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",[611,612],"Cleaner air, healthier kittens: Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue",{"_65":606,"_210":607,"_208":608,"_211":609,"_213":610},"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":310},{"_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",[627,628,612],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s air quality crusade in Gambia",{"_65":624,"_210":625,"_208":626,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[627,628,612],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_65":642,"_210":643,"_208":644,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[628,612],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_65":658,"_210":659,"_208":660,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":590,"_83":713,"_11":714,"_73":715,"_594":715,"_75":716,"_77":717,"_67":718,"_65":719,"_600":720,"_114":-5,"_79":721,"_81":722,"_71":723,"_85":724},{"_101":590,"_83":697,"_11":698,"_73":699,"_594":699,"_75":700,"_77":701,"_67":702,"_65":703,"_600":704,"_114":-5,"_79":705,"_81":706,"_71":707,"_85":708},{"_101":590,"_83":682,"_11":683,"_73":684,"_594":684,"_75":685,"_77":686,"_67":687,"_65":688,"_600":689,"_114":-5,"_79":690,"_81":691,"_71":692,"_85":693},{"_101":590,"_83":665,"_11":666,"_73":667,"_594":667,"_75":668,"_77":669,"_67":670,"_65":671,"_600":672,"_114":-5,"_79":673,"_81":674,"_71":675,"_85":676},{"_52":310},{"_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",[680,681],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_65":677,"_210":678,"_208":679,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[311,680,681],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_65":694,"_210":695,"_208":696,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[712,680,681],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_65":709,"_210":710,"_208":711,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[311,14,681,312],"How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_65":725,"_210":726,"_208":727,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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",{"_101":590,"_83":812,"_11":813,"_73":814,"_594":815,"_75":816,"_77":817,"_67":818,"_65":819,"_600":820,"_114":-5,"_79":821,"_81":822,"_71":823,"_85":824},{"_101":590,"_83":797,"_11":798,"_73":799,"_594":800,"_75":801,"_77":802,"_67":803,"_65":804,"_600":805,"_114":-5,"_79":806,"_81":807,"_71":808,"_85":809},{"_101":590,"_83":782,"_11":783,"_73":784,"_594":785,"_75":786,"_77":787,"_67":788,"_65":789,"_600":790,"_114":-5,"_79":791,"_81":792,"_71":793,"_85":794},{"_101":590,"_83":765,"_11":766,"_73":767,"_594":768,"_75":769,"_77":770,"_67":771,"_65":772,"_600":773,"_114":-5,"_79":774,"_81":775,"_71":776,"_85":777},{"_101":590,"_83":749,"_11":750,"_73":751,"_594":752,"_75":753,"_77":754,"_67":755,"_65":756,"_600":757,"_114":-5,"_79":758,"_81":759,"_71":760,"_85":761},{"_101":590,"_83":734,"_11":735,"_73":736,"_594":737,"_75":738,"_77":739,"_67":740,"_65":741,"_600":742,"_114":-5,"_79":743,"_81":744,"_71":745,"_85":746},{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Wildfires spread across Brantley County in Georgia, burning structures and causing road closures. Learn more about what is causing the Georgia wildfires.","

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

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? On May 30, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire is burning in southeastern region of Georgia, neighboring the northern Florida border. The fire is located just off U.S. Highway 82 near the Brantley County line, bordering Glynn County and spreading into Camden County (1)(2). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The Brantley Highway 82 wildfire has spread across multiple highways, neighborhoods, and communities, including (3)(4): Atkinson Waynesville Happy Hollow U.S. Highway 82 area, from Nahunta to Post Road Highway 110 West, near Camden County line Highway 259, near Camden County line What is the current containment status of the Brantley Highway 82 Fire? On May 30, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fires has burned approximately 22,420 acres and is about 95% contained. Brantley County, Glynn County, and Effingham County Fire Rescue teams have been working together to contain the wildfire and stop the spread to neighboring communities. Glynn County issued a temporary outdoor burn ban, prohibiting outdoor fires ignited by residents, such as fireworks and bonfire pits, to prevent additional wildfires (5)(6). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods and communities have been issued all throughout Brantley County, including Happy Hollow, Hawks Landing, and Drury Court. Those needing to evacuate are directed to use Highway 32 for safety. Various neighboring cities are on wildfire watch as winds continue to carry smoke throughout the state. On April 22, 2026, all Brantley County schools were closed due to the wildfire breaching containment. Shelters are open to the public through various churches in the Nahunta and Hortense region, providing food and water to locals in need. Residents in neighboring cities on wildfire watch alert are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and monitor fire updates and alerts (7). 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 is 95% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

On May 30, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fire is burning in southeastern region of Georgia, neighboring the northern Florida border.

