Grasping the Severity of Hazardous AQI

An Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 is termed \"Hazardous.\" At this extreme, there's a health warning of emergency conditions. The entire population is likely to be severely affected.

\n\n

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

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
How to protect from Hazardous pollution
\n \n $\"Mask$ \n Wear a mask outdoors and indoors GET A MASK\n \n \n	\n \n $\"Air$ \n Run an air purifier GET AN AIR PURIFIER\n \n \n
\n \n $\"Monitor$ \n Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor air GET A MONITOR\n \n \n	\n \n $\"Exercise$ \n Avoid outdoor exercise \n \n

\n

Protective Measures for Hazardous Air Quality

When air quality is hazardous, everyone is at high risk of experiencing strong irritation and negative health effects that could trigger respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

Avoid exercise and remain indoors. Avoid outdoor exercise. It is advisable to wear a pollution mask outdoors and indoors as well. Air purifiers should be turned on. Heed every local health advisory, and ensure homes are sealed effectively against the polluted air.

Join the movement!

Get a monitor and contribute to air quality data in your city

BECOME A CONTRIBUTOR

How can I protect myself when air quality is hazardous?

\nGet a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts and consistently monitor your air quality.
Help increase the amount of ground-level monitors by becoming an air quality contributor. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Note that “Hazardous” pollution levels require a mask even when indoors.Run a high-performance air purifier to filter pollutants, particles, gases, and other contaminants.

How to best protect from air pollution?

Reduce your air pollution exposure

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

\n $\"Mask\"$ \n

Face Mask

\n $\"HPP\"$ \n

Air Purifier

\n $\"AV$ \n

Air quality monitors

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Award-winning, medical-grade & gas/odor filtration for medium to large rooms.

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The public should greatly reduce outdoor exertion. While the broader population might still be largely unaffected, sensitive groups are at much greater health risk and should be very cautious. They should avoid all outdoor activity. How can I protect myself when air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts and consistently monitor your air quality. Help increase the amount of ground-level monitors by becoming an air quality contributor. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Sensitive groups should stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter pollutants, particles, gases, and other contaminants","

Understanding the \"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups\" AQI Range

An Air Quality Index (AQI) between 101-150 is deemed \"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.\" Sensitive groups include:

Children
The Elderly
Pregnant People
People with cardiac and pulmonary diseases

\n\n

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

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
How to protect from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups pollution
\n \n $\"Mask$ \n Wear a mask outdoors and indoors GET A MASK\n \n \n	\n \n $\"Air$ \n Run an air purifier GET AN AIR PURIFIER\n \n \n
\n \n $\"Monitor$ \n Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor air GET A MONITOR\n \n \n	\n \n $\"Exercise$ \n Reduce outdoor exercise \n \n

Protective Measures for Sensitive Groups

When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, everyone is at risk for eye, skin, and throat irritation, as well as respiratory problems. The public should greatly reduce outdoor exertion.

While the broader population might still be largely unaffected, sensitive groups are at much greater health risk and should be very cautious. They should avoid all outdoor activity.

How can I protect myself when air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups?

Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts and consistently monitor your air quality.
Help increase the amount of ground-level monitors by becoming an air quality contributor. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
Sensitive groups should stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
Run a high-performance air purifier to filter pollutants, particles, gases, and other contaminants

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High-performance, comfortable mask with tight seal for better protection.

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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.

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

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

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

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

Mission built on compassion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life changing air cleaning solution

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

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

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

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

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

$\"\"$

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

","cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","gid://shopify/Article/997882986870","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","2025-01-27T04:00:00Z",[612,613],"Cleaner air, healthier kittens: Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue",{"_65":607,"_210":608,"_208":609,"_211":610,"_213":611},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/396322505078","Cat resting next to air purifier.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/KittenRescue_Desk_520x500_b51e6557-89fd-41e0-a21b-816616233043.jpg?v=1739826680",520,271,"Pets","Success Stories",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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 underscores 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 additional 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. Conclusion 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 air quality monitoring; it's about transforming the quality of public health around the world.","

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.

\n
“There’s a significant data gap in Africa when it comes to understanding our air.”
\n
–Dr. Sunkaru Touray, Founder, Permian Health
\n

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.”

\n
“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.”
\n

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 underscores 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 additional 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.

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

\"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.

Conclusion

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 air quality monitoring; it's about transforming the quality of public health around the world.

","permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","gid://shopify/Article/998083264886","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/permian-health-air-quality-crusade-in-gambia","2025-03-24T10:03:00Z",[628,629,613],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s air quality crusade in Gambia",{"_65":625,"_210":626,"_208":627,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/407094034806","Man working on pole","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/PermianHealth_Desk_A_82dc4964-aaa3-4053-96ec-1d5218eb3bd9.jpg?v=1754470616","Community","Featured Contributor",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of air quality data, air quality monitors, and public awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen. In 2024, Pakistan was the third most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 μg/m3 and exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline of 5 μg/m3 by 14.7 times. Numerous cities experienced poor air quality, with high average PM2.5 concentrations measured for Islamabad (52.4 μg/m3), Rawalpindi (65.8 μg/m3), Faisalabad (88.8 μg/m3), Peshawar (91.0 μg/m3), and Lahore (102.1 μg/m3) – all exceeding the WHO recommended guideline by ten times or more. 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 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.” Why Pakistan Needs Reliable Air Quality Data 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. Building Pakistan's National Air Quality Network WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing air quality sensors in key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. By coordinating 15 monitoring stations under one national initiative, WWF-Pakistan now operates the country’s largest organized air quality monitoring network, making real-time data accessible to both citizens and policymakers. 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. Using Air Quality Data to Combat Pollution in Pakistan 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. With 18,800 followers across its national network, WWF-Pakistan is sharing that data every day with citizens who urgently need real-time air quality information to help protect themselves from pollution. Pakistan's Long-Term Pollution Solutions 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.” In October 2024, WWF-Pakistan warned that Lahore’s air quality posed a terrible threat to public health, recommending a number of changes to government policy including helping farmers manage crop waste, expanding mass transit, and improving zoning laws to reduce industrial pollution away from residents. It also noted that low-cost air quality monitoring systems could be used to uncover air pollution hotspots along traffic routes. Armed with that information, governments could restrict heavy transport vehicles or develop alternate routes to avoid congestion (1). Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 60 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2025 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 air quality data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. And by increasing the footprint of air quality monitors across the country, innovative solutions to persistent pollution problems can be put into play. 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, severe air pollution silently impacts public health and well-being nationwide. Yet, due to a dire lack of air quality data, air quality monitors, and public awareness, the scale of the threat remains largely unseen.

In 2024, Pakistan was the third most polluted country in the world, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 73.7 μg/m3 and exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual guideline of 5 μg/m3 by 14.7 times. Numerous cities experienced poor air quality, with high average PM2.5 concentrations measured for Islamabad (52.4 μg/m3), Rawalpindi (65.8 μg/m3), Faisalabad (88.8 μg/m3), Peshawar (91.0 μg/m3), and Lahore (102.1 μg/m3) – all exceeding the WHO recommended guideline by ten times or more.

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 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.”

Why Pakistan Needs Reliable Air Quality Data

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.

Building Pakistan's National Air Quality Network

WWF-Pakistan’s initiative, which involves installing air quality sensors in key cities across the country, marks a critical step in Pakistan’s battle against air pollution. By coordinating 15 monitoring stations under one national initiative, WWF-Pakistan now operates the country’s largest organized air quality monitoring network, making real-time data accessible to both citizens and policymakers.

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.

Using Air Quality Data to Combat Pollution in Pakistan

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.

With 18,800 followers across its national network, WWF-Pakistan is sharing that data every day with citizens who urgently need real-time air quality information to help protect themselves from pollution.

Pakistan's Long-Term Pollution Solutions

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.”

In October 2024, WWF-Pakistan warned that Lahore’s air quality posed a terrible threat to public health, recommending a number of changes to government policy including helping farmers manage crop waste, expanding mass transit, and improving zoning laws to reduce industrial pollution away from residents.

It also noted that low-cost air quality monitoring systems could be used to uncover air pollution hotspots along traffic routes. Armed with that information, governments could restrict heavy transport vehicles or develop alternate routes to avoid congestion (1).

Beyond their air quality monitoring project, the WWF-Pakistan team oversees more than 60 active environmental protection initiatives in FY 2025 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 air quality data, technology, and collective will in addressing one of today’s most pressing challenges. And by increasing the footprint of air quality monitors across the country, innovative solutions to persistent pollution problems can be put into play.

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/997495079286","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-wwf-pakistan","2025-11-12T17:43:03Z",[628,629,613],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_65":643,"_210":644,"_208":645,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/410126352758","WWF Team standing Next to Solar Panel","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_PakistanContributor_Desk_A_a18d7b5d-29f7-4e70-ad5d-e0c4f15aebc6.jpg?v=1762969386",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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/607976751403","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-kenya","2025-12-01T04:00:00Z",[629,613],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_65":659,"_210":660,"_208":661,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415907709302","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_e5ca2c63-ae6e-4f33-85d4-be4ab18dbeb7.jpg?v=1779905059",{"_101":591,"_83":714,"_11":715,"_73":716,"_595":716,"_75":717,"_77":718,"_67":719,"_65":720,"_601":721,"_114":-5,"_79":722,"_81":723,"_71":724,"_85":725},{"_101":591,"_83":698,"_11":699,"_73":700,"_595":700,"_75":701,"_77":702,"_67":703,"_65":704,"_601":705,"_114":-5,"_79":706,"_81":707,"_71":708,"_85":709},{"_101":591,"_83":683,"_11":684,"_73":685,"_595":685,"_75":686,"_77":687,"_67":688,"_65":689,"_601":690,"_114":-5,"_79":691,"_81":692,"_71":693,"_85":694},{"_101":591,"_83":666,"_11":667,"_73":668,"_595":668,"_75":669,"_77":670,"_67":671,"_65":672,"_601":673,"_114":-5,"_79":674,"_81":675,"_71":676,"_85":677},{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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/606869127467","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/hidden-dangers-scented-candles","2016-12-04T22:35:53Z",[681,682],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_65":678,"_210":679,"_208":680,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405721284982","Two lit candles","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/49_scented_desktop_RE_3518d342-9492-4308-82e5-ee4111074a17.jpg?v=1749633010","Health and Wellness","Popular articles",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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/606869356843","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/himalayan-salt-lamp-debunked","2019-06-17T13:49:29Z",[312,681,682],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_65":695,"_210":696,"_208":697,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406288400758","Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_HimalayanSalt_061419_750_ebdb5244-3cb4-49a7-b887-47de5134ba96.jpg?v=1751543557",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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/606869193003","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-work-air-purifier-myths-and-facts-debunked","2022-01-02T14:14:32Z",[713,681,682],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_65":710,"_210":711,"_208":712,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/408358224246","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/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_misconceptions-about-air-purifiers_5058ed72-2e8d-4b0f-9570-93510f9f1f89.jpg?v=1758212336","Air Cleaning Technology",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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/606869291307","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/how-to-protect-yourself-from-wildfire-smoke","2025-07-01T20:46:00Z",[312,729,682,313],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_65":726,"_210":727,"_208":728,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415911739766","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_eab3c656-163e-406c-84fa-969d40e0f981.jpg?v=1779917280","Climate",{"_101":591,"_83":813,"_11":814,"_73":815,"_595":816,"_75":817,"_77":818,"_67":819,"_65":820,"_601":821,"_114":-5,"_79":822,"_81":823,"_71":824,"_85":825},{"_101":591,"_83":798,"_11":799,"_73":800,"_595":801,"_75":802,"_77":803,"_67":804,"_65":805,"_601":806,"_114":-5,"_79":807,"_81":808,"_71":809,"_85":810},{"_101":591,"_83":783,"_11":784,"_73":785,"_595":786,"_75":787,"_77":788,"_67":789,"_65":790,"_601":791,"_114":-5,"_79":792,"_81":793,"_71":794,"_85":795},{"_101":591,"_83":768,"_11":769,"_73":770,"_595":771,"_75":772,"_77":773,"_67":774,"_65":775,"_601":776,"_114":-5,"_79":777,"_81":778,"_71":779,"_85":780},{"_101":591,"_83":753,"_11":754,"_73":755,"_595":756,"_75":757,"_77":758,"_67":759,"_65":760,"_601":761,"_114":-5,"_79":762,"_81":763,"_71":764,"_85":765},{"_101":591,"_83":736,"_11":737,"_73":738,"_595":739,"_75":740,"_77":741,"_67":742,"_65":743,"_601":744,"_114":-5,"_79":745,"_81":746,"_71":747,"_85":748},{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Bain Fire in California and how it is affecting air quality in Riverside County.","

Find out more about the Bain Fire in California and how it is affecting air quality in Riverside County.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of May 30, 2026, the Bain Fire was active along the Santa Ana River Bottom off Limonite Avenue and Bain Street in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, California (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? Cities affected by the wildfire included: Jurupa Valley Norco Riverside Wildfire smoke also affected air quality in many neighboring cities in Southern California. What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of May 30, 2026, the Bain Fire had burned 1,497.1 acres and reached 100% containment (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? All evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, and related alerts have since been lifted following full containment of the fire. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. On May 30, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 30, 2026, the Bain Fire was active along the Santa Ana River Bottom off Limonite Avenue and Bain Street in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, California (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

Cities affected by the wildfire included:

Wildfire smoke also affected air quality in many neighboring cities in Southern California.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of May 30, 2026, the Bain Fire had burned 1,497.1 acres and reached 100% containment (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

All evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, and related alerts have since been lifted following full containment of the fire.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

On May 30, 2026, this fire was 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-bain-fire-california","gid://shopify/Article/1001464103286","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-bain-fire-california","2026-05-30T08:54:08Z",[312,729,313],"Wildfire map spotlight: Bain Fire, California",{"_65":749,"_210":-5,"_208":750,"_211":751,"_213":752},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416046219638","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire11Desktop_085c71ef-d0f0-42c5-aada-3e64511e4b92.jpg?v=1780328660",839,674,{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Johannesburg's air quality is deteriorating as winter sets in, with coal-fired power plants, domestic burning, and industrial emissions contributing to unhealthy conditions. Learn more about the causes, affected areas, and expected changes.","

Johannesburg's air quality is deteriorating as winter sets in, with coal-fired power plants, domestic burning, and industrial emissions contributing to unhealthy conditions. Learn more about the causes, affected areas, and expected changes.

","Is the air quality good in Johannesburg? As of May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time, GMT+2), air quality in Johannesburg, South Africa, is poor, with the AQI at 170, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant. Johannesburg ranks as the most polluted major city in the world at this hour. These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Johannesburg for 2025 was 17.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 66, classified as \"moderate\" and 3.42 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Today's readings are significantly above that annual average, reflecting an acute winter pollution episode. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Johannesburg's air quality map. Johannesburg, South Africa, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Johannesburg? The southern hemisphere winter, running from June through August, typically sees much higher pollution levels than the rest of the year, as weather conditions in winter are far more prone to smog formation with less sunlight, less vertical mixing, and pollutants accumulating near the ground. Meaningful relief is unlikely until spring brings warmer temperatures, stronger winds, and improved atmospheric mixing from September onwards (1). Hourly air quality forecast for Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Johannesburg? Johannesburg's unique topography on the Highveld escarpment, combined with high pressure systems, results in calm conditions with minimal wind, causing air pollution to become trapped over the city. The Johannesburg-Pretoria urban area sits in close proximity to the most industrialized region of South Africa, where coal mining, coal-fired power stations, and energy-intensive petrochemical, chemical, and steel industries generate significant pollutant loads (2). In winter, emissions increase as people burn wood and coal for cooking and heating, there are more grass and veld fires, and conditions are dry and dusty, causing air to recirculate over the region and accumulate pollution. The main sources are coal-fired power stations, industries, vehicles, prescribed burning, solid fuels for cooking and heating, and waste burning. High PM2.5 levels correlate with elevated SO2 and NO2, indicating that coal and fossil fuel combustion from power plants and industry, rather than open fires alone, are the primary drivers of the most severe pollution episodes (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Johannesburg?

As of May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time, GMT+2), air quality in Johannesburg, South Africa, is poor, with the AQI at 170, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.

Johannesburg ranks as the most polluted major city in the world at this hour. These conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

The annual average PM2.5 concentration in Johannesburg for 2025 was 17.1 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 66, classified as \"moderate\" and 3.42 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Today's readings are significantly above that annual average, reflecting an acute winter pollution episode.

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

$\"\"$ Johannesburg, South Africa, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Johannesburg?

The southern hemisphere winter, running from June through August, typically sees much higher pollution levels than the rest of the year, as weather conditions in winter are far more prone to smog formation with less sunlight, less vertical mixing, and pollutants accumulating near the ground.

Meaningful relief is unlikely until spring brings warmer temperatures, stronger winds, and improved atmospheric mixing from September onwards (1).

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Johannesburg, South Africa, on May 31, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg's unique topography on the Highveld escarpment, combined with high pressure systems, results in calm conditions with minimal wind, causing air pollution to become trapped over the city.

The Johannesburg-Pretoria urban area sits in close proximity to the most industrialized region of South Africa, where coal mining, coal-fired power stations, and energy-intensive petrochemical, chemical, and steel industries generate significant pollutant loads (2).

In winter, emissions increase as people burn wood and coal for cooking and heating, there are more grass and veld fires, and conditions are dry and dusty, causing air to recirculate over the region and accumulate pollution.

The main sources are coal-fired power stations, industries, vehicles, prescribed burning, solid fuels for cooking and heating, and waste burning. High PM2.5 levels correlate with elevated SO2 and NO2, indicating that coal and fossil fuel combustion from power plants and industry, rather than open fires alone, are the primary drivers of the most severe pollution episodes (3).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

","johannesburg-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-31-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1001577513334","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/johannesburg-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-31-2026","2026-05-31T09:30:03Z",[312,729],"May 31, 2026: Johannesburg among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_65":766,"_210":-5,"_208":767,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416014467446","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/JohannesburgDesktop_06680ac8-0074-4335-b4d7-3f35680c6e98.jpg?v=1780219811",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Saharan dust plume affecting parts of the Caribbean, Florida, and surrounding regions, including air quality impacts and public health guidance.","

Find out more about the Saharan dust plume affecting parts of the Caribbean, Florida, and surrounding regions, including air quality impacts and public health guidance.

