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People with allergies may see wildfire smoke from a different perspective; those red skies can signal the start of an onset of allergic reaction and breathing difficulties. What’s in wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke contains both gases and particle matter (solid particles). PM2.5 and ultrafine particles are types of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke. They’re differentiated by size; for example, PM10 is coarse particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers in diameter or less. However, while PM10 is a health threat, it is larger and less dangerous than PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less and 0.1 micrometers or less respectively. These pose the greatest threat to human health, and they are the most commonly experienced pollutants. PM2.5 and ultrafine particles are so tiny they can enter the blood stream after being inhaled and reach all parts of the body. In addition to solid particulates, harmful gases are also found in wildfire smoke. These gases range in adverse human health impacts from eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation to severe respiratory infection, asthma, and, in some cases, can be fatal. Gases included in wildfire smoke can include: formaldehyde benzene nitrogen monoxide carbon monoxide High levels of formaldehyde and benzene exposure may lead to cancer, while breathing carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning and death (1). Can wildfire smoke affect allergies? Research has demonstrated that allergy sufferers, who often already have chronically inflamed airways, experience worsened symptoms during wildfire events (2). Both asthma and allergy sufferers, who often already have chronically inflamed airways, experience worsened symptoms during wildfire events. In a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers found that respiratory peak flow among allergy clinic patients was decreased one year after exposure to two different wildfire events (3). Researchers noted the effect could be explained by the possibility that wildfire smoke increased allergic response to other allergens or that the smoke was causing a delayed immune response. In a review of literature focused on the effects of wildfire smoke and exposure for people with asthma and allergic disease, a 2023 paper published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports found that exposure to PM2.5 increases allergic predisposition and upper airway or sinonasal disease (4). Government health organizations noted a number of additional chronic conditions that can be aggravated by wildfire smoke exposure, including asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases (5)(6). For anyone more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, planning ahead before wildfire season and wildfire smoke events is a key factor protecting your health. Are you wildfire ready?Get your free wildfire checklist and be prepared. Download Now ×Close Email No Thanks Symptoms of wildfire smoke allergies While everyone exposed to wildfire smoke can struggle to breathe, allergy sufferers experience the same symptoms on a much worse scale. While everyone exposed to wildfire smoke can struggle to breathe, allergy sufferers experience the same symptoms on a much worse scale. Short-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure that could impact allergy sufferers include (7): Nose and throat problems Burning and watery eyes Shortness of breath Wheezing Chest pains Serious coughing Extra phlegm which traps air Firefighters may experience respiratory system allergies through frequent exposure to smoke. Clean the air with high-performance air filtrationLearn more about our wildfire smoke air purifiers Click here The takeaway Wildfire smoke poses a real threat to your allergies and health, but you have several options for protecting yourself. If there is an active fire near your home, it may be advised to evacuate. Pay attention to local emergency alerts in the event an evacuation is advised. Receive real-time air quality alerts from a free air quality app so you can be prepared when wildfire smoke affects your neighborhood. Close doors and windows. If your HVAC is set to fresh air intake, close the outdoor intake damper or set the system to recirculate. Run a high-performance air purifier for wildfire smoke. Avoid exercise both indoors and outdoors. Avoid going outdoors. If you must go outside, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask to reduce exposure to particulate matter.","contentHtml","

When wildfires scar the landscape, they create huge clouds of toxic smoke that tint the skies orange and red. People with allergies may see wildfire smoke from a different perspective; those red skies can signal the start of an onset of allergic reaction and breathing difficulties.

What’s in wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke contains both gases and particle matter (solid particles).

PM2.5 and ultrafine particles are types of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke. They’re differentiated by size; for example, PM10 is coarse particulate matter measuring 10 micrometers in diameter or less.

However, while PM10 is a health threat, it is larger and less dangerous than PM2.5 and ultrafine particles, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less and 0.1 micrometers or less respectively. These pose the greatest threat to human health, and they are the most commonly experienced pollutants. PM2.5 and ultrafine particles are so tiny they can enter the blood stream after being inhaled and reach all parts of the body.

In addition to solid particulates, harmful gases are also found in wildfire smoke. These gases range in adverse human health impacts from eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation to severe respiratory infection, asthma, and, in some cases, can be fatal. Gases included in wildfire smoke can include:

formaldehyde
benzene
nitrogen monoxide
carbon monoxide

High levels of formaldehyde and benzene exposure may lead to cancer, while breathing carbon monoxide can lead to poisoning and death (1).

Can wildfire smoke affect allergies?

Research has demonstrated that allergy sufferers, who often already have chronically inflamed airways, experience worsened symptoms during wildfire events (2).

Both asthma and allergy sufferers, who often already have chronically inflamed airways, experience worsened symptoms during wildfire events.

In a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, researchers found that respiratory peak flow among allergy clinic patients was decreased one year after exposure to two different wildfire events (3). Researchers noted the effect could be explained by the possibility that wildfire smoke increased allergic response to other allergens or that the smoke was causing a delayed immune response.

In a review of literature focused on the effects of wildfire smoke and exposure for people with asthma and allergic disease, a 2023 paper published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports found that exposure to PM2.5 increases allergic predisposition and upper airway or sinonasal disease (4).

Government health organizations noted a number of additional chronic conditions that can be aggravated by wildfire smoke exposure, including asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory diseases (5)(6). For anyone more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, planning ahead before wildfire season and wildfire smoke events is a key factor protecting your health.

Are you wildfire ready?
Get your free wildfire checklist and be prepared.

Download Now

\n\n

Symptoms of wildfire smoke allergies

While everyone exposed to wildfire smoke can struggle to breathe, allergy sufferers experience the same symptoms on a much worse scale.

While everyone exposed to wildfire smoke can struggle to breathe, allergy sufferers experience the same symptoms on a much worse scale.

Short-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure that could impact allergy sufferers include (7):

Nose and throat problems
Burning and watery eyes
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Chest pains
Serious coughing
Extra phlegm which traps air

Firefighters may experience respiratory system allergies through frequent exposure to smoke.

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

Click here

The takeaway

Wildfire smoke poses a real threat to your allergies and health, but you have several options for protecting yourself.

If there is an active fire near your home, it may be advised to evacuate. Pay attention to local emergency alerts in the event an evacuation is advised.
Receive real-time air quality alerts from a free air quality app so you can be prepared when wildfire smoke affects your neighborhood.
Close doors and windows.
If your HVAC is set to fresh air intake, close the outdoor intake damper or set the system to recirculate.
Run a high-performance air purifier for wildfire smoke.
Avoid exercise both indoors and outdoors.
Avoid going outdoors.
If you must go outside, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask to reduce exposure to particulate matter.