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

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

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

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

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

On May 30, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fires has burned approximately 22,420 acres and is about 95% contained.

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

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Mandatory evacuation orders for several neighborhoods and communities have been issued all throughout Brantley County, including Happy Hollow, Hawks Landing, and Drury Court. Those needing to evacuate are directed to use Highway 32 for safety. Various neighboring cities are on wildfire watch as winds continue to carry smoke throughout the state.

On April 22, 2026, all Brantley County schools were closed due to the wildfire breaching containment. Shelters are open to the public through various churches in the Nahunta and Hortense region, providing food and water to locals in need. Residents in neighboring cities on wildfire watch alert are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and monitor fire updates and alerts (7).

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 is 95% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-brantley-highway-82-fire-georgia","gid://shopify/Article/1001165488502","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-brantley-highway-82-fire-georgia","2026-05-30T08:42:26Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Brantley Highway 82 Fire, Georgia",{"_65":747,"_210":-5,"_208":748,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415997591926","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire2Desktop_112a6e50-3297-48e1-a411-cb9766383a09.jpg?v=1780130582",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Hummingbird Fire burning in southwestern New Mexico, including impacted communities, evacuation alerts, and containment updates.","

Find out more about the Hummingbird Fire burning in southwestern New Mexico, including impacted communities, evacuation alerts, and containment updates.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? On May 30, 2026, the Hummingbird Fire is actively burning within New Mexico’s Gila National Forest. The lightning-caused wildfire began on April 20 and is located approximately 15 miles east of Glenwood, in Catron County. The fire has spread through steep and rugged terrain near Iron Creek Mesa and Iron Creek, with smoke visible from nearby landmarks including Gila Cliff Dwellings and surrounding wilderness areas (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Hummingbird Fire include: Gila Valley Silver City Willow Creek Subdivision What is the current containment status of the wildfire? On May 30, 2026, the Hummingbird Fire has burned approximately 5,716 acres and remains 90% contained. Fire crews continue using both ground and aviation resources to slow the fire’s spread and protect nearby communities. Firefighters have been constructing containment lines, securing spot fires, and protecting structures in vulnerable areas. High winds previously limited aerial firefighting operations, though improved weather conditions have allowed aircraft to resume support efforts (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? A Level 3 “GO” evacuation order remains in effect for residents of the Willow Creek Subdivision, meaning residents should evacuate immediately. Fire crews have been actively clearing debris and installing structure protection equipment in the area to safeguard homes. Authorities are urging residents to monitor updates from Catron County Emergency Management and local officials for additional evacuation alerts or changing fire conditions. 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 is 90% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

On May 30, 2026, the Hummingbird Fire is actively burning within New Mexico’s Gila National Forest.

The lightning-caused wildfire began on April 20 and is located approximately 15 miles east of Glenwood, in Catron County.

The fire has spread through steep and rugged terrain near Iron Creek Mesa and Iron Creek, with smoke visible from nearby landmarks including Gila Cliff Dwellings and surrounding wilderness areas (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Hummingbird Fire include:

Gila Valley
\nSilver City
\n
Willow Creek Subdivision

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

On May 30, 2026, the Hummingbird Fire has burned approximately 5,716 acres and remains 90% contained.

Fire crews continue using both ground and aviation resources to slow the fire’s spread and protect nearby communities.

Firefighters have been constructing containment lines, securing spot fires, and protecting structures in vulnerable areas. High winds previously limited aerial firefighting operations, though improved weather conditions have allowed aircraft to resume support efforts (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A Level 3 “GO” evacuation order remains in effect for residents of the Willow Creek Subdivision, meaning residents should evacuate immediately.

Fire crews have been actively clearing debris and installing structure protection equipment in the area to safeguard homes. Authorities are urging residents to monitor updates from Catron County Emergency Management and local officials for additional evacuation alerts or changing fire conditions.

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 is 90% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-hummingbird-fire-new-mexico","gid://shopify/Article/1001217491318","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-hummingbird-fire-new-mexico","2026-05-30T08:51:35Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Hummingbird Fire, New Mexico",{"_65":762,"_210":763,"_208":764,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415997722998","Smoke rises from a wildfire burning through forest vegetation.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_49ff84d4-c8f2-4ae3-ae95-6222668c55a8.jpg?v=1780131125",{"_52":310},{"_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. As of May 30, 2026, this fire is 95% 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.

