respectively – that are fully accessible by public transit; or you can run, walk, or bike to those destinations. If you still want to get away, look for a nearby national park and spend your visit outdoors, outside of your car (3). Check out the park nearest you and see which outdoor activities you can enjoy. Tip 6. Plan longer trips! To deepen your appreciation for a place and lessen your carbon footprint, try planning longer trips and staying in one place. This will prevent excessive travel-related emissions, help you connect with locals, and support the local economy. Alternatively, opt for a nearby domestic stay or staycation. Conclusion Before your next road trip getaway, take control of your air quality. Using these tips will ensure that you and your fellow travelers enjoy the health benefits of clean air, safeguard the environment, and most importantly, truly relax on your road trip.","

Exploring the open road can be a fun, personally enriching adventure that allows us to experience incredible scenery and see the world with a newfound perspective. But road travel can also expose us to unhealthy pollutants and harm air quality.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to minimize your exposure to highway air pollution. You can have a great journey, breathe clean air, and cut your emissions footprint.

Here are six tips to enjoying a clean air road trip this summer.

Tip 1. Choose a clean air destination

Start your journey off right. It’s a good idea to choose exceptionally clean road trip destinations, places with a better record for clean air than their peers. If you are wondering how a destination on your bucket list stacks up air quality-wise, the world’s most polluted cities list compiled from the 2025 World Air Quality Report is a powerful resource.

Some big tourist destinations enjoyed surprisingly great air quality in 2025. Some cities that experienced good air quality for much of the year included:

\nAnchorage, Alaska, USA
\nAuckland, New Zealand
\nBar Harbor, Maine, USA
\nBrasilia, Brazil
\nBrisbane, Australia
\nHonolulu, Hawaii, USA
\nKey West, Florida, USA
\nMelbourne, Australia
\nOrlando, Florida, USA
\nReno, Nevada, USA
\nReykjavik, Iceland
\nSanta Fe, New Mexico, USA
\nSeattle, Washington, USA
\nSedona, Arizona, USA
\nVail, Colorado, USA
\nVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
\nWellington, New Zealand

$\"\"$ Air quality in Seattle, Washington on April 8, 2026. Source: IQAir.

If you have your heart set on visiting certain places known to have poor air quality, those locations may have cleaner air during certain times of year than in others. For example, wildfire smoke may be a concern in the western United States, especially during certain months of the year. Or crop burning smoke in Chiang Mai, Thailand, could impact your ability to enjoy what should be an otherwise memorable visit to a notable tourist destination. In those circumstances, it might be better to either pick a different destination or schedule your visit when seasonal issues are less of a concern.

Even the cleanest cities can be impacted by air quality events like wildfire smoke.

Even the cleanest cities can be unexpectedly impacted by air quality events (like wildfire smoke). It’s important to keep an eye on your current air quality and to plan for the week ahead. The AirVisual App for Apple or Android includes real-time air quality updates and a seven-day air quality forecast.

$\"\"$ Real-time air quality, a seven-day forecast, and some listed pollutants from the free AirVisual app. Source: IQAir

Clean Air Wherever You Travel
Explore Atem Series travel air purifiers
for healthy air on your next journey.

EXPLORE NOW

Tip 2. Be clean air prepared

Prep your car to reduce emissions

Do your part to reduce emissions on the road by ensuring your car is as fuel-efficient as possible: (1)

Service your vehicle regularly.
Make sure the particulate filter is emptied regularly if your car uses diesel.
Keep your tires properly inflated.
Turn off your car when stationary in traffic. Leaving the engine running when the car is not moving can release many harmful pollutants into the air around you, as well as wasting fuel.

Pack accordingly

If the air quality changes for the worse while you’re on the road and you still want to go outdoors, a snug-fitting, KN95/FFP2 mask can keep you from breathing dust, pollen, and air pollutants.

Tip 3. Optimize air quality while in the car

Consider cutting down your exposure to air pollution caused by vehicles. Research shows that living and working near roadways can impact your lung function, which can lead to asthma and cardiovascular disease (2).

That’s because pollutants like PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or smaller, are emitted by vehicles through incomplete fuel combustion. PM2.5, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are all vehicle emissions that can impact health.

To lower your exposure to in-car pollution on the road:

Keep a buffer between your vehicle and vehicles in front of you, especially diesel trucks.
Roll up your windows at stop signs, traffic lights, or in heavy traffic, close your windows, and set your air on recirculate.
Travel those forgotten byways – exploring winding back roads mean less traffic, less traffic lights, and oftentimes, better scenery than you’ll find on the highway!
Plan to avoid cities during rush hour traffic if you’re going to stay on the highway.
Pay attention to which direction smoke is blowing during wildfire season. If possible, route your trip away from the direct path of drifting smoke. Deodorizers or car air fresheners aren’t substitutes for fresh air. They’re pollutant sources, emitters of VOCs.
\n
\nRun a car air purifier. A car air purifier with HyperHEPA Plus particle filtration technology captures commonly found highway pollutants in your car’s interior and prevents them from reaching your breathing space.

Tip 4. Sleep safe and sound

Air pollutants aren’t limited to the road. Your motel room may appear clean, but the indoor air quality could affect your health and comfort during your overnight stay.

Dust, pollen, mold inside walls, and VOCs from cleaning materials can all affect indoor air quality.

Dust, pollen, mold inside walls, and VOCs from cleaning materials can all affect indoor air quality in hotels and other lodging.

Keep your room’s air quality healthy:

If your room’s air quality is poor, open windows and ventilate the room.
On high pollen count days or when the outdoor air quality is very poor, keep windows closed.
Bring a portable personal air purifier for your room. Setting up a personal air purifier on a bedside table or desk will mean only clean, filtered air reaches the space where you breathe.

Tip 5. Enjoy the clean air outdoors

Maybe “hitting the road” means not getting in a motor vehicle at all! Instead of driving, consider finding travel alternatives that let you spend more time outdoors – hike, run, camp, walk, or cycle those beautiful vistas already close to home.

Big cities like Washington D.C. and New York City have huge parks found on maps of the USA – the National Mall and Central Park respectively – that are fully accessible by public transit; or you can run, walk, or bike to those destinations.

If you still want to get away, look for a nearby national park and spend your visit outdoors, outside of your car (3). Check out the park nearest you and see which outdoor activities you can enjoy.

Tip 6. Plan longer trips!

To deepen your appreciation for a place and lessen your carbon footprint, try planning longer trips and staying in one place. This will prevent excessive travel-related emissions, help you connect with locals, and support the local economy.

Alternatively, opt for a nearby domestic stay or staycation.

Conclusion

Before your next road trip getaway, take control of your air quality. Using these tips will ensure that you and your fellow travelers enjoy the health benefits of clean air, safeguard the environment, and most importantly, truly relax on your road trip.

","6-clean-air-tips-road-trip","gid://shopify/Article/564874510414","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/6-clean-air-tips-road-trip","2026-05-06T15:00:00Z",[179,162],"6 Clean air tips for your next road trip",{"_66":476,"_80":477,"_82":478,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273839161422","Car driving across a bridge surrounded by lush mountains and water.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/Article_RoadTripCleanAir_Desk_b9141376-72f2-4b9c-b248-5affd69ef61d.jpg?v=1782235333",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"First, second, and thirdhand smoke doesn’t disappear when a cigarette is extinguished. Learn how it lingers in the air, spreads across surfaces, and affects indoor environments over time.","

First, second, and thirdhand smoke doesn’t disappear when a cigarette is extinguished. Learn how it lingers in the air, spreads across surfaces, and affects indoor environments over time.