","What is the location of the dust storm? As of May 31, 2026, a large Saharan dust plume, known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), is moving westward from the Sahara Desert in North Africa across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean, affecting air quality across parts of the region. The dust plume has reached the Cayman Islands and is affecting parts of Jamaica while extending across portions of the Caribbean Sea. Additional impacts are expected across Puerto Rico, the Windward Islands, and portions of Florida, particularly South Florida and Key West (1). In Colombia, minor concentrations have been detected along the Colombian Caribbean coast and near the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina (2). The event is part of a recurring seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that transports mineral-rich dust thousands of miles across the Atlantic. Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm? The cities and areas affected by the Saharan dust plume include: Bahamas Cayman Islands Colombian Caribbean coast Florida Gulf region Jamaica Key West, Florida Puerto Rico San Andrés Santa Catalina South Florida Providencia Windward Islands In Colombia, impacts are expected mainly across northern Caribbean areas including Magdalena, Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba, as well as sectors of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago (3). How long will the dust storm last? Current forecasts indicate that the Saharan dust plume will remain over portions of the Caribbean through the weekend and into early next week. Puerto Rico is expected to experience a denser plume on June 1 and June 2. Forecasters are also monitoring an additional dust plume that could reach the Cayman Islands around Tuesday evening, which may prolong air quality impacts into the following week. Multiple Saharan dust outbreaks are expected to continue moving across the Caribbean at intervals of approximately five to seven days into early June (4). Are there any alerts in place? Several public health advisories and air quality alerts have been issued across affected regions. In Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has urged residents to limit exposure to Saharan dust due to increased risks of respiratory illness, allergies, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Residents with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions have been advised to remain indoors when possible and use protective measures when outdoors (5). In Puerto Rico, weather officials have warned that sensitive groups, including people with respiratory conditions, may experience health effects as dust concentrations increase, particularly during June 1 and June 2. In the Cayman Islands, health guidance recommends reducing strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, wearing masks outdoors when necessary, and using air purifiers indoors, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. No evacuation orders or evacuation centers have been reported in connection with this Saharan dust event. Current alerts focus on air quality advisories and public health precautions. 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.","

What is the location of the dust storm?

As of May 31, 2026, a large Saharan dust plume, known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), is moving westward from the Sahara Desert in North Africa across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Caribbean, affecting air quality across parts of the region.

The dust plume has reached the Cayman Islands and is affecting parts of Jamaica while extending across portions of the Caribbean Sea. Additional impacts are expected across Puerto Rico, the Windward Islands, and portions of Florida, particularly South Florida and Key West (1).

In Colombia, minor concentrations have been detected along the Colombian Caribbean coast and near the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina (2).

The event is part of a recurring seasonal atmospheric phenomenon that transports mineral-rich dust thousands of miles across the Atlantic.

Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm?

The cities and areas affected by the Saharan dust plume include:

Bahamas
Cayman Islands
Colombian Caribbean coast
Florida Gulf region
Jamaica
\nKey West, Florida
Puerto Rico
San Andrés
Santa Catalina
South Florida
Providencia
Windward Islands

In Colombia, impacts are expected mainly across northern Caribbean areas including Magdalena, Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba, as well as sectors of the San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago (3).

How long will the dust storm last?

Current forecasts indicate that the Saharan dust plume will remain over portions of the Caribbean through the weekend and into early next week.

Puerto Rico is expected to experience a denser plume on June 1 and June 2. Forecasters are also monitoring an additional dust plume that could reach the Cayman Islands around Tuesday evening, which may prolong air quality impacts into the following week.

Multiple Saharan dust outbreaks are expected to continue moving across the Caribbean at intervals of approximately five to seven days into early June (4).

Are there any alerts in place?

Several public health advisories and air quality alerts have been issued across affected regions. In Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has urged residents to limit exposure to Saharan dust due to increased risks of respiratory illness, allergies, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Residents with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions have been advised to remain indoors when possible and use protective measures when outdoors (5).

In Puerto Rico, weather officials have warned that sensitive groups, including people with respiratory conditions, may experience health effects as dust concentrations increase, particularly during June 1 and June 2.

In the Cayman Islands, health guidance recommends reducing strenuous outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, wearing masks outdoors when necessary, and using air purifiers indoors, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.

No evacuation orders or evacuation centers have been reported in connection with this Saharan dust event. Current alerts focus on air quality advisories and public health precautions.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

","caribbean-air-quality-alert-saharan-dust-storm","gid://shopify/Article/1001578561910","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/caribbean-air-quality-alert-saharan-dust-storm","2026-05-31T13:11:16Z",[312,729],"Caribbean Air Quality Alert: Saharan Dust Plume",{"_65":781,"_210":-5,"_208":782,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416017580406","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/DustStorm2Desktop_7ac9d029-77c5-4170-8051-32ff5fe79b81.jpg?v=1780234014",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Seven Cabins Fire burning in the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico, including evacuation updates, affected communities, and containment efforts.","

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

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of June 1, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire is burning in the Capitan Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln County, New Mexico, near Capitan Gap Road east of Capitan (1). The wildfire is located north of Capitan and approximately 25 miles northeast of Ruidoso in the Lincoln National Forest region. The fire is spreading through dry fuels and rugged terrain within the Peppin Fire burn scar area, creating difficult firefighting conditions. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Seven Cabins Fire include: Boy Scout Mountain Capitan Mountain Wilderness Copeland Canyon Encinoso Gap Road Lincoln Pine Lodge area Ruidoso State Highway 246 corridor What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of June 1, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned approximately 29,351 acres and remains 53% contained. Fire crews are using both direct and indirect suppression strategies to slow the fire’s spread, particularly south of Highway 246 and around the Pine Lodge area. More than 200 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, dozers, and water tenders, are assigned to the incident. Strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels continue to create critical fire weather conditions that may contribute to additional fire growth (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas impacted by the Seven Cabins Fire. A Level 3 GO evacuation order has been issued for zones LIU-115 and LIU-118, as well as areas between State Highway 246 and the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains between Gap Road and Boy Scout Mountain. Residents in these areas are advised to leave immediately for their safety. Emergency shelters for livestock have been established in Capitan and Lincoln. Small livestock such as horses, goats, pigs, and chickens can be taken to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan, while assistance for larger livestock is available through local emergency management services. Authorities have also issued forest closure orders around the Capitan Mountains Wilderness Area and implemented temporary flight restrictions to support firefighting aircraft 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 June 1, 2026, this fire is 53% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

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

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

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

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

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

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

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of June 1, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned approximately 29,351 acres and remains 53% contained.

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

More than 200 personnel, along with helicopters, engines, dozers, and water tenders, are assigned to the incident. Strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels continue to create critical fire weather conditions that may contribute to additional fire growth (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas impacted by the Seven Cabins Fire. A Level 3 GO evacuation order has been issued for zones LIU-115 and LIU-118, as well as areas between State Highway 246 and the ridge top of the Capitan Mountains between Gap Road and Boy Scout Mountain. Residents in these areas are advised to leave immediately for their safety.

Emergency shelters for livestock have been established in Capitan and Lincoln. Small livestock such as horses, goats, pigs, and chickens can be taken to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan, while assistance for larger livestock is available through local emergency management services.

Authorities have also issued forest closure orders around the Capitan Mountains Wilderness Area and implemented temporary flight restrictions to support firefighting aircraft 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 June 1, 2026, this fire is 53% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-seven-cabins-fire-new-mexico","gid://shopify/Article/1001423602038","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-seven-cabins-fire-new-mexico","2026-06-01T06:19:53Z",[312,729,313],"Wildfire map spotlight: Seven Cabins Fire, New Mexico",{"_65":796,"_210":-5,"_208":797,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416029507958","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_90d2b78a-3ff6-49c3-85d6-8f36aeb591cf.jpg?v=1780294802",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"A severe heatwave is affecting India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) across the region. Learn more about ongoing heat risks and alerts.","

A severe heatwave is affecting India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C) across the region. Learn more about ongoing heat risks and alerts.

","Why is there a heatwave in South Asia? As of June 1, 2026, a prolonged heatwave is affecting South Asia, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface. Temperatures in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching or exceeding 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit) (1). The heat arrived earlier than the typical May-June season. High-pressure systems dominate, trapping hot air near the surface like a dome, preventing it from rising and cooling, while sinking air compresses, warms, and blocks clouds, allowing relentless solar heating (2). Climate scientists say meteorological conditions are up to 4°C warmer than in the past, mostly ascribing the increased heat to human-driven climate change. Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave? Several major cities across South Asia are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event, some of the affected include: India: Aheri, Ahmedabad, Barmer, Bikaner, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Vijayawada. Pakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat. Afghanistan: Farah, Kandahar Lashkar Gah and Mirabad. How long will the heatwave last? The heatwave began in early April 2026 and is expected to persist through the summer months across parts of South Asia. Forecasts for India and Pakistan indicate above-normal heatwave activity through the April–June period, while Afghanistan is also expected to experience prolonged extreme heat, particularly in southern regions where temperatures commonly reach 36–43°C (97–109°F) (3). Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) are likely to continue across much of the region until seasonal monsoon rainfall brings gradual relief later in the summer. It is possible that a strong El Niño projected for this summer may also contribute to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather in South Asia (4). Are there any alerts in place? Multiple heat alerts are active across South Asia. Several regions in India were placed under orange alert for heatwave conditions, with authorities warning of increased heat-related illnesses and directing hospitals and livestock services to prepare accordingly (5). In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and advised residents to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated. Both countries have Heat Action Plans coordinated through disaster management authorities (6). Afghanistan's extreme summer heat typically affects outdoor workers and vulnerable populations, though formal heat-specific alert systems are limited compared to neighboring countries. Residents are advised to stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun exposure, drink fluids, and check on elderly individuals. Outdoor workers should reschedule activities to cooler hours.","

Why is there a heatwave in South Asia?

As of June 1, 2026, a prolonged heatwave is affecting South Asia, driven by strong high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface. Temperatures in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan have soared well above seasonal averages, with some areas approaching or exceeding 45-50 degrees Celsius (113-122 degrees Fahrenheit) (1).

The heat arrived earlier than the typical May-June season. High-pressure systems dominate, trapping hot air near the surface like a dome, preventing it from rising and cooling, while sinking air compresses, warms, and blocks clouds, allowing relentless solar heating (2).

Climate scientists say meteorological conditions are up to 4°C warmer than in the past, mostly ascribing the increased heat to human-driven climate change.

Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?

Several major cities across South Asia are experiencing extreme heat during this heatwave event, some of the affected include:

\nIndia: Aheri, Ahmedabad, Barmer, Bikaner, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Vijayawada.
\nPakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat.
\nAfghanistan: Farah, Kandahar Lashkar Gah and Mirabad.

How long will the heatwave last?

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

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

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

It is possible that a strong El Niño projected for this summer may also contribute to more intense, longer-lasting heat waves and dry weather in South Asia (4).

Are there any alerts in place?

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

In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that heatwave conditions are expected to persist and advised residents to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated.

Both countries have Heat Action Plans coordinated through disaster management authorities (6).

Afghanistan's extreme summer heat typically affects outdoor workers and vulnerable populations, though formal heat-specific alert systems are limited compared to neighboring countries.

Residents are advised to stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun exposure, drink fluids, and check on elderly individuals. Outdoor workers should reschedule activities to cooler hours.

","heatwave-map-spotlight-south-asia","gid://shopify/Article/1001359409526","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-south-asia","2026-06-01T06:20:47Z",[312,729],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Asia",{"_65":811,"_210":-5,"_208":812,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416029573494","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_8afac9d9-35ba-4007-83ad-8c8608b9a917.jpg?v=1780294856",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the current air quality situation in Jakarta, Indonesia, including pollution causes, health concerns, and expected improvements.","

Find out more about the current air quality situation in Jakarta, Indonesia, including pollution causes, health concerns, and expected improvements.

","Is the air quality good in Jakarta? As of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time), air quality in Jakarta, Indonesia, is poor, with an AQI of 153, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant. These conditions pose elevated health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. While air quality today is poor, broader annual trends underscore the severity of the pollution problem. PM2.5 levels across the greater Jakarta metropolitan area averaged 34.1 µg/m³ in 2025, corresponding to an AQI of 97, near the upper end of the moderate range and approaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while remaining nearly six times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Jakarta’s air quality map. Jakarta, Indonesia, ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city, as of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Jakarta? Air quality is forecast to remain poor through at least tomorrow, indicating that significant improvement is not expected in the immediate term. Hourly air quality forecast for Jakarta, Indonesia, as of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. Research and policy assessments suggest that sustained pollution control measures can improve air quality over time, as seen during periods when emissions reduction efforts were more effective (1). Air quality map of Jakarta, Indonesia, as of June 1, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Jakarta? Current poor air quality in Jakarta is primarily linked to heavy traffic congestion and the resumption of normal commuting activity following the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. Major contributors to Jakarta's air pollution include: Motor vehicle emissions from dense urban traffic Industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion Coal-fired power plant emissions in and around the Jakarta region Waste burning and construction-related emissions Seasonal pollution events, including biomass burning and forest fire smoke Research indicates that Jakarta's rapid urbanization and industrial growth have increased concentrations of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO), all of which can negatively affect public health (2). Recent policy analysis identifies transportation as one of the largest contributors to Jakarta's air pollution burden. Industrial facilities and power generation sources also remain significant contributors and may require stronger emissions controls (3). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Jakarta?

As of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time), air quality in Jakarta, Indonesia, is poor, with an AQI of 153, classified as \"unhealthy,\" with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.

These conditions pose elevated health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

While air quality today is poor, broader annual trends underscore the severity of the pollution problem. PM2.5 levels across the greater Jakarta metropolitan area averaged 34.1 µg/m³ in 2025, corresponding to an AQI of 97, near the upper end of the moderate range and approaching “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while remaining nearly six times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

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

$\"\"$ Jakarta, Indonesia, ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city, as of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Jakarta?

Air quality is forecast to remain poor through at least tomorrow, indicating that significant improvement is not expected in the immediate term.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Jakarta, Indonesia, as of June 1, 2026, at 12:30 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

Research and policy assessments suggest that sustained pollution control measures can improve air quality over time, as seen during periods when emissions reduction efforts were more effective (1).

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Jakarta, Indonesia, as of June 1, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Jakarta?

Current poor air quality in Jakarta is primarily linked to heavy traffic congestion and the resumption of normal commuting activity following the Eid al-Fitr holiday period.

Major contributors to Jakarta's air pollution include:

Motor vehicle emissions from dense urban traffic
Industrial activities and fossil fuel combustion
Coal-fired power plant emissions in and around the Jakarta region
Waste burning and construction-related emissions
Seasonal pollution events, including biomass burning and forest fire smoke

Research indicates that Jakarta's rapid urbanization and industrial growth have increased concentrations of pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO), all of which can negatively affect public health (2).

Recent policy analysis identifies transportation as one of the largest contributors to Jakarta's air pollution burden. Industrial facilities and power generation sources also remain significant contributors and may require stronger emissions controls (3).

\n\n

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

","jakarta-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-6-1-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1001583214966","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/jakarta-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-6-1-2026","2026-06-01T07:15:21Z",[312,729],"June 1, 2026: Jakarta among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_65":826,"_210":827,"_208":828,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416031703414","Polluted skies of Jakarta","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/JakartaDesktop_acd11cc2-c098-49f6-9401-a4c4c8f679b0.jpg?v=1780301810",{"_101":591,"_83":848,"_11":849,"_73":850,"_595":851,"_75":852,"_77":853,"_67":854,"_65":855,"_601":856,"_114":-5,"_79":857,"_81":858,"_71":859,"_85":860},{"_101":591,"_83":831,"_11":832,"_73":833,"_595":834,"_75":835,"_77":836,"_67":837,"_65":838,"_601":839,"_114":-5,"_79":840,"_81":841,"_71":842,"_85":843},{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Discover how air purifiers help with allergies. Learn about filtration technologies, selecting the right purifier, and managing allergy symptoms effectively.","

Discover how air purifiers help with allergies. Learn about filtration technologies, selecting the right purifier, and managing allergy symptoms effectively.

","Yes. Air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergens—but how much they help depends on how they work and what they are designed to remove. Many people seek relief from allergies by turning to air purifiers—but their effectiveness depends on how they work and what they are designed to remove. Understanding Allergies Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to otherwise harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. These allergens are often airborne, which is why air quality plays a role in symptom management. The role of air purifiers Air purifiers are designed to eliminate airborne pollutants and contaminants from the air, including allergens. By capturing and trapping allergenic particles, air purifiers aim to create a cleaner and healthier indoor environment, reducing exposure to allergens and alleviating allergy symptoms. However, the effectiveness of air purifiers in managing allergies depends on various factors, including the type of allergens present, the filtration technology used, and the size of the space being treated. When air purifiers help—and when they don’t Air purifiers can reduce airborne allergens, but they are not a complete solution on their own. They are most effective for particles that remain suspended in the air, such as pollen or pet dander. However, allergens that settle on surfaces—like dust mites in bedding or carpets—require additional cleaning and environmental controls. Filtration technologies and allergen removal HEPA Filters HEPA filters are widely used for capturing airborne particles. They have a remarkable capability to capture particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with great efficiency. This makes them highly effective in removing various allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from the air. HEPA filters consist of tightly packed fibers that form a complex network, which traps airborne particles as the air flows through. As a result, they play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and alleviating allergy symptoms for individuals sensitive to common airborne allergens. Activated Carbon Filters While HyperHEPA filters excel at capturing particulate matter, activated carbon filters offer a unique advantage in adsorbing odors, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Activated carbon is highly porous, providing a large surface area for chemical interactions to occur. As air passes through the carbon filter, odorous molecules and chemical pollutants become trapped within the carbon pores through a process known as adsorption, effectively removing them from the air stream. This makes activated carbon filters an invaluable addition to air purifiers, particularly in environments where odors and chemical emissions are a concern. By addressing both particulate and gaseous pollutants, activated carbon filters contribute to creating a cleaner, fresher indoor environment, promoting respiratory health and overall well-being. HyperHEPA Filters HyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns, including viruses, bacteria, and combustion particles. Effectiveness of air purifiers in managing allergies Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of air purifiers in reducing allergy symptoms and improving overall indoor air quality (1)(2). While results may change depending on individual circumstances, research suggests that air purifiers can indeed help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing the concentration of allergens in the air. However, it's essential to note that top-rated air purifiers should be used as part of a comprehensive allergy management plan, which may include allergen avoidance strategies, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Selecting the right air purifier for allergies Choosing an air purifier for allergies depends on matching the system to the type of allergens present and the size of the space. Filtration Efficiency Consider air purifiers that come with High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to remove allergens effectively. HyperHEPA filters are highly efficient in capturing particles as tiny as 0.003 microns, capturing common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from the air. Opting for an air purifier with a HyperHEPA filter assures you of its ability to provide clean and allergen-free air for you and your loved ones. Room Size Consider the size of the room or area where the air purifier will be used to ensure adequate coverage and optimal performance. Select a model that is suitable for the square footage of the space and taking into account factors such as ceiling height and air circulation. An air purifier that is too small for the room may struggle to filter the air effectively, while one that is too large may consume unnecessary energy. By choosing a properly sized air purifier, you can ensure that allergens are efficiently removed from the air, providing relief from allergy symptoms throughout the entire space. Additional Features Look for air purifiers with additional features that enhance convenience and usability while further improving indoor air quality. Features such as air quality sensors can automatically adjust the purification settings based on the detected level of airborne pollutants, ensuring optimal performance at all times. Programmable timers allow you to schedule operations according to your lifestyle, while quiet operation ensures minimal disruption, especially during nighttime use. By choosing an air purifier with these additional features, you can enjoy enhanced convenience and peace of mind, knowing that your indoor air is being effectively purified to alleviate allergy symptoms and promote respiratory health. Frequently Asked Questions Do air purifiers help with pet allergies? Yes. Air purifiers with HyperHEPA or HEPA filters effectively capture pet dander, a common allergen, reducing symptoms for those with pet allergies. For best results, run the purifier continuously in rooms where pets spend time. Can an air purifier remove pollen from indoor air? Absolutely. HyperHEPA filters are highly effective at trapping pollen particles, which are a major trigger for seasonal allergies. Consider placing the purifier near windows or entryways to intercept pollen before it spreads. How quickly do air purifiers reduce allergy symptoms? Many users notice a difference within hours, but it may take a few days of continuous use to significantly reduce allergen levels. For severe allergies, combine air purification with regular cleaning and allergen avoidance strategies. Are there air purifiers specifically designed for allergy sufferers? Yes. Look for models with HyperHEPA filtration and features like air quality sensors or auto mode for real-time adjustments. Do air purifiers help with dust mite allergies? Yes. HyperHEPA filters capture dust mite debris and feces, which are common triggers. To maximize effectiveness, vacuum and wash bedding regularly, and use an air purifier in the bedroom where dust mites are most concentrated. Conclusion Air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergen levels and support allergy management—but they work best as part of a broader strategy that includes cleaning, ventilation, and exposure reduction. While they may not provide a complete solution on their own, when used in conjunction with other allergy management strategies, air purifiers can be a valuable tool in the battle against allergies.","

Yes. Air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergens—but how much they help depends on how they work and what they are designed to remove.