","does-wildfire-smoke-make-allergies-worse","gid://shopify/Article/606899798315","onlineStoreUrl","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/does-wildfire-smoke-make-allergies-worse","trackingParameters","publishedAt","2023-07-13T17:16:46Z",[1146,638,1147],"Allergies and Asthma","Wildfires","Does wildfire smoke make allergies worse?","image",{"_10":1151,"_243":1152,"_246":1153,"_248":1154,"_244":1155},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406776611190","Wildfire in forest and smoke","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AllerWldfire_Desktop_a_520x500_01f2da9e-6c58-41cb-859a-d15a45e19c14.jpg?v=1753347888",520,271,{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1157,"_1115":1158,"_1131":1159,"_1133":1159,"_1134":1160,"_1136":1161,"_985":1162,"_10":1163,"_1140":1164,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1165,"_577":1166,"_541":1167,"_1149":1168},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Learn how to help protect yourself and your employees from allergens in the workplace.","Full time workers may spend a quarter or more of their week indoors at their workplace. All that time spent indoors can expose workers to workplace allergens that could make for a miserable work week, with symptoms extending out into the evening commute and time at home. 11 million American workers across every industrial sector may have exposed to workplace allergens. According to a 2017 report published in the European Medical Journal, an estimated 11 million American workers across every industrial sector may have been exposed to workplace allergens (1). The study noted that similar findings have been reported in Europe and other nations. You’re too busy for allergies!Get your FREE allergies checklist. DOWNLOAD NOW ×Close Email No Thanks Workplace allergic reactions can be mild to severe and can include: rhinitis contact dermatitis breathing difficulties and asthma attacks anaphylactic shock And in addition to these physiological reactions, allergies can also cause a bevy of negative cognitive symptoms, including (2): brain fog fatigue anxiety depression Many of the most common allergens in the workplace can also be found in the home. Responsible employers must consider how to improve air quality in a larger physical environment, with many potential allergen sources, and more people affected. With the following rundown of the most common workplace allergens in hand, every employer can have a happier, more productive workforce. 1. Dust in the workplace Dust is often prevalent in building common areas, offices, and other facilities. Dust is comprised of numerous tiny particles that can easily float through the air and settle on surfaces: dandruff and skin flakes various miniscule fibers human and animal hair grains, dirt, soil, or sand leaves and other plant parts dust mites bacteria, fungi When inhaled, this conglomeration of matter irritates breathing pathways and triggers allergic responses. Indoor dust can come from the outdoors (like soil particles or vehicular matter floating through windows) and be carried from place to place on our clothing. Settled dust is also often found in carpeting, upholstered furniture, and air conditioning units. Solutions: Apart from regularly cleaning your environment, potentially removing any old carpeting, and making sure HVACs are kept clean, note that dust mites do well in humid indoor environments. Your ideal indoor humidity should be around 40 percent to reduce this allergen in workspaces. 2. Pollen grains carried on the wind Air quality at work is usually associated with indoor air but can also be impacted by outdoor sources. Outdoor pollen can find its way indoors through windows and HVAC systems. It’s especially a problem when HVAC systems suffer from inadequate filters or haven’t replaced old, ineffective filters. Pollen can also be introduced into the workplace through pollinating indoor plants. Pollen grains are created by plants to deliver their reproductive cells to other plants (3). Sometimes, pollen is carried to other parts of the same plant. Tiny, fine pollen grains are easily carried from trees, grasses, and flowers on the wind. Tiny, fine pollen grains are easily carried from trees, grasses, and flowers on the wind. They may range from 6 microns to 100 microns in diameter. Breathing in pollen can trigger asthma attacks and allergy and symptoms. Solutions: Employers can control pollen exposure and keep outdoor pollutants out of indoor environments by choosing MERV 16 rated HVAC filtration and replacing filters before the end of their effective lifetime. You can also monitor outdoor air quality and close doors and windows on days when there are high concentrations of outdoor air pollutants like pollen. 3. Mold hides in the walls Molds can thrive in workplaces that are too humid or damp – and they can cause employees literal headaches. An estimated 20 to 40 percent of buildings in North America and Northern Europe could be home to visible fungal growth (4). Molds can flourish in workplaces that are too humid or damp. Spores from molds may be responsible for allergic responses and can trigger asthma attacks. Molds can also produce mycotoxins which can become aerosolized and spread through buildings. When there’s an undetected building roof or pipe leak, poor humidity, flooding, or water in a building’s foundation, mold can grow inside of walls. While mold will often stay inside the walls, it can move into the drywall and interior walls where it will be more visible. Building occupants may experience symptoms of mold inhalation. Mold and other biological and chemical contaminants can be factors in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS symptoms can include headaches and dizziness as well as respiratory illness (5). Solutions: Like dust mites, you can control mold growth by keeping your indoor humidity at about 40 percent. The ambient building temperature shouldn’t be too warm, as this encourages bacterial and mold growth. If there are water leakages, a plumber or HVAC contractor may needed to control the leak and mold growth. There are also effective air cleaning solutions that can help reduce spores in workplaces. 4. Pet dander rides along to work Even when a workplace doesn’t permit pet visitation, it’s entirely possible to trigger a co-worker’s allergic reaction from pets and animals. Pet dander can be carried by owners on clothing wherever they go, including work. Why is that? Because even when animals are restricted from a work environment, pet dander can be carried by owners on clothing wherever they go, including work (6). Once in an environment, pet dander can easily be breathed in when it becomes airborne or land and stick to furniture and carpets. Solutions: Avoid carpeting floors. Carpeted workspaces should be vacuumed frequently. If you have a pet and want to help keep your co-workers breathing better, you can make sure you bathe your pets regularly and keep your clothes clean and away from pets before heading to work. You can also run a HyperHEPA air purifier or a personal desk air purifier to trap pet dander and clean the air. 5. Airborne chemical irritants from cleaning Cleaning chemicals and other odors can cause illness in workers – but not necessarily an allergic reaction. Chemical allergens and allergic reactions are generally associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis. However, airborne chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene can cause negative reactions and respiratory problems in some people (7). Affected individuals may also struggle with a condition known as idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI). Formerly called multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), IEI is not an allergic reaction but does cause symptoms, such as (8): quickened heart rate headache sweating dizziness IEI can be triggered by airborne exposure to scented products, perfumes, smoke, dust, and cleaning fluids. Solutions: Always try to use products that are low in VOCs; these will include the phrase “low VOC” on the label. It is also a good idea to store cleaning products away from indoor workspaces. Finally, a gas and odor air purifier can help clear the air of harmful chemicals and VOCs. Become Clean Air CertifiedOptimize your facility with our proven clean air solutions LEARN HOW The Takeaway According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, employees with allergies who didn’t use medication demonstrated a 10 percent decrease in productivity (9). Mitigating allergens in the workplace puts employees more at ease and improves productivity. By investing in green, medical-grade clean air technologies and taking steps to mitigate allergens, workplace leaders make a commitment to their employees’ welfare and safety while keeping an eye on the company’s bottom line.","

Full time workers may spend a quarter or more of their week indoors at their workplace. All that time spent indoors can expose workers to workplace allergens that could make for a miserable work week, with symptoms extending out into the evening commute and time at home.

11 million American workers across every industrial sector may have exposed to workplace allergens.

According to a 2017 report published in the European Medical Journal, an estimated 11 million American workers across every industrial sector may have been exposed to workplace allergens (1). The study noted that similar findings have been reported in Europe and other nations.

You’re too busy for allergies!
Get your FREE allergies checklist.

DOWNLOAD NOW

\n\n

Workplace allergic reactions can be mild to severe and can include:

rhinitis
contact dermatitis
breathing difficulties and asthma attacks
anaphylactic shock

And in addition to these physiological reactions, allergies can also cause a bevy of negative cognitive symptoms, including (2):

brain fog
fatigue
anxiety
depression

Many of the most common allergens in the workplace can also be found in the home. Responsible employers must consider how to improve air quality in a larger physical environment, with many potential allergen sources, and more people affected.

With the following rundown of the most common workplace allergens in hand, every employer can have a happier, more productive workforce.

1. Dust in the workplace

Dust is often prevalent in building common areas, offices, and other facilities. Dust is comprised of numerous tiny particles that can easily float through the air and settle on surfaces:

dandruff and skin flakes
various miniscule fibers
human and animal hair
grains, dirt, soil, or sand
leaves and other plant parts
dust mites
bacteria, fungi

When inhaled, this conglomeration of matter irritates breathing pathways and triggers allergic responses.

Indoor dust can come from the outdoors (like soil particles or vehicular matter floating through windows) and be carried from place to place on our clothing. Settled dust is also often found in carpeting, upholstered furniture, and air conditioning units.

Solutions: Apart from regularly cleaning your environment, potentially removing any old carpeting, and making sure HVACs are kept clean, note that dust mites do well in humid indoor environments. Your ideal indoor humidity should be around 40 percent to reduce this allergen in workspaces.

2. Pollen grains carried on the wind

Air quality at work is usually associated with indoor air but can also be impacted by outdoor sources.

Outdoor pollen can find its way indoors through windows and HVAC systems. It’s especially a problem when HVAC systems suffer from inadequate filters or haven’t replaced old, ineffective filters. Pollen can also be introduced into the workplace through pollinating indoor plants.

Pollen grains are created by plants to deliver their reproductive cells to other plants (3). Sometimes, pollen is carried to other parts of the same plant.

Tiny, fine pollen grains are easily carried from trees, grasses, and flowers on the wind.

Tiny, fine pollen grains are easily carried from trees, grasses, and flowers on the wind. They may range from 6 microns to 100 microns in diameter. Breathing in pollen can trigger asthma attacks and allergy and symptoms.

Solutions: Employers can control pollen exposure and keep outdoor pollutants out of indoor environments by choosing MERV 16 rated HVAC filtration and replacing filters before the end of their effective lifetime. You can also monitor outdoor air quality and close doors and windows on days when there are high concentrations of outdoor air pollutants like pollen.

3. Mold hides in the walls

Molds can thrive in workplaces that are too humid or damp – and they can cause employees literal headaches.

An estimated 20 to 40 percent of buildings in North America and Northern Europe could be home to visible fungal growth (4).

Molds can flourish in workplaces that are too humid or damp.

Spores from molds may be responsible for allergic responses and can trigger asthma attacks. Molds can also produce mycotoxins which can become aerosolized and spread through buildings.

When there’s an undetected building roof or pipe leak, poor humidity, flooding, or water in a building’s foundation, mold can grow inside of walls. While mold will often stay inside the walls, it can move into the drywall and interior walls where it will be more visible.

Building occupants may experience symptoms of mold inhalation. Mold and other biological and chemical contaminants can be factors in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS symptoms can include headaches and dizziness as well as respiratory illness (5).

Solutions: Like dust mites, you can control mold growth by keeping your indoor humidity at about 40 percent. The ambient building temperature shouldn’t be too warm, as this encourages bacterial and mold growth.

If there are water leakages, a plumber or HVAC contractor may needed to control the leak and mold growth. There are also effective air cleaning solutions that can help reduce spores in workplaces.

4. Pet dander rides along to work

Even when a workplace doesn’t permit pet visitation, it’s entirely possible to trigger a co-worker’s allergic reaction from pets and animals.

Pet dander can be carried by owners on clothing wherever they go, including work.

Why is that? Because even when animals are restricted from a work environment, pet dander can be carried by owners on clothing wherever they go, including work (6). Once in an environment, pet dander can easily be breathed in when it becomes airborne or land and stick to furniture and carpets.

Solutions: Avoid carpeting floors. Carpeted workspaces should be vacuumed frequently. If you have a pet and want to help keep your co-workers breathing better, you can make sure you bathe your pets regularly and keep your clothes clean and away from pets before heading to work.

You can also run a HyperHEPA air purifier or a personal desk air purifier to trap pet dander and clean the air.

5. Airborne chemical irritants from cleaning

Cleaning chemicals and other odors can cause illness in workers – but not necessarily an allergic reaction.

Chemical allergens and allergic reactions are generally associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis. However, airborne chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene can cause negative reactions and respiratory problems in some people (7).

Affected individuals may also struggle with a condition known as idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI). Formerly called multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), IEI is not an allergic reaction but does cause symptoms, such as (8):

quickened heart rate
headache
sweating
dizziness

IEI can be triggered by airborne exposure to scented products, perfumes, smoke, dust, and cleaning fluids.

Solutions: Always try to use products that are low in VOCs; these will include the phrase “low VOC” on the label. It is also a good idea to store cleaning products away from indoor workspaces. Finally, a gas and odor air purifier can help clear the air of harmful chemicals and VOCs.

Become Clean Air Certified
Optimize your facility with our proven clean air solutions

LEARN HOW

The Takeaway

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, employees with allergies who didn’t use medication demonstrated a 10 percent decrease in productivity (9). Mitigating allergens in the workplace puts employees more at ease and improves productivity.

By investing in green, medical-grade clean air technologies and taking steps to mitigate allergens, workplace leaders make a commitment to their employees’ welfare and safety while keeping an eye on the company’s bottom line.