","Smoke does not disappear when a cigarette is extinguished. Particles and gases linger in the air and settle onto surfaces, continuing to affect indoor environments long after smoking stops. What many people don’t realize is that these particles don’t just linger—they continuously move between air and surfaces, re-circulating indoors over time. What is firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke? Traditionally, tobacco smoke is consumed directly through lighting a cigarette and inhaling the substance, also known as firsthand exposure. However, involuntary or indirect modes of consumption can happen daily without a person even realizing it. From secondary inhalation to residue build-up, all the different types of tobacco smoke exposures include (1): Firsthand: Direct inhalation of tobacco smoke chemicals by an individual, commonly resulting in elevated personal health risks from heart disease to lung cancer and respiratory complications. Secondhand: Also known as passive smoking, this is the involuntary or indirect inhalation of tobacco smoke by a non-smoking person. If exposed, individuals could encounter over 7,000 various chemicals, including over 70 carcinogens. Long-term secondhand exposure increases physical and mental health risks, especially when an individual is in ill-ventilated areas or indoor spaces. Thirdhand: Tobacco smoke residue that clings and gradually accumulates on top of commonly exposed surfaces such as furniture, walls, and clothing. The tobacco residue often contains toxins and poisonous compounds that are especially harmful to infants, toddlers, and animals who may encounter and ingest these particles. Unlike airborne smoke that dissipates, thirdhand smoke can persist on surfaces for weeks or even months, continuing to release harmful compounds back into the air long after smoking stops. How tobacco smoke affects indoor air quality When cigarettes are combusted, they release smoke containing high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter that can linger and migrate. PM2.5 are airborne particles the size of 2.5 microns or less and PM10 encapsulate particles the size of 10 microns or less. When these pollutants are inhaled, they can cause systemic harm to the human body. In enclosed spaces, smoking can raise fine particle concentrations to levels up to 100 times higher than typical outdoor air—turning indoor environments into some of the most polluted spaces people encounter. Smoking also directly contributes to the production of harmful gases and chemical pollutants, commonly known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Tobacco smoke specifically has been found to be linked to benzene, a common carcinogen that is known to cause leukemia, bone marrow damage, and anemia through long-term exposure (2). These dynamics are especially pronounced in indoor environments, where airflow is limited and pollutants are more likely to accumulate over time. Indoor smoking leads to long-term exposure Smoking indoors introduces pollutants into a contained environment where they can accumulate, settle, and recirculate over time. Unlike outdoor environments, indoor spaces often lack sufficient airflow to disperse smoke quickly, allowing particles and gases to persist well beyond the act of smoking itself. For this reason, avoiding indoor smoking completely is the most effective way to reduce exposure to both airborne and surface-bound contaminants associated with smoking. Secondhand smoke doesn’t always dissipate outdoors This persistence is not limited to indoor environments. It is often assumed that secondhand smoke quickly disperses outdoors and poses little risk. However, research suggests that this is not always the case—particularly in partially enclosed spaces such as patios, outdoor dining areas, and building entrances. In these environments, secondhand smoke can reach concentrations comparable to indoor spaces where smoking is permitted. Exposure levels can vary depending on the number of smokers, proximity, and airflow conditions, with individuals downwind often experiencing the highest concentrations. Even at a distance, smoke particles can remain detectable and irritating. In some cases, outdoor smoke can drift into adjacent indoor areas or accumulate in semi-enclosed spaces, extending exposure beyond the immediate source (3). Studies have shown that secondhand smoke can be detected and cause irritation at distances of more than 10–20 feet from the source, particularly when individuals are positioned downwind. In outdoor settings with multiple smokers or partial enclosure, exposure levels can approach those found indoors—lasting for as long as smoking activity continues and, in some cases, persisting after the source is gone (4). These findings challenge the assumption that outdoor smoking eliminates risk, highlighting how secondhand smoke can persist and spread across both indoor and outdoor environments. Thirdhand smoke can further extend this exposure. Residual particles that settle onto clothing, skin, or surfaces outdoors can be carried back into indoor environments, where they continue to release harmful compounds over time. This means that even when smoking occurs outside, its effects can still persist indoors. How smoking regulations shape indoor air quality U.S. State and federal smoking laws have been in place since the 1960s to ensure public safety and limit indirect exposure. The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, enacted in July 1965, was one of the first anti-smoking laws, requiring transparent health warnings and restricting false advertising of cigarette products nationwide (5). Today, many policies extend into private spaces, as business owners take it upon themselves to limit tobacco exposure to ensure public safety. Tobacco and smoking regulations are becoming increasingly popular worldwide as well. In 2024, Canada was the first country in the world to mandate transparent health warnings on each cigarette individually, with bold black text printed on every stick (6). Also in the same year, the United Kingdom introduced a Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban those under the age of 15 from purchasing tobacco beginning 2027 (7). In a separate ruling, the United Kingdom has also banned the sell and purchase of disposable vapes to address issues in underage smoking (8). For shared buildings and apartment complexes, anti-smoking regulations and designated smoking areas are the key to securing a healthy space for everyone, as cigarette smoke can be transported easily through open windows and air vents or stick to commonly used surfaces (9). Limiting tobacco smoke exposure doesn’t stop at smoking rules and regulations, it also depends on a building’s air filtration system. Because tobacco smoke includes both particles and gases, reducing exposure requires more than a single approach. How filtration can help reduce tobacco smoke exposure Source control—preventing smoke from entering the environment in the first place—is the most effective way to reduce exposure. HyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture 99.5% of airborne particulate as small as 0.003 microns, helping reduce tobacco smoke particles and odors. However, tobacco smoke is not made up of particles alone—it also contains a complex mix of gases and chemical pollutants. Gas-phase filtration, such as activated carbon, is designed to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and other harmful chemicals present in smoke. By combining particle filtration with gas-phase filtration, air purification systems can address a broader range of pollutants found in tobacco smoke. When paired with proper ventilation and HVAC systems, these approaches can help reduce overall exposure to both particulate and chemical components of tobacco smoke. Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke indoors Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke often involves a combination of building-level policies and individual actions. In homes or shared spaces where smoking occurs, reducing exposure often depends on how air moves, how surfaces are managed, and how consistently these strategies are applied: Improving filtration and ventilation in shared indoor spaces. Limiting indoor smoking and separating smoking areas where possible. Using air filtration to reduce airborne smoke particles and odors Monitoring indoor air quality to better understand exposure levels. Addressing thirdhand smoke on surfaces Thirdhand smoke also plays a role in ongoing exposure. Because smoke residues can accumulate on surfaces and in materials like carpets, upholstery, and clothing, regular cleaning is an important part of reducing exposure. Vacuuming with HEPA filtration, washing fabrics, and wiping surfaces with low- or VOC-free cleaners can help limit the buildup of these lingering contaminants. Conclusion Secondhand and thirdhand smoke can affect indoor air quality long after smoking occurs—often in ways that are not immediately visible. Understanding how these exposures behave is key to reducing risk in indoor environments. Observed each year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day highlights the importance of reducing tobacco-related harms—including those linked to indoor air quality and lingering smoke exposure.","

Smoke does not disappear when a cigarette is extinguished. Particles and gases linger in the air and settle onto surfaces, continuing to affect indoor environments long after smoking stops.

What many people don’t realize is that these particles don’t just linger—they continuously move between air and surfaces, re-circulating indoors over time.

What is firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke?

Traditionally, tobacco smoke is consumed directly through lighting a cigarette and inhaling the substance, also known as firsthand exposure. However, involuntary or indirect modes of consumption can happen daily without a person even realizing it. From secondary inhalation to residue build-up, all the different types of tobacco smoke exposures include (1):

\nFirsthand: Direct inhalation of tobacco smoke chemicals by an individual, commonly resulting in elevated personal health risks from heart disease to lung cancer and respiratory complications.
\nSecondhand: Also known as passive smoking, this is the involuntary or indirect inhalation of tobacco smoke by a non-smoking person. If exposed, individuals could encounter over 7,000 various chemicals, including over 70 carcinogens. Long-term secondhand exposure increases physical and mental health risks, especially when an individual is in ill-ventilated areas or indoor spaces.
\nThirdhand: Tobacco smoke residue that clings and gradually accumulates on top of commonly exposed surfaces such as furniture, walls, and clothing. The tobacco residue often contains toxins and poisonous compounds that are especially harmful to infants, toddlers, and animals who may encounter and ingest these particles. Unlike airborne smoke that dissipates, thirdhand smoke can persist on surfaces for weeks or even months, continuing to release harmful compounds back into the air long after smoking stops.

How tobacco smoke affects indoor air quality

When cigarettes are combusted, they release smoke containing high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter that can linger and migrate. PM2.5 are airborne particles the size of 2.5 microns or less and PM10 encapsulate particles the size of 10 microns or less. When these pollutants are inhaled, they can cause systemic harm to the human body.