\n\n

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

As of May 30, 2026, this fire is 95% 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",[311,14,312],"Wildfire map spotlight: Bain Fire, California",{"_65":778,"_210":-5,"_208":779,"_211":780,"_213":781},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415998050678","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire11Desktop_055c054e-8575-4626-9834-7a24b6752315.jpg?v=1780132690",839,674,{"_52":310},{"_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 May 31, 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 May 31, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned approximately 29,167 acres and remains 51% 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 May 31, 2026, this fire is 51% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 31, 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 May 31, 2026, the Seven Cabins Fire has burned approximately 29,167 acres and remains 51% 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 May 31, 2026, this fire is 51% 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","2026-05-31T09:26:05Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire map spotlight: Seven Cabins Fire, New Mexico",{"_65":795,"_210":-5,"_208":796,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416014401910","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire5Desktop_9644f690-7268-4d83-9722-5ce68f50c7aa.jpg?v=1780219572",{"_52":310},{"_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",[311,14],"May 31, 2026: Johannesburg among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_65":810,"_210":-5,"_208":811,"_211":308,"_213":309},"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":310},{"_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",[311,14],"Caribbean Air Quality Alert: Saharan Dust Plume",{"_65":825,"_210":-5,"_208":826,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/416017580406","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/DustStorm2Desktop_7ac9d029-77c5-4170-8051-32ff5fe79b81.jpg?v=1780234014",{"_101":590,"_83":846,"_11":847,"_73":848,"_594":849,"_75":850,"_77":851,"_67":852,"_65":853,"_600":854,"_114":-5,"_79":855,"_81":856,"_71":857,"_85":858},{"_101":590,"_83":829,"_11":830,"_73":831,"_594":832,"_75":833,"_77":834,"_67":835,"_65":836,"_600":837,"_114":-5,"_79":838,"_81":839,"_71":840,"_85":841},{"_52":310},{"_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",[712,844,845],"Do air purifiers help with allergies?",{"_65":842,"_210":-5,"_208":843,"_211":780,"_213":781},"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":310},{"_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 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? 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, Agra, Delhi, Dhanbad, Indore, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Macherla, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Solapur. Pakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat. Afghanistan: Farah, 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?

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, Agra, Delhi, Dhanbad, Indore, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Macherla, Nagpur, Nanded, Nellore, Prayagraj, Raipur, Sambalpur and Solapur.
\nPakistan: Bahawalpur, Dadu, Dalbandin, Dera Ismail Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Sibi, Sukkur and Turbat.
\nAfghanistan: Farah, 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","2026-05-26T05:41:08Z",[311,14],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: South Asia",{"_65":908,"_210":-5,"_208":909,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415821431158","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_344ab3b6-7fe8-4fb8-8bd3-f47296a6fdfe.jpg?v=1779774074",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Pineland Road Fire and its impact on communities in southern Georgia.","

Find out more about the Pineland Road Fire and its impact on communities in southern Georgia.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of May 28, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia, across Clinch and Echols counties. The fire is located approximately 5 miles west of Colon Road and Mud Camp Pineland Road, near Highway 441 and close to the Suwannee River towards the boundary between the two counties (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Pineland Road Fire include: Colon Echols County Fargo Highway area Needmore Fruitland Regions near Headlight Road Regions near Tiger Lake Road Regions near Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road What is the current containment status of the Pineland Road Fire? As of May 28, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 32,031 acres and is 95% contained. Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including severe drought, low humidity, strong winds, and difficult swampy terrain. Full containment is not expected until late May (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Previous evacuation orders and alerts related to the Pineland Road Fire have been lifted as fire conditions improved and containment increased. Officials continue to advise residents to remain cautious near the burn area and follow updates from local emergency management agencies. Some firefighting activity and limited access restrictions may remain in place while crews continue suppression and mop-up 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 May 28, 2026, this fire is 95% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 28, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia, across Clinch and Echols counties.

The fire is located approximately 5 miles west of Colon Road and Mud Camp Pineland Road, near Highway 441 and close to the Suwannee River towards the boundary between the two counties (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Pineland Road Fire include:

Colon
Echols County
Fargo Highway area
Needmore
Fruitland
Regions near Headlight Road
Regions near Tiger Lake Road
Regions near Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road

What is the current containment status of the Pineland Road Fire?

As of May 28, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 32,031 acres and is 95% contained.

Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including severe drought, low humidity, strong winds, and difficult swampy terrain. Full containment is not expected until late May (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Previous evacuation orders and alerts related to the Pineland Road Fire have been lifted as fire conditions improved and containment increased. Officials continue to advise residents to remain cautious near the burn area and follow updates from local emergency management agencies.

Some firefighting activity and limited access restrictions may remain in place while crews continue suppression and mop-up 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 May 28, 2026, this fire is 95% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-pineland-road-fire-georgia","gid://shopify/Article/1001134391670","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-pineland-road-fire-georgia","2026-05-28T03:44:54Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pineland Road Fire, Georgia",{"_65":923,"_210":924,"_208":925,"_211":780,"_213":781},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415917441398","Wildfire engulfs a dense forest","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire9Desktop_ea4ea631-bd54-4bc8-96cc-9fb8e5673906.jpg?v=1779939900",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Learn more about the Sandy Fire that burned in Simi Valley, California, including affected communities, containment progress, and evacuation updates.","

Learn more about the Sandy Fire that burned in Simi Valley, California, including affected communities, containment progress, and evacuation updates.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? The Sandy wildfire burned in Simi Valley, Southern California, near Sandy Avenue (1). The fire spread toward Sequoia Avenue to the east. It was in close proximity to several schools, including Hillside Middle School, Crestview Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, and Hollow Hills Elementary School, as well as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The primary city affected by the Sandy Fire was Simi Valley, California. The fire burned near several schools and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of May 28, 2026, the Sandy Fire burned approximately 2,183 acres and was reported to be 100% contained. Firefighters continued mop-up and monitoring operations after containment was achieved. Ground crews remained in the area to address lingering hot spots and prevent any potential flare-ups. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Previous evacuation orders for areas affected by the Sandy Fire had been dropped. Officials continued advising residents to remain cautious near the burn area and follow updates from local emergency management agencies. Some road restrictions and firefighting activity remained in place while crews completed final containment 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 May 28, 2026, this fire had been 100% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

The Sandy wildfire burned in Simi Valley, Southern California, near Sandy Avenue (1). The fire spread toward Sequoia Avenue to the east. It was in close proximity to several schools, including Hillside Middle School, Crestview Elementary School, Mountain View Elementary School, and Hollow Hills Elementary School, as well as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The primary city affected by the Sandy Fire was Simi Valley, California. The fire burned near several schools and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of May 28, 2026, the Sandy Fire burned approximately 2,183 acres and was reported to be 100% contained.

Firefighters continued mop-up and monitoring operations after containment was achieved. Ground crews remained in the area to address lingering hot spots and prevent any potential flare-ups.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Previous evacuation orders for areas affected by the Sandy Fire had been dropped.

Officials continued advising residents to remain cautious near the burn area and follow updates from local emergency management agencies. Some road restrictions and firefighting activity remained in place while crews completed final containment 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 May 28, 2026, this fire had been 100% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-sandy-fire-california","gid://shopify/Article/1001437626742","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-sandy-fire-california","2026-05-28T03:48:35Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire map spotlight: Sandy Fire, California",{"_65":939,"_210":-5,"_208":940,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415917506934","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire7Desktop_98cf2f2a-4577-4cff-a69d-9f4bd9cc4e9d.jpg?v=1779940122",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Find out more about the Wawa 2 Fire in Florida, including containment efforts, affected communities, and current emergency information.","

Find out more about the Wawa 2 Fire in Florida, including containment efforts, affected communities, and current emergency information.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of May 29, 2026, the Wawa 2 Fire is burning in Highlands County, Florida, approximately 19 miles west of Avon Park near the Avon Park Air Force Base. The wildfire is burning through grass, brush, and timber fuels within the range area and has generated smoke impacts in nearby communities, including Frostproof (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Wawa 2 Fire include: Avon Park Frostproof Highlands County Vicinity of Avon Park Air Force Base What is the current containment status of the wildfire? As of May 29, 2026, the Wawa 2 Fire has burned approximately 7,121 acres and is currently 95% contained (2). Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Florida Forest Service and crews from Avon Park Air Force Base, continue suppression efforts and burnout operations to strengthen containment lines. Officials reported that fire activity has decreased, and crews are continuing cleanup and monitoring operations while working to improve containment levels. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or curfews associated with the Wawa 2 Fire. Authorities have reported that no structures are currently threatened, and no evacuation shelters have been opened at this time. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate fire area to allow firefighters and emergency personnel safe access to operations. Smoke from the wildfire may continue to drift toward nearby communities, including Frostproof, depending on wind conditions. 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 May 29, 2026, this fire is 95% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of May 29, 2026, the Wawa 2 Fire is burning in Highlands County, Florida, approximately 19 miles west of Avon Park near the Avon Park Air Force Base.