Many people seek relief from allergies by turning to air purifiers—but their effectiveness depends on how they work and what they are designed to remove.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to otherwise harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. These allergens are often airborne, which is why air quality plays a role in symptom management.

The role of air purifiers

Air purifiers are designed to eliminate airborne pollutants and contaminants from the air, including allergens. By capturing and trapping allergenic particles, air purifiers aim to create a cleaner and healthier indoor environment, reducing exposure to allergens and alleviating allergy symptoms.

However, the effectiveness of air purifiers in managing allergies depends on various factors, including the type of allergens present, the filtration technology used, and the size of the space being treated.

When air purifiers help—and when they don’t

Air purifiers can reduce airborne allergens, but they are not a complete solution on their own.

They are most effective for particles that remain suspended in the air, such as pollen or pet dander. However, allergens that settle on surfaces—like dust mites in bedding or carpets—require additional cleaning and environmental controls.

Filtration technologies and allergen removal

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are widely used for capturing airborne particles. They have a remarkable capability to capture particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with great efficiency. This makes them highly effective in removing various allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from the air.

HEPA filters consist of tightly packed fibers that form a complex network, which traps airborne particles as the air flows through. As a result, they play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality and alleviating allergy symptoms for individuals sensitive to common airborne allergens.

Activated Carbon Filters

While HyperHEPA filters excel at capturing particulate matter, activated carbon filters offer a unique advantage in adsorbing odors, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Activated carbon is highly porous, providing a large surface area for chemical interactions to occur.

As air passes through the carbon filter, odorous molecules and chemical pollutants become trapped within the carbon pores through a process known as adsorption, effectively removing them from the air stream. This makes activated carbon filters an invaluable addition to air purifiers, particularly in environments where odors and chemical emissions are a concern. By addressing both particulate and gaseous pollutants, activated carbon filters contribute to creating a cleaner, fresher indoor environment, promoting respiratory health and overall well-being.

HyperHEPA Filters

HyperHEPA filtration is designed to capture ultrafine particles down to 0.003 microns, including viruses, bacteria, and combustion particles.

Effectiveness of air purifiers in managing allergies

Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of air purifiers in reducing allergy symptoms and improving overall indoor air quality (1)(2). While results may change depending on individual circumstances, research suggests that air purifiers can indeed help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing the concentration of allergens in the air.

However, it's essential to note that top-rated air purifiers should be used as part of a comprehensive allergy management plan, which may include allergen avoidance strategies, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

Selecting the right air purifier for allergies

Choosing an air purifier for allergies depends on matching the system to the type of allergens present and the size of the space.

Filtration Efficiency

Consider air purifiers that come with High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to remove allergens effectively. HyperHEPA filters are highly efficient in capturing particles as tiny as 0.003 microns, capturing common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from the air.

Opting for an air purifier with a HyperHEPA filter assures you of its ability to provide clean and allergen-free air for you and your loved ones.

Room Size

Consider the size of the room or area where the air purifier will be used to ensure adequate coverage and optimal performance. Select a model that is suitable for the square footage of the space and taking into account factors such as ceiling height and air circulation.

An air purifier that is too small for the room may struggle to filter the air effectively, while one that is too large may consume unnecessary energy. By choosing a properly sized air purifier, you can ensure that allergens are efficiently removed from the air, providing relief from allergy symptoms throughout the entire space.

Additional Features

Look for air purifiers with additional features that enhance convenience and usability while further improving indoor air quality. Features such as air quality sensors can automatically adjust the purification settings based on the detected level of airborne pollutants, ensuring optimal performance at all times.

Programmable timers allow you to schedule operations according to your lifestyle, while quiet operation ensures minimal disruption, especially during nighttime use. By choosing an air purifier with these additional features, you can enjoy enhanced convenience and peace of mind, knowing that your indoor air is being effectively purified to alleviate allergy symptoms and promote respiratory health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do air purifiers help with pet allergies?

Yes. Air purifiers with HyperHEPA or HEPA filters effectively capture pet dander, a common allergen, reducing symptoms for those with pet allergies. For best results, run the purifier continuously in rooms where pets spend time.

Can an air purifier remove pollen from indoor air?

Absolutely. HyperHEPA filters are highly effective at trapping pollen particles, which are a major trigger for seasonal allergies. Consider placing the purifier near windows or entryways to intercept pollen before it spreads.

How quickly do air purifiers reduce allergy symptoms?

Many users notice a difference within hours, but it may take a few days of continuous use to significantly reduce allergen levels. For severe allergies, combine air purification with regular cleaning and allergen avoidance strategies.

Are there air purifiers specifically designed for allergy sufferers?

Yes. Look for models with HyperHEPA filtration and features like air quality sensors or auto mode for real-time adjustments.

Do air purifiers help with dust mite allergies?

Yes. HyperHEPA filters capture dust mite debris and feces, which are common triggers. To maximize effectiveness, vacuum and wash bedding regularly, and use an air purifier in the bedroom where dust mites are most concentrated.

Conclusion

Air purifiers can help reduce airborne allergen levels and support allergy management—but they work best as part of a broader strategy that includes cleaning, ventilation, and exposure reduction.

While they may not provide a complete solution on their own, when used in conjunction with other allergy management strategies, air purifiers can be a valuable tool in the battle against allergies.

","do-air-purifiers-help-with-allergies","gid://shopify/Article/607779422507","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/do-air-purifiers-help-with-allergies","2026-05-25T22:00:00Z",[713,846,847],"Do air purifiers help with allergies?",{"_65":844,"_210":-5,"_208":845,"_211":751,"_213":752},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415846531446","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/PurifiersAllergies_B_0fc8fe6b-ac19-42ba-9774-1002734c0197.jpg?v=1779811809","Allergies and Asthma","Featured articles",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"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.

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A group of researchers at the University of Cincinnati have concluded that early exposure to mold at age 1 significantly increased the risk of asthma by age 7.

The new findings were reported May 30 in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

The study was conducted by using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), which was developed and is being evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The index is generated by collecting dust samples in a home and then analyzing the DNA from some of the molds in the sample.

The process samples 36 different fungi and compares them to a national Relative Moldiness Index Scale that was developed by HUD based on sampling of 1,096 homes nationally. The ERMI method is growing in popularity among professional air quality specialists. But physical inspection for mold and water damage remains the basis of EPA’s recommended mold remediation process.

Here’s a government presentation on ERMI.

Using the ERMI as the basis of the Cincinnati study provided researchers with a standardized approach to quantifying exposures to mold.

Previous studies have linked mold to asthma, but with less-objective precision. For example, a study in 2005 linked mold odor and asthma, though it was unable to draw a connection between asthma and visible mold, water damage or the presence of moisture.

","new-technique-links-early-mold-exposure-asthma","gid://shopify/Article/606880006443","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/new-technique-links-early-mold-exposure-asthma","2016-09-19T18:17:20Z",[14],"New technique links early mold exposure to asthma",{"_65":908,"_210":909,"_208":910,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405535293814","child playing ","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/163_technique_desktop_d1ac41b1-dfb7-4e71-814b-323c50f1fa97.jpg?v=1749029000",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Can an air purifier help protect against hearing loss? Maybe. A study published this summer reported that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents.","Can an air purifier help protect against hearing loss? Maybe. A study published this summer reported that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. The New York University School of Medicine study linked teen hearing loss associated with the inner ear to home exposure to secondhand smoke. In these cases a high-performance air purifier with gas and smoke control might have made a difference.Nearly everyone agrees that the best indoor air quality solution for a home where somebody smokes is to eliminate the source of the smoke. That would mean getting the smoker to seek help and support for quitting. Next best – Make the smoker move the habit outside and declare the home smoke-free. Then, or meanwhile, buy a high-quality air purifier like the IQAir GC MultiGas system with activated carbon and alumina pellet filtration and put it to work. Everyone in the home – and the neighbors too – will benefit.In fact, one leading university recently reported that an air purifier can be as effective as drugs in reducing asthma attacks among children in homes where one or more parents smoke. The study was conducted by The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and reported in the August 2011 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. These results were achieved with low-quality air cleaners. And the kids in the homes with the air cleaners still had lots of nicotine related chemicals in their blood. But on average these same kids suffered 33 fewer days per year enduring severe asthma symptom.Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death worldwide, according to the American Lung Association. Nearly one in five high school adolescents smoke. The new study linking secondhand smoke to adolescent hearing loss is just the latest in a list of smoke-born maladies that should shame every smoker around children to stop. Meanwhile, an air purifier might help everyone around to breathe – and hear – a little better.","

Can an air purifier help protect against hearing loss? Maybe. A study published this summer reported that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke nearly doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. The New York University School of Medicine study linked teen hearing loss associated with the inner ear to home exposure to secondhand smoke. In these cases a high-performance air purifier with gas and smoke control might have made a difference.

Nearly everyone agrees that the best indoor air quality solution for a home where somebody smokes is to eliminate the source of the smoke. That would mean getting the smoker to seek help and support for quitting. Next best – Make the smoker move the habit outside and declare the home smoke-free. Then, or meanwhile, buy a high-quality air purifier like the IQAir GC MultiGas system with activated carbon and alumina pellet filtration and put it to work. Everyone in the home – and the neighbors too – will benefit.

In fact, one leading university recently reported that an air purifier can be as effective as drugs in reducing asthma attacks among children in homes where one or more parents smoke. The study was conducted by The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and reported in the August 2011 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. These results were achieved with low-quality air cleaners. And the kids in the homes with the air cleaners still had lots of nicotine related chemicals in their blood. But on average these same kids suffered 33 fewer days per year enduring severe asthma symptom.

Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death worldwide, according to the American Lung Association. Nearly one in five high school adolescents smoke. The new study linking secondhand smoke to adolescent hearing loss is just the latest in a list of smoke-born maladies that should shame every smoker around children to stop. Meanwhile, an air purifier might help everyone around to breathe – and hear – a little better.

","latest-air-purifier-use-protection-hearing-loss","gid://shopify/Article/606880071979","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/latest-air-purifier-use-protection-hearing-loss","2016-09-19T18:20:00Z",[14],"Latest air purifier use: Protection from hearing loss?",{"_65":923,"_210":924,"_208":925,"_211":926,"_213":927},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405560033654","Woman holds her ear","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/164_hearing_loss_banner.webp?v=1749113228",1600,833,{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Patricia Broadbent, a single mother with a big heart adopted three girls, Hydeia, 20, Tricia, 12, and Shaina, 16. All three have HIV. Through their public work, the Broadbent family has inspired an entire community with their passion and love for life, despite the disease. Yet, funds were tight and their tiny 40 year old cinderblock house was falling apart.The producers of \"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition\" realized, that this family needed more than a cosmetic house remodel. The girls' compromised immune systems and Patricia who had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer needed an extremely healthy house, a house free of mold, allergens, bacteria and viruses.Having already designed a special air filtration system for a previous episode of \"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the IQAir team was asked back with a mission: \"create America's healthiest house for this very special family.\"\"The air quality in this house had to be equal that of the most modern operation theaters,\" said Frank Hammes, President of IQAir. We needed to create a clean haven for the Broadbent family.\"Putting all their resources and best scientists together, IQAir met the challenge and created the most powerful whole house air cleaning system ever. Air freighted from the Swiss production facility to North Las Vegas just hours before the installation, the HyperHEPA®system was the technology buzz of the show.Hosts Ty Pennington and Preston Sharp personally monitored the installation of the IQAir system. \"We don't get things this cool very often,\" Preston, the \"Big Ideas\" man commented.\"I am proud of what we have been able to achieve with the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Team on this project,\" said Frank Hammes. \"It inspired us to create an entirely new product line and make these awesome HyperHEPA®air cleaning systems available to the general public in the Spring of 2005. I think this is what a lot of people have been waiting for.\"","

Patricia Broadbent, a single mother with a big heart adopted three girls, Hydeia, 20, Tricia, 12, and Shaina, 16. All three have HIV. Through their public work, the Broadbent family has inspired an entire community with their passion and love for life, despite the disease. Yet, funds were tight and their tiny 40 year old cinderblock house was falling apart.

The producers of \"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition\" realized, that this family needed more than a cosmetic house remodel. The girls' compromised immune systems and Patricia who had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer needed an extremely healthy house, a house free of mold, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Having already designed a special air filtration system for a previous episode of \"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the IQAir team was asked back with a mission: \"create America's healthiest house for this very special family.\"

\"The air quality in this house had to be equal that of the most modern operation theaters,\" said Frank Hammes, President of IQAir. We needed to create a clean haven for the Broadbent family.\"

Putting all their resources and best scientists together, IQAir met the challenge and created the most powerful whole house air cleaning system ever. Air freighted from the Swiss production facility to North Las Vegas just hours before the installation, the HyperHEPA^®system was the technology buzz of the show.

Hosts Ty Pennington and Preston Sharp personally monitored the installation of the IQAir system. \"We don't get things this cool very often,\" Preston, the \"Big Ideas\" man commented.

\"I am proud of what we have been able to achieve with the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Team on this project,\" said Frank Hammes. \"It inspired us to create an entirely new product line and make these awesome HyperHEPA^®air cleaning systems available to the general public in the Spring of 2005. I think this is what a lot of people have been waiting for.\"

","broadbent-family-we-dont-get-things-cool-very-often","gid://shopify/Article/606880989483","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/broadbent-family-we-dont-get-things-cool-very-often","2016-09-19T20:28:02Z",[681,14],"The Broadbent Family: \"We don't get things this cool very often.\"",{"_65":939,"_210":-5,"_208":940,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405358543222","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/202_broadbent_banner_a99154ab-481e-4ebd-a489-fe0fc64c5fab.jpg?v=1748468662",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Nobody wants to get sick, but when winter comes it seems inevitable that many of us will suffer from the inconvenient but dangerous seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that most people six months or older should get a flu vaccination. The flu vaccination for the 2010/2011 flu season was distributed last fall and is still available, but other preventive measures are important too. A good strategy for fighting off the flu begins with a vaccination for almost everyone, combined with preventive measures to keep unnecessary exposure to the virus at a minimum. That’s where a home air purifier might help. An effective air purification system at home might play an important role in your flu-fighting strategy. And IQAir’s highly acclaimed HealthProPlus HyperHEPAair filtration systems and whole-house Perfect 16 systems are unequalled in removing the smallest airborne contaminants from the air in your home. Scientists say the size of the average flu virus is 80-120 nanometers, or 0.08 to 0.12 microns. A single strand of human hair is about 1,000 times greater in diameter. IQAir’s HyperHEPA filtration system is tested and certified to filter more than 99.5 percent of all particles as small as 3 nanometers. The IQAir HyperHEPA filter in the HealthPro portable air purifier has been certified as H12/13/14, meeting the standards of operating rooms and microbiology labs. The Perfect 16 whole-house system is even more efficient and can filter all of the air in your house. Tests conducted by leading universities have demonstrated that air filtration systems can be effective in removing the influenza virus from the air. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that even the most effective air purifier alone cannot fully protect your family against the virus. The flu can still be spread by coming into contact – or near contact – with someone who already has the flu, especially if that person is sneezing or coughing. Here’s some advice from the CDC to help stop the spread of the flu: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. For more information on fighting off or coping with the flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu.","

Nobody wants to get sick, but when winter comes it seems inevitable that many of us will suffer from the inconvenient but dangerous seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that most people six months or older should get a flu vaccination. The flu vaccination for the 2010/2011 flu season was distributed last fall and is still available, but other preventive measures are important too.

A good strategy for fighting off the flu begins with a vaccination for almost everyone, combined with preventive measures to keep unnecessary exposure to the virus at a minimum. That’s where a home air purifier might help.

An effective air purification system at home might play an important role in your flu-fighting strategy. And IQAir’s highly acclaimed HealthProPlus HyperHEPAair filtration systems and whole-house Perfect 16 systems are unequalled in removing the smallest airborne contaminants from the air in your home.

Scientists say the size of the average flu virus is 80-120 nanometers, or 0.08 to 0.12 microns. A single strand of human hair is about 1,000 times greater in diameter.

IQAir’s HyperHEPA filtration system is tested and certified to filter more than 99.5 percent of all particles as small as 3 nanometers. The IQAir HyperHEPA filter in the HealthPro portable air purifier has been certified as H12/13/14, meeting the standards of operating rooms and microbiology labs. The Perfect 16 whole-house system is even more efficient and can filter all of the air in your house.

Tests conducted by leading universities have demonstrated that air filtration systems can be effective in removing the influenza virus from the air.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that even the most effective air purifier alone cannot fully protect your family against the virus. The flu can still be spread by coming into contact – or near contact – with someone who already has the flu, especially if that person is sneezing or coughing.

Here’s some advice from the CDC to help stop the spread of the flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities.
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

For more information on fighting off or coping with the flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu.