In enclosed spaces, smoking can raise fine particle concentrations to levels up to 100 times higher than typical outdoor air—turning indoor environments into some of the most polluted spaces people encounter.

Smoking also directly contributes to the production of harmful gases and chemical pollutants, commonly known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Tobacco smoke specifically has been found to be linked to benzene, a common carcinogen that is known to cause leukemia, bone marrow damage, and anemia through long-term exposure (2).

These dynamics are especially pronounced in indoor environments, where airflow is limited and pollutants are more likely to accumulate over time.

Indoor smoking leads to long-term exposure

Smoking indoors introduces pollutants into a contained environment where they can accumulate, settle, and recirculate over time. Unlike outdoor environments, indoor spaces often lack sufficient airflow to disperse smoke quickly, allowing particles and gases to persist well beyond the act of smoking itself.

For this reason, avoiding indoor smoking completely is the most effective way to reduce exposure to both airborne and surface-bound contaminants associated with smoking.

Secondhand smoke doesn’t always dissipate outdoors

This persistence is not limited to indoor environments. It is often assumed that secondhand smoke quickly disperses outdoors and poses little risk. However, research suggests that this is not always the case—particularly in partially enclosed spaces such as patios, outdoor dining areas, and building entrances.

In these environments, secondhand smoke can reach concentrations comparable to indoor spaces where smoking is permitted. Exposure levels can vary depending on the number of smokers, proximity, and airflow conditions, with individuals downwind often experiencing the highest concentrations.

Even at a distance, smoke particles can remain detectable and irritating. In some cases, outdoor smoke can drift into adjacent indoor areas or accumulate in semi-enclosed spaces, extending exposure beyond the immediate source (3).

Studies have shown that secondhand smoke can be detected and cause irritation at distances of more than 10–20 feet from the source, particularly when individuals are positioned downwind. In outdoor settings with multiple smokers or partial enclosure, exposure levels can approach those found indoors—lasting for as long as smoking activity continues and, in some cases, persisting after the source is gone (4).

These findings challenge the assumption that outdoor smoking eliminates risk, highlighting how secondhand smoke can persist and spread across both indoor and outdoor environments.

Thirdhand smoke can further extend this exposure. Residual particles that settle onto clothing, skin, or surfaces outdoors can be carried back into indoor environments, where they continue to release harmful compounds over time. This means that even when smoking occurs outside, its effects can still persist indoors.

How smoking regulations shape indoor air quality

U.S. State and federal smoking laws have been in place since the 1960s to ensure public safety and limit indirect exposure. The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, enacted in July 1965, was one of the first anti-smoking laws, requiring transparent health warnings and restricting false advertising of cigarette products nationwide (5). Today, many policies extend into private spaces, as business owners take it upon themselves to limit tobacco exposure to ensure public safety.

Tobacco and smoking regulations are becoming increasingly popular worldwide as well. In 2024, Canada was the first country in the world to mandate transparent health warnings on each cigarette individually, with bold black text printed on every stick (6). Also in the same year, the United Kingdom introduced a Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban those under the age of 15 from purchasing tobacco beginning 2027 (7). In a separate ruling, the United Kingdom has also banned the sell and purchase of disposable vapes to address issues in underage smoking (8).

For shared buildings and apartment complexes, anti-smoking regulations and designated smoking areas are the key to securing a healthy space for everyone, as cigarette smoke can be transported easily through open windows and air vents or stick to commonly used surfaces (9). Limiting tobacco smoke exposure doesn’t stop at smoking rules and regulations, it also depends on a building’s air filtration system.

Because tobacco smoke includes both particles and gases, reducing exposure requires more than a single approach.

How filtration can help reduce tobacco smoke exposure

Source control—preventing smoke from entering the environment in the first place—is the most effective way to reduce exposure.

HyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture 99.5% of airborne particulate as small as 0.003 microns, helping reduce tobacco smoke particles and odors.

However, tobacco smoke is not made up of particles alone—it also contains a complex mix of gases and chemical pollutants. Gas-phase filtration, such as activated carbon, is designed to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, and other harmful chemicals present in smoke. By combining particle filtration with gas-phase filtration, air purification systems can address a broader range of pollutants found in tobacco smoke.

When paired with proper ventilation and HVAC systems, these approaches can help reduce overall exposure to both particulate and chemical components of tobacco smoke.

Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke indoors

Reducing exposure to tobacco smoke often involves a combination of building-level policies and individual actions.

In homes or shared spaces where smoking occurs, reducing exposure often depends on how air moves, how surfaces are managed, and how consistently these strategies are applied:

Improving filtration and ventilation in shared indoor spaces.
Limiting indoor smoking and separating smoking areas where possible.
Using air filtration to reduce airborne smoke particles and odors
Monitoring indoor air quality to better understand exposure levels.

Addressing thirdhand smoke on surfaces

Thirdhand smoke also plays a role in ongoing exposure. Because smoke residues can accumulate on surfaces and in materials like carpets, upholstery, and clothing, regular cleaning is an important part of reducing exposure. Vacuuming with HEPA filtration, washing fabrics, and wiping surfaces with low- or VOC-free cleaners can help limit the buildup of these lingering contaminants.

Conclusion

Secondhand and thirdhand smoke can affect indoor air quality long after smoking occurs—often in ways that are not immediately visible. Understanding how these exposures behave is key to reducing risk in indoor environments.

Observed each year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day highlights the importance of reducing tobacco-related harms—including those linked to indoor air quality and lingering smoke exposure.

","secondhand-smoke-why-it-lingers-and-spreads","gid://shopify/Article/641422983246","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/secondhand-smoke-why-it-lingers-and-spreads","2026-05-27T16:20:16Z",[179,162],"First, second, and thirdhand smoke explained: Why it lingers and spreads",{"_66":492,"_80":-5,"_82":493,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273669455950","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/A_250603fa-f57a-458c-a8c1-64d357824546.jpg?v=1781017853",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"The earth’s changing climate is creating more desert, and with its accompanying dust, more health risks. Find out how desertification affects our health and environment.","

The earth’s changing climate is creating more desert, and with its accompanying dust, more health risks. Find out how desertification affects our health and environment.