","top-5-workplace-allergens","gid://shopify/Article/606873452843","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/top-5-workplace-allergens","2023-04-11T07:00:00Z",[1146,653],"Top 5 workplace allergens and how to avoid them",{"_10":1169,"_243":1170,"_246":1171,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/413478650230","woman blowing nose at office desk","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/WorkplaceAllergens_Desktop_09812783-080d-44a5-9a32-7e38c52fe1bf.jpg?v=1773427611",2880,1500,{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1175,"_1115":1176,"_1131":1177,"_1133":1177,"_1134":1178,"_1136":1179,"_985":1180,"_10":1181,"_1140":1182,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1183,"_577":1184,"_541":1185,"_1149":1186},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Reduce spring allergy symptoms and enjoy the outdoors again with these effective strategies.","In temperate regions, spring typically sees an influx of wind-borne seasonal pollens released from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds.The most common cause of allergies in the spring, pollen grains are powdery particles produced by plants to carry their reproductive cells to other plants. The grains are designed to easily float through the air, eventually pollinating other plants across a given area.Pollen’s size varies from six microns to 100 microns in diameter. In comparison, bacteria are less than one micron in size and table salt is around 120 microns in diameter. When inhaled, pollen lodges into the nose and throat, which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Download the 2022 World Air Quality Report Learn about the state of air quality around the world. SCARICA ORA ×Close Download the 2022 World Air Quality Report First Name Last Name Email Company Close Why your pollen allergies might be worse this yearIf you find yourself wondering why your allergies seem to be coming on earlier every year, it may not be your imagination. Scientists point to a direct and perhaps unexpected cause for longer allergy seasons. Climate change may be partly responsible.Studies show that rising global temperatures increase plant and flower growth—thus affecting pollen production and release.Studies show that rising global temperatures increase plant and flower growth--thus affecting pollen production and release.Beyond simple climate changes, an even bigger factor influencing rising pollen production (and the population’s allergic reactions) is increasing carbon dioxide emissions.One study revealed that the U.S. is predicted to see a 200 percent increase in total pollen this century if CO2 emissions from various sources such as vehicles and power plants remain high. Pollen season could begin up to over a month earlier in the spring and last up to 19 days longer in that case.In other words, it’s time to be as prepared as possible, as springtime pollen season is coming earlier--and lasting longer. And things do not seem likely to change.Pollen season could begin over a month earlier in the spring and last up to 19 days longer.Tips to manage spring allergy symptomsTip 1. Get your spring cleaning started earlyA clean house means less pollen, dust, and other allergy triggers. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter at least once a week on carpets, area rugs and on fabric-covered furniture. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner every six months can help remove allergens that have become embedded in the fabrics.Tip 2. Monitor daily pollen countsKnowledge is power. If you stay up to date on how much pollen is in the air at any given time, you can act accordingly. There are a variety of online resources that allow you to track current pollen conditions, forecasts, and historical allergy data, as well as providing recommendations. Some sources even provide which allergen is causing trouble.Tip 3. Turn on the air conditionerIt’s tempting to leave the windows open to the warming breeze, but this can allow pollen and other contaminants into your space. But before you set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, make sure your HVAC filter is clean. If it’s been a while since you replaced it, make sure you run to your local hardware store to for a new one. Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers? Explore our high-performance air purifiers CLICK HERE Tip 4. Choose flowers wiselyThere are a number of occasions during the spring season, like Mother’s Day, when you might want to give a loved one flowers. But you don’t want your thoughtful gift to result in itchy eyes and nose, coughing, and sneezing.To help, it’s crucial to avoid flowers that produce large amounts of airborne pollen (1). There are several allergy and asthma-friendly flowers (2)(3):Better Choices (less pollen) begonias daylilies petunias roses tulips Worse Choices (more pollen) daisies chrysanthemums sunflowers baby’s breath (single-flower variety) marigolds foxgloves It’s crucial to avoid flowers that produce large amounts of airborne pollen.Tip 5. Move your workouts indoorsIt might seem like a good idea to go on a nice springtime run, but often the indoor air quality is better than it is outside.And, if you must exercise outdoors, make sure you check the air quality in your local area with air quality monitors or by using an air quality app to see the air quality in real-time. When outdoors, an air pollution protection mask can filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from the air you breathe.Tip 6. Shower at nightAfter a long day of being outside, a nice shower can help wash away any pollen or other allergens that could be lingering on your skin, hair, and clothing.Tip 7. Be aware of springtime moldHigh humidity levels, which often begin in springtime, can be the perfect environment for mold to grow. A simple indoor hygrometer can be used to detect levels. The recommended humidity levels for a home are 30-50 percent; anything higher could encourage mold spores to grow (4).Tip 8. Be mindful of food allergiesOne interesting indicator of whether you may have springtime allergies is Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS). This syndrome affects people who have allergies to birch, ragweed, or grass pollens (5). Symptoms include itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. PFAS can be triggered by eating some of the following uncooked foods: apple almond carrot celery cherry hazelnut kiwi peach melons sunflower seeds zucchini If you have allergic reactions when eating those foods, you may find pollen to be an allergy trigger as well.Tip 9. Be proactive.You can keep your indoor air clean at all times by using a high-performance room air purifier for allergies, mold, viruses, and other pollutants. There are also whole-house air cleaning solutions that integrate fully with your home’s HVAC system. Connectivity options for AirVisual Outdoor Explore our solutions to keep your AirVisual Outdoor up and running, 24/7. View Accessories The takeawayTo truly manage spring allergy symptoms, it is important to stay informed, take preventative measures, and improve air quality in your home or office, especially during high allergy seasons (like springtime), to avoid allergy outbreaks.And when Mother’s Day rolls around this May, don’t forget to carefully choose the right flowers. If she’s an allergy sufferer, she’ll spend more time smiling and less time sneezing because of your careful selection.","

In temperate regions, spring typically sees an influx of wind-borne seasonal pollens released from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds.

The most common cause of allergies in the spring, pollen grains are powdery particles produced by plants to carry their reproductive cells to other plants. The grains are designed to easily float through the air, eventually pollinating other plants across a given area.

Pollen’s size varies from six microns to 100 microns in diameter. In comparison, bacteria are less than one micron in size and table salt is around 120 microns in diameter. When inhaled, pollen lodges into the nose and throat, which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.

Download the 2022 World Air Quality Report
\n\nLearn about the state of air quality around the world.

\n\n\n

\n SCARICA ORA\n

\n \n

Why your pollen allergies might be worse this year

If you find yourself wondering why your allergies seem to be coming on earlier every year, it may not be your imagination. Scientists point to a direct and perhaps unexpected cause for longer allergy seasons. Climate change may be partly responsible.

Studies show that rising global temperatures increase plant and flower growth—thus affecting pollen production and release.

Studies show that rising global temperatures increase plant and flower growth--thus affecting pollen production and release.

Beyond simple climate changes, an even bigger factor influencing rising pollen production (and the population’s allergic reactions) is increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

One study revealed that the U.S. is predicted to see a 200 percent increase in total pollen this century if CO2 emissions from various sources such as vehicles and power plants remain high. Pollen season could begin up to over a month earlier in the spring and last up to 19 days longer in that case.

In other words, it’s time to be as prepared as possible, as springtime pollen season is coming earlier--and lasting longer. And things do not seem likely to change.

Pollen season could begin over a month earlier in the spring and last up to 19 days longer.

$\"Airborne$

Tips to manage spring allergy symptoms

Tip 1. Get your spring cleaning started early

A clean house means less pollen, dust, and other allergy triggers. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter at least once a week on carpets, area rugs and on fabric-covered furniture. Hiring a professional carpet cleaner every six months can help remove allergens that have become embedded in the fabrics.

Tip 2. Monitor daily pollen counts

Knowledge is power. If you stay up to date on how much pollen is in the air at any given time, you can act accordingly. There are a variety of online resources that allow you to track current pollen conditions, forecasts, and historical allergy data, as well as providing recommendations. Some sources even provide which allergen is causing trouble.

Tip 3. Turn on the air conditioner

It’s tempting to leave the windows open to the warming breeze, but this can allow pollen and other contaminants into your space. But before you set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, make sure your HVAC filter is clean. If it’s been a while since you replaced it, make sure you run to your local hardware store to for a new one.

Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers?
\n\nExplore our high-performance air purifiers

\n\n\n

\n CLICK HERE\n

Tip 4. Choose flowers wisely

There are a number of occasions during the spring season, like Mother’s Day, when you might want to give a loved one flowers. But you don’t want your thoughtful gift to result in itchy eyes and nose, coughing, and sneezing.

To help, it’s crucial to avoid flowers that produce large amounts of airborne pollen (1). There are several allergy and asthma-friendly flowers (2)(3):

Better Choices (less pollen)

begonias
daylilies
petunias
roses
tulips

Worse Choices (more pollen)

daisies
chrysanthemums
sunflowers
baby’s breath (single-flower variety)
marigolds
foxgloves

It’s crucial to avoid flowers that produce large amounts of airborne pollen.

Tip 5. Move your workouts indoors

It might seem like a good idea to go on a nice springtime run, but often the indoor air quality is better than it is outside.

And, if you must exercise outdoors, make sure you check the air quality in your local area with air quality monitors or by using an air quality app to see the air quality in real-time. When outdoors, an air pollution protection mask can filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from the air you breathe.

Tip 6. Shower at night

After a long day of being outside, a nice shower can help wash away any pollen or other allergens that could be lingering on your skin, hair, and clothing.

Tip 7. Be aware of springtime mold

High humidity levels, which often begin in springtime, can be the perfect environment for mold to grow. A simple indoor hygrometer can be used to detect levels. The recommended humidity levels for a home are 30-50 percent; anything higher could encourage mold spores to grow (4).

Tip 8. Be mindful of food allergies

One interesting indicator of whether you may have springtime allergies is Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS). This syndrome affects people who have allergies to birch, ragweed, or grass pollens (5). Symptoms include itchy mouth, scratchy throat, or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. PFAS can be triggered by eating some of the following uncooked foods:

apple
almond
carrot
celery
cherry
hazelnut
kiwi
peach
melons
sunflower seeds
zucchini

If you have allergic reactions when eating those foods, you may find pollen to be an allergy trigger as well.