","air-purifiers-may-help-influenza-home","gid://shopify/Article/606881284395","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/air-purifiers-may-help-influenza-home","2016-09-19T20:51:18Z",[312,681,14],"Air purifiers may help with influenza at home",{"_65":952,"_210":953,"_208":954,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406141403510","mother and daughter","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/211_influenza_banner_4fefb23f-9022-4c6f-87da-0423f021bab1.jpg?v=1751025430",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"You’re taking prenatal vitamins, following a healthy diet, and paying regular visits to your OB/GYN. Equally important is the air you breathe. Here’s what you need to know about air pollution and pregnancy.","You’re taking prenatal vitamins, following a healthy diet, and paying regular visits to your OB/GYN. These are all necessities for a healthy pregnancy. Equally important is the air you breathe. According to the American Lung Association’s 2016 State of the Air report, one in two people live in communities with unhealthy air. Luckily there are things you can do to improve air quality both indoors and out. Here’s what you need to know about air pollution and pregnancy.Effects of air pollution exposure during pregnancyPoor air quality is associated with a number of adverse health effects; from cardiac and respiratory problems to cognitive decline. It can even lead to death. Research suggests that air pollution is particularly detrimental to children during pregnancy. In fact, researchers have detected negative effects in both mother and fetus from air pollution levels below current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. A large-scale study revealed that, in a single year, air pollution was the cause of 16,000 premature births in the U.S. alone. The major culprit is particle pollution, a combination of toxic solid and liquid particles floating around in the air we breathe. They irritate the lungs, eyes, and throat and make breathing difficult. Not to mention their link to lung cancer. Larger particles can often be coughed or sneezed out of the body. Smaller particles, however, get trapped in the lungs or find their way into the bloodstream. Sources include vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke and waste incineration. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the most common particle pollutants, has been linked to premature birth, low birthweight and, in extreme cases, infant mortality. It’s also been associated with greater risk of autism and obesity later in childhood. A 2015 study of 40 children found that the higher the level of PAHs they were exposed to during pregnancy, the greater the reduction of white matter in the left hemisphere of the brain. Loss of white matter in that region is associated with slower cognitive processing and behavioral problems. When researchers scanned these children’s brains again at age 5, they found that postnatal exposure to the same pollutants had negatively impacted the development of white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving ability.Less air pollution vastly improves pregnancy outcomesReal-world evidence has shown that reducing air pollution is instrumental in protecting our children’s health. Children in Southern California studied from 2007-2011 had greater lung function than those of the same age and in the same communities from a 1993-2001 study when the air was dirtier. In Beijing, temporary pollution reduction measures ahead of and during the 2008 Olympics resulted in birth weights an average of 23 grams heavier than babies born prior to the stricter regulations. And when air pollution levels in Switzerland took a slight dip during the 1990s, school children observed over a nine-year period experienced fewer episodes of chronic and nocturnal dry cough, bronchitis, common cold and conjunctivitis symptoms. You shouldn’t have to wait for local, state, or national pollution controls to make a difference in air quality for your baby. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect your family from air pollution exposure.10 ways to protect your baby from air pollution Check local radio, television, and newspapers for daily air pollution forecasts and stay indoors when levels are high. You can also go to airnow.gov or download the State of the Air app from The American Lung Association. Limit time in the car and steer clear of high-traffic areas when possible to limit exposure to vehicle exhaust. Trade gasoline-powered machines for hand-powered or electric when doing lawn work. Ban smoking in your home. If you’re a smoker, now’s the time to quit. Whisk away air pollution from cooking by using the exhaust fan and making sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. In fact, exhaust fans that vent to the outside keep the indoor air cleaner than recirculation exhaust fans. Besides cigarette smoke, cooking is one of the highest sources of pollution in homes. Rid your home of fragrant and perfumed products like air fresheners, cologne, perfume, and cleaners. They may contain toxic chemicals that get into the air. Use natural cleaners like vinegar, peroxide, and baking soda, or choose nontoxic brands. Make sure gas stoves and central heating and air-conditioning systems are properly installed and well-maintained. Have your home checked for radon, a radioactive gas. You can either purchase a kit or hire a professional inspector. Invest in a home or room air purifier like the IQAir HealthPro Plus or Perfect 16 to filter harmful pollutants out of the air. Better air quality from the start can have long-lasting benefits for your baby. Knowing the risks of air pollution and taking steps to avoid dirty air go a long way toward helping your little one breathe easier.The website newparents.iqair.com is an excellent resource for new and expecting parents. Consider bookmarking it. You can then refer to it whenever you have questions about protecting your baby from air pollution.","

You’re taking prenatal vitamins, following a healthy diet, and paying regular visits to your OB/GYN. These are all necessities for a healthy pregnancy. Equally important is the air you breathe. According to the American Lung Association’s 2016 State of the Air report, one in two people live in communities with unhealthy air. Luckily there are things you can do to improve air quality both indoors and out. Here’s what you need to know about air pollution and pregnancy.

Effects of air pollution exposure during pregnancy

Poor air quality is associated with a number of adverse health effects; from cardiac and respiratory problems to cognitive decline. It can even lead to death. Research suggests that air pollution is particularly detrimental to children during pregnancy. In fact, researchers have detected negative effects in both mother and fetus from air pollution levels below current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. A large-scale study revealed that, in a single year, air pollution was the cause of 16,000 premature births in the U.S. alone.
\n\n
\n\nThe major culprit is particle pollution, a combination of toxic solid and liquid particles floating around in the air we breathe. They irritate the lungs, eyes, and throat and make breathing difficult. Not to mention their link to lung cancer. Larger particles can often be coughed or sneezed out of the body. Smaller particles, however, get trapped in the lungs or find their way into the bloodstream. Sources include vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke and waste incineration.
\n\n
\n\nExposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the most common particle pollutants, has been linked to premature birth, low birthweight and, in extreme cases, infant mortality. It’s also been associated with greater risk of autism and obesity later in childhood.
\n\n
\n\nA 2015 study of 40 children found that the higher the level of PAHs they were exposed to during pregnancy, the greater the reduction of white matter in the left hemisphere of the brain. Loss of white matter in that region is associated with slower cognitive processing and behavioral problems. When researchers scanned these children’s brains again at age 5, they found that postnatal exposure to the same pollutants had negatively impacted the development of white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving ability.

Less air pollution vastly improves pregnancy outcomes

Real-world evidence has shown that reducing air pollution is instrumental in protecting our children’s health. Children in Southern California studied from 2007-2011 had greater lung function than those of the same age and in the same communities from a 1993-2001 study when the air was dirtier. In Beijing, temporary pollution reduction measures ahead of and during the 2008 Olympics resulted in birth weights an average of 23 grams heavier than babies born prior to the stricter regulations. And when air pollution levels in Switzerland took a slight dip during the 1990s, school children observed over a nine-year period experienced fewer episodes of chronic and nocturnal dry cough, bronchitis, common cold and conjunctivitis symptoms.
\n\n
\n\nYou shouldn’t have to wait for local, state, or national pollution controls to make a difference in air quality for your baby. Here are 10 steps you can take to protect your family from air pollution exposure.

10 ways to protect your baby from air pollution

Check local radio, television, and newspapers for daily air pollution forecasts and stay indoors when levels are high. You can also go to airnow.gov or download the State of the Air app from The American Lung Association.
Limit time in the car and steer clear of high-traffic areas when possible to limit exposure to vehicle exhaust.
Trade gasoline-powered machines for hand-powered or electric when doing lawn work.
Ban smoking in your home. If you’re a smoker, now’s the time to quit.
Whisk away air pollution from cooking by using the exhaust fan and making sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. In fact, exhaust fans that vent to the outside keep the indoor air cleaner than recirculation exhaust fans. Besides cigarette smoke, cooking is one of the highest sources of pollution in homes.
Rid your home of fragrant and perfumed products like air fresheners, cologne, perfume, and cleaners. They may contain toxic chemicals that get into the air.
Use natural cleaners like vinegar, peroxide, and baking soda, or choose nontoxic brands.
Make sure gas stoves and central heating and air-conditioning systems are properly installed and well-maintained.
Have your home checked for radon, a radioactive gas. You can either purchase a kit or hire a professional inspector.
Invest in a home or room air purifier like the IQAir HealthPro Plus or Perfect 16 to filter harmful pollutants out of the air.

Better air quality from the start can have long-lasting benefits for your baby. Knowing the risks of air pollution and taking steps to avoid dirty air go a long way toward helping your little one breathe easier.

The website newparents.iqair.com is an excellent resource for new and expecting parents. Consider bookmarking it. You can then refer to it whenever you have questions about protecting your baby from air pollution.

","alarming-truth-about-air-pollution-and-pregnancy","gid://shopify/Article/606882070827","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/alarming-truth-about-air-pollution-and-pregnancy","2017-12-12T00:35:48Z",[312,681,14],"The alarming truth about air pollution and pregnancy",{"_65":967,"_210":968,"_208":969,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406365241718","Pregnant woman holding her belly","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/17_06_AQL_pollution_pregnancy_v2_19f1baa4-c5d7-4852-a83f-60f06d099a1d.jpg?v=1751887616",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Research has provided evidence that exposure to air pollution to expectant mothers or in the early years of a baby’s life can impede brain development.","Expectant mothers all wish for the same thing – healthy babies. Unfortunately, air pollution is a hidden danger that can prevent those wishes from coming true. Unborn and newborn babies face grave risks from high levels of exposure to dirty air, including underdeveloped organs, premature births, low birthweight, and even infant mortality (1). Threats to the developing brain The most dangerous pollutants in the air are ultrafine particles (UFPs), those that are smaller than 0.1 microns and constitute about 90% all airborne pollutants. They pose the potential for great harm to a baby’s brain development because they can easily penetrate the blood-brain-barrier. Infants are especially vulnerable to air pollution because (2) (3): their lungs are still developing they have faster breathing rates than adults, so they absorb more pollutants they spend time close to the ground where certain pollutants concentrate they are very active But air pollution begins doing its damage even prior to birth. Prenatal Exposure to air pollution Studies have shown that damage to a baby’s brain development from air pollution can begin in the womb.One Netherlands-based analysis linked greater exposure to air pollution during pregnancy to underdeveloped areas of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, which helps guide motivational and emotional processes (4) (5). Researchers at the University of Washington showed that pregnant women who were exposed to higher level of nitrous dioxide (NO2) were more likely to give birth to babies that develop behavioral problems. A 2022 study led by researchers at the University of Washington showed that expectant mothers who were exposed to higher levels of nitrous dioxide (NO2) were more likely to give birth to babies that develop behavioral problems (6). Another study, this one published in 2015, found a similar correlation between prenatal exposure to air pollution and behavioral issues in children. (7). Higher the level of exposure in the womb to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs - a group of chemicals that are the byproducts of burning coal, gasoline, trash, and other sources) the less white matter (nerve fibers that connect different brain regions) there was in the left hemisphere of a baby’s brain. Lower amounts of white matter in that region are linked to behavioral problems. When exposed in the womb to high levels of PAHs, children are more likely to suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression, attention difficulties and increased stress. A study at New York City’s Columbia University found that when exposed in the womb to high levels of PAHs, children are more likely to suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression, attention difficulties and increased stress, which has been identified as a precursor to other, more serious psychiatric disorders (8) (9). A link to cognitive decline in children In addition to the neurological disorders already discussed, numerous studies have revealed air pollution’s alarming impact on children’s cognition. The children that had high levels of exposure to air pollution in the Netherlands study were also found to have underdeveloped hippocampi, which play a key function in learning and memory (10). Scientists discovered decreased white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving ability. In the 2015 study on the exposure of expectant mothers to PAHs, the brains of the babies were scanned again at age 5. This time the scientists discovered decreased white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving. The University of Washington study found that children two to four years of age who were exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 (pollution particles that are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) than their peers had lower cognitive performances. Decreasing the risks of stunted brain development No matter where you live, there are steps you can take to lessen a baby’s exposure to harmful airborne particles, helping to ensure the baby’s brain development is not impeded. Limit or eliminate indoor sources of pollutants. Be vigilant of outdoor air pollution seeping inside especially during morning and evening rush hours. Low-cost indoor air quality monitors are available to help you track the air quality inside your residence. Monitor your local outdoor air quality and when pollution particle levels are high, close windows and doors and restrict outdoor activities. Use a high-performance air purifier. This is particularly significant in a child’s nursery. One of the most important steps you can take is to use a high-performance air purifier. This is particularly critical in a baby’s nursery. There are compact personal air purifiers available that direct clean air right to a baby’s breathing zone. The takeaway Exposure to poor air quality affects our brain functions from the womb and all the way into old age. The findings of a recent study hammered that point home when it showed a strong link between childhood air pollution exposure and the early development of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms (11). The research reviewed the autopsies of children in Mexico City, one of the world’s most polluted metropolitan areas. Compared with control subjects from areas with better air quality, the young people that had been living in Mexico City displayed numerous signs indicating accelerated progression of Alzheimer’s disease including an imbalance in certain genes, neurovascular damage, neuroinflammation, and brain lesions. The researchers concluded that more attention must be paid to the devastating effects that air pollution creates on the brain development of babies and young people. The study’s authors called for the prioritization of air pollution policies and regulations, and the targeting of neuroprotective interventions in the early years in a person’s life, especially those who are exposed to high levels of pollutants in the air they breathe. Air pollution can be controlled. So can the devastating impacts air pollution has on brain development.","

Expectant mothers all wish for the same thing – healthy babies.

Unfortunately, air pollution is a hidden danger that can prevent those wishes from coming true. Unborn and newborn babies face grave risks from high levels of exposure to dirty air, including underdeveloped organs, premature births, low birthweight, and even infant mortality (1).

Threats to the developing brain

The most dangerous pollutants in the air are ultrafine particles (UFPs), those that are smaller than 0.1 microns and constitute about 90% all airborne pollutants. They pose the potential for great harm to a baby’s brain development because they can easily penetrate the blood-brain-barrier.

Infants are especially vulnerable to air pollution because (2) (3):

their lungs are still developing
they have faster breathing rates than adults, so they absorb more pollutants
they spend time close to the ground where certain pollutants concentrate
they are very active

But air pollution begins doing its damage even prior to birth.

Prenatal Exposure to air pollution

Studies have shown that damage to a baby’s brain development from air pollution can begin in the womb.
One Netherlands-based analysis linked greater exposure to air pollution during pregnancy to underdeveloped areas of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, which helps guide motivational and emotional processes (4) (5).

Researchers at the University of Washington showed that pregnant women who were exposed to higher level of nitrous dioxide (NO2) were more likely to give birth to babies that develop behavioral problems.

A 2022 study led by researchers at the University of Washington showed that expectant mothers who were exposed to higher levels of nitrous dioxide (NO2) were more likely to give birth to babies that develop behavioral problems (6).

Another study, this one published in 2015, found a similar correlation between prenatal exposure to air pollution and behavioral issues in children. (7).

Higher the level of exposure in the womb to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs - a group of chemicals that are the byproducts of burning coal, gasoline, trash, and other sources) the less white matter (nerve fibers that connect different brain regions) there was in the left hemisphere of a baby’s brain.

Lower amounts of white matter in that region are linked to behavioral problems.

When exposed in the womb to high levels of PAHs, children are more likely to suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression, attention difficulties and increased stress.

A study at New York City’s Columbia University found that when exposed in the womb to high levels of PAHs, children are more likely to suffer from a variety of mental health issues, including depression, attention difficulties and increased stress, which has been identified as a precursor to other, more serious psychiatric disorders (8) (9).

A link to cognitive decline in children

In addition to the neurological disorders already discussed, numerous studies have revealed air pollution’s alarming impact on children’s cognition.

The children that had high levels of exposure to air pollution in the Netherlands study were also found to have underdeveloped hippocampi, which play a key function in learning and memory (10).

Scientists discovered decreased white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving ability.

In the 2015 study on the exposure of expectant mothers to PAHs, the brains of the babies were scanned again at age 5. This time the scientists discovered decreased white matter in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain tied to concentration, reasoning, judgment, and problem-solving.

The University of Washington study found that children two to four years of age who were exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 (pollution particles that are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) than their peers had lower cognitive performances.

Decreasing the risks of stunted brain development

No matter where you live, there are steps you can take to lessen a baby’s exposure to harmful airborne particles, helping to ensure the baby’s brain development is not impeded.

Limit or eliminate indoor sources of pollutants. Be vigilant of outdoor air pollution seeping inside especially during morning and evening rush hours. Low-cost indoor air quality monitors are available to help you track the air quality inside your residence.

Monitor your local outdoor air quality and when pollution particle levels are high, close windows and doors and restrict outdoor activities.

Use a high-performance air purifier. This is particularly significant in a child’s nursery.

One of the most important steps you can take is to use a high-performance air purifier. This is particularly critical in a baby’s nursery. There are compact personal air purifiers available that direct clean air right to a baby’s breathing zone.

The takeaway

Exposure to poor air quality affects our brain functions from the womb and all the way into old age.

The findings of a recent study hammered that point home when it showed a strong link between childhood air pollution exposure and the early development of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms (11).

The research reviewed the autopsies of children in Mexico City, one of the world’s most polluted metropolitan areas.

Compared with control subjects from areas with better air quality, the young people that had been living in Mexico City displayed numerous signs indicating accelerated progression of Alzheimer’s disease including an imbalance in certain genes, neurovascular damage, neuroinflammation, and brain lesions.

The researchers concluded that more attention must be paid to the devastating effects that air pollution creates on the brain development of babies and young people.

The study’s authors called for the prioritization of air pollution policies and regulations, and the targeting of neuroprotective interventions in the early years in a person’s life, especially those who are exposed to high levels of pollutants in the air they breathe.

Air pollution can be controlled. So can the devastating impacts air pollution has on brain development.