","Desertification is transforming once-productive land into dry, degraded terrain at an accelerating rate. The process is increasing globally due to climate change and rising temperatures. Transforming soil to desert creates sand and dust which can then be carried over borders, continents, and oceans to impact ecosystems and affect human health far from its source. Dust lifted from one region can ultimately affect the air quality, ecosystems, and public health of another. Desertification is transforming once-productive land into dry, degraded terrain at an accelerating rate. The science and health impacts of dust Desertification is accelerating through climate change, over-farming, and water depletion. With these changes comes an increased risk to human health, economic upset, greater social injustice, and disrupted ecosystems. How climate change intensifies dustWith increased global temperatures associated with human-caused climate change, longer lasting and more intense droughts are an increasing reality. When drought parches the soil, winds sweep up particulate matter, creating dust storms that can traverse continents, blanketing cities and countries, and reddening skies. Large dust plumes can also affect the climate in unexpected ways. Plumes can reflect sunlight back into space, temporarily cooling the atmosphere; they also absorb heat, altering temperature and precipitation patterns (1). Meanwhile, dust deposited on snow and ice darkens their surfaces, accelerating melt rates and contributing to rising sea levels (2). Beyond affecting air quality and visibility, dust can also reshape the environments where it settles. Dust’s impact on ecosystemsDust plays a paradoxical role in ecosystems. While it fertilizes rainforests and oceans with nutrients like phosphorus, it can also smother coral reefs, alter soil composition, and change rainfall distribution (3)(4). In this way, dust can act as both a nutrient source and a pollutant, depending on where it travels and where it settles. In the Amazon, dust from the Sahara Desert helps sustain biodiversity, but in marine environments, it can fuel harmful algal blooms that devastate aquatic life (5)(6). On land, dust deposition can change soil chemistry, favoring some plant species over others and reshaping entire landscapes (7). It can also affect photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and even injure plants or make them more vulnerable to other pollutants. Dust and air qualityDust can affect air quality both locally and thousands of miles from its origin. The way it behaves depends partly on how it is generated, but also on atmospheric conditions and the winds that carry it. Dust can come from multiple local, human-caused sources, including construction, demolition, agricultural practices, industrial processes, landscaping, vehicle traffic from road surfaces, and even walking on unpaved paths (8). Some short, intense dust storms like haboobs may remain a localized anomaly appearing as a wall of dust engulfing cities. However, unlike larger plumes which may travel great distances, haboobs tend to last only about 10 to 30 minutes (9). Air quality measurements of airborne pollutants, especially PM2.5 and PM10, can sharply rise during a haboob. In very large, naturally occurring dust plumes, dust is lifted and carried high into the atmosphere by strong winds. Such plumes may gradually disperse and deposit dust, coating surfaces like homes, cars, fields, and vegetation. Arid and desert regions can generate some of the most significant dust plumes, and geographic features can work to magnify its impact. For example, the Bodélé Depression in the Sahara Desert is considered the most intense source of airborne dust on the planet. This is because strong winds blow dust through the basin and into what is effectively a wind tunnel formed by mountains and sand dunes. That dust can then cross North Africa and impact the air quality of millions of people living in West Africa or deep into Northern Europe (10). Dust and human healthDust storms can carry more than soil particles alone. Airborne dust may also contain biomaterials, heavy metals, and microplastics, all of which can affect human health in different ways (11)(12)(13). Fine particulate matter found in dust, PM2.5, poses the greatest concern for human health. PM2.5, or particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less, can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. From there, PM2.5 can trigger asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung infections like Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides spores in U.S. Southwest dust (14). These fine particles can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes (15). Dust storms also often correlate with spikes in hospital visits for respiratory distress (16). Atmospheric scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center estimated that 22% of premature deaths connected to PM2.5 in 2019 could be directly linked to dust (17). These impacts are often felt most strongly in regions already facing limited healthcare access and environmental stress. Many of those deaths occurred in regions impacted by deserts and dust spanning from West Africa to East Asia. Economic and social impacts of dustDesertification and dust’s long reach can strain economies and societies. Dust storms ground flights, reduce solar energy output, and damage crops. Estimated annual crop losses from dust can range in the millions for Mongolia or as high as $154 billion for the United States (18)(19). Healthcare systems face increased costs from treating dust-related illnesses. Communities may grapple with displaced livelihoods as farmland soil degrades and turns to desert. This desertification can also harm pastoral communities, as livestock are unable to graze or drink. Where desertification is accelerating Desertification is a global issue. For instance, thirteen European Union Member States have reported that parts of their nations were being affected by desertification (20). Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, and Italy are among the countries most impacted. Desertification in the U.S. SouthwestIn the arid landscapes of Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, dust storms and haboobs are a growing air quality concern. The combination of prolonged drought, overgrazing, and urban expansion has left the soil vulnerable to wind erosion (21). During dust events, hospitals in these states report increased admissions for asthma attacks, pneumonia, and motor vehicle accidents caused by reduced visibility (22). The situation is compounded by the presence of Coccidioides spores in the soil, which become airborne during storms and infect those who inhale them (23). The spores can lead to Valley fever, a fungal infection that can lead to cough, fever, exhaustion, and chest pain. Saharan dust plumesEvery year, massive plumes of dust from the El Djouf region of the western Sahara Desert travel over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic, reaching the Caribbean, the southeastern United States, and the Amazon rainforest (24). These plumes, often visible from space, carry millions of tons of fine particles. In affected areas, Saharan dust events lead to hazardous air quality, triggering asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. The Great Green Wall was launched in 2007 in response to North Africa’s increasing desertification (25). In the Sahel region bordering the Sahara Desert – a semi-arid, savannah region that transitions between desert and greener farmland and forested lands – drought and intense heat have disrupted food production and fueled conflict. The Great Green Wall project involves planting native, ecologically appropriate trees and plants. It’s also renewing degraded lands, creating new agricultural opportunities, and bringing life back to communities living on the periphery of food security. Arabian Peninsula stormsThe Arabian Desert, along with arid regions in Iraq and Syria, is a major source of naturally occurring dust storms in the Arabian Peninsula, especially in the summer months. But dust events can take place any time of year, even in winter. There are two main sources of dust in the region, including the Mesopotamian flood plain in southern Iraq and the “Rub al-Khali” (or Empty Quarter) in Saudi Arabia (26). Dust can also enter the region from neighboring deserts, like the Sahara. In the region, chronic exposure to dust is linked to higher rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems than most other regions of the world, with the exception of North Africa (27). Regional dust storms also reduce visibility, causing traffic accidents and grounding flights. Dust from this region often travels beyond national borders, affecting air quality in Western Asia and even parts of South Asia, creating a shared challenge for the entire region. Some countries are now investing heavily in long-term containment and restoration efforts. China's containment planDesertification impacts the dry North China Plain. 24.7% of China’s lands have transformed through desertification, affecting 400 million people (28). In response, China has implemented one of the world’s most ambitious desertification containment programs, combining large-scale afforestation, strict land-use policies, and technological innovation. Through initiatives like the Three-North Shelter Forest Program—often called the \"Great Green Wall of China\"—the government has planted billions of trees and shrubs to stabilize soil, reduce dust storms, and restore degraded land. China’s efforts to green the edges of the Taklamakan Desert in the country’s west has created a carbon sink, which is both reducing desertification’s spread and helping to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (29). China’s government has also worked to reduce desertification in the north through policies countering overcultivation and overgrazing, while turning to supportive technological innovations, like expanding solar panel coverage. Beyond generating clean energy, solar panels can provide shade for desert-adapted plants and shrubs that help stabilize the soil and slow desert expansion (30). Conclusion Reducing the impact of desertification and airborne dust requires coordinated action across land management, public health, and environmental policy. Dust knows no borders. Particles lifted by desertification and drought in one region can travel thousands of miles, affecting health, economies, and ecosystems far away. Because dust travels across borders and continents, reducing its impacts requires coordinated action that extends beyond any one region. Restoring degraded lands, investing in public health infrastructure, and early warning systems can all serve to mitigate the worst harm caused by desertification. As desertification expands, understanding how dust moves—and how it affects health, ecosystems, and infrastructure—is becoming an increasingly important part of adapting to a changing climate.","

Desertification is transforming once-productive land into dry, degraded terrain at an accelerating rate. The process is increasing globally due to climate change and rising temperatures.

Transforming soil to desert creates sand and dust which can then be carried over borders, continents, and oceans to impact ecosystems and affect human health far from its source. Dust lifted from one region can ultimately affect the air quality, ecosystems, and public health of another.

Desertification is transforming once-productive land into dry, degraded terrain at an accelerating rate.

The science and health impacts of dust

Desertification is accelerating through climate change, over-farming, and water depletion. With these changes comes an increased risk to human health, economic upset, greater social injustice, and disrupted ecosystems.

How climate change intensifies dust
With increased global temperatures associated with human-caused climate change, longer lasting and more intense droughts are an increasing reality. When drought parches the soil, winds sweep up particulate matter, creating dust storms that can traverse continents, blanketing cities and countries, and reddening skies.

Large dust plumes can also affect the climate in unexpected ways. Plumes can reflect sunlight back into space, temporarily cooling the atmosphere; they also absorb heat, altering temperature and precipitation patterns (1). Meanwhile, dust deposited on snow and ice darkens their surfaces, accelerating melt rates and contributing to rising sea levels (2).

Beyond affecting air quality and visibility, dust can also reshape the environments where it settles.

Dust’s impact on ecosystems
Dust plays a paradoxical role in ecosystems. While it fertilizes rainforests and oceans with nutrients like phosphorus, it can also smother coral reefs, alter soil composition, and change rainfall distribution (3)(4). In this way, dust can act as both a nutrient source and a pollutant, depending on where it travels and where it settles.

In the Amazon, dust from the Sahara Desert helps sustain biodiversity, but in marine environments, it can fuel harmful algal blooms that devastate aquatic life (5)(6). On land, dust deposition can change soil chemistry, favoring some plant species over others and reshaping entire landscapes (7). It can also affect photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and even injure plants or make them more vulnerable to other pollutants.