Tip 9. Be proactive.

You can keep your indoor air clean at all times by using a high-performance room air purifier for allergies, mold, viruses, and other pollutants. There are also whole-house air cleaning solutions that integrate fully with your home’s HVAC system.

Connectivity options for AirVisual Outdoor
\n\nExplore our solutions to keep your AirVisual Outdoor up and running, 24/7.

\n\n\n

\n View Accessories \n

The takeaway

To truly manage spring allergy symptoms, it is important to stay informed, take preventative measures, and improve air quality in your home or office, especially during high allergy seasons (like springtime), to avoid allergy outbreaks.

And when Mother’s Day rolls around this May, don’t forget to carefully choose the right flowers. If she’s an allergy sufferer, she’ll spend more time smiling and less time sneezing because of your careful selection.

","9-spring-allergy-tips-to-help-reduce-symptoms","gid://shopify/Article/606870339883","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/9-spring-allergy-tips-to-help-reduce-symptoms","2023-03-28T18:43:42Z",[1146],"9 Spring allergy tips to help reduce symptoms",{"_10":1187,"_243":1188,"_246":1189,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406728180086","woman outside blowing her nose","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/SpringAllergies_Desktop_a_989bdeaf-b017-4ab1-84bd-acf846d9e535.jpg?v=1753173235",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1191,"_1115":1192,"_1131":1193,"_1133":1193,"_1134":1194,"_1136":1195,"_985":1196,"_10":1197,"_1140":1198,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1199,"_577":1200,"_541":1201,"_1149":1202},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Using your heater during cold weather may make asthma symptoms worse. Learn more.","Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects almost 26 million Americans, including 7.1 million children. Asthma narrows the airways that deliver oxygen to the lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms are triggered by exposure to airborne particles and other environmental contaminants. Unlike other lung-related diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema, asthma is reversible. However, inflammation can cause long-term damage to the lungs, so symptoms must be controlled or avoided. You’re too busy for allergies!Get your FREE allergies checklist. DOWNLOAD NOW ×Close Email No Thanks Every year, asthma symptoms prompt more than 15 million physician and hospital outpatient visits and 2 million emergency department visits (1). Statistics show that hospital visits for asthma peak in colder months, and there are at least two reasons why: Changes in temperature, especially rapid decreases in temperature, affect lung function. The first seasonal uses of heating systems kick up dust and other particles that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Cold weather and asthma Rapid changes in the weather, especially the rapid onset of cold weather, are directly responsible for decreased lung function in asthmatics. Cold, dry air irritates the tissue in the lungs of an asthmatic, causing bronchospasms. These spasms, or constrictions, occur around the bronchial tubes and make breathing difficult. Often, excess mucus is also produced, further limiting breathing and causing wheezing and coughing. The combination of exercise and breathing cold air can trigger asthma flare-ups, making outdoor exercise difficult. In some winter weather systems such as inversions, increased levels of ozone further aggravate asthma symptoms. Indoor heating systems and asthma The first uses of indoor heating systems during the autumn and winter months can trigger asthma symptoms. In a study of asthma hospital admissions in New York City and other urban areas, the American Thoracic Society found that emergency clinic admissions for asthma increase with the first seasonal uses of indoor heating (2). The study suggested that increases in admissions are related to the presence of airborne dust and other pollutants stirred up and into the air from heating system ducts. Contaminants found inside heating ductwork typically include dust and pollution particles along with mold, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other contaminants. All of these easily become airborne when the heating system is fired up, and all of them are asthma triggers. Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers?Explore our high-performance air purifiers CLICK HERE 3 Tips for dealing with asthma in cold weather In cold weather, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth may help reduce asthma symptoms caused by cold air, according to the American Lung Association Covering the nose or mouth with a scarf may also help. (3) Get air ducts in the home professionally cleaned. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests interviewing potential service providers to ensure they comply with national air duct cleaning standards. If your ducts are made of – or lined with – fiberglass, the provider should also comply with recommendations from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (4)(5). A high-performance whole-house air filtration system such as the PerfectPro will virtually eliminate dust and other particles from the heating ducts. The Perfect 16 includes a lifetime clean-duct guarantee. A whole-house air filtration system will also help control seasonal airborne contaminants that are asthma triggers, such as air pollution or wood smoke from fireplaces. For homes without a central forced-air heating and cooling systems, high-performance room air purifiers such as the HealthPro Plus and Atem X can help eliminate airborne asthma triggers.","

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects almost 26 million Americans, including 7.1 million children. Asthma narrows the airways that deliver oxygen to the lungs, making breathing difficult. Symptoms are triggered by exposure to airborne particles and other environmental contaminants. Unlike other lung-related diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema, asthma is reversible. However, inflammation can cause long-term damage to the lungs, so symptoms must be controlled or avoided.

You’re too busy for allergies!
Get your FREE allergies checklist.

DOWNLOAD NOW

\n\n

Every year, asthma symptoms prompt more than 15 million physician and hospital outpatient visits and 2 million emergency department visits (1). Statistics show that hospital visits for asthma peak in colder months, and there are at least two reasons why:

\nChanges in temperature, especially rapid decreases in temperature, affect lung function.
\nThe first seasonal uses of heating systems kick up dust and other particles that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.

Cold weather and asthma

Rapid changes in the weather, especially the rapid onset of cold weather, are directly responsible for decreased lung function in asthmatics. Cold, dry air irritates the tissue in the lungs of an asthmatic, causing bronchospasms. These spasms, or constrictions, occur around the bronchial tubes and make breathing difficult. Often, excess mucus is also produced, further limiting breathing and causing wheezing and coughing.

The combination of exercise and breathing cold air can trigger asthma flare-ups, making outdoor exercise difficult. In some winter weather systems such as inversions, increased levels of ozone further aggravate asthma symptoms.

Indoor heating systems and asthma

The first uses of indoor heating systems during the autumn and winter months can trigger asthma symptoms. In a study of asthma hospital admissions in New York City and other urban areas, the American Thoracic Society found that emergency clinic admissions for asthma increase with the first seasonal uses of indoor heating (2). The study suggested that increases in admissions are related to the presence of airborne dust and other pollutants stirred up and into the air from heating system ducts.

Contaminants found inside heating ductwork typically include dust and pollution particles along with mold, bacteria, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other contaminants. All of these easily become airborne when the heating system is fired up, and all of them are asthma triggers.

Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers?
Explore our high-performance air purifiers

CLICK HERE

3 Tips for dealing with asthma in cold weather

In cold weather, breathing through the nose rather than the mouth may help reduce asthma symptoms caused by cold air, according to the American Lung Association Covering the nose or mouth with a scarf may also help. (3)
Get air ducts in the home professionally cleaned. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests interviewing potential service providers to ensure they comply with national air duct cleaning standards. If your ducts are made of – or lined with – fiberglass, the provider should also comply with recommendations from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (4)(5).
A high-performance whole-house air filtration system such as the PerfectPro will virtually eliminate dust and other particles from the heating ducts. The Perfect 16 includes a lifetime clean-duct guarantee. A whole-house air filtration system will also help control seasonal airborne contaminants that are asthma triggers, such as air pollution or wood smoke from fireplaces. For homes without a central forced-air heating and cooling systems, high-performance room air purifiers such as the HealthPro Plus and Atem X can help eliminate airborne asthma triggers.