","how-air-pollution-affects-a-babys-brain-development","gid://shopify/Article/606872043819","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/how-air-pollution-affects-a-babys-brain-development","2020-10-17T19:51:45Z",[713,681,14],"Air pollution and your baby’s brain development",{"_65":982,"_210":983,"_208":984,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406803612022","Child reading a book","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AP_Infant_Desktop_b_3090ecf2-f927-4b42-b8ed-b68d4042ef24.jpg?v=1753435596",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than it is outside. What can you do to protect your newborn? Here’s how to improve the air your baby breathes.","They say that the easiest way to identify new parents in a crowd is to look for the large dark circles underneath their eyes. Indeed, every proud parent can attest to just how difficult it is to catch those ever-elusive winks of precious sleep when they’re up all night caring for their babies’ cold, cough, or skin rash. What purifier is best for your baby? Help Me Choose Not sure which purifier is best? We'll help you choose the perfect one for you and your baby. GET STARTED But few of them are aware that the culprit behind their little ones’ woes could be the air that they breathe in their bedroom or nursery. Read on to learn about the common indoor air pollutants, how these contaminants affect your baby’s health, and what you can do about it. The adverse effects of indoor air pollution on babies’ health Studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that the air pollution in our homes is two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.1 While you may not immediately experience adverse health effects when you’re exposed to indoor air pollution, young children are particularly susceptible to the air quality in your home for a few key reasons. For one, babies’ lungs aren’t fully developed until they become adults.2 Furthermore, their tiny, developing bodies are less able to metabolize, detoxify, and excrete the toxicants contained in air pollution.3 It also doesn’t help that children under the age of 24 months frequently spend most of their time in their room, which exposes them to airborne contaminants essentially around the clock. Constant exposure to these contaminants can cause numerous health problems, such as: dizziness coughing sinus congestion nausea fatigue headaches irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat asthma Perhaps most alarmingly, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of infant mortality in developed countries, has been associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.4 What you can’t see can harm your child Indoor air pollution is caused by these primary pollutants: PM10 particles, PM2.5 particles, ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological agents. PM10 particles PM10 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 10 microns (for reference, a human hair is 50-70 microns in size). Many PM10 particles have natural sources. Examples of PM10 particles include: dust mold pollen PM2.5 particles PM2.5 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 2.5 microns. Most PM2.5 in outdoor air is produced by human activity. Examples of PM2.5 particles include: vehicle exhaust factory emissions smoke from burning wood or other biomass fuels Ultrafine particles (UFPs) 90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine particles — particulate matter that’s smaller than 0.1 microns. UFPs are particularly dangerous because they’re small enough to penetrate through your lung tissue and into your bloodstream. UFPs have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and even cancer. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Several sources emit these compounds, including:5 building materials carpets combustion sources (cigarettes, cooking, etc.) furniture home cleaning products paints, paint strippers, and other solvents personal care products (cosmetics, perfumes, etc.) And, unfortunately, baby products and furniture aren’t off the hook for emitting dangerous amounts of VOCs—several studies proved that baby crib mattresses, cribs, and changing tables emit VOCs.6,7 Other studies indicated that children exposed to Formaldehyde, one of the most common VOCs, have higher risks of acquiring asthma. Biological agents Biological agents are also a significant source of indoor air pollution: animal dander (from cats, dogs, etc.) dust mites These biological agents can cause a myriad of health effects in infants, from diseases to allergies. Here are 9 ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s bedroom All this distressing information may be too much to process at first, but don’t panic—there are a few relatively simple steps you can take to safeguard your bundle of joy against indoor air pollutants: Monitor your indoor air quality. Monitoring the air quality in your baby’s room is the first step in determining what measures you’ll have to take to improve the air that your baby breathes. The most effective way to monitor the air quality of your baby’s bedroom or nursery is to use the IQAir AirVisual Series to take ultra-precise, hyperlocal measurements of the air quality index. The AirVisual Seriesutilizes advanced laser technology to provide highly accurate air quality readings of tiny fine particles (PM2.5). Once you’ve determined the exact air quality index of your baby’s room, you’ll have a better understanding of which of the following measures you can take to clean up the air in your child’s bedroom. Use an air purifier to clean the air. The easiest, most effective way to improve the air quality in your baby’s room is to outfit it with an air purification system. The Atem Desk is the most effective, portable air purifier for small rooms such as baby nurseries. It employs HyperHEPAfiltration technology that’s proven and certified by an independent third-party lab to effectively filter at least 99.5% of harmful ultrafine particles (UFPs) down to 0.003 microns. As a refresher, UFPs are the most damaging of all airborne particles because they are so easily inhaled, deposited into the lungs, and absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, the invasive contaminants can reach any organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and liver. Best of all, the unparalleled performance of IQAir air filtration technology is achieved using only safe, proven, mechanical filtration technology, without producing potentially harmful byproducts like ozone, ions, and chemicals.If you’re looking for the single best way to ensure that your baby breathes only the safest, purest air, the IQAir Atem Desk should be at the top of your baby nursery essentials. Purchase non-toxic, naturally-finished furniture. Just because some furniture is marketed for babies doesn’t mean that it’s safe for babies. Before you purchase a baby crib, mattress, or other furnishings for your little one’s room, ask the manufacturer about the formaldehyde emissions and material composition. Avoid baby furniture constructed from suspect materials like composite wood. If your budgetary constraints limit you to cheaper, composite baby furniture, air out the furniture outdoors for about a week — this will reduce the VOCs that are outgassed in your baby’s room. Manage the humidity. High indoor humidity not only makes the air heavier and more difficult to breathe but also spurs the growth of harmful fungus, yeast, and bacteria. The ideal relative humidity of your baby’s room should be around 40 percent. One cost-effective way to ensure the perfect humidity in your baby’s bedroom is to furnish it with a dehumidifier. For best results, you’ll have to clean the dehumidifier daily. Ventilate the room. Even if you’ve placed an IQAir air purifier in your baby’s quarters, it’s recommended that you open the windows at least ten minutes a day to exchange the indoor air. If your home features a ventilation system, make sure it’s cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Replace your window air conditioner or routinely change central air filters. If your window-mounted air conditioner is over three years old, use a flashlight and peek into the vent and housing—you’ll likely spot progressed mold everywhere. Older air conditioners spew out exponential mold spores, which contaminate bedrooms and cause various illnesses. If you have central air conditioning or heating, change the air filters and schedule a thorough cleaning of the HVAC unit. Replace old and compromised units to prevent the spread of illness. Go green when remodeling. We’ve all seen the perennial scene in movies where the proud new parents remodel their baby’s nursery via a cheesy montage, but the truth is that this is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your newborn. New carpeting, paint, and furniture all too often send the concentration of VOCs skyrocketing in your baby’s room. According to a recent study, the optimal waiting period for the VOCs in recently renovated rooms to reach a safe level can be up to 60 days.8 If you absolutely must remodel your newborn’s room, try to use only VOC-free paints, naturally-finished wood furniture, and low-pile carpet derived from natural fibers. Doing so will limit your infant's exposure to toxic fumes. Reduce pet dander. Your furry four-legged friends shed dead skin cells and hair, which may negatively impact your baby’s lungs and sinus health. To reduce the amount of pet dander that your baby inhales, regularly groom your pets and consider keeping them out of your child’s room all together. Routinely wash your baby’s bedding to ensure that pet dander is taken care of before it accumulates in high concentration. Since pet dander is quite pervasive, it’s inevitable that it’ll find its way into your baby’s room even if you follow the above steps. IQAir filtration systems are the perfect indoor pollution solutions because its HyperHEPA filtration technology effectively cleans up any pet dander in the air. Use a HEPA filter vacuum. Vacuum the flooring and furniture in your baby’s room with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. A HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner will filter and capture 99.7% of particulates below 0.3 microns. HEPA-certified vacuum cleaners are vital to curbing indoor air pollution because they effectively remove harmful, microscopic allergens from the carpeting. The wrap-up Being more concerned about the tangible, visible threats to your baby’s well-being rather than those that are intangible, invisible is a common pitfall of parenting. The harmful airborne particulate matter that surrounds your newborn is one of those frequently overlooked health hazards. Indoor air pollution is an unfortunate reality of our modern industrialized life, but the above tips will help improve the air quality in your child's room.","

They say that the easiest way to identify new parents in a crowd is to look for the large dark circles underneath their eyes. Indeed, every proud parent can attest to just how difficult it is to catch those ever-elusive winks of precious sleep when they’re up all night caring for their babies’ cold, cough, or skin rash.

\n \n

\n\n

What purifier is best for your baby? Help Me Choose

Not sure which purifier is best? We'll help you choose the perfect one for you and your baby.

\n\n

\n GET STARTED\n

But few of them are aware that the culprit behind their little ones’ woes could be the air that they breathe in their bedroom or nursery.

Read on to learn about the common indoor air pollutants, how these contaminants affect your baby’s health, and what you can do about it.

The adverse effects of indoor air pollution on babies’ health

Studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that the air pollution in our homes is two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.¹

While you may not immediately experience adverse health effects when you’re exposed to indoor air pollution, young children are particularly susceptible to the air quality in your home for a few key reasons.

For one, babies’ lungs aren’t fully developed until they become adults.² Furthermore, their tiny, developing bodies are less able to metabolize, detoxify, and excrete the toxicants contained in air pollution.³

It also doesn’t help that children under the age of 24 months frequently spend most of their time in their room, which exposes them to airborne contaminants essentially around the clock. Constant exposure to these contaminants can cause numerous health problems, such as:

dizziness
coughing
sinus congestion
nausea
fatigue
headaches
irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
asthma

Perhaps most alarmingly, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of infant mortality in developed countries, has been associated with exposure to indoor air pollutants.⁴

What you can’t see can harm your child

Indoor air pollution is caused by these primary pollutants: PM10 particles, PM2.5 particles, ultrafine particles (UFPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and biological agents.

PM10 particles

PM10 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 10 microns (for reference, a human hair is 50-70 microns in size). Many PM10 particles have natural sources. Examples of PM10 particles include:

dust
mold
pollen

PM2.5 particles

PM2.5 particles are particulate matter that’s smaller than 2.5 microns. Most PM2.5 in outdoor air is produced by human activity. Examples of PM2.5 particles include:

vehicle exhaust
factory emissions
smoke from burning wood or other biomass fuels

Ultrafine particles (UFPs)

90% of all airborne particles are ultrafine particles — particulate matter that’s smaller than 0.1 microns. UFPs are particularly dangerous because they’re small enough to penetrate through your lung tissue and into your bloodstream. UFPs have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and even cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. Several sources emit these compounds, including:⁵

building materials
carpets
combustion sources (cigarettes, cooking, etc.)
furniture
home cleaning products
paints, paint strippers, and other solvents
personal care products (cosmetics, perfumes, etc.)

And, unfortunately, baby products and furniture aren’t off the hook for emitting dangerous amounts of VOCs—several studies proved that baby crib mattresses, cribs, and changing tables emit VOCs.^6,7 Other studies indicated that children exposed to Formaldehyde, one of the most common VOCs, have higher risks of acquiring asthma.

Biological agents

Biological agents are also a significant source of indoor air pollution:

animal dander (from cats, dogs, etc.)
dust mites

These biological agents can cause a myriad of health effects in infants, from diseases to allergies.

Here are 9 ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s bedroom

All this distressing information may be too much to process at first, but don’t panic—there are a few relatively simple steps you can take to safeguard your bundle of joy against indoor air pollutants:

\nMonitor your indoor air quality.\n
Monitoring the air quality in your baby’s room is the first step in determining what measures you’ll have to take to improve the air that your baby breathes.
\n
The most effective way to monitor the air quality of your baby’s bedroom or nursery is to use the IQAir AirVisual Series to take ultra-precise, hyperlocal measurements of the air quality index. The AirVisual Seriesutilizes advanced laser technology to provide highly accurate air quality readings of tiny fine particles (PM2.5).
\n
Once you’ve determined the exact air quality index of your baby’s room, you’ll have a better understanding of which of the following measures you can take to clean up the air in your child’s bedroom.
\n
\nUse an air purifier to clean the air.\n
The easiest, most effective way to improve the air quality in your baby’s room is to outfit it with an air purification system.
\n
The Atem Desk is the most effective, portable air purifier for small rooms such as baby nurseries. It employs HyperHEPAfiltration technology that’s proven and certified by an independent third-party lab to effectively filter at least 99.5% of harmful ultrafine particles (UFPs) down to 0.003 microns. As a refresher, UFPs are the most damaging of all airborne particles because they are so easily inhaled, deposited into the lungs, and absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, the invasive contaminants can reach any organ in the body, including the brain, heart, and liver.
\n
Best of all, the unparalleled performance of IQAir air filtration technology is achieved using only safe, proven, mechanical filtration technology, without producing potentially harmful byproducts like ozone, ions, and chemicals.
If you’re looking for the single best way to ensure that your baby breathes only the safest, purest air, the IQAir Atem Desk should be at the top of your baby nursery essentials.
\n
\nPurchase non-toxic, naturally-finished furniture.\n
Just because some furniture is marketed for babies doesn’t mean that it’s safe for babies. Before you purchase a baby crib, mattress, or other furnishings for your little one’s room, ask the manufacturer about the formaldehyde emissions and material composition. Avoid baby furniture constructed from suspect materials like composite wood.
\n
If your budgetary constraints limit you to cheaper, composite baby furniture, air out the furniture outdoors for about a week — this will reduce the VOCs that are outgassed in your baby’s room.
\n
\nManage the humidity.\n
High indoor humidity not only makes the air heavier and more difficult to breathe but also spurs the growth of harmful fungus, yeast, and bacteria. The ideal relative humidity of your baby’s room should be around 40 percent. One cost-effective way to ensure the perfect humidity in your baby’s bedroom is to furnish it with a dehumidifier. For best results, you’ll have to clean the dehumidifier daily.
\n
\nVentilate the room.\n
Even if you’ve placed an IQAir air purifier in your baby’s quarters, it’s recommended that you open the windows at least ten minutes a day to exchange the indoor air. If your home features a ventilation system, make sure it’s cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
\n
\nReplace your window air conditioner or routinely change central air filters.\n
If your window-mounted air conditioner is over three years old, use a flashlight and peek into the vent and housing—you’ll likely spot progressed mold everywhere. Older air conditioners spew out exponential mold spores, which contaminate bedrooms and cause various illnesses.
\n
If you have central air conditioning or heating, change the air filters and schedule a thorough cleaning of the HVAC unit. Replace old and compromised units to prevent the spread of illness.
\n
\nGo green when remodeling.\n
We’ve all seen the perennial scene in movies where the proud new parents remodel their baby’s nursery via a cheesy montage, but the truth is that this is one of the most dangerous things you can do for your newborn. New carpeting, paint, and furniture all too often send the concentration of VOCs skyrocketing in your baby’s room. According to a recent study, the optimal waiting period for the VOCs in recently renovated rooms to reach a safe level can be up to 60 days.⁸
\n
If you absolutely must remodel your newborn’s room, try to use only VOC-free paints, naturally-finished wood furniture, and low-pile carpet derived from natural fibers. Doing so will limit your infant's exposure to toxic fumes.
\n
\nReduce pet dander.\n
Your furry four-legged friends shed dead skin cells and hair, which may negatively impact your baby’s lungs and sinus health. To reduce the amount of pet dander that your baby inhales, regularly groom your pets and consider keeping them out of your child’s room all together. Routinely wash your baby’s bedding to ensure that pet dander is taken care of before it accumulates in high concentration.
\n
Since pet dander is quite pervasive, it’s inevitable that it’ll find its way into your baby’s room even if you follow the above steps. IQAir filtration systems are the perfect indoor pollution solutions because its HyperHEPA filtration technology effectively cleans up any pet dander in the air.
\n
\nUse a HEPA filter vacuum.\n
Vacuum the flooring and furniture in your baby’s room with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. A HEPA-certified vacuum cleaner will filter and capture 99.7% of particulates below 0.3 microns. HEPA-certified vacuum cleaners are vital to curbing indoor air pollution because they effectively remove harmful, microscopic allergens from the carpeting.
\n

The wrap-up

Being more concerned about the tangible, visible threats to your baby’s well-being rather than those that are intangible, invisible is a common pitfall of parenting. The harmful airborne particulate matter that surrounds your newborn is one of those frequently overlooked health hazards.

Indoor air pollution is an unfortunate reality of our modern industrialized life, but the above tips will help improve the air quality in your child's room.

","improving-the-air-your-baby-breathes","gid://shopify/Article/606884233515","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/improving-the-air-your-baby-breathes","2022-01-03T16:12:32Z",[312,681,14],"9 Ways to improve the air quality in your baby’s room",{"_65":997,"_210":998,"_208":999,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405891449206","Baby room Atem","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/BabyRoom_Desktop_Optimized_8423c468-cb92-4db4-9157-0074bff62451.jpg?v=1750237175",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Chronic absenteeism has no single cause. Learn why air quality may be one of the most invisible and pervasive causes.","Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 15 days of school during the year.1it's a growing problem. There's no sign that absenteeism is declining, despite district and government incentives aimed at getting students in their seats.2,3Asthma and school absenteeismChronic absenteeism has no single cause. But air quality may be one of the most dangerouscauses as it’s both invisible and pervasive.A 2001 study published in Epidemiology linked both particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone directly to students missing class due to respiratory illnesses, including asthma.4 When ozone concentrations rose by 20 parts per billion (ppb), school absences due to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83 percent.When ozone concentrations rose, school absences related to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83%.A 2017 study published in Economics of Education Review suggested that, even if they don’t miss school, students with asthma don’t perform as well in class when pollutant levels increase.According to the study, students with asthma score 1 to 2 percent lower on their math and reading assignments when PM counts are high.5 Their scores drop as much as 10 percent when ozone levels rise.A 2019 study published in the Centers for Disease Control journal Preventing Chronic Disease estimated that 14 to 18 percent of student absenteeism could be attributed to asthma.6 49 percent of schoolchildren with asthma have missed more than one school day.What does air quality have to do with absenteeism?Poor air quality doesn’t affect all students with asthma equally. The 2001 study of ozone-related absences also found that ozone disproportionately hurt communities with lower long-term PM levels, causing absences due to respiratory illness to spike by 224 percent.Communities with higher long-term PM levels, which largely includes lower-income neighborhoods, only experienced a 38-percent increase in absences.What was the underlying reality behind this difference? Lower incomecommunities suffer from poorer air quality than more affluent areas do. As a result, absences due to asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common, so pollutant increases don’t have as drastic an effect.But this means that the impact of poor air quality on chronic absenteeism in lower-income areas is much more common.The more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.In addition to being exposed to poor air quality in their neighborhoods, students living in low-income communities are more likely to attend schools with poor air quality. For example, the more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.7These same schools are much more likely to contain facilities that are outdated or in poor condition, including HVAC and ventilation systems whose disrepair contributes to poor classroom air quality. These conditions can trigger asthma at higher overall rates.8How can I help prevent my child from falling behind?Missing school days leads to consequences beyond falling behind on homework. Research shows that students who miss a lot of school due to asthma are at a higher risk of:9,10,11 Repeating classes Staying away from their peer groups Dropping out of school altogether But you can help keep your child’s asthma symptoms from preventingtheir success.Develop an asthma action planIt’s important to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up. Symptoms can quickly become severe enough to keep your child out of school.Work with your doctor to create a plan that’s easy to work from when you first notice asthma symptoms.12Then, share your action plan with everyone in your child’s life. Share your asthma action plan for school with teachers and administrators. Outside of school, share the plan with friends and other parents so that your child is safe wherever they go.It’s crucial to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up.Follow your doctor’s orders.Medical treatment, which may include inhalers and medication, is vital to managing asthma symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions.Don't use asthma home remedies without asking your doctor first.Change your lifestyleMake environmental and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms: Monitor your indoor air quality.Keep an eye on pollutants in your indoor and outdoor air with an air quality monitor. Encourage your school to set up air quality monitors, too. Teachers can then take appropriate action to increase time indoors when air quality is bad outside. Avoid asthma triggers. Take precautions to help reduce flare-ups and the severity of symptoms: Do physical activities inside when air quality is poor. Ask your child to stop playing outside or have them wear a KN95 respirator mask to keep triggers out of their respiratory system. Take action to prevent and remove mould that may trigger asthma. Limit time spent with dogs, cats, and birds. Make sure they’re not allowed where you eat, sleep, or spend a lot of time. Get involved at school.Join your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or school board to help improveyour schoolair quality. Encourage your school to installstandalone air purifiers. These actions can help mitigate poor indoor air quality in schools caused by outdated HVAC systems. Installing MERV 16 filtersin existing school HVAC systems can also help reduce classroom pollutants by at least 90 percent.13 Have your child wear an air pollution mask. A KN95 face maskcan filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from your child's air and reduce their exposure to irritants that can trigger severe asthma attacks. Use an asthma air purifier at home to reduce airborne triggerslike dust, pet dander, and mould spores. Fewer triggers mean fewer symptoms and, most likely, less time spent out of the classroom. The TakeawayPoor air quality in classrooms is a problem for all students. But poor air quality can have far more overwhelming consequences beyond the classroom for students with asthma.Increasing your school’s awareness of air quality and influencing school policies doesn’t just help students with asthma show up to class more often. It helps them stay on track to graduate high school, get into college, and live more meaningful lives as their classroom becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity for success.","

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 15 days of school during the year.¹

it's a growing problem. There's no sign that absenteeism is declining, despite district and government incentives aimed at getting students in their seats.^2,3

Asthma and school absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism has no single cause. But air quality may be one of the most dangerouscauses as it’s both invisible and pervasive.