Dust and air quality
Dust can affect air quality both locally and thousands of miles from its origin. The way it behaves depends partly on how it is generated, but also on atmospheric conditions and the winds that carry it.

Dust can come from multiple local, human-caused sources, including construction, demolition, agricultural practices, industrial processes, landscaping, vehicle traffic from road surfaces, and even walking on unpaved paths (8).

Some short, intense dust storms like haboobs may remain a localized anomaly appearing as a wall of dust engulfing cities. However, unlike larger plumes which may travel great distances, haboobs tend to last only about 10 to 30 minutes (9). Air quality measurements of airborne pollutants, especially PM2.5 and PM10, can sharply rise during a haboob.

In very large, naturally occurring dust plumes, dust is lifted and carried high into the atmosphere by strong winds. Such plumes may gradually disperse and deposit dust, coating surfaces like homes, cars, fields, and vegetation.

Arid and desert regions can generate some of the most significant dust plumes, and geographic features can work to magnify its impact. For example, the Bodélé Depression in the Sahara Desert is considered the most intense source of airborne dust on the planet. This is because strong winds blow dust through the basin and into what is effectively a wind tunnel formed by mountains and sand dunes. That dust can then cross North Africa and impact the air quality of millions of people living in West Africa or deep into Northern Europe (10).

Dust and human health
Dust storms can carry more than soil particles alone. Airborne dust may also contain biomaterials, heavy metals, and microplastics, all of which can affect human health in different ways (11)(12)(13).

Fine particulate matter found in dust, PM2.5, poses the greatest concern for human health. PM2.5, or particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less, can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. From there, PM2.5 can trigger asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung infections like Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides spores in U.S. Southwest dust (14). These fine particles can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes (15).

Dust storms also often correlate with spikes in hospital visits for respiratory distress (16).
Atmospheric scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center estimated that 22% of premature deaths connected to PM2.5 in 2019 could be directly linked to dust (17). These impacts are often felt most strongly in regions already facing limited healthcare access and environmental stress. Many of those deaths occurred in regions impacted by deserts and dust spanning from West Africa to East Asia.

Economic and social impacts of dust
Desertification and dust’s long reach can strain economies and societies. Dust storms ground flights, reduce solar energy output, and damage crops. Estimated annual crop losses from dust can range in the millions for Mongolia or as high as $154 billion for the United States (18)(19).

Healthcare systems face increased costs from treating dust-related illnesses. Communities may grapple with displaced livelihoods as farmland soil degrades and turns to desert. This desertification can also harm pastoral communities, as livestock are unable to graze or drink.

Where desertification is accelerating

Desertification is a global issue.

For instance, thirteen European Union Member States have reported that parts of their nations were being affected by desertification (20). Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain, and Italy are among the countries most impacted.

Desertification in the U.S. Southwest
In the arid landscapes of Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, dust storms and haboobs are a growing air quality concern. The combination of prolonged drought, overgrazing, and urban expansion has left the soil vulnerable to wind erosion (21).

During dust events, hospitals in these states report increased admissions for asthma attacks, pneumonia, and motor vehicle accidents caused by reduced visibility (22). The situation is compounded by the presence of Coccidioides spores in the soil, which become airborne during storms and infect those who inhale them (23). The spores can lead to Valley fever, a fungal infection that can lead to cough, fever, exhaustion, and chest pain.

Saharan dust plumes
Every year, massive plumes of dust from the El Djouf region of the western Sahara Desert travel over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic, reaching the Caribbean, the southeastern United States, and the Amazon rainforest (24).

These plumes, often visible from space, carry millions of tons of fine particles. In affected areas, Saharan dust events lead to hazardous air quality, triggering asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.

The Great Green Wall was launched in 2007 in response to North Africa’s increasing desertification (25). In the Sahel region bordering the Sahara Desert – a semi-arid, savannah region that transitions between desert and greener farmland and forested lands – drought and intense heat have disrupted food production and fueled conflict. The Great Green Wall project involves planting native, ecologically appropriate trees and plants. It’s also renewing degraded lands, creating new agricultural opportunities, and bringing life back to communities living on the periphery of food security.

Arabian Peninsula storms
The Arabian Desert, along with arid regions in Iraq and Syria, is a major source of naturally occurring dust storms in the Arabian Peninsula, especially in the summer months. But dust events can take place any time of year, even in winter.

There are two main sources of dust in the region, including the Mesopotamian flood plain in southern Iraq and the “Rub al-Khali” (or Empty Quarter) in Saudi Arabia (26). Dust can also enter the region from neighboring deserts, like the Sahara. In the region, chronic exposure to dust is linked to higher rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems than most other regions of the world, with the exception of North Africa (27). Regional dust storms also reduce visibility, causing traffic accidents and grounding flights.

Dust from this region often travels beyond national borders, affecting air quality in Western Asia and even parts of South Asia, creating a shared challenge for the entire region.

Some countries are now investing heavily in long-term containment and restoration efforts.

China's containment plan
Desertification impacts the dry North China Plain. 24.7% of China’s lands have transformed through desertification, affecting 400 million people (28).

In response, China has implemented one of the world’s most ambitious desertification containment programs, combining large-scale afforestation, strict land-use policies, and technological innovation. Through initiatives like the Three-North Shelter Forest Program—often called the \"Great Green Wall of China\"—the government has planted billions of trees and shrubs to stabilize soil, reduce dust storms, and restore degraded land.

China’s efforts to green the edges of the Taklamakan Desert in the country’s west has created a carbon sink, which is both reducing desertification’s spread and helping to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (29).

China’s government has also worked to reduce desertification in the north through policies countering overcultivation and overgrazing, while turning to supportive technological innovations, like expanding solar panel coverage. Beyond generating clean energy, solar panels can provide shade for desert-adapted plants and shrubs that help stabilize the soil and slow desert expansion (30).

Conclusion

Reducing the impact of desertification and airborne dust requires coordinated action across land management, public health, and environmental policy.

Dust knows no borders. Particles lifted by desertification and drought in one region can travel thousands of miles, affecting health, economies, and ecosystems far away.

Because dust travels across borders and continents, reducing its impacts requires coordinated action that extends beyond any one region.

Restoring degraded lands, investing in public health infrastructure, and early warning systems can all serve to mitigate the worst harm caused by desertification. As desertification expands, understanding how dust moves—and how it affects health, ecosystems, and infrastructure—is becoming an increasingly important part of adapting to a changing climate.

","how-desertification-reshapes-the-planet","gid://shopify/Article/641645019214","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/how-desertification-reshapes-the-planet","2026-06-15T16:28:10Z",[179,211,162],"How desertification reshapes the planet",{"_66":507,"_80":-5,"_82":508,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273856790606","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/B_c2372d12-9978-488d-908a-99a17df56966.jpg?v=1782315587",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Air purifiers can combat secondhand smoke with the right specifications and filters. Learn what types of air purifiers can properly filtrate smoke.","

Air purifiers can combat secondhand smoke with the right specifications and filters. Learn what types of air purifiers can properly filtrate smoke.