","does-using-your-heater-affect-your-asthma","gid://shopify/Article/606877319467","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/does-using-your-heater-affect-your-asthma","2023-01-03T20:09:08Z",[853,1146,653],"Does using your heater affect your asthma?",{"_10":1203,"_243":1204,"_246":1205,"_248":1206,"_244":1207},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405474640246","child staring outside window snow outside","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/69_cold_desktop_dbc7971a-33d1-495e-a62e-7fbc5aa5acd0.webp?v=1748860338",1600,833,{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1209,"_1115":1210,"_1131":1211,"_1133":1211,"_1134":1212,"_1136":1213,"_985":1214,"_10":1215,"_1140":1216,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1217,"_577":1218,"_541":1219,"_1149":1220},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Seasonal allergies can make daily life miserable. Learn how to take control of seasonal allergies.","For some people, the onset of sneezing and coughing or eye and nasal itch during certain times of the year are the first warning signs of having seasonal allergies.The most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen, and mold. Your immune system attacks the inhaled allergens and releases chemicals called histamines. These histamines trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. (1) You’re too busy for allergies! Get your FREE allergies checklist. DOWNLOAD NOW ×Close Email No Thanks In addition to grass, pollen, and mold, several triggers are often seasonally related, including: (2,3) smoke from summer campfires and winter fireplaces insect bites and stings in spring and summer pool chlorine that indirectly contributes to allergies by irritating the respiratory tract pine trees, Christmas trees and wreaths during the winter months The most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen, and mold.Every season brings its share of potential triggers affecting people with allergies. The following is an overview of some of those allergies.Spring allergiesIn most temperate climates, spring brings wind-blown seasonal pollens from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds. For millions of people around the world, these seasonal pollens are powerful allergens that trigger life-disrupting allergic reactions.Pollens are tiny grains ranging from 5 to 200 microns in diameter, though the majority of wind-borne pollens tend to be 15 to 35 microns (human hair diameter: 50 - 70 microns). (4) When airborne, they can enter your respiratory system, where your body treats them as invaders and releases antibodies for protection.Summer allergiesPollen, mold, and insect stings are the most common allergens during the summer months. These summer allergens can leave you with some unusual symptoms. You might want to consider seeing a board-certified allergist if you experience the following symptoms: (5,6) Allergic shiner: Dark circles under your eyes from swelling and discoloration of blood vessels under the skin. They look like a “shiner” you might develop if you’ve been hit near your eye. Allergic (adenoidal) face: Nasal allergies can trigger a swelling of the adenoids (lymph tissue lining the back of the throat and behind the nose). This can result in a tired and droopy look. Nasal crease: Constant upward rubbing to relieve nasal congestion and itching can result in a line appearing across the bridge of the nose. Mouth breathing: Allergic rhinitis (group of symptoms affecting the nose) can cause severe nasal congestion, resulting in constant breathing through the mouth. Some people will develop a high, arched palate, an elevated upper lip, and an overbite. Teens with allergic rhinitis might need braces to correct dental issues. Summer allergy symptoms are often mistaken for colds and food intolerances.Summer allergy symptoms are often mistaken for colds and food intolerances. If your symptoms are persistent and last for more than two weeks, you should see your allergist.Fall allergiesRagweedOne of the most common fall allergy triggers is ragweed pollen. This yellow flowering plant begins to bloom in August, then continues into the fall months until cold weather kills it off. In warmer climates, ragweed can flourish all the way into the winter.Ragweed pollen can travel easily on the wind, affecting people with allergies even if it doesn’t grow nearby.While ragweed is native to North America, the plant is an invasive species. Ragweed has been introduced to Europe, where it is common to northern Italy and southern France. (7)Winter allergiesThe most common winter allergen comes from mold found in Christmas trees, also known as “Christmas Tree Syndrome.”Christmas trees are cut, baled, and packed into refrigerated trucks to be delivered to a tree seller near your home. Along the way, moisture and the tight bundling of the trees supports an ideal environment for mold to grow.Once the tree gets into your home, mold on the tree may begin reproducing, triggering the allergic reaction – Christmas Tree Syndrome. Many of the mold varieties found on Christmas trees are those most likely to trigger allergies.Year-round allergiesDust mitesDust mites can trigger allergies any time of year. These microscopic insects feed off the flakes of skin shed naturally by your family and pets.A 2015 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that between 65 to 130 million people worldwide are sensitive to proteins found in the mites’ bodies and feces. (8) As many as 50 percent of asthmatic people are sensitive to dust mites.When you turn on your furnace after a long period of little to no use, mite waste can be blown all over your home, causing allergies to flare.Mold allergiesMold spores breed outdoors in fallen leaves, gardens, compost piles, and yard waste. The spores are small, light, and easily inhaled into the lungs. Mold spores are a powerful allergen that can cause the immune system to overreact, resulting in coughing, restricted breathing and asthma symptoms.Weather patterns and seasonal allergiesWhile the timing and severity of an allergy season can vary, there are time-of-day and weather factors that can influence the severity of your allergic reactions. tree, grass and ragweed pollens thrive during cool nights and warm days molds grow quickly in heat and high humidity pollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours rain washes pollen away, but pollen counts can soar after rainfall airborne allergens are grounded when wind is absent pollen counts surge during warm, windy days Allergens are virtually everywhere, so relocation isn’t a true solution Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers? Explore our high-performance air purifiers CLICK HERE How to control seasonal allergiesWhether you and your allergist decide to address your allergies with medication and/or immunotherapy, allergy prevention is an critical first step in managing symptoms.(9) Give your home regular thorough cleanings.This includes using a HEPA vacuum cleaner on all rugs, carpets, and draperies. Rake your yard of fallen leaves and other dead vegetation, and don’t leave piles sitting on the lawn. Clean out gutters and compost bins regularly. It’s a good idea to wear an allergy mask, such as an N95 particulate respirator, to filter pollen and mold while doing yard work. Clear safety goggles will also help. Monitor the pollen and mold count in your area. On days when they are high, stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed.(10) Bathe your pets and/or wipe down their fur regularly to remove pollen and mold. Pollen and mold sticks to clothing, skin, and hair, so remove jackets and shoes before coming into the house and change into fresh clothes once inside. Also, bathe or shower before going to bed each night to keep it from getting on sheets and pillowcases. Wear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to allergens when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. An air pollution protection mask can filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from the air you breathe. Use a powerful air purifier for allergies to stop allergens before they trigger a reaction. The takeawaySeasonal allergies are a nuisance, but vigilance can stop them from impacting your quality of life.You can prevent allergy flare-ups in your home and improve your air quality by staying informed, taking preventative actions, and cleaning the air in your home or officeduring peak allergy season periods.","

For some people, the onset of sneezing and coughing or eye and nasal itch during certain times of the year are the first warning signs of having seasonal allergies.

The most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen, and mold. Your immune system attacks the inhaled allergens and releases chemicals called histamines. These histamines trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. (1)

\n\n

You’re too busy for allergies!
\n\nGet your FREE allergies checklist.

\n\n

\n\n\n

\n DOWNLOAD NOW\n

\n \n

In addition to grass, pollen, and mold, several triggers are often seasonally related, including: (2,3)

smoke from summer campfires and winter fireplaces\n
insect bites and stings in spring and summer
pool chlorine that indirectly contributes to allergies by irritating the respiratory tract
\npine trees, Christmas trees and wreaths during the winter months

The most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen, and mold.

Every season brings its share of potential triggers affecting people with allergies. The following is an overview of some of those allergies.

Spring allergies

In most temperate climates, spring brings wind-blown seasonal pollens from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds. For millions of people around the world, these seasonal pollens are powerful allergens that trigger life-disrupting allergic reactions.

Pollens are tiny grains ranging from 5 to 200 microns in diameter, though the majority of wind-borne pollens tend to be 15 to 35 microns (human hair diameter: 50 - 70 microns). (4) When airborne, they can enter your respiratory system, where your body treats them as invaders and releases antibodies for protection.

Summer allergies

Pollen, mold, and insect stings are the most common allergens during the summer months. These summer allergens can leave you with some unusual symptoms. You might want to consider seeing a board-certified allergist if you experience the following symptoms: (5,6)

\nAllergic shiner: Dark circles under your eyes from swelling and discoloration of blood vessels under the skin. They look like a “shiner” you might develop if you’ve been hit near your eye.
\nAllergic (adenoidal) face: Nasal allergies can trigger a swelling of the adenoids (lymph tissue lining the back of the throat and behind the nose). This can result in a tired and droopy look.
\nNasal crease: Constant upward rubbing to relieve nasal congestion and itching can result in a line appearing across the bridge of the nose.
\nMouth breathing: Allergic rhinitis (group of symptoms affecting the nose) can cause severe nasal congestion, resulting in constant breathing through the mouth. Some people will develop a high, arched palate, an elevated upper lip, and an overbite. Teens with allergic rhinitis might need braces to correct dental issues.

Summer allergy symptoms are often mistaken for colds and food intolerances.

Summer allergy symptoms are often mistaken for colds and food intolerances. If your symptoms are persistent and last for more than two weeks, you should see your allergist.

Fall allergies

Ragweed

One of the most common fall allergy triggers is ragweed pollen. This yellow flowering plant begins to bloom in August, then continues into the fall months until cold weather kills it off. In warmer climates, ragweed can flourish all the way into the winter.

Ragweed pollen can travel easily on the wind, affecting people with allergies even if it doesn’t grow nearby.

While ragweed is native to North America, the plant is an invasive species. Ragweed has been introduced to Europe, where it is common to northern Italy and southern France. (7)

Winter allergies

The most common winter allergen comes from mold found in Christmas trees, also known as “Christmas Tree Syndrome.”

Christmas trees are cut, baled, and packed into refrigerated trucks to be delivered to a tree seller near your home. Along the way, moisture and the tight bundling of the trees supports an ideal environment for mold to grow.

Once the tree gets into your home, mold on the tree may begin reproducing, triggering the allergic reaction – Christmas Tree Syndrome. Many of the mold varieties found on Christmas trees are those most likely to trigger allergies.

Year-round allergies

Dust mites

Dust mites can trigger allergies any time of year. These microscopic insects feed off the flakes of skin shed naturally by your family and pets.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that between 65 to 130 million people worldwide are sensitive to proteins found in the mites’ bodies and feces. (8) As many as 50 percent of asthmatic people are sensitive to dust mites.

When you turn on your furnace after a long period of little to no use, mite waste can be blown all over your home, causing allergies to flare.

Mold allergies

Mold spores breed outdoors in fallen leaves, gardens, compost piles, and yard waste. The spores are small, light, and easily inhaled into the lungs. Mold spores are a powerful allergen that can cause the immune system to overreact, resulting in coughing, restricted breathing and asthma symptoms.

Weather patterns and seasonal allergies

While the timing and severity of an allergy season can vary, there are time-of-day and weather factors that can influence the severity of your allergic reactions.

\ntree, grass and ragweed pollens thrive during cool nights and warm days
\nmolds grow quickly in heat and high humidity
\npollen levels tend to peak in the morning hours
\nrain washes pollen away, but pollen counts can soar after rainfall
\nairborne allergens are grounded when wind is absent
\npollen counts surge during warm, windy days

Allergens are virtually everywhere, so relocation isn’t a true solution

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Looking for relief from seasonal allergens and asthma triggers?
\n\nExplore our high-performance air purifiers

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How to control seasonal allergies

Whether you and your allergist decide to address your allergies with medication and/or immunotherapy, allergy prevention is an critical first step in managing symptoms.(9)

\nGive your home regular thorough cleanings.This includes using a HEPA vacuum cleaner on all rugs, carpets, and draperies.
\nRake your yard of fallen leaves and other dead vegetation, and don’t leave piles sitting on the lawn.
\nClean out gutters and compost bins regularly. It’s a good idea to wear an allergy mask, such as an N95 particulate respirator, to filter pollen and mold while doing yard work. Clear safety goggles will also help.
\nMonitor the pollen and mold count in your area. On days when they are high, stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed.(10)\n
\nBathe your pets and/or wipe down their fur regularly to remove pollen and mold.
\nPollen and mold sticks to clothing, skin, and hair, so remove jackets and shoes before coming into the house and change into fresh clothes once inside. Also, bathe or shower before going to bed each night to keep it from getting on sheets and pillowcases.
\nWear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to allergens when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. An air pollution protection mask can filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from the air you breathe.
\nUse a powerful air purifier for allergies to stop allergens before they trigger a reaction.

The takeaway

Seasonal allergies are a nuisance, but vigilance can stop them from impacting your quality of life.