A 2001 study published in Epidemiology linked both particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone directly to students missing class due to respiratory illnesses, including asthma.⁴ When ozone concentrations rose by 20 parts per billion (ppb), school absences due to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83 percent.

When ozone concentrations rose, school absences related to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83%.

A 2017 study published in Economics of Education Review suggested that, even if they don’t miss school, students with asthma don’t perform as well in class when pollutant levels increase.

According to the study, students with asthma score 1 to 2 percent lower on their math and reading assignments when PM counts are high.⁵ Their scores drop as much as 10 percent when ozone levels rise.

A 2019 study published in the Centers for Disease Control journal Preventing Chronic Disease estimated that 14 to 18 percent of student absenteeism could be attributed to asthma.⁶ 49 percent of schoolchildren with asthma have missed more than one school day.

What does air quality have to do with absenteeism?

Poor air quality doesn’t affect all students with asthma equally. The 2001 study of ozone-related absences also found that ozone disproportionately hurt communities with lower long-term PM levels, causing absences due to respiratory illness to spike by 224 percent.

Communities with higher long-term PM levels, which largely includes lower-income neighborhoods, only experienced a 38-percent increase in absences.

What was the underlying reality behind this difference? Lower income communities suffer from poorer air quality than more affluent areas do. As a result, absences due to asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common, so pollutant increases don’t have as drastic an effect.

But this means that the impact of poor air quality on chronic absenteeism in lower-income areas is much more common.

The more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.

In addition to being exposed to poor air quality in their neighborhoods, students living in low-income communities are more likely to attend schools with poor air quality. For example, the more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.⁷

These same schools are much more likely to contain facilities that are outdated or in poor condition, including HVAC and ventilation systems whose disrepair contributes to poor classroom air quality. These conditions can trigger asthma at higher overall rates.⁸

How can I help prevent my child from falling behind?

Missing school days leads to consequences beyond falling behind on homework. Research shows that students who miss a lot of school due to asthma are at a higher risk of:^9,10,11

Repeating classes
Staying away from their peer groups
Dropping out of school altogether

But you can help keep your child’s asthma symptoms from preventingtheir success.

Develop an asthma action plan

It’s important to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up. Symptoms can quickly become severe enough to keep your child out of school.

Work with your doctor to create a plan that’s easy to work from when you first notice asthma symptoms.¹²Then, share your action plan with everyone in your child’s life. Share your asthma action plan for school with teachers and administrators. Outside of school, share the plan with friends and other parents so that your child is safe wherever they go.

It’s crucial to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up.

Follow your doctor’s orders.

Medical treatment, which may include inhalers and medication, is vital to managing asthma symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions.Don't use asthma home remedies without asking your doctor first.

Change your lifestyle

Make environmental and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms:

\nMonitor your indoor air quality.Keep an eye on pollutants in your indoor and outdoor air with an air quality monitor. Encourage your school to set up air quality monitors, too. Teachers can then take appropriate action to increase time indoors when air quality is bad outside.
\nAvoid asthma triggers. Take precautions to help reduce flare-ups and the severity of symptoms:\n\n\t
- \nDo physical activities inside when air quality is poor. Ask your child to stop playing outside or have them wear a KN95 respirator mask to keep triggers out of their respiratory system.
- Take action to prevent and remove mould that may trigger asthma.
- Limit time spent with dogs, cats, and birds. Make sure they’re not allowed where you eat, sleep, or spend a lot of time.
\n\n\t
\nGet involved at school.Join your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or school board to help improveyour schoolair quality. Encourage your school to installstandalone air purifiers. These actions can help mitigate poor indoor air quality in schools caused by outdated HVAC systems. Installing M ERV 16 filtersin existing school HVAC systems can also help reduce classroom pollutants by at least 90 percent.¹³\n
\nHave your child wear an air pollution mask. A KN95 face maskcan filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from your child's air and reduce their exposure to irritants that can trigger severe asthma attacks.
\nUse an asthma air purifier at home to reduce airborne triggerslike dust, pet dander, and mould spores. Fewer triggers mean fewer symptoms and, most likely, less time spent out of the classroom.

The Takeaway

Poor air quality in classrooms is a problem for all students. But poor air quality can have far more overwhelming consequences beyond the classroom for students with asthma.

Increasing your school’s awareness of air quality and influencing school policies doesn’t just help students with asthma show up to class more often. It helps them stay on track to graduate high school, get into college, and live more meaningful lives as their classroom becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity for success.

","asthma-plan-for-school-and-absenteeism","gid://shopify/Article/606882496811","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/asthma-plan-for-school-and-absenteeism","2022-01-03T16:13:01Z",[312,846,14],"Can air quality cause absenteeism?",{"_65":1012,"_210":1013,"_208":1014,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405867626870","Children sitting in a classroom, looking attentive and facing forward.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/060518_absenteeism-header-v2_e3eea76a-5ff6-4d2d-ace5-f1aa39e0b8d9.jpg?v=1750156669",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Research has found that exposure to polluted air can impair a child’s memory and reasoning, reduce their academic performance, and lower their intelligence. Ensuring your child breathes clean air can help prevent this.","Intellectual Quotient (IQ) is an imperfect predictor of many outcomes, such as academic performance and lifetime earning potential. But researchers continue to find a correlation between air quality and children’s performance on IQ tests. The accuracy of IQ test scores as direct indicators of future academic and financial success is controversial. Indeed, IQ tests vary in competency and don’t always accurately portray the intelligence of an individual. However, many experts still find it be a valuable measurement tool (1). Studies show that breathing polluted air can impair memory and reasoning, reduce academic performance, and even lower intelligence. And sure, it’s not hard to imagine that clean air can prevent the lowering of a child’s IQ by avoiding the detrimental effects of breathing air pollution — but can clean air actually increase your child’s IQ? Get your free Back-to-School Checklistfor Kids with Allergies & Asthma DOWNLOAD NOW ×Close Email No Thanks Air quality and child IQ test scores Living in a polluted area as a pre-teen and teenager may have long-lasting, detrimental effects on a person’s ability to reason and problem-solve. For every 2.5 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 surrounding teens’ homes, their performance IQ score dropped one point. In one study, researchers found that, for every increase of 2.5 micrograms per meter cubed (µg/m3) of fine-particle pollution (PM2.5) surrounding the teens’ homes, their performance IQ score dropped one point (2).Note that performance IQ measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities — this is a different measurement than verbal IQ, which measures acquired knowledge, verbal reasoning, and attention to verbal materials (3) (4). “Verbal IQ is something you can learn, and once you learn, you know that for your lifetime. But performance IQ is about your ability to solve new questions, new problems. That’s more controlled by your brain function,” said Pan Wang, a statistician based at the University of California, Los Angeles who acted as lead author on the study. Air pollution may have adverse effects on brain structure. He continued, “The findings from this study indicate the adverse effects of air pollution are at a higher level in the brain and may have adverse effects on the brain structure or brain function.” Child IQ and prenatal exposure to air pollution The developing fetus and young child are especially vulnerable to neurotoxicants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) released during the combustion of fossil fuels and other organic material. Two long-term studies have revealed that common air pollutants breathed by pregnant women may be reducing their children’s intelligence. The studies involve more than 400 women in two cities — New York City and Krakow, Poland (both well established as heavily polluted urban areas). Researchers found that 5-year-olds whose mothers had above-average exposure to PAHs score about four points lower on IQ tests than children whose mothers had below-average exposure (5). Poor air quality exposure and student GPA The relationship between children’s health and academic achievement has consistently been highlighted in studies that demonstrated that poorer health status is associated with poorer academic achievement outcomes (6).When children are unhealthy, they may have more difficulty learning and have poorer academic achievement outcomes than their healthy counterparts (7). Of course, it’s difficult to separate the many factors that influence academic achievement. But researchers are finding that, in addition to health status, poor residential Indoor Air Quality also negatively affects GPA. The impact of airborne pollutants in the home on student GPA is significant, even when accounting for health status. Children who were exposed to high levels of motor vehicle emissions from cars, trucks, and buses on roads and highways were found to have significantly lower GPAs, even when accounting for other factors known to influence school performance (8). And worse yet — higher school-based hazardous air pollution (HAP) levels are found to be associated with lower individual-level grade point averages. Another study found that fourth and fifth graders who are exposed to toxic air pollutants at home are more likely to have lower GPAs (9). Children exposed to high levels of vehicle emissions were found to have significantly lower GPAs, even when accounting for other factors. These findings indicate the need for regulations on school siting and adjacent land uses to protect children's health. Air quality and standardized test scores Multiple studies have identified a link between air quality and performance on standardized tests (10). For example, one study of school children in Southern California found that exposure to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to consistently lower scores on standardized tests in math and reading (11). Air quality and cognitive development Studies have also associated poor Indoor Air Quality with a decrease in students’ ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation and memory.11 There is also mounting evidence that poor IAQ can cause verbal, perceptual, motor, and behavioral disabilities in children. It can also cause hearing impairment, irritability, and developmental delays. Ventilation effects on standardized test scores Most schools’ ventilation rates are below recommended levels. Adequate air ventilation rates can improve test scores and student performance in completing mental tasks. For every unit (1 liter per second per person) increase in the ventilation rate within that range, the proportion of students passing standardized tests is expected to increase by 2.9% for math and 2.7% for reading (12). For every unit increase (1 liter per second) in ventilation, the proportion of students passing tests increases by 2.9% for math and 2.7% for reading. There’s also a statistically significant association between ventilation rates and mathematics scores. In one study, students' mean math scores increased by up to eleven points (0.5%) for every increase in ventilation rate of one liter per second per person (13). In another study, students in classrooms with higher outdoor air ventilation rates scored 14 to 15 points higher on standardized tests than children with lower outdoor air ventilation rates (14).That’s an entire letter grade and a half! Help kids study hard, breathe easy Get them a personal air purifier. LEARN MORE What you can do Each of us plays an essential role in taking action to clean the air we breathe indoors and outdoors. We can help reduce the sources of pollution, better ventilate our indoor environments, and provide air filtration for schools and other indoor environments as needed. Here are a few examples of the positive steps we can each take to clean the air and keep ourselves safe from air pollution: Get involved at school. Many schools haven’t upgraded their facilities in decades. Join your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or school board to get involved in improving your school’s air quality. IQAir can help reduce classroom pollutants by at least 90 percent. Visit IQAir.com to read our pilot study on classroom air filtration. Monitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). AirVisual Pro by IQAir lets you monitor pollutants in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know precisely when air quality is bad. Encourage your school to set up air quality monitors, too. This way, teachers can take appropriate action to increase time indoors when air quality is bad. The AirVisual Pro also monitors CO2 levels, so teachers can know when it’s time to ventilate the classroom. Avoid unnecessary exposure at home: Avoid unnecessary exposure by using a high-performance air purifier, such as the IQAir HealthPro® Plus room air purifier or the Perfect 16® whole-house air purifier. Use a high-powered personal air purifier, such as the Atem® Desk, where your child studies. Students can ensure they are breathing clean air, no matter where they are. Wear an air pollution mask when pollutants are unavoidable. Have your child wear a KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to reduce the pollutants they breathe in while they’re walking to school, going between classrooms, or playing outside for long periods. A KN95 or NIOSH N95-compliant mask can prevent up to 95% of particle pollutants from entering their airways. Reduce air pollution: Conserving energy, recycling, driving less, or driving low-polluting vehicles – the choices you make can help reduce air pollution for everyone. Learning that unclean air can adversely affect your child’s IQ and cognitive development is unsettling. It can be especially worrisome because the threat is invisible. Fortunately, there is technology to monitor and predict air quality, as well as medical-grade air that you can bring to whatever indoor space your child needs to be.","

Intellectual Quotient (IQ) is an imperfect predictor of many outcomes, such as academic performance and lifetime earning potential. But researchers continue to find a correlation between air quality and children’s performance on IQ tests.

The accuracy of IQ test scores as direct indicators of future academic and financial success is controversial. Indeed, IQ tests vary in competency and don’t always accurately portray the intelligence of an individual. However, many experts still find it be a valuable measurement tool (1).

Studies show that breathing polluted air can impair memory and reasoning, reduce academic performance, and even lower intelligence. And sure, it’s not hard to imagine that clean air can prevent the lowering of a child’s IQ by avoiding the detrimental effects of breathing air pollution — but can clean air actually increase your child’s IQ?

Get your free Back-to-School Checklist
for Kids with Allergies & Asthma

DOWNLOAD NOW

\n\n

Air quality and child IQ test scores

Living in a polluted area as a pre-teen and teenager may have long-lasting, detrimental effects on a person’s ability to reason and problem-solve.

For every 2.5 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 surrounding teens’ homes, their performance IQ score dropped one point.

In one study, researchers found that, for every increase of 2.5 micrograms per meter cubed (µg/m3) of fine-particle pollution (PM2.5) surrounding the teens’ homes, their performance IQ score dropped one point (2).Note that performance IQ measures reasoning and problem-solving abilities — this is a different measurement than verbal IQ, which measures acquired knowledge, verbal reasoning, and attention to verbal materials (3) (4).

“Verbal IQ is something you can learn, and once you learn, you know that for your lifetime. But performance IQ is about your ability to solve new questions, new problems. That’s more controlled by your brain function,” said Pan Wang, a statistician based at the University of California, Los Angeles who acted as lead author on the study.

Air pollution may have adverse effects on brain structure.

He continued, “The findings from this study indicate the adverse effects of air pollution are at a higher level in the brain and may have adverse effects on the brain structure or brain function.”

Child IQ and prenatal exposure to air pollution

The developing fetus and young child are especially vulnerable to neurotoxicants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) released during the combustion of fossil fuels and other organic material.

Two long-term studies have revealed that common air pollutants breathed by pregnant women may be reducing their children’s intelligence. The studies involve more than 400 women in two cities — New York City and Krakow, Poland (both well established as heavily polluted urban areas).

Researchers found that 5-year-olds whose mothers had above-average exposure to PAHs score about four points lower on IQ tests than children whose mothers had below-average exposure (5).

Poor air quality exposure and student GPA

The relationship between children’s health and academic achievement has consistently been highlighted in studies that demonstrated that poorer health status is associated with poorer academic achievement outcomes (6).When children are unhealthy, they may have more difficulty learning and have poorer academic achievement outcomes than their healthy counterparts (7).

Of course, it’s difficult to separate the many factors that influence academic achievement. But researchers are finding that, in addition to health status, poor residential Indoor Air Quality also negatively affects GPA.

The impact of airborne pollutants in the home on student GPA is significant, even when accounting for health status. Children who were exposed to high levels of motor vehicle emissions from cars, trucks, and buses on roads and highways were found to have significantly lower GPAs, even when accounting for other factors known to influence school performance (8).

And worse yet — higher school-based hazardous air pollution (HAP) levels are found to be associated with lower individual-level grade point averages. Another study found that fourth and fifth graders who are exposed to toxic air pollutants at home are more likely to have lower GPAs (9).

Children exposed to high levels of vehicle emissions were found to have significantly lower GPAs, even when accounting for other factors.

These findings indicate the need for regulations on school siting and adjacent land uses to protect children's health.

Air quality and standardized test scores

Multiple studies have identified a link between air quality and performance on standardized tests (10). For example, one study of school children in Southern California found that exposure to higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to consistently lower scores on standardized tests in math and reading (11).

Air quality and cognitive development

Studies have also associated poor Indoor Air Quality with a decrease in students’ ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation and memory.¹¹

There is also mounting evidence that poor IAQ can cause verbal, perceptual, motor, and behavioral disabilities in children. It can also cause hearing impairment, irritability, and developmental delays.

Ventilation effects on standardized test scores

Most schools’ ventilation rates are below recommended levels. Adequate air ventilation rates can improve test scores and student performance in completing mental tasks. For every unit (1 liter per second per person) increase in the ventilation rate within that range, the proportion of students passing standardized tests is expected to increase by 2.9% for math and 2.7% for reading (12).

For every unit increase (1 liter per second) in ventilation, the proportion of students passing tests increases by 2.9% for math and 2.7% for reading.

There’s also a statistically significant association between ventilation rates and mathematics scores. In one study, students' mean math scores increased by up to eleven points (0.5%) for every increase in ventilation rate of one liter per second per person (13).

In another study, students in classrooms with higher outdoor air ventilation rates scored 14 to 15 points higher on standardized tests than children with lower outdoor air ventilation rates (14).That’s an entire letter grade and a half!

Help kids study hard, breathe easy

Get them a personal air purifier.

\n\n

\nLEARN MORE\n

What you can do

Each of us plays an essential role in taking action to clean the air we breathe indoors and outdoors.

We can help reduce the sources of pollution, better ventilate our indoor environments, and provide air filtration for schools and other indoor environments as needed. Here are a few examples of the positive steps we can each take to clean the air and keep ourselves safe from air pollution:

\nGet involved at school. Many schools haven’t upgraded their facilities in decades. Join your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or school board to get involved in improving your school’s air quality. IQAir can help reduce classroom pollutants by at least 90 percent. Visit IQAir.com to read our pilot study on classroom air filtration.
\nMonitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). AirVisual Pro by IQAir lets you monitor pollutants in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know precisely when air quality is bad. Encourage your school to set up air quality monitors, too. This way, teachers can take appropriate action to increase time indoors when air quality is bad. The AirVisual Pro also monitors CO2 levels, so teachers can know when it’s time to ventilate the classroom.
\nAvoid unnecessary exposure at home: Avoid unnecessary exposure by using a high-performance air purifier, such as the IQAir HealthPro^® Plus room air purifier or the Perfect 16^® whole-house air purifier.
\nUse a high-powered personal air purifier, such as the Atem^® Desk, where your child studies. Students can ensure they are breathing clean air, no matter where they are.
\nWear an air pollution mask when pollutants are unavoidable. Have your child wear a KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to reduce the pollutants they breathe in while they’re walking to school, going between classrooms, or playing outside for long periods. A KN95 or NIOSH N95-compliant mask can prevent up to 95% of particle pollutants from entering their airways.
\nReduce air pollution: Conserving energy, recycling, driving less, or driving low-polluting vehicles – the choices you make can help reduce air pollution for everyone.