The wildfire is burning through grass, brush, and timber fuels within the range area and has generated smoke impacts in nearby communities, including Frostproof (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Wawa 2 Fire include:

Avon Park
Frostproof
Highlands County
Vicinity of Avon Park Air Force Base

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

As of May 29, 2026, the Wawa 2 Fire has burned approximately 7,121 acres and is currently 95% contained (2).

Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Florida Forest Service and crews from Avon Park Air Force Base, continue suppression efforts and burnout operations to strengthen containment lines.

Officials reported that fire activity has decreased, and crews are continuing cleanup and monitoring operations while working to improve containment levels.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, or curfews associated with the Wawa 2 Fire.

Authorities have reported that no structures are currently threatened, and no evacuation shelters have been opened at this time. Residents are advised to avoid the immediate fire area to allow firefighters and emergency personnel safe access to operations.

Smoke from the wildfire may continue to drift toward nearby communities, including Frostproof, depending on wind conditions.

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 May 29, 2026, this fire is 95% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-wawa-2-fire-florida","gid://shopify/Article/1001529737590","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-wawa-2-fire-florida","2026-05-29T08:29:49Z",[311,14,312],"Wildfire map spotlight: Wawa 2 Fire, Florida",{"_65":954,"_210":955,"_208":956,"_211":780,"_213":781},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415962726774","Forest fire","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire9Desktop_fb40e93d-14cc-444c-bd3f-8f486ea40481.jpg?v=1780043453",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Find out more about air quality conditions in Hanoi, Vietnam, including key pollution sources and seasonal patterns that affect public health.","

Find out more about air quality conditions in Hanoi, Vietnam, including key pollution sources and seasonal patterns that affect public health.

","Is the air quality good in Hanoi? As of May 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time), air quality in Hanoi, Vietnam, is poor, with AQI readings exceeding 150, placing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant. These conditions may increase the risk of adverse health effects, particularly for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Hanoi's air quality map. While air quality conditions in Hanoi today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Hanoi was 45.9 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 126 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”) and was 9.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city as of May 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Hanoi? Air quality is forecast to improve over the weekend as weather conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersion. Hourly air quality forecast for Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 29, 2026. Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 29, 2026. Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Hanoi? Hanoi's poor air quality is driven by a combination of local emissions and regional pollution sources (1). Heavy road traffic, including motorcycles, buses, and private vehicles. Industrial activities in and around Hanoi, including manufacturing facilities and fossil fuel combustion. Coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities in neighboring regions. Construction activities that generate large amounts of dust. Agricultural residue and biomass burning in surrounding provinces, particularly during the dry season. Researchers also found that pollution levels can be influenced by long-range transport of pollutants from outside the city, making regional emission control an important component of improving air quality in Hanoi (2). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Hanoi?

As of May 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time), air quality in Hanoi, Vietnam, is poor, with AQI readings exceeding 150, placing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.

These conditions may increase the risk of adverse health effects, particularly for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

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

While air quality conditions in Hanoi today are poor, it is important to note that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 for Hanoi was 45.9 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 126 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”) and was 9.1 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

$\"\"$ Hanoi, Vietnam, ranked as the 2nd most polluted major city as of May 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Hanoi?

Air quality is forecast to improve over the weekend as weather conditions become more favorable for pollutant dispersion.

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 29, 2026. Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Hanoi, Vietnam, as of May 29, 2026. Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Hanoi?

Hanoi's poor air quality is driven by a combination of local emissions and regional pollution sources (1).

Heavy road traffic, including motorcycles, buses, and private vehicles.
Industrial activities in and around Hanoi, including manufacturing facilities and fossil fuel combustion.
Coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities in neighboring regions.
Construction activities that generate large amounts of dust.
Agricultural residue and biomass burning in surrounding provinces, particularly during the dry season.
\n

Researchers also found that pollution levels can be influenced by long-range transport of pollutants from outside the city, making regional emission control an important component of improving air quality in Hanoi (2).

\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.