You can prevent allergy flare-ups in your home and improve your air quality by staying informed, taking preventative actions, and cleaning the air in your home or officeduring peak allergy season periods.

","relief-for-seasonal-allergies","gid://shopify/Article/606877122859","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/relief-for-seasonal-allergies","2023-01-02T22:46:23Z",[390,1146,653],"Relief for seasonal allergies",{"_10":1221,"_243":1222,"_246":1223,"_248":1206,"_244":1207},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405643952502","Baby suffering from allergies","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/NEW_29_Allergies-AQL-main.webp?v=1749458651",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1225,"_1115":1226,"_1131":43,"_1133":43,"_1134":1227,"_1136":1228,"_985":1229,"_10":1230,"_1140":1231,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1232,"_577":1233,"_541":1234,"_1149":1235},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Here it comes again – ragweed season. It begins in August, and for as many as one out of five Americans, it heralds months of sneezing, runny noses, wheezing and other allergy symptoms.There’s more bad news: Over the last 20 years, ragweed season has increased by up to four weeks. In many areas, ragweed season now extends until the end of October, or even later. The U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) attributes the lengthening ragweed season to climate change, including a longer frost-free season and the timing of the first fall frost. The change is most pronounced in northern regions such as Minnesota and North Dakota.Although allergies can make life miserable, there are steps you can take to make it bearable. Here are a few suggestions on how to make it through ragweed season without letting tiny ragweed spores run – or ruin – your life.1. Keep your windows closed.Keeping windows closed will help limit ragweed pollen indoors, especially when outdoor pollen counts are high. Typically, the highest pollen counts are recorded between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. If it’s warm, run the air conditioner but be sure to set the vent to re-circulate air rather than drawing in fresh air from outside. Remember to keep windows closed when driving in your car as well.2. Take a shower before bedtime.It’s a good idea to take a shower directly before bedtime, especially during ragweed season. Be especially attentive to washing your face and hair to remove any pollen. You are preventing ragweed from contaminating your bed. It’s also a good idea to wash your clothes if you have been spending time outdoors during the day.3. Wear a mask outdoors.While ordinary dust masks will do little or nothing to ease your ragweed allergies, a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask can help prevent ragweed pollen and other allergens from reaching your sinuses, especially when you are outside doing yardwork. These high-quality masks are available at hardware and home supply stores.4. Wear an air pollution mask when allergy triggers are unavoidable.Use a KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to protect yourself from inhaling pollen, mold spores, or other airborne allergens A KN95 or NIOSH N95-compliant mask can prevent up to 95% of particle pollutants from entering your airways.5. Use a high-performance air filtration system.A high-performance room air purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro Series will filter more than 99.97% of all ragweed pollen from the air. For best results, put an air purifier in each room, or consider a whole-house system such as the IQAir PerfectPro. At the very least, a HealthPro Plus in your bedroom will help you breathe easy all night long.6. Consider using a nasal irrigation system.You can rinse out your sinuses with a salt solution every day. A nasal wash will clean allergens from your nose, increasing airflow and helping keep your allergies in check.7. See a specialist.If your allergies continue to interfere with your day-to-day activities, it may be time to see a specialist. An allergist who is certified by the Board of Allergy and Immunology can help identify your allergy triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan.By taking these simple steps to control ragweed pollen and its effect on your health, you can enjoy the change of season and cooler weather that autumn brings. For more information on ragweed pollen and daily pollen count forecasts, check with your local health department or air quality agency.","

Here it comes again – ragweed season. It begins in August, and for as many as one out of five Americans, it heralds months of sneezing, runny noses, wheezing and other allergy symptoms.

There’s more bad news: Over the last 20 years, ragweed season has increased by up to four weeks. In many areas, ragweed season now extends until the end of October, or even later. The U.S. Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) attributes the lengthening ragweed season to climate change, including a longer frost-free season and the timing of the first fall frost. The change is most pronounced in northern regions such as Minnesota and North Dakota.

$\"Airborne$

Although allergies can make life miserable, there are steps you can take to make it bearable. Here are a few suggestions on how to make it through ragweed season without letting tiny ragweed spores run – or ruin – your life.

1. Keep your windows closed.

Keeping windows closed will help limit ragweed pollen indoors, especially when outdoor pollen counts are high. Typically, the highest pollen counts are recorded between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. If it’s warm, run the air conditioner but be sure to set the vent to re-circulate air rather than drawing in fresh air from outside. Remember to keep windows closed when driving in your car as well.

2. Take a shower before bedtime.

It’s a good idea to take a shower directly before bedtime, especially during ragweed season. Be especially attentive to washing your face and hair to remove any pollen. You are preventing ragweed from contaminating your bed. It’s also a good idea to wash your clothes if you have been spending time outdoors during the day.

3. Wear a mask outdoors.

While ordinary dust masks will do little or nothing to ease your ragweed allergies, a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator mask can help prevent ragweed pollen and other allergens from reaching your sinuses, especially when you are outside doing yardwork. These high-quality masks are available at hardware and home supply stores.

4. Wear an air pollution mask when allergy triggers are unavoidable.

Use a KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to protect yourself from inhaling pollen, mold spores, or other airborne allergens A KN95 or NIOSH N95-compliant mask can prevent up to 95% of particle pollutants from entering your airways.

5. Use a high-performance air filtration system.

A high-performance room air purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro Series will filter more than 99.97% of all ragweed pollen from the air. For best results, put an air purifier in each room, or consider a whole-house system such as the IQAir PerfectPro. At the very least, a HealthPro Plus in your bedroom will help you breathe easy all night long.

6. Consider using a nasal irrigation system.

You can rinse out your sinuses with a salt solution every day. A nasal wash will clean allergens from your nose, increasing airflow and helping keep your allergies in check.

7. See a specialist.

If your allergies continue to interfere with your day-to-day activities, it may be time to see a specialist. An allergist who is certified by the Board of Allergy and Immunology can help identify your allergy triggers and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

By taking these simple steps to control ragweed pollen and its effect on your health, you can enjoy the change of season and cooler weather that autumn brings. For more information on ragweed pollen and daily pollen count forecasts, check with your local health department or air quality agency.

","6-steps-you-can-take-control-ragweed-allergies","gid://shopify/Article/606876270891","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/6-steps-you-can-take-control-ragweed-allergies","2022-02-16T19:29:19Z",[1146],"6 Steps you can take to control ragweed allergies",{"_10":1236,"_243":1237,"_246":1238,"_248":1206,"_244":1207},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406022553974","blooming flowers","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/220_ragwweed_flowers_banners_e5b1e7e2-de1e-40b2-93b3-1489e434156f.webp?v=1750674866",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1240,"_1115":1241,"_1131":1242,"_1133":1242,"_1134":1243,"_1136":1244,"_985":1245,"_10":1246,"_1140":1247,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1248,"_577":1249,"_541":1250,"_1149":1251},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Learn how changes in temperature and humidity can trigger your asthma symptoms. Read this article to get tips for asthma relief.","Studies have proven the connection between cold air and an increase in asthma symptoms. However, warm and humid weather – especially when humidity exceeds 50% – is also linked to increases in asthma symptoms. Recently, scientists have started to more fully understand the extent to which temperature and humidity trigger asthma flare-ups. They have also begun to understand why, resulting in new tips for asthma relief.Heat, humidity and asthmaResearchers at Children’s Hospital of Michigan analyzed more than 25,000 asthma-related hospital visits, carefully controlling and correcting for the effects of airborne pollutants, seasonal allergens and other environmental factors. They found that increases in hospital admissions related to humidity and temperature could be quantified. Each 10% increase in humidity was correlated with one additional emergency department visit for asthma beyond the hospital’s daily average of 35. They also found that every 10-degree rise in temperature resulted in two additional asthma-related hospital visits for asthma.In a laboratory study, physicians at the University of Kentucky Medical Center assessed the pulmonary responses of asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients who breathed through a device providing air at a specific temperature and humidity level. Hot, humid air was observed to produce an immediate increase in airway resistance among asthmatic patients, but not in non-asthmatic patients. The hot, humid air also produced coughing in the patients with asthma, but not in the non-asthmatic patients.Scientists find a possible causeA later study published by the same University of Kentucky Medical Center team provided at least a partial explanation of how hot and humid air affects asthma patients. This time, the researchers focused on a group of nerves – known as C fibers – in the human respiratory system. These nerves, when stimulated, play an important role in causing coughing.The researchers found that C fiber nerves become activated when the temperature within the chest is elevated, resulting in coughing and constriction of the airways as a defense mechanism. The scientists called for additional research into the effects of heat and humidity on the human body and raised the hope of developing new drugs for treating asthma.Cold air also triggers asthmaCold, dry air can also cause spasms in the airways and trigger asthma symptoms, as many people with asthma already know. One survey found that 75% of people with asthma say cold air is a trigger of their asthma symptoms.Studies have identified a number of specific ways that cold air induces asthma flare-ups. Short-term responses such as sneezing and congestion are typical. There is also evidence that repeated breathing of cold air may damage the lining of the airways and airway walls.Tips for asthma reliefFortunately, there are steps those who suffer from asthma can take to help avoid asthma flare-ups as a result of extreme temperature and humidity conditions. Here are a few suggestions: Wear a mask or scarf in cold weather. These may help by trapping moisture when the air outside is cold and dry.You can also try wearing a KN95-certified mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to reduce exposure to asthma triggers. Use asthma medications wisely. Consult with your doctor about using a rescue medication before exercising outdoors when weather is extremely cold or hot. Maintain a relatively constant temperature and humidity in your home. Sudden temperature shifts can trigger asthma symptoms. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to control heat, cold and humidity. It is recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Use a high-performance room air purifier. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is consistently rated as the best air purifier for asthma relief. In addition to changes in temperature and humidity, environmental pollutants such as smoke, mold, pollen, dust mites and other pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But by taking a few simple steps to reduce the effects of temperature and humidity on your asthma, you can eliminate some of your asthma triggers and breathe easier regardless of weather conditions.","

Studies have proven the connection between cold air and an increase in asthma symptoms. However, warm and humid weather – especially when humidity exceeds 50% – is also linked to increases in asthma symptoms. Recently, scientists have started to more fully understand the extent to which temperature and humidity trigger asthma flare-ups. They have also begun to understand why, resulting in new tips for asthma relief.