Learning that unclean air can adversely affect your child’s IQ and cognitive development is unsettling. It can be especially worrisome because the threat is invisible.

Fortunately, there is technology to monitor and predict air quality, as well as medical-grade air that you can bring to whatever indoor space your child needs to be.

","can-clean-air-increase-child-iq","gid://shopify/Article/606883021099","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/can-clean-air-increase-child-iq","2022-01-07T16:48:15Z",[312,14],"Can clean air increase child IQ?",{"_65":1027,"_210":1028,"_208":1029,"_211":309,"_213":310},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415908135286","Can Clean Air Increase Child IQ?","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_BTS_Desk_Optimized_597d37f6-4a03-487e-bb0c-de9f0a88c7bd.jpg?v=1779908370",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Studies have associated poor indoor air quality with a decrease in students’ ability to perform specific cognitive tasks. Learn more.","It's that time of year. Children are returning to schools and parents are planning their school essentials. Kids, teachers, and school personnel have returned to the classroom, where, depending on each child’s grade and country, each year they’ll spend an average of between 470 and 1,167 hours in school buildings (2). For teachers and school administration, that means more than just developing curriculum. It also means making sure their schools provide a safe, healthy environment free from airborne pollutants including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Meanwhile, parents and college students have to plan their back-to-school dorm room essentials. So – should they consider buying the best portable air purifier for dorm? To be successful, students must have access to clean, healthy air to breathe through every school day. Indoor air quality can have a tremendous impact on a student’s ability to thrive in the classroom. To be successful, students must have access to clean, healthy air to breathe through every school day. And not only can poor indoor air quality cause illnesses that keep them home from school, recent findings have also shown that it may directly reduce their ability to learn. Here are some clean air essentials for back-to-school planning. Indoor air quality and student health and performance Clean air is crucial for student health and academic success. And older students have to consider back-to-school healthy dorm living when planning for the year ahead. Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful and irritating air contaminants like viruses, bacteria, asthma triggers, allergens, and chemicals. Their lung development is directly affected by air pollution. Exposure to pollutants, especially PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, during childhood development has been linked to decreased respiratory function later in life, while long-term reductions in pollution can improve respiratory health (3). PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less, and even smaller, deadlier ultrafine particles are both found in wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, and industrial emissions. Increasing reports of asthma among school age children have been directly linked to elevated air pollution exposure. Increasing reports of asthma among school age children have been directly linked to elevated air pollution exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of absenteeism, with asthma-related illnesses accounting for more than 14 million missed school days in 2013 (4). Studies have also associated poor indoor air quality with a decrease in students’ ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, and memory (5). There is also mounting evidence that poor indoor air quality can cause verbal, perceptual, motor, and intellectual disabilities in children (6, 7). It can also cause hearing impairment, irritability, and developmental delays (8, 9, 10). Pollution comes from a variety of sources There are several sources of air pollution inside schools. In newer schools, the trend toward tightly sealed buildings with a lack of natural ventilation is one factor. The use of synthetic building materials and furniture that off-gas chemicals, such as formaldehyde, is also a problem. Issues in older schools range from lead, asbestos, and radon contamination, to mold caused by leaky roofs and dust from crumbling walls. In classrooms both old and new, a lack of funding has many schools turning off their HVAC systems or failing to properly maintain them. Mold can be a concern for dorms as well. An air purifier for mold in dorm rooms can make a difference in health. Studies have shown that it is common for indoor pollution levels in classrooms to be two to five times higher than outside. Meanwhile, outdoor pollutants such as vehicle exhaust, pesticides, and factory emissions can make their way inside, making what is already a polluted environment even worse. Studies have shown that it is common for indoor pollution levels in classrooms to be two to five times higher than outside (11). Furthermore, far too many schools find themselves close to major roads, rail yards, and other sources that harm air quality. These local sources play a major part of a child’s air pollution exposure. Take action for cleaner air Parents can take action to make sure their children are breathing clean, healthy air in every classroom and avoid exposure to viruses and bacteria. A key component to reducing air pollution is knowing what’s in your air and when it’s dirty. Low-cost air quality monitors can be deployed in and around a facility, then paired to provide a comprehensive view of air quality. Indoor air quality monitoring in classrooms can also be essential for detecting carbon dioxide, a legal requirement in many school districts. When there has been a pandemic outbreak and masking is optional or required, students and faculty can also manage their personal risk with face masks. For children studying at home or teachers working at their desks, there are personal air purifiers that clean the air in your breathing zone. Air purifiers for children's study areas and air purifiers for kids' rooms can help. A portable air purifier for dorm rooms can also help out if placed on desks or near beds. Here are some additional questions parents should be asking the administration at their children’s schools: Has the school installed high-efficiency air filtration technology that exceeds the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value standards, surpassing less effective MERV 13? Is the school inspecting and maintaining their HVAC systems regularly? Are there routine inspections for moisture and mold? Have they established prevention and remediation plans? Is the maintenance staff cleaning and removing dust with a damp cloth and vacuuming using high-efficiency (HEPA) filters daily? Is the school choosing safe cleaning products, building materials and furniture that do not release harmful chemicals? Is the district conducting regular building inspections and developing management plans for pollution sources? Schools can comprehensively address air quality safety concerns by becoming certified Clean Air Schools. Faculty and visitors will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that school facilities have prioritized everyone’s health and safety. IQAir’s Air Quality Experts will review every aspect of the school’s air quality infrastructure and provide a customized clean air solution for the facility. The takeaway Administrators, teachers, and parents can play a decisive role in improving indoor air quality in schools By taking a proactive role in addressing air quality risks in the school through air quality monitoring and room air purification, schools can become havens for focused study and effective learning. In other words, good air quality makes better students and should be accounted for when preparing a school shopping list.","

It's that time of year. Children are returning to schools and parents are planning their school essentials. Kids, teachers, and school personnel have returned to the classroom, where, depending on each child’s grade and country, each year they’ll spend an average of between 470 and 1,167 hours in school buildings (2). For teachers and school administration, that means more than just developing curriculum. It also means making sure their schools provide a safe, healthy environment free from airborne pollutants including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Meanwhile, parents and college students have to plan their back-to-school dorm room essentials. So – should they consider buying the best portable air purifier for dorm?

To be successful, students must have access to clean, healthy air to breathe through every school day.

Indoor air quality can have a tremendous impact on a student’s ability to thrive in the classroom. To be successful, students must have access to clean, healthy air to breathe through every school day. And not only can poor indoor air quality cause illnesses that keep them home from school, recent findings have also shown that it may directly reduce their ability to learn.

Here are some clean air essentials for back-to-school planning.

Indoor air quality and student health and performance

Clean air is crucial for student health and academic success. And older students have to consider back-to-school healthy dorm living when planning for the year ahead.

Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful and irritating air contaminants like viruses, bacteria, asthma triggers, allergens, and chemicals. Their lung development is directly affected by air pollution. Exposure to pollutants, especially PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, during childhood development has been linked to decreased respiratory function later in life, while long-term reductions in pollution can improve respiratory health (3).

PM2.5, particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or less, and even smaller, deadlier ultrafine particles are both found in wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, and industrial emissions.

Increasing reports of asthma among school age children have been directly linked to elevated air pollution exposure.

Increasing reports of asthma among school age children have been directly linked to elevated air pollution exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of absenteeism, with asthma-related illnesses accounting for more than 14 million missed school days in 2013 (4).

Studies have also associated poor indoor air quality with a decrease in students’ ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, and memory (5). There is also mounting evidence that poor indoor air quality can cause verbal, perceptual, motor, and intellectual disabilities in children (6, 7). It can also cause hearing impairment, irritability, and developmental delays (8, 9, 10).

Pollution comes from a variety of sources

There are several sources of air pollution inside schools. In newer schools, the trend toward tightly sealed buildings with a lack of natural ventilation is one factor. The use of synthetic building materials and furniture that off-gas chemicals, such as formaldehyde, is also a problem.

Issues in older schools range from lead, asbestos, and radon contamination, to mold caused by leaky roofs and dust from crumbling walls. In classrooms both old and new, a lack of funding has many schools turning off their HVAC systems or failing to properly maintain them.

Mold can be a concern for dorms as well. An air purifier for mold in dorm rooms can make a difference in health.

Studies have shown that it is common for indoor pollution levels in classrooms to be two to five times higher than outside.

Meanwhile, outdoor pollutants such as vehicle exhaust, pesticides, and factory emissions can make their way inside, making what is already a polluted environment even worse. Studies have shown that it is common for indoor pollution levels in classrooms to be two to five times higher than outside (11).

Furthermore, far too many schools find themselves close to major roads, rail yards, and other sources that harm air quality. These local sources play a major part of a child’s air pollution exposure.

Take action for cleaner air

Parents can take action to make sure their children are breathing clean, healthy air in every classroom and avoid exposure to viruses and bacteria.

A key component to reducing air pollution is knowing what’s in your air and when it’s dirty. Low-cost air quality monitors can be deployed in and around a facility, then paired to provide a comprehensive view of air quality. Indoor air quality monitoring in classrooms can also be essential for detecting carbon dioxide, a legal requirement in many school districts.

When there has been a pandemic outbreak and masking is optional or required, students and faculty can also manage their personal risk with face masks.

For children studying at home or teachers working at their desks, there are personal air purifiers that clean the air in your breathing zone. Air purifiers for children's study areas and air purifiers for kids' rooms can help. A portable air purifier for dorm rooms can also help out if placed on desks or near beds.

Here are some additional questions parents should be asking the administration at their children’s schools:

Has the school installed high-efficiency air filtration technology that exceeds the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value standards, surpassing less effective MERV 13?
Is the school inspecting and maintaining their HVAC systems regularly?
Are there routine inspections for moisture and mold? Have they established prevention and remediation plans?
Is the maintenance staff cleaning and removing dust with a damp cloth and vacuuming using high-efficiency (HEPA) filters daily?
Is the school choosing safe cleaning products, building materials and furniture that do not release harmful chemicals?
Is the district conducting regular building inspections and developing management plans for pollution sources?

Schools can comprehensively address air quality safety concerns by becoming certified Clean Air Schools. Faculty and visitors will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that school facilities have prioritized everyone’s health and safety. IQAir’s Air Quality Experts will review every aspect of the school’s air quality infrastructure and provide a customized clean air solution for the facility.

The takeaway

Administrators, teachers, and parents can play a decisive role in improving indoor air quality in schools

By taking a proactive role in addressing air quality risks in the school through air quality monitoring and room air purification, schools can become havens for focused study and effective learning. In other words, good air quality makes better students and should be accounted for when preparing a school shopping list.

","indoor-air-quality-in-schools-is-a-serious-issue","gid://shopify/Article/606876467499","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/indoor-air-quality-in-schools-is-a-serious-issue","2024-01-18T08:00:00Z",[312,681,14],"Indoor air quality in schools is a serious issue",{"_65":1042,"_210":1043,"_208":1044,"_211":926,"_213":927},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/408041324918","Kids doing school work","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/54_schools_desktop_b6bde7ef-216a-4c4e-b9e1-e1ce65b8232d.webp?v=1757452888",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"School buildings often trigger allergies & asthma. Learn how you can help improve indoor air quality in schools.","School buildings often trigger allergies & asthma. Learn how you can help improve indoor air quality in schools.","School buildings and college dorms are often common places for asthma and allergy triggers. Children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful pollutants. Parents and college students need to think about back-to-school dorm room essentials for removing pollutants. Improving indoor air quality in schools is an important measure for preventing asthma and allergy flare-ups among students. According to recommendations published in Health Promotion Perspectives, when schools actively filter PM2.5, or fine particle pollution, they can reduce the incidence of asthma from 16 percent to 13 percent (1). The “September Asthma Epidemic” or “Asthma Peak Week” is a trend that lands more people – especially children – in the hospital for asthma attacks in September than any other month (2). During that time, mold counts are higher as fallen leaves are gathered. Children return to school and are exposed to more respiratory illnesses and asthma triggers. So it's important to plan carefully when planning for school essentials. Sources of poor indoor air quality in schools There are several sources of air pollution in schools and college dorms. These sources can differ depending on the age of the school building. Newer school buildings may be tightly sealed and lack sufficient ventilation. Using synthetic building materials and furniture that off-gas chemicals, such as formaldehyde, can also be a problem. Many schools are located dangerously close to heavily-trafficked roads and freeways. Air pollution near schools can include particulate matter from vehicles. PM2.5, PM10, and PM1 or ultrafine particulates can all pose a threat to children's health. Airborne pollutant sources in schools include (3): mold dust volatile organic compounds (VOCs) radon lead asbestos PCBs pesticides smoke College students may need to invest in an air purifier for mold in dorm living situations. Regardless, it is important to plan think ahead when sending kids back to school. Animal-free doesn’t mean animal allergen-free Animal allergens can be present in environments where there are no animals. In a 2008 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, researchers found that cat and dog allergens were present in virtually every U.S. home surveyed (4). Pet allergens were found to be transported by clothing. This is particularly problematic for sensitized children who do not have pets at home. A 2005 study published in Allergy also found that human hair can transport pet allergens among schoolchildren (5). Dust mite allergens in schools Dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders. They thrive on soft surfaces in households, such as: mattresses bedding upholstered furniture carpets drapes and curtains Dust mite droppings and their decomposing bodies are a major allergen affecting people with allergies and asthma. Dust mite allergens are present in many schools and daycare facilities. A 2009 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that dust mite allergens are present in many schools and daycare facilities (6). Reported levels are often similar or slightly lower than in corresponding local homes. Carpeting and upholstered furnishings are important reservoirs and sources of exposure in schools and daycare centers, particularly in humid regions. For older students who are headed to college, air purifiers can help with these issues. And air purifiers for kids' study rooms can help at home. Cockroach and rodent allergens in schools Cockroach and rodent allergens are commonly detected in inner-city and rural schools. A 1996 study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy found that detectable levels of cockroach allergen were found in 65 percent of vacuumed dust samples from classrooms (7). A study found mice allergens in 99.5 percent of school samples. A 2017 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found mice allergens in 99.5 percent of school samples (8).Children exposed to mouse allergens in schools experienced more asthma symptoms and lower lung function after adjusting for variation in exposures at home. Airborne cockroach and mouse allergens are also found in airborne samples. Not surprisingly, the highest levels of these allergens are usually where there is food (9). Dustless chalk can trigger milk allergies Chalk dust is a common classroom allergen and asthma trigger. Many school teachers are now opting for dustless chalk. Casein is a milk protein often used in low-powder chalk. Milk-allergic children who inhale low-powder chalk particles with casein can suffer asthma attacks and other respiratory (10). Traffic-related air pollution In the U.S. alone, almost 8,000 public schools are within 500 feet of highways, truck routes and other traffic-heavy roads (11). In the United Kingdom, there were 2,200 schools and nurseries near heavily polluted roads in 2017. In Montreal, Canada, 127 elementary and secondary schools were within 150 meters of busy roads as of 2019 (12)(13). Vehicle exhaust is the largest source of traffic-related air pollution. Other sources include dust from brakes, tires, and the road surface. The most common traffic pollutants include: particulate matter nitrogen oxides carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Carcinogenic VOCs in traffic-related air pollution include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene. How parents can help at school Questions parents can ask their school administrators include: Are the HVAC systems being properly inspected and maintained? Are there regular moisture and mold inspections? Is dust being removed daily with a damp cloth? Is the school being vacuumed using a HEPA filter daily? Are the cleaning products used safe? Are the building materials and furniture releasing harmful chemicals? Is food being properly stored? Is an optimal humidity level (between 30 and 50 percent) being maintained? Are there school-ready air purifiers on the premises? Parents should visit their child's school to find out what trigger sources are present. Parents can also talk to the school about what they can do to limit allergens, such as keeping windows shut on high pollen days or limiting carpets in the classroom. Parents should visit their child's school to find out what trigger sources are present. Parents can also suggest a classroom project to identify trigger sources and get students involved in recognizing what contributes to good indoor air quality. Plan for clean air when creating your school shopping list. For college students, finding the best air purifier for dorm rooms will help reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. Even a small HEPA air purifier for dorm life could make a huge difference if placed at a desk or beside a bed. Other steps parents can take Before school starts, schedule an appointment with your child’s physician or board-certified allergist. Have a fully documented asthma plan: Develop your child’s plan with the physician or board-certified allergist. Each plan is specific to each child. Never rely on home remedies for allergies and asthma, unless your doctor says it’s okay. If your child’s asthma is severe, ensure there’s a peak flow meter available. Be sure your child and the school staff are comfortable using it. Ensure there’s an up-to-date rescue albuterol inhaler at the school. If your child has exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), let the school know they need to use their albuterol inhaler before exercise. Download an air quality app and track local air quality. Consider getting an air quality monitor for your child’s classroom. Connect it to the school’s Wi-Fi and check the air quality from your phone or desktop. The takeaway Although you can’t completely control allergens and asthma triggers outside your home, you can take steps to keep your child as safe as possible. By actively monitoring air quality, asking school administrators to take proactive actions, and getting an air purifier for college students, parents can help minimize asthma and allergy flare-ups for their children.","

School buildings and college dorms are often common places for asthma and allergy triggers. Children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful pollutants. Parents and college students need to think about back-to-school dorm room essentials for removing pollutants.

Improving indoor air quality in schools is an important measure for preventing asthma and allergy flare-ups among students. According to recommendations published in Health Promotion Perspectives, when schools actively filter PM2.5, or fine particle pollution, they can reduce the incidence of asthma from 16 percent to 13 percent (1).

The “September Asthma Epidemic” or “Asthma Peak Week” is a trend that lands more people – especially children – in the hospital for asthma attacks in September than any other month (2). During that time, mold counts are higher as fallen leaves are gathered. Children return to school and are exposed to more respiratory illnesses and asthma triggers. So it's important to plan carefully when planning for school essentials.

Sources of poor indoor air quality in schools

There are several sources of air pollution in schools and college dorms. These sources can differ depending on the age of the school building.

Newer school buildings may be tightly sealed and lack sufficient ventilation. Using synthetic building materials and furniture that off-gas chemicals, such as formaldehyde, can also be a problem.

Many schools are located dangerously close to heavily-trafficked roads and freeways. Air pollution near schools can include particulate matter from vehicles. PM2.5, PM10, and PM1 or ultrafine particulates can all pose a threat to children's health.

Airborne pollutant sources in schools include (3):

mold
dust
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
radon
lead
asbestos
PCBs
pesticides
smoke

College students may need to invest in an air purifier for mold in dorm living situations. Regardless, it is important to plan think ahead when sending kids back to school.