","Yes, air purifiers can help reduce secondhand smoke indoors—but not every air purifier is designed to handle smoke effectively. Smoke contains both fine particles and smoke-related gases, which is why some filtration systems are better suited for smoke exposure than others. Secondhand smoke particles can remain suspended in indoor air long after smoking stops, while smoke residue can continue settling onto walls, fabrics, and other surfaces over time. Reducing exposure depends on a combination of source control and ventilation. Filtration is most effective when paired with efforts to limit the amount of smoke entering or remaining in the indoor environment. How secondhand smoke spreads indoors Secondhand smoke comes from two main sources: smoke exhaled by a smoker and smoke released from a burning cigarette or cigar. Smoke released directly from a burning cigarette, often called sidestream smoke, is considered especially hazardous because it contains high concentrations of toxic chemicals. Between 2015 and 2018, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults were exposed to secondhand smoke (1). Exposure can continue in different ways depending on how smoke moves through the environment: Firsthand/Mainstream smoke: Smoke inhaled directly by a smoker (2). Secondhand/Sidestream smoke: Smoke inhaled by nearby non-smokers, often lingering indoors long after smoking occurs. Thirdhand smoke: Smoke residue that settles onto surfaces, fabrics, walls, and clothing over time. Firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke all contain PM2.5 and PM10 particles. PM2.5 refers to particles measuring 2.5 microns or smaller, while PM10 includes larger particles up to 10 microns in diameter. These particles can remain suspended in the air and may affect human health when inhaled over time. Why lingering smoke remains a health risk Secondhand smoke exposure is not limited to the moment someone is actively smoking. Smoke particles and chemical residue can remain indoors, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure over time. On average, 300,000 children under 18 months of age are diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections every year in the U.S. as a direct result of secondhand smoke exposure (3). Secondhand smoke has also been linked to childhood leukemia and sudden infant death syndrome. For adults, long-term secondhand smoke exposure can lead to stroke, nasal irritation, asthma, and reproductive effects in women (4). Secondhand smoke particles contain over 7,000 toxic chemicals and 70 carcinogens contributing to these health effects (5), including: Arsenic Formaldehyde Lead Nickel Benzene Secondhand smoke exposure is dangerous and can cause serious health risks, especially for children and sensitive groups. Smoking indoors can significantly worsen these conditions. How secondhand smoke affects indoor air quality Secondhand smoke particles tend to linger, causing unhealthy air quality in both indoor and outdoor spaces if there is a lack of proper filtration, ventilation, or routine cleaning. Smoke particles can continue circulating indoors long after smoking occurs, especially in spaces with limited airflow or ventilation. Outdoor Lit cigarettes and secondhand smoke can affect shared outdoor spaces by leaving behind smoke residue and increasing nearby exposure. In shared patios or balconies, secondhand smoke produces tobacco particles that stick to furniture and surfaces, leaving behind odors and increasing exposure risk. Smoking in outdoor dining spaces or restaurants can cause secondhand smoke exposure for staff, customers, and those walking by. Indoor When tobacco smoke is exhaled indoors, smoke residue and toxins can stick to surfaces, such as furniture, clothing, tabletops, walls, and fabrics. Without regular cleaning, these harmful smoke biproducts can continue accumulating over time. How filtration helps reduce secondhand smoke Reducing secondhand smoke exposure often depends on combining filtration with broader indoor air quality practices. Air purifiers equipped with HyperHEPA filtration are engineered to capture particles as small as 0.003 microns with 99.5% efficiency, capable of filtering firsthand and secondhand smoke from indoor air.Along with HyperHEPA technology, some air purifiers utilize additional gas phase filtration systems to further capture gases and odors associated with tobacco smoke. Some systems, like IQAir’s GC MultiGas XE Air Purifier, are designed to address smoke-related particulates, gases, and odors together. Proper filtration can help reduce secondhand smoke exposure, but achieving a truly smoke-free environment also depends on daily practices and improved ventilation. How to create a smoke-free environment Creating a smoke-free environment depends on more than filtration alone. Source control, ventilation, regular cleaning, and air filtration all play a role in reducing lingering smoke particles indoors. Source control: Avoiding smoking entirely is the most effective way to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Additional steps can include establishing smoke-free policies, creating designated outdoor smoking areas, and routinely cleaning surfaces. Ventilation: Open windows if smoking occurs indoors, install fans in outdoor smoking areas, and be cautious of smoke from neighbors by closing windows when needed. Air Filtration: Utilize air purifiers for commonly used spaces and use air quality monitors to track changes in indoor air quality. Frequently Asked Questions Do air purifiers help with firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke? Yes, air purifiers can help remove firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke. Air purifiers primarily address airborne particles, such as firsthand and secondhand smoke. Reducing thirdhand smoke exposure often requires regular cleaning of surfaces and fabrics where smoke residue accumulates. How often should I change a HyperHEPA filter? Filters should be replaced typically every 3-4 years for air purifiers accommodating large rooms. For personal or desk air purifiers, filters may need to be changed more frequently. What causes secondhand smoke exposure? Secondhand smoke exposure is most commonly a direct result of being near someone actively smoking. If you were next to an individual who lit a cigarette and exhaled smoke, you are likely to inhale secondhand smoke particles. The smoke particles that may cling to clothing or nearby surfaces would be considered thirdhand smoke. How do I know if I have been exposed to secondhand smoke? Common immediate symptoms of secondhand smoke exposure include eye or nasal irritation, coughing, nausea, and headaches. Various visual or scent clues could be present as well, ranging from lingering smoke in the air to burnt or unpleasant smells. Conclusion Secondhand smoke can continue affecting indoor air quality long after smoking occurs, especially in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Smoke particles and residue can remain suspended in the air or settle onto surfaces over time, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure. Reducing exposure often depends on a combination of source control, ventilation, filtration, and regular cleaning. Air purifiers with high-efficiency filtration can help reduce airborne smoke particles, particularly when used alongside broader efforts to maintain cleaner indoor air.","

Yes, air purifiers can help reduce secondhand smoke indoors—but not every air purifier is designed to handle smoke effectively. Smoke contains both fine particles and smoke-related gases, which is why some filtration systems are better suited for smoke exposure than others.

Secondhand smoke particles can remain suspended in indoor air long after smoking stops, while smoke residue can continue settling onto walls, fabrics, and other surfaces over time. Reducing exposure depends on a combination of source control and ventilation. Filtration is most effective when paired with efforts to limit the amount of smoke entering or remaining in the indoor environment.

How secondhand smoke spreads indoors

Secondhand smoke comes from two main sources: smoke exhaled by a smoker and smoke released from a burning cigarette or cigar.

Smoke released directly from a burning cigarette, often called sidestream smoke, is considered especially hazardous because it contains high concentrations of toxic chemicals.

Between 2015 and 2018, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults were exposed to secondhand smoke (1). Exposure can continue in different ways depending on how smoke moves through the environment:

\nFirsthand/Mainstream smoke: Smoke inhaled directly by a smoker (2).
\n
\nSecondhand/Sidestream smoke: Smoke inhaled by nearby non-smokers, often lingering indoors long after smoking occurs.
\n
\nThirdhand smoke: Smoke residue that settles onto surfaces, fabrics, walls, and clothing over time.
\n

Firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke all contain PM2.5 and PM10 particles. PM2.5 refers to particles measuring 2.5 microns or smaller, while PM10 includes larger particles up to 10 microns in diameter. These particles can remain suspended in the air and may affect human health when inhaled over time.

Why lingering smoke remains a health risk

Secondhand smoke exposure is not limited to the moment someone is actively smoking. Smoke particles and chemical residue can remain indoors, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure over time.

On average, 300,000 children under 18 months of age are diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections every year in the U.S. as a direct result of secondhand smoke exposure (3). Secondhand smoke has also been linked to childhood leukemia and sudden infant death syndrome. For adults, long-term secondhand smoke exposure can lead to stroke, nasal irritation, asthma, and reproductive effects in women (4). Secondhand smoke particles contain over 7,000 toxic chemicals and 70 carcinogens contributing to these health effects (5), including:

Arsenic
\n
Formaldehyde
\n
Lead
\n
Nickel
\n
Benzene
\n

Secondhand smoke exposure is dangerous and can cause serious health risks, especially for children and sensitive groups. Smoking indoors can significantly worsen these conditions.

How secondhand smoke affects indoor air quality

Secondhand smoke particles tend to linger, causing unhealthy air quality in both indoor and outdoor spaces if there is a lack of proper filtration, ventilation, or routine cleaning. Smoke particles can continue circulating indoors long after smoking occurs, especially in spaces with limited airflow or ventilation.

Outdoor

Lit cigarettes and secondhand smoke can affect shared outdoor spaces by leaving behind smoke residue and increasing nearby exposure. In shared patios or balconies, secondhand smoke produces tobacco particles that stick to furniture and surfaces, leaving behind odors and increasing exposure risk. Smoking in outdoor dining spaces or restaurants can cause secondhand smoke exposure for staff, customers, and those walking by.

Indoor

When tobacco smoke is exhaled indoors, smoke residue and toxins can stick to surfaces, such as furniture, clothing, tabletops, walls, and fabrics. Without regular cleaning, these harmful smoke biproducts can continue accumulating over time.