Heat, humidity and asthma

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Michigan analyzed more than 25,000 asthma-related hospital visits, carefully controlling and correcting for the effects of airborne pollutants, seasonal allergens and other environmental factors. They found that increases in hospital admissions related to humidity and temperature could be quantified. Each 10% increase in humidity was correlated with one additional emergency department visit for asthma beyond the hospital’s daily average of 35. They also found that every 10-degree rise in temperature resulted in two additional asthma-related hospital visits for asthma.

In a laboratory study, physicians at the University of Kentucky Medical Center assessed the pulmonary responses of asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients who breathed through a device providing air at a specific temperature and humidity level. Hot, humid air was observed to produce an immediate increase in airway resistance among asthmatic patients, but not in non-asthmatic patients. The hot, humid air also produced coughing in the patients with asthma, but not in the non-asthmatic patients.

Scientists find a possible cause

A later study published by the same University of Kentucky Medical Center team provided at least a partial explanation of how hot and humid air affects asthma patients. This time, the researchers focused on a group of nerves – known as C fibers – in the human respiratory system. These nerves, when stimulated, play an important role in causing coughing.

The researchers found that C fiber nerves become activated when the temperature within the chest is elevated, resulting in coughing and constriction of the airways as a defense mechanism. The scientists called for additional research into the effects of heat and humidity on the human body and raised the hope of developing new drugs for treating asthma.

Cold air also triggers asthma

Cold, dry air can also cause spasms in the airways and trigger asthma symptoms, as many people with asthma already know. One survey found that 75% of people with asthma say cold air is a trigger of their asthma symptoms.

Studies have identified a number of specific ways that cold air induces asthma flare-ups. Short-term responses such as sneezing and congestion are typical. There is also evidence that repeated breathing of cold air may damage the lining of the airways and airway walls.

Tips for asthma relief

Fortunately, there are steps those who suffer from asthma can take to help avoid asthma flare-ups as a result of extreme temperature and humidity conditions. Here are a few suggestions:

\nWear a mask or scarf in cold weather. These may help by trapping moisture when the air outside is cold and dry.You can also try wearing a KN95-certified mask, such as the IQAir Mask, to reduce exposure to asthma triggers.
\nUse asthma medications wisely. Consult with your doctor about using a rescue medication before exercising outdoors when weather is extremely cold or hot.
\nMaintain a relatively constant temperature and humidity in your home. Sudden temperature shifts can trigger asthma symptoms.
\nKeep windows closed and use air conditioning to control heat, cold and humidity. It is recommended to keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
\nUse a high-performance room air purifier. The IQAir HealthPro Plus is consistently rated as the best air purifier for asthma relief.

In addition to changes in temperature and humidity, environmental pollutants such as smoke, mold, pollen, dust mites and other pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But by taking a few simple steps to reduce the effects of temperature and humidity on your asthma, you can eliminate some of your asthma triggers and breathe easier regardless of weather conditions.

","humidity-induced-asthma-symptoms","gid://shopify/Article/606877057323","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/humidity-induced-asthma-symptoms","2022-01-05T20:48:16Z",[390,1146],"Temperature, humidity and your asthma",{"_10":1252,"_243":1253,"_246":1254,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405474705782","Water droplets on window","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/31_temperature_desktop_c1188356-1f41-406d-9268-8288fab66424.jpg?v=1748860662",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1256,"_1115":1257,"_1131":1258,"_1133":1258,"_1134":1259,"_1136":1260,"_985":1261,"_10":1262,"_1140":1263,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1264,"_577":1265,"_541":1267,"_1149":1268},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Learn how to recognize pet allergies and steps you can take to help your pet with their symptoms.","Pets may suffer their entire lives with allergies that are never diagnosed or treated. In fact, allergy symptoms are one of the most common reasons people bring pets to a veterinarian. Household pets suffer from many of the same allergies that affect humans, though their symptoms are often different. Symptoms of pet allergies Of course, pets can’t tell us when they are suffering from allergies, so it’s important for owners of pets to recognize the general symptoms of allergies their pets may have. Those symptoms may include: Sneezing, coughing or wheezing Scratching, licking or chewing at skin Runny eyes Itchy back or tail (often a sign of flea allergies) Vomiting, itchy ears, snoring Veterinarians can often determine the exact cause of a pet’s allergies with allergy tests. Many allergens such as mold, mildew or dust mite droppings affect pets differently than how they affect humans. For example, inhaled allergens typically cause runny eyes, runny nose or sneezing in humans, while in pets the same allergens usually cause itchy skin. What causes allergies in pets Dogs, cats and other household pets can develop allergy symptoms when their immune systems react to everyday substances known as allergens. There are three primary ways they come into contact with these allergens: Inhalation. Many of the same airborne allergens that affect humans also affect pets, including pollen, dust and mold. Digestion. Food allergies in pets often include reactions to soy, wheat, yeast, or other ingredients or preservatives in their food. Skin contact. Many pets react to saliva from fleas. Other contact allergens include grasses, household chemicals and pesticides. Steps you can take Preventive measures are the best strategy in controlling your pet’s allergies. By taking a few simple steps you can help protect your pet from unnecessary exposure to the allergens that trigger symptoms. Here are a few tips: Visit your veterinarian. Your vet will take a complete history, conduct an examination of your pet and help determine the cause of the allergies. Your vet can also prescribe medications, order blood tests and help determine food triggers. Take steps to protect your pet from fleas. Start a flea control program at home and check outdoor pets carefully, as they can bring fleas indoors and expose all of your pets. Remove airborne triggers. A high-performance air purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus will remove inhalable particles of all sizes, and also smoke and chemicals in the air. This can make as big a difference in your pet’s health as it does in yours. Wash your pet regularly. Bathing your pet once or twice a week can relieve itching and remove some of the allergens from your pet’s skin. But remember that frequent bathing can also dry out your pet’s skin. Get a recommendation from your vet. For more information on how to detect and help prevent your pet’s allergy symptoms, visit www.aspca.org.","

Pets may suffer their entire lives with allergies that are never diagnosed or treated. In fact, allergy symptoms are one of the most common reasons people bring pets to a veterinarian. Household pets suffer from many of the same allergies that affect humans, though their symptoms are often different. $\"Airborne$

Symptoms of pet allergies

Of course, pets can’t tell us when they are suffering from allergies, so it’s important for owners of pets to recognize the general symptoms of allergies their pets may have. Those symptoms may include:

Sneezing, coughing or wheezing
Scratching, licking or chewing at skin
Runny eyes
Itchy back or tail (often a sign of flea allergies)
Vomiting, itchy ears, snoring

Veterinarians can often determine the exact cause of a pet’s allergies with allergy tests. Many allergens such as mold, mildew or dust mite droppings affect pets differently than how they affect humans. For example, inhaled allergens typically cause runny eyes, runny nose or sneezing in humans, while in pets the same allergens usually cause itchy skin.

What causes allergies in pets

Dogs, cats and other household pets can develop allergy symptoms when their immune systems react to everyday substances known as allergens. There are three primary ways they come into contact with these allergens:

\nInhalation. Many of the same airborne allergens that affect humans also affect pets, including pollen, dust and mold.
\nDigestion. Food allergies in pets often include reactions to soy, wheat, yeast, or other ingredients or preservatives in their food.
\nSkin contact. Many pets react to saliva from fleas. Other contact allergens include grasses, household chemicals and pesticides.

Steps you can take

Preventive measures are the best strategy in controlling your pet’s allergies. By taking a few simple steps you can help protect your pet from unnecessary exposure to the allergens that trigger symptoms. Here are a few tips:

\nVisit your veterinarian. Your vet will take a complete history, conduct an examination of your pet and help determine the cause of the allergies. Your vet can also prescribe medications, order blood tests and help determine food triggers.
\nTake steps to protect your pet from fleas. Start a flea control program at home and check outdoor pets carefully, as they can bring fleas indoors and expose all of your pets.
\nRemove airborne triggers. A high-performance air purifier such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus will remove inhalable particles of all sizes, and also smoke and chemicals in the air. This can make as big a difference in your pet’s health as it does in yours.
\nWash your pet regularly. Bathing your pet once or twice a week can relieve itching and remove some of the allergens from your pet’s skin. But remember that frequent bathing can also dry out your pet’s skin. Get a recommendation from your vet.

For more information on how to detect and help prevent your pet’s allergy symptoms, visit www.aspca.org.