","hanoi-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-29-2026","gid://shopify/Article/1001568403830","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/hanoi-among-top-10-most-polluted-cities-in-the-world-5-29-2026","2026-05-29T11:30:06Z",[311,14],"May 29, 2026: Hanoi among top 10 most polluted cities in the world",{"_65":970,"_210":-5,"_208":971,"_211":308,"_213":309},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/415979307382","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/HanoiDesktop_6d92823e-50bd-464d-a7c9-31f1a374c0f3.jpg?v=1780055169",{"_52":310},{"_67":63},"Lahore records poor air quality with AQI above 150, driven by traffic, crop burning, and industrial emissions. Learn more about causes and expected conditions.","

Lahore records poor air quality with AQI above 150, driven by traffic, crop burning, and industrial emissions. Learn more about causes and expected conditions.

","Is the air quality good in Lahore? As of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time, GMT+5), Lahore, Pakistan, is experiencing poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 150, placing conditions in the unhealthy range. While air quality on May 29 is poor, long-term data highlight the scale of the challenge. In 2025, Lahore’s average PM2.5 concentration was 88.9 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 168, classified as unhealthy, and measuring 17.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. That year, Lahore ranked as the 8th most polluted city globally, while Pakistan was identified as the most polluted country in the world, underscoring the country’s ongoing air quality crisis. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Lahore’s air quality map. Lahore, Pakistan, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. Air quality map of Lahore, Pakistan, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Lahore? Short-term improvements depend on weather, as wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing can lower PM2.5 concentrations within days. In spring, as temperatures increase, hot air rises and cooler air sinks, which can ease pollution. However, stagnant air, low winds, and high heat can still trap pollutants near the surface. Full relief is expected with the monsoon season from June through September, which washes away pollutants. Lasting improvement will require sustained policy enforcement, reductions in crop burning, and accelerated adoption of cleaner energy and transport alternatives (1). Hourly air quality forecast for Lahore, Pakistan, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir. What is causing poor air quality in Lahore? Vehicle emissions account for approximately 40 to 45% of Lahore's air pollution, while industrial emissions contribute around 30%, forming the backbone of the city's chronic smog crisis alongside crop burning in surrounding agricultural areas (2). Research shows that over the past decade, crop residue burning and motor vehicle emissions have greatly contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of severe pollution episodes, now so persistent they are referred to as \"the fifth season\" across cities in the Punjab region (3). Other contributing sources include unregulated brick kilns, biomass and waste burning, domestic fires, and construction dust from rapid urbanization. According to estimates by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, poor air quality is responsible for up to 235,000 premature deaths per year across Pakistan (4). How can I protect myself from poor air quality? Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.","

Is the air quality good in Lahore?

As of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time, GMT+5), Lahore, Pakistan, is experiencing poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 150, placing conditions in the unhealthy range.

While air quality on May 29 is poor, long-term data highlight the scale of the challenge. In 2025, Lahore’s average PM2.5 concentration was 88.9 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 168, classified as unhealthy, and measuring 17.8 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.

That year, Lahore ranked as the 8th most polluted city globally, while Pakistan was identified as the most polluted country in the world, underscoring the country’s ongoing air quality crisis.

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

$\"\"$ Lahore, Pakistan, ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Lahore, Pakistan, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Lahore?

Short-term improvements depend on weather, as wind, rain, and stronger atmospheric mixing can lower PM2.5 concentrations within days. In spring, as temperatures increase, hot air rises and cooler air sinks, which can ease pollution. However, stagnant air, low winds, and high heat can still trap pollutants near the surface.

Full relief is expected with the monsoon season from June through September, which washes away pollutants. Lasting improvement will require sustained policy enforcement, reductions in crop burning, and accelerated adoption of cleaner energy and transport alternatives (1).

$\"\"$ Hourly air quality forecast for Lahore, Pakistan, as of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM (local time). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Lahore?

Vehicle emissions account for approximately 40 to 45% of Lahore's air pollution, while industrial emissions contribute around 30%, forming the backbone of the city's chronic smog crisis alongside crop burning in surrounding agricultural areas (2).

Research shows that over the past decade, crop residue burning and motor vehicle emissions have greatly contributed to the increased frequency and intensity of severe pollution episodes, now so persistent they are referred to as \"the fifth season\" across cities in the Punjab region (3).

Other contributing sources include unregulated brick kilns, biomass and waste burning, domestic fires, and construction dust from rapid urbanization. According to estimates by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, poor air quality is responsible for up to 235,000 premature deaths per year across Pakistan (4).

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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

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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 Brantley Highway 82 Fire?

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

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?

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?

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?

\n

Protective Measures for Hazardous Air Quality

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