How filtration helps reduce secondhand smoke

Reducing secondhand smoke exposure often depends on combining filtration with broader indoor air quality practices. Air purifiers equipped with HyperHEPA filtration are engineered to capture particles as small as 0.003 microns with 99.5% efficiency, capable of filtering firsthand and secondhand smoke from indoor air.

Along with HyperHEPA technology, some air purifiers utilize additional gas phase filtration systems to further capture gases and odors associated with tobacco smoke. Some systems, like IQAir’s GC MultiGas XE Air Purifier, are designed to address smoke-related particulates, gases, and odors together.

Proper filtration can help reduce secondhand smoke exposure, but achieving a truly smoke-free environment also depends on daily practices and improved ventilation.

How to create a smoke-free environment

Creating a smoke-free environment depends on more than filtration alone. Source control, ventilation, regular cleaning, and air filtration all play a role in reducing lingering smoke particles indoors.

\nSource control: Avoiding smoking entirely is the most effective way to reduce secondhand smoke exposure. Additional steps can include establishing smoke-free policies, creating designated outdoor smoking areas, and routinely cleaning surfaces.
\n
\nVentilation: Open windows if smoking occurs indoors, install fans in outdoor smoking areas, and be cautious of smoke from neighbors by closing windows when needed.
\n
\nAir Filtration: Utilize air purifiers for commonly used spaces and use air quality monitors to track changes in indoor air quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air purifiers help with firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke?

Yes, air purifiers can help remove firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand smoke. Air purifiers primarily address airborne particles, such as firsthand and secondhand smoke. Reducing thirdhand smoke exposure often requires regular cleaning of surfaces and fabrics where smoke residue accumulates.

How often should I change a HyperHEPA filter?

Filters should be replaced typically every 3-4 years for air purifiers accommodating large rooms. For personal or desk air purifiers, filters may need to be changed more frequently.

What causes secondhand smoke exposure?

Secondhand smoke exposure is most commonly a direct result of being near someone actively smoking. If you were next to an individual who lit a cigarette and exhaled smoke, you are likely to inhale secondhand smoke particles. The smoke particles that may cling to clothing or nearby surfaces would be considered thirdhand smoke.

How do I know if I have been exposed to secondhand smoke?

Common immediate symptoms of secondhand smoke exposure include eye or nasal irritation, coughing, nausea, and headaches. Various visual or scent clues could be present as well, ranging from lingering smoke in the air to burnt or unpleasant smells.

Conclusion

Secondhand smoke can continue affecting indoor air quality long after smoking occurs, especially in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Smoke particles and residue can remain suspended in the air or settle onto surfaces over time, increasing the likelihood of repeated exposure.

Reducing exposure often depends on a combination of source control, ventilation, filtration, and regular cleaning. Air purifiers with high-efficiency filtration can help reduce airborne smoke particles, particularly when used alongside broader efforts to maintain cleaner indoor air.

","do-air-purifiers-help-with-secondhand-smoke","gid://shopify/Article/641639874638","https://shop.iqair.cn/en/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-help-with-secondhand-smoke","2026-06-16T19:43:06Z",[195,162],"Do air purifiers help with secondhand smoke?",{"_66":522,"_80":-5,"_82":523,"_84":233,"_86":234},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/273870651470","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0018/4411/7571/articles/article_SecondhandSmoke_2f34c0ff-e947-48dd-94db-10cbb8e46cbc.jpg?v=1782399800",{"_91":92},{"_64":90},"Discover the five major cities with the cleanest air in 2025—where smart policies and geography combined to set a global standard for urban air quality.","

Discover the five major cities with the cleanest air in 2025—where smart policies and geography combined to set a global standard for urban air quality.

","The 2025 World Air Quality Report tells the story of the global fight for cleaner air – both the challenges and the successes. Though most metropolitan areas continue to grapple with air pollution, a select group of cities have shown that healthy air and city life can co-exist. In many cases, their cleaner air is not the result of a single policy or advantage, but a combination of geography, infrastructure, monitoring, and long-term environmental planning. These five major cities are among a small number of urban hubs that have maintained annual average PM2.5 levels at or below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m3, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their low annual averages reflect a combination of geographic advantages, long-term environmental planning, and sustained air quality management. 5. Seattle, USA Seattle, Washington was the cleanest major U.S. city in 2025, and the only city outside of Oceania ranked among the top five in the world. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 4.5 µg/m3, Seattle benefits from its coastal location, which allows ocean and Puget Sound air to help disperse pollutants. Sources of air pollution in Seattle can include maritime-related emissions, vehicle emissions, and wildfire smoke (1)(2). The city has also invested in reducing pollution from transportation and maritime activity. For instance, the Port of Seattle is collaborating with other ports on the Sound and in the Salish Sea to reduce emissions (3). Policy and regulations have also had a positive impact on port emissions. Air quality in Seattle, Washington on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir. Seattle has recently launched a Low-Pollution Neighborhoods program focused on improving air quality and climate-related issues in more polluted areas, particularly in communities along the lower Duwamish River (4). Given these areas can have problems idling trucks at the port emitting nitrogen oxides, the city is working to replace older diesel trucks with cleaner delivery systems. 4. Melbourne, Australia Melbourne, Australia’s annual average PM2.5 concentration is typically low, and since 2021 has consistently met Australia’s national standard of 7 µg/m3 (5). In 2025, the city’s annual concentration was 4.3 µg/m3. It’s also among three major Australian cities that have ranked as the top five cleanest cities, despite the fact that the country can be prone to bushfires and dust storms. The 2025-2026 bushfire season was moderate, allowing the city to maintain cleaner air quality until January 2026 (6). Bushfire smoke impacted the skies in Melbourne in January and eventually crossed the Pacific to reach South America. Victoria’s government, based in the state capital of Melbourne, has committed to increasing renewable electricity generation to 50% by 2030, growing the public transport and zero-emission vehicle fleet, and discouraging residents from using wood heaters in winter (7). Air quality in Melbourne, Australia on May 14, 2026. Source: IQAir. 3. Auckland, New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand continues to benefit from New Zealand’s geographical isolation and coastal winds. In 2025, Auckland had an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 4.3 µg/m3, the same concentration as Melbourne. The city’s annual average is generally under the WHO guideline, though there are concerns about potential future increases due to policy changes. Like most of the cities on this list, Auckland is near the ocean; enjoying two natural, large harbors, fresh air and isolation from other manufacturing centers provides some air quality advantages. The city also receives 1167 mm of rainfall annually, which can help remove larger airborne particles from the atmosphere more quickly, like PM10, (particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers or smaller.) Air quality in Auckland, New Zealand on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality improvement efforts in Auckland have been ongoing over several years. The city was the cleanest major city in 2024, in part through policies supporting electric vehicles and expanded air quality monitoring to improve public awareness and source mitigation (8). Air quality policy changes and trends could prove more challenging in the city’s future. While 4.3 µg/m3 is within the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline, it is an uptick from 2024 and 2023 when the annual average PM2.5 concentration was 3.3 and 3.4 µg/m3 respectively. Activists sued the government in 2025, citing the fact that the government had eliminated 35 climate policies, including a decarbonization plan for industry and a discount for clean energy vehicles (9). In 2026, the government also amended climate laws to shield companies from being sued for greenhouse gas emissions (10). 2. Sydney, Australia Sydney, Australia’s air quality remained healthy, with a 2025 annual average PM2.5 concentration of 3.9 µg/m3. The city has met the World Health Organization’s air quality guideline for the past four years. Australia’s largest city and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney can be affected by bushfires and hazard reduction burns. For instance, the extreme bushfire season of 2019-2020 resulted in the city’s annual average PM2.5 for 2019 being 10.1 µg/m3. However, the coastal city has taken many proactive steps to maintain clean air quality. Sydney’s bus fleet is expected to be fully electric by 2035 (11). Older vehicles which emit more emissions are also being phased out in the city in favor of EV vehicles. Air quality in Sydney, Australia on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir. 1. Canberra, Australia The cleanest major city in the world for 2025 was Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The city’s annual average PM2.5 concentration was 3.6 µg/m3. In 2024, Canberra was the second cleanest major city in the world; it overtook Auckland as the city with the healthiest air quality in 2025. Though located inland, Canberra is just 65 kilometers from the Pacific coast. This allows it to benefit from pollutant-dispersing breezes, while its relatively small population and limited industrial activity further contribute to its clean air. However, bushfire smoke remains a seasonal challenge, prompting the city to improve air quality monitoring, public alerts, and wood heater emission standards to mitigate impacts. As Australia’s capital, Canberra both benefits from and contributes to national efforts aimed at reducing air pollution, including strict standards for PM2.5 and efforts to phase out wood heaters, a significant source of winter pollution (12). Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne’s success in controlling pollution at its source also reflects Australia’s broader commitment to air quality, with national standards for PM2.5 among the strictest in the world (13). Air quality in Canberra, Australia on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir. Yet, the city’s clean air is not without challenges—wood heater use, bushfires, and dust storms can still cause spikes in PM2.5 concentrations, and ongoing vigilance is required to maintain its leading position. If left unchecked, softening government policies on air quality and environmental law could set back progress made over the years to improve the nation’s air quality. For example, activist groups raised concerns in early 2025 about government efforts to weaken the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (14)(15). Conclusion Even in major cities with the cleanest air, no amount of pollution is entirely safe. Sustained action is essential to maintain progress and protect public health. And as has been seen in some cases, shifting policy focus away from emissions reductions can result in fewer wins in the fight for universally clean air. Monitoring air quality and advocating for cleaner energy and stronger environmental policies can help ensure that these cities remain models of clean air for the world. Their progress demonstrates that cleaner air in major cities is achievable when monitoring, infrastructure, and long-term policy work together.","