Animal-free doesn’t mean animal allergen-free

Animal allergens can be present in environments where there are no animals.

In a 2008 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, researchers found that cat and dog allergens were present in virtually every U.S. home surveyed (4). Pet allergens were found to be transported by clothing. This is particularly problematic for sensitized children who do not have pets at home.

A 2005 study published in Allergy also found that human hair can transport pet allergens among schoolchildren (5).

Dust mite allergens in schools

Dust mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders. They thrive on soft surfaces in households, such as:

mattresses
bedding
upholstered furniture
carpets
drapes and curtains

Dust mite droppings and their decomposing bodies are a major allergen affecting people with allergies and asthma.

Dust mite allergens are present in many schools and daycare facilities.

A 2009 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that dust mite allergens are present in many schools and daycare facilities (6). Reported levels are often similar or slightly lower than in corresponding local homes.

Carpeting and upholstered furnishings are important reservoirs and sources of exposure in schools and daycare centers, particularly in humid regions.

For older students who are headed to college, air purifiers can help with these issues. And air purifiers for kids' study rooms can help at home.

Cockroach and rodent allergens in schools

Cockroach and rodent allergens are commonly detected in inner-city and rural schools. A 1996 study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy found that detectable levels of cockroach allergen were found in 65 percent of vacuumed dust samples from classrooms (7).

A study found mice allergens in 99.5 percent of school samples.

A 2017 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found mice allergens in 99.5 percent of school samples (8).Children exposed to mouse allergens in schools experienced more asthma symptoms and lower lung function after adjusting for variation in exposures at home.

Airborne cockroach and mouse allergens are also found in airborne samples. Not surprisingly, the highest levels of these allergens are usually where there is food (9).

Dustless chalk can trigger milk allergies

Chalk dust is a common classroom allergen and asthma trigger. Many school teachers are now opting for dustless chalk.

Casein is a milk protein often used in low-powder chalk. Milk-allergic children who inhale low-powder chalk particles with casein can suffer asthma attacks and other respiratory (10).

Traffic-related air pollution

In the U.S. alone, almost 8,000 public schools are within 500 feet of highways, truck routes and other traffic-heavy roads (11). In the United Kingdom, there were 2,200 schools and nurseries near heavily polluted roads in 2017. In Montreal, Canada, 127 elementary and secondary schools were within 150 meters of busy roads as of 2019 (12)(13).

Vehicle exhaust is the largest source of traffic-related air pollution. Other sources include dust from brakes, tires, and the road surface.

The most common traffic pollutants include:

particulate matter
nitrogen oxides
carbon monoxide
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Carcinogenic VOCs in traffic-related air pollution include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and benzene.

How parents can help at school

Questions parents can ask their school administrators include:

Are the HVAC systems being properly inspected and maintained?
Are there regular moisture and mold inspections?
Is dust being removed daily with a damp cloth?
Is the school being vacuumed using a HEPA filter daily?
Are the cleaning products used safe?
Are the building materials and furniture releasing harmful chemicals?
Is food being properly stored?
Is an optimal humidity level (between 30 and 50 percent) being maintained?
Are there school-ready air purifiers on the premises?

Parents should visit their child's school to find out what trigger sources are present. Parents can also talk to the school about what they can do to limit allergens, such as keeping windows shut on high pollen days or limiting carpets in the classroom.

Parents should visit their child's school to find out what trigger sources are present.

Parents can also suggest a classroom project to identify trigger sources and get students involved in recognizing what contributes to good indoor air quality. Plan for clean air when creating your school shopping list.

For college students, finding the best air purifier for dorm rooms will help reduce exposure to airborne pollutants. Even a small HEPA air purifier for dorm life could make a huge difference if placed at a desk or beside a bed.

Other steps parents can take

Before school starts, schedule an appointment with your child’s physician or board-certified allergist.
Have a fully documented asthma plan: Develop your child’s plan with the physician or board-certified allergist. Each plan is specific to each child.
Never rely on home remedies for allergies and asthma, unless your doctor says it’s okay.
If your child’s asthma is severe, ensure there’s a peak flow meter available. Be sure your child and the school staff are comfortable using it.
Ensure there’s an up-to-date rescue albuterol inhaler at the school.
If your child has exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), let the school know they need to use their albuterol inhaler before exercise.
Download an air quality app and track local air quality.
Consider getting an air quality monitor for your child’s classroom. Connect it to the school’s Wi-Fi and check the air quality from your phone or desktop.

The takeaway

Although you can’t completely control allergens and asthma triggers outside your home, you can take steps to keep your child as safe as possible. By actively monitoring air quality, asking school administrators to take proactive actions, and getting an air purifier for college students, parents can help minimize asthma and allergy flare-ups for their children.

","a-parents-complete-guide-to-managing-asthma-and-allergies-at-school","gid://shopify/Article/606883479851","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/a-parents-complete-guide-to-managing-asthma-and-allergies-at-school","2024-04-15T07:00:00Z",[312,846,14],"A parent’s complete guide to managing asthma and allergies at school",{"_65":1058,"_210":1059,"_208":1060,"_211":926,"_213":927},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/408040210806","Children in classroom","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_BTS_Kids_v2_1_a79d9829-b39a-4634-b68e-962d5835e56f.webp?v=1757448178",{"_52":311},{"_67":63},"Will an air purifier help protect your baby's nursery from pollutants? Discover what to look for and what to avoid.","

Will an air purifier help protect your baby's nursery from pollutants? Discover what to look for and what to avoid.

","Air purifiers can significantly improve air quality in babies’ nurseries, helping protect their developing lungs and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, allergens, and airborne germs. Cleaner indoor air may help reduce exposure to airborne germs and irritants that contribute to congestion or frequent respiratory discomfort, supporting more consistent sleep and feeding routines during infancy. When used correctly, and in tandem with a layered approach to optimizing the air in their nursery, air purifiers create a safer, healthier environment for infants. Why babies and newborns are especially vulnerable to poor air quality Babies breathe faster than adults and have smaller, developing airways, making them more susceptible to respiratory irritation, infections, and long-term health issues (1). Indoor air in nurseries often contains invisible threats like fine particles (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture or cleaning products, allergens, and even bacteria or viruses. Because babies breathe more rapidly and spend much of their time sleeping, it's important to maintain cleaner air that can help support a calmer breathing environment. Common indoor air pollutants in baby nurseries Nurseries can harbor a mix of pollutants that are particularly harmful to babies. These include: Fine particles (PM2.5 and ultrafine): From dust, pet dander, or outdoor pollution seeping indoors, these particles can penetrate deep into developing lungs. VOCs and chemicals: Released by new furniture, flooring, paints, and cleaning supplies, these can irritate airways and contribute to long-term health risks. Allergens: Dust mites, mold spores, and pollen can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms. Airborne germs: Bacteria and viruses linger in the air, increasing the risk of infections. Ozone and ionizer byproducts: Some air purifiers generate ozone, a known lung irritant that can worsen respiratory issues—these should always be avoided in nurseries. Is an air purifier good for a baby or newborn? For babies and newborns, the primary benefit of an air purifier is reducing continuous exposure to fine particles and chemical irritants during critical periods of lung and immune system development. High-quality air purifiers with HyperHEPA filtration and activated carbon are most effective for nurseries. HyperHEPA filters capture 99.95% of airborne particles, including the smallest and most harmful ultrafine particles. Activated carbon filters help remove odors and VOCs. What to look for in an air purifier for a baby’s nursery Not all air purifiers are safe for nurseries. Parents should prioritize: HyperHEPA filtration: Ensures removal of fine particles without producing ozone. Ozone-free: Ionizers and ozone-generating purifiers should be avoided, as ozone can harm developing lungs. Low noise levels: Babies are sensitive to sound; look for models offering soft, low decibel, ultra-quiet performance. Smart sensors: Real-time monitoring helps maintain optimal air quality, especially during sleep. Best practices for using an air purifier in a baby’s nursery Small setup and usage choices can make a meaningful difference in how effectively an air purifier supports a baby’s nursery environment. To maximize benefits: Run the air purifier continuously, especially during sleep, when babies are most vulnerable to airborne irritants. Ensure proper ventilation when outdoor air quality is good. Clean or replace filters when your air purifier notifies you that it is time. Air purifiers aren’t enough: How to improve air quality in a baby’s room While air purifiers are powerful tools, a layered approach ensures the best protection: Reduce sources of pollution: Choose low-VOC furniture, non-toxic cleaning products, and fragrance-free detergents. Regular cleaning: Dust surfaces, vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, and wash bedding weekly to minimize allergens. Monitor air quality: Use an indoor air quality monitor to track PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity levels. Limit soft furnishings: Carpets, stuffed animals, and heavy drapes trap dust and allergens; opt for washable, hypoallergenic materials. No smoking indoors: Tobacco smoke is especially dangerous for infants and can linger in fabrics and surfaces. These steps are especially important during infancy, when even low-level, repeated exposure to airborne pollutants can influence respiratory health and immune development over time. Frequently Asked Questions Are air purifiers safe for newborns? Yes, and it is recommended that you choose a model with HyperHEPA filtration and avoid ionizers or ozone-generating purifiers. Can an air purifier help my baby sleep better? Yes. Look for models with ultra-quiet fans. How often should I replace the filter in a nursery air purifier? Filter lifespan varies – high quality filters may average as long as four years before replacement filters should be changed. Look for an air purifier that will notify you when filters require replacement. Will an air purifier remove all allergens from the nursery? While purifiers significantly reduce airborne allergens, they can’t eliminate particles settled on surfaces. Regular cleaning and dusting are still essential. Which is better for babies: a humidifier or an air purifier? An air purifier removes airborne pollutants like fine particles, allergens, and irritants, making it the more important choice for improving the air a baby breathes. A humidifier adds moisture to dry air but does not clean it. In many homes, an air purifier is the best first step, with a humidifier used only if indoor air is very dry. Can an air purifier help babies with seasonal allergies? Yes. Air purifiers can reduce airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold spores that contribute to seasonal allergy symptoms in babies. They work best when combined with regular cleaning and keeping windows closed on high-pollen days. Conclusion Just as clean air supports learning and focus later in life, maintaining a clean indoor air environment during infancy helps establish healthy foundations for breathing, sleep, and comfort. Clean air isn’t an intervention — it’s part of a supportive environment that allows development to unfold naturally. Investing in a high-quality, baby-safe air purifier is one of the most effective steps parents can take to reduce everyday exposure to airborne pollutants during early development. By removing fine particles, allergens, and airborne germs, purifiers help create a cleaner, safer nursery environment—especially for babies with asthma or allergies. However, they work best as part of a broader strategy: reducing pollution sources, maintaining good ventilation, and keeping the nursery clean. Preparation and consistency are key. With the right air purifier and habits, you can lower your baby’s exposure to harmful pollutants, supporting healthier lung development and fewer respiratory issues as they grow.","

Air purifiers can significantly improve air quality in babies’ nurseries, helping protect their developing lungs and reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, allergens, and airborne germs. Cleaner indoor air may help reduce exposure to airborne germs and irritants that contribute to congestion or frequent respiratory discomfort, supporting more consistent sleep and feeding routines during infancy.

When used correctly, and in tandem with a layered approach to optimizing the air in their nursery, air purifiers create a safer, healthier environment for infants.

Why babies and newborns are especially vulnerable to poor air quality
\n

Babies breathe faster than adults and have smaller, developing airways, making them more susceptible to respiratory irritation, infections, and long-term health issues (1). Indoor air in nurseries often contains invisible threats like fine particles (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from furniture or cleaning products, allergens, and even bacteria or viruses.

Because babies breathe more rapidly and spend much of their time sleeping, it's important to maintain cleaner air that can help support a calmer breathing environment.

Common indoor air pollutants in baby nurseries

Nurseries can harbor a mix of pollutants that are particularly harmful to babies. These include:

\nFine particles (PM2.5 and ultrafine): From dust, pet dander, or outdoor pollution seeping indoors, these particles can penetrate deep into developing lungs.
\nVOCs and chemicals: Released by new furniture, flooring, paints, and cleaning supplies, these can irritate airways and contribute to long-term health risks.
\n
\nAllergens: Dust mites, mold spores, and pollen can trigger allergies or asthma symptoms.
\n
\nAirborne germs: Bacteria and viruses linger in the air, increasing the risk of infections.
\n
\nOzone and ionizer byproducts: Some air purifiers generate ozone, a known lung irritant that can worsen respiratory issues—these should always be avoided in nurseries.
\n

Is an air purifier good for a baby or newborn?

For babies and newborns, the primary benefit of an air purifier is reducing continuous exposure to fine particles and chemical irritants during critical periods of lung and immune system development.

High-quality air purifiers with HyperHEPA filtration and activated carbon are most effective for nurseries. HyperHEPA filters capture 99.95% of airborne particles, including the smallest and most harmful ultrafine particles. Activated carbon filters help remove odors and VOCs.

What to look for in an air purifier for a baby’s nursery

Not all air purifiers are safe for nurseries. Parents should prioritize:

\nHyperHEPA filtration: Ensures removal of fine particles without producing ozone.
\n
\nOzone-free: Ionizers and ozone-generating purifiers should be avoided, as ozone can harm developing lungs.
\n
\nLow noise levels: Babies are sensitive to sound; look for models offering soft, low decibel, ultra-quiet performance.
\n
\nSmart sensors: Real-time monitoring helps maintain optimal air quality, especially during sleep.

Best practices for using an air purifier in a baby’s nursery

Small setup and usage choices can make a meaningful difference in how effectively an air purifier supports a baby’s nursery environment. To maximize benefits:

Run the air purifier continuously, especially during sleep, when babies are most vulnerable to airborne irritants.
\n
Ensure proper ventilation when outdoor air quality is good.
\n
Clean or replace filters when your air purifier notifies you that it is time.
\n

Air purifiers aren’t enough: How to improve air quality in a baby’s room

While air purifiers are powerful tools, a layered approach ensures the best protection:

\nReduce sources of pollution: Choose low-VOC furniture, non-toxic cleaning products, and fragrance-free detergents.
\n
\nRegular cleaning: Dust surfaces, vacuum with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, and wash bedding weekly to minimize allergens.
\n
\nMonitor air quality: Use an indoor air quality monitor to track PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity levels.
\n
\nLimit soft furnishings: Carpets, stuffed animals, and heavy drapes trap dust and allergens; opt for washable, hypoallergenic materials.
\n
\nNo smoking indoors: Tobacco smoke is especially dangerous for infants and can linger in fabrics and surfaces.
\n

These steps are especially important during infancy, when even low-level, repeated exposure to airborne pollutants can influence respiratory health and immune development over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are air purifiers safe for newborns?

Yes, and it is recommended that you choose a model with HyperHEPA filtration and avoid ionizers or ozone-generating purifiers.

Can an air purifier help my baby sleep better?

Yes. Look for models with ultra-quiet fans.

How often should I replace the filter in a nursery air purifier?

Filter lifespan varies – high quality filters may average as long as four years before replacement filters should be changed. Look for an air purifier that will notify you when filters require replacement.

Will an air purifier remove all allergens from the nursery?

While purifiers significantly reduce airborne allergens, they can’t eliminate particles settled on surfaces. Regular cleaning and dusting are still essential.

Which is better for babies: a humidifier or an air purifier?

An air purifier removes airborne pollutants like fine particles, allergens, and irritants, making it the more important choice for improving the air a baby breathes. A humidifier adds moisture to dry air but does not clean it. In many homes, an air purifier is the best first step, with a humidifier used only if indoor air is very dry.

Can an air purifier help babies with seasonal allergies?

Yes. Air purifiers can reduce airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold spores that contribute to seasonal allergy symptoms in babies. They work best when combined with regular cleaning and keeping windows closed on high-pollen days.

Conclusion

Just as clean air supports learning and focus later in life, maintaining a clean indoor air environment during infancy helps establish healthy foundations for breathing, sleep, and comfort. Clean air isn’t an intervention — it’s part of a supportive environment that allows development to unfold naturally.

Investing in a high-quality, baby-safe air purifier is one of the most effective steps parents can take to reduce everyday exposure to airborne pollutants during early development. By removing fine particles, allergens, and airborne germs, purifiers help create a cleaner, safer nursery environment—especially for babies with asthma or allergies. However, they work best as part of a broader strategy: reducing pollution sources, maintaining good ventilation, and keeping the nursery clean.

Preparation and consistency are key. With the right air purifier and habits, you can lower your baby’s exposure to harmful pollutants, supporting healthier lung development and fewer respiratory issues as they grow.

\n\n

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Grasping the Severity of Hazardous AQI

\nProtective Measures for Hazardous Air Quality

Join the movement!

How can I protect myself when air quality is hazardous?

How to best protect from air pollution?

Understanding the \"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups\" AQI Range

Protective Measures for Sensitive Groups

How can I protect myself when air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups?

Mission built on compassion

Good air quality: Essential in animal rescues

Life changing air cleaning solution

Looking ahead

Conclusion

A vision born from necessity

The journey of Permian Health

Highlighting areas of concern: Brikama’s air quality

Pioneering work on the ground

Uniting minds and garnering accolades

Hopes for the Future

Conclusion

Why Pakistan Needs Reliable Air Quality Data

Building Pakistan's National Air Quality Network

Using Air Quality Data to Combat Pollution in Pakistan

Pakistan's Long-Term Pollution Solutions

Conclusion

Nairobi's leap towards cleaner air

Local expertise, global resources drive innovation

The challenge of air quality monitoring in Africa

Harnessing technology for a healthier tomorrow

Cultivating environmental consciousness

Conclusion

Are scented candles bad for you?

Paraffin wax

Is burning candles bad for you?

Chemical fragrances

Cored wicks

Safer alternatives

The takeaway

Why are Himalayan salt lamps bad for air quality?

So what’s so special about Himalayan salt?

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

What should I look for in an air purifier?

1. HEPA filters are the standard for the industry.

2. Not all air purifier designs are created equal.

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

The takeaway

What should I avoid in an air purifier?

Ionizer air purifiers

Verdict

Ozone Generators

Verdict

UV Light Purifiers

Verdict

What do I do now?

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke and at-risk populations

How wildfire smoke behaves

Wildfire safety tips

The takeaway

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Is the air quality good in Johannesburg?

When will the air quality improve in Johannesburg?

What is causing poor air quality in Johannesburg?

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

What is the location of the dust storm?

Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm?

How long will the dust storm last?

Are there any alerts in place?

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Why is there a heatwave in South Asia?

Which cities or areas are affected by the heatwave?

\n

Protective Measures for Hazardous Air Quality

Why babies and newborns are especially vulnerable to poor air quality
\n

Parents

Trending topics

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Indoor air quality in schools is a serious issue

Can clean air increase child IQ?

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Air purifiers may help with influenza at home

The Broadbent Family: "We don't get things this cool very often."

Latest air purifier use: Protection from hearing loss?

New technique links early mold exposure to asthma

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