The 2025 World Air Quality Report tells the story of the global fight for cleaner air – both the challenges and the successes. Though most metropolitan areas continue to grapple with air pollution, a select group of cities have shown that healthy air and city life can co-exist.

In many cases, their cleaner air is not the result of a single policy or advantage, but a combination of geography, infrastructure, monitoring, and long-term environmental planning.

These five major cities are among a small number of urban hubs that have maintained annual average PM2.5 levels at or below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m3, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their low annual averages reflect a combination of geographic advantages, long-term environmental planning, and sustained air quality management.

5. Seattle, USA

$\"\"$

Seattle, Washington was the cleanest major U.S. city in 2025, and the only city outside of Oceania ranked among the top five in the world. With an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 4.5 µg/m3, Seattle benefits from its coastal location, which allows ocean and Puget Sound air to help disperse pollutants.

Sources of air pollution in Seattle can include maritime-related emissions, vehicle emissions, and wildfire smoke (1)(2). The city has also invested in reducing pollution from transportation and maritime activity. For instance, the Port of Seattle is collaborating with other ports on the Sound and in the Salish Sea to reduce emissions (3). Policy and regulations have also had a positive impact on port emissions.

$\"\"$ Air quality in Seattle, Washington on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Seattle has recently launched a Low-Pollution Neighborhoods program focused on improving air quality and climate-related issues in more polluted areas, particularly in communities along the lower Duwamish River (4). Given these areas can have problems idling trucks at the port emitting nitrogen oxides, the city is working to replace older diesel trucks with cleaner delivery systems.

4. Melbourne, Australia

$\"\"$

Melbourne, Australia’s annual average PM2.5 concentration is typically low, and since 2021 has consistently met Australia’s national standard of 7 µg/m3 (5). In 2025, the city’s annual concentration was 4.3 µg/m3. It’s also among three major Australian cities that have ranked as the top five cleanest cities, despite the fact that the country can be prone to bushfires and dust storms.

The 2025-2026 bushfire season was moderate, allowing the city to maintain cleaner air quality until January 2026 (6). Bushfire smoke impacted the skies in Melbourne in January and eventually crossed the Pacific to reach South America.

Victoria’s government, based in the state capital of Melbourne, has committed to increasing renewable electricity generation to 50% by 2030, growing the public transport and zero-emission vehicle fleet, and discouraging residents from using wood heaters in winter (7).

$\"\"$ Air quality in Melbourne, Australia on May 14, 2026. Source: IQAir.

\n3. Auckland, New Zealand

$\"\"$

Auckland, New Zealand continues to benefit from New Zealand’s geographical isolation and coastal winds. In 2025, Auckland had an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 4.3 µg/m3, the same concentration as Melbourne. The city’s annual average is generally under the WHO guideline, though there are concerns about potential future increases due to policy changes.

Like most of the cities on this list, Auckland is near the ocean; enjoying two natural, large harbors, fresh air and isolation from other manufacturing centers provides some air quality advantages. The city also receives 1167 mm of rainfall annually, which can help remove larger airborne particles from the atmosphere more quickly, like PM10, (particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers or smaller.)

$\"\"$ Air quality in Auckland, New Zealand on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Air quality improvement efforts in Auckland have been ongoing over several years. The city was the cleanest major city in 2024, in part through policies supporting electric vehicles and expanded air quality monitoring to improve public awareness and source mitigation (8).

Air quality policy changes and trends could prove more challenging in the city’s future. While 4.3 µg/m3 is within the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline, it is an uptick from 2024 and 2023 when the annual average PM2.5 concentration was 3.3 and 3.4 µg/m3 respectively.

Activists sued the government in 2025, citing the fact that the government had eliminated 35 climate policies, including a decarbonization plan for industry and a discount for clean energy vehicles (9). In 2026, the government also amended climate laws to shield companies from being sued for greenhouse gas emissions (10).

2. Sydney, Australia

$\"\"$

Sydney, Australia’s air quality remained healthy, with a 2025 annual average PM2.5 concentration of 3.9 µg/m3. The city has met the World Health Organization’s air quality guideline for the past four years.

Australia’s largest city and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney can be affected by bushfires and hazard reduction burns. For instance, the extreme bushfire season of 2019-2020 resulted in the city’s annual average PM2.5 for 2019 being 10.1 µg/m3.

However, the coastal city has taken many proactive steps to maintain clean air quality. Sydney’s bus fleet is expected to be fully electric by 2035 (11). Older vehicles which emit more emissions are also being phased out in the city in favor of EV vehicles.

$\"\"$ Air quality in Sydney, Australia on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.

\n1. Canberra, Australia

$\"\"$

The cleanest major city in the world for 2025 was Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The city’s annual average PM2.5 concentration was 3.6 µg/m3. In 2024, Canberra was the second cleanest major city in the world; it overtook Auckland as the city with the healthiest air quality in 2025.

Though located inland, Canberra is just 65 kilometers from the Pacific coast. This allows it to benefit from pollutant-dispersing breezes, while its relatively small population and limited industrial activity further contribute to its clean air. However, bushfire smoke remains a seasonal challenge, prompting the city to improve air quality monitoring, public alerts, and wood heater emission standards to mitigate impacts.

As Australia’s capital, Canberra both benefits from and contributes to national efforts aimed at reducing air pollution, including strict standards for PM2.5 and efforts to phase out wood heaters, a significant source of winter pollution (12).

Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne’s success in controlling pollution at its source also reflects Australia’s broader commitment to air quality, with national standards for PM2.5 among the strictest in the world (13).

$\"\"$ Air quality in Canberra, Australia on May 12, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Yet, the city’s clean air is not without challenges—wood heater use, bushfires, and dust storms can still cause spikes in PM2.5 concentrations, and ongoing vigilance is required to maintain its leading position. If left unchecked, softening government policies on air quality and environmental law could set back progress made over the years to improve the nation’s air quality. For example, activist groups raised concerns in early 2025 about government efforts to weaken the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act (14)(15).

Conclusion

Even in major cities with the cleanest air, no amount of pollution is entirely safe. Sustained action is essential to maintain progress and protect public health. And as has been seen in some cases, shifting policy focus away from emissions reductions can result in fewer wins in the fight for universally clean air.

Monitoring air quality and advocating for cleaner energy and stronger environmental policies can help ensure that these cities remain models of clean air for the world. Their progress demonstrates that cleaner air in major cities is achievable when monitoring, infrastructure, and long-term policy work together.

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