","telltale-signs-your-pet-has-allergies","gid://shopify/Article/606876664107","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/telltale-signs-your-pet-has-allergies","2022-01-04T22:26:21Z",[1146,1266],"Pets","Telltale signs your pet has allergies",{"_10":1269,"_243":1270,"_246":1271,"_248":1206,"_244":1207},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405537653110","white dog who can benefit from IQAir air purifier","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/46_telltale_desktop_77bc9112-3580-440e-ac61-97e53bacce28.webp?v=1749034530",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1273,"_1115":1274,"_1131":1275,"_1133":1275,"_1134":1276,"_1136":1277,"_985":1278,"_10":1279,"_1140":1280,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1281,"_577":1282,"_541":1283,"_1149":1284},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Don't fall for false home remedies to treat your asthma. Learn the facts.","Asthma is a dangerous condition that affects your ability to breathe by constricting your airways with inflammation and mucus.Fortunately, asthma is manageable with proper treatment.1 Over 300 million people live and breathe comfortably using inhalers and controlling allergens in their homes.But asthma symptoms can still be frightening. These symptoms can include: Shallow breathing and pain or tightness in your chest Coughing and wheezing Being unable to speak because of a lack of breath If you’ve seen your doctor for asthma, you’ve probably used inhalers and medications to control your symptoms.2 Serious asthma attacks may even have required a trip or two to urgent care or the hospital.These treatments may not always seem to work, and medical care for asthma can be expensive.That’s why so many home remedies have become popular. They claim to make asthma symptoms go away without an inhaler or a trip to the ER. And as global air pollution increases, more people are becoming affected by asthma. This has vastly driven up demand for quick home “cures,” so it can feel impossible to sort through all the science behind these claims.That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown of the five most popular asthma “cures.”We’ll help you make sense of the facts, the fictions, and the potentially dangerous results of these claims.GarlicThe ClaimsYou can’t research home remedies for asthma without running into garlic.Because of garlic’s anti-inflammatory characteristics, garlic is thought to be effective against both allergy and asthma symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a compound in your body that causes inflammation in your airways.3,4Using garlic for asthma is an attractive prospect. It’s cheap and delicious: you can eat cloves of garlic raw, cook it into your food and even take it as a dietary supplement. But is garlic really worth it?The FactsAside from giving you bad breath, eating too much raw garlic (more than 1-2 cloves a day) can have dangerous side effects.Garlic reduces histamine production by affecting the H1 histamine receptor, the cause of many allergy symptoms. However, asthma is not stimulated by the H1 receptor, so garlic has little to no impact on its histamine-related symptoms. In fact, another histamine receptor, H4, may be more crucial for understanding what causes asthma as opposed to allergies.5Garlic contains proteins that can promote inflammation even if you’re not exposed to asthma triggers. It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic. Having too much garlic can even cause an asthma attack to happen on its own.6It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic.Garlic’s also a natural blood thinner. Eating garlic regularly can cause heavy bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Garlic can make these effects more severe if you’re already taking blood thinners like aspirin.EchinaceaThe ClaimsMany people take echinacea to boost their immune system function and fight colds.7,8 Echinacea is thought to be effective in relieving asthma symptoms, too, because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.Echinacea is widely available as an herbal supplement, juice or tea. It’s often coupled with goldenseal. This herb is purported to help relieve symptoms of muscle spasms, stomach problems, and even cancer.The FactsEchinacea is dangerous to take for asthma. Because asthma is caused by an immune system response that tightens your airways, the immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.9,10The immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.Echinacea comes from a plant genus called the coneflowers. This genus comprises nine different species. Many manufacturers don’t specify which species they use in their supplements. You may have an allergy to one of these species and not know it.11 In these cases, taking an echinacea supplement can make your asthma symptoms worse as well as cause severe allergy symptoms, such as: Skin rashes Shortness of breath Tightening of your throat CaffeineThe ClaimsResearch suggests that caffeine can open your airways for up to four hours after asthma symptoms appear.12 This is because it has similar effects to an asthma medication called theophylline.Caffeine and theophylline are both bronchodilators. They dilate, or open up, passages in your airways that give oxygen to your lungs.13 Bronchodilators have become widely used to treat asthma because they act quickly to improve breathing during an asthma attack.But can your cup of coffee really soothe your asthma symptoms?The FactsCaffeine can increase your heart rate and cause high blood pressure and insomnia. Some of these side effects can induce anxiety or panic attacks, which can make it even harder for you to breathe during an asthma attack. Coffee also contains salicylates, which you might be especially intolerant to if you have asthma.14Even having small amounts of caffeine (100-200 milligrams) during an asthma attack can cause these symptoms if you’re not used to consuming caffeine. Having too much caffeine (400 milligrams or more) can cause heart palpitations and fever.15 If you’re already taking an asthma medication that contains theophylline, caffeine can magnify these symptoms.Asthma dietsThe ClaimsYour diet can have a positive effect on your asthma. Losing weight can help you breathe easier and make some asthma symptoms less severe.Also, foods rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamins A and D may be able to reduce asthma symptoms.16,17,18The FactsSimply adding new vitamins or foods to your diet won’t treat your asthma on its own.19In most cases, you’ll need to reconsider your entire diet and lifestyle to ensure that any nutritional changes benefit your asthma symptoms.20 Changing your diet suddenly or without professional guidance can quickly lead to a deficiency in important nutrients.5 Steps you can take to control your asthma Follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re seeing a medical professional for asthma treatment, closely follow any instructions or treatment plans your doctor gives you. Ask your doctor before starting any home remedies or dietary changes. This not only helps you keep your symptoms under control but also keep you from unintentionally harming yourself with unproven home treatments. Monitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Indoor pollutants from cooking, smoking and cleaning chemicals can all trigger asthma symptoms. AirVisual Pro by IQAir is an air quality monitor that empowers you to monitor pollutant levels in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know when to act to improve your ambient air quality. Avoid your triggers. Asthma is often triggered by your lifestyle as well as exposure to chemicals and allergens. Limit or remove these triggers from your environment to help prevent asthma symptoms: Exercise indoors when outdoor air quality is poor or when it’s cold and dry outside. Wear an N95 respirator mask to keep yourself from breathing in asthma triggers. Take steps to prevent and remove mold if it’s triggering your asthma. Limit your exposure to pets that produce dander, including dogs, cats and birds. If you can’t bear to be away from your pet, make sure they’re not allowed in areas where you eat, sleep or spend a lot of time. Use a high-performance air purifier to reduce asthma triggers in the air. The HealthPro Plus® by IQAir is the #1 rated room air purifier for allergies and asthma, filtering 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns from the air. This includes asthma triggers like dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Wear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to asthma triggers when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. A KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, can filter virtually all asthma triggers from the air you breathe. Keep your home at an optimal humidity level. Your home’s relative humidity (RH) should be around 40%. Use a humidifier if it’s too low, as your airways can dry out and increase your risk of asthma symptoms. Try a dehumidifier if humidity is too high, as dust mites and mold spores can multiply and trigger symptoms. Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay. When you introduce new substances into your body, you may not know exactly what they’re doing to your body until it’s too late.Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay.Most home remedies for asthma probably won’t do you any real harm. But don’t rely on them for relief. See your doctor to create an asthma action plan so that you always know exactly what to do when poor air quality or allergens trigger your symptoms.21","

Asthma is a dangerous condition that affects your ability to breathe by constricting your airways with inflammation and mucus.

Fortunately, asthma is manageable with proper treatment.¹ Over 300 million people live and breathe comfortably using inhalers and controlling allergens in their homes.

But asthma symptoms can still be frightening. These symptoms can include:

Shallow breathing and pain or tightness in your chest
Coughing and wheezing
Being unable to speak because of a lack of breath

If you’ve seen your doctor for asthma, you’ve probably used inhalers and medications to control your symptoms.² Serious asthma attacks may even have required a trip or two to urgent care or the hospital.

These treatments may not always seem to work, and medical care for asthma can be expensive.

That’s why so many home remedies have become popular. They claim to make asthma symptoms go away without an inhaler or a trip to the ER. And as global air pollution increases, more people are becoming affected by asthma. This has vastly driven up demand for quick home “cures,” so it can feel impossible to sort through all the science behind these claims.

That’s why we’re giving you a breakdown of the five most popular asthma “cures.”

We’ll help you make sense of the facts, the fictions, and the potentially dangerous results of these claims.

Garlic

The Claims

You can’t research home remedies for asthma without running into garlic.

Because of garlic’s anti-inflammatory characteristics, garlic is thought to be effective against both allergy and asthma symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a compound in your body that causes inflammation in your airways.^3,4

Using garlic for asthma is an attractive prospect. It’s cheap and delicious: you can eat cloves of garlic raw, cook it into your food and even take it as a dietary supplement. But is garlic really worth it?

The Facts

Aside from giving you bad breath, eating too much raw garlic (more than 1-2 cloves a day) can have dangerous side effects.

Garlic reduces histamine production by affecting the H1 histamine receptor, the cause of many allergy symptoms. However, asthma is not stimulated by the H1 receptor, so garlic has little to no impact on its histamine-related symptoms. In fact, another histamine receptor, H4, may be more crucial for understanding what causes asthma as opposed to allergies.⁵

Garlic contains proteins that can promote inflammation even if you’re not exposed to asthma triggers. It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic. Having too much garlic can even cause an asthma attack to happen on its own.⁶

It’s possible for your asthma symptoms to become worse after you’ve consumed garlic.

Garlic’s also a natural blood thinner. Eating garlic regularly can cause heavy bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Garlic can make these effects more severe if you’re already taking blood thinners like aspirin.

Echinacea

The Claims

Many people take echinacea to boost their immune system function and fight colds.^7,8 Echinacea is thought to be effective in relieving asthma symptoms, too, because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Echinacea is widely available as an herbal supplement, juice or tea. It’s often coupled with goldenseal. This herb is purported to help relieve symptoms of muscle spasms, stomach problems, and even cancer.

The Facts

Echinacea is dangerous to take for asthma. Because asthma is caused by an immune system response that tightens your airways, the immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.^9,10

The immune-boosting properties of echinacea can make your asthma symptoms more severe.

Echinacea comes from a plant genus called the coneflowers. This genus comprises nine different species. Many manufacturers don’t specify which species they use in their supplements. You may have an allergy to one of these species and not know it.¹¹ In these cases, taking an echinacea supplement can make your asthma symptoms worse as well as cause severe allergy symptoms, such as:

Skin rashes
Shortness of breath
Tightening of your throat

Caffeine

The Claims

Research suggests that caffeine can open your airways for up to four hours after asthma symptoms appear.¹² This is because it has similar effects to an asthma medication called theophylline.

Caffeine and theophylline are both bronchodilators. They dilate, or open up, passages in your airways that give oxygen to your lungs.¹³ Bronchodilators have become widely used to treat asthma because they act quickly to improve breathing during an asthma attack.

But can your cup of coffee really soothe your asthma symptoms?

The Facts

Caffeine can increase your heart rate and cause high blood pressure and insomnia. Some of these side effects can induce anxiety or panic attacks, which can make it even harder for you to breathe during an asthma attack. Coffee also contains salicylates, which you might be especially intolerant to if you have asthma.¹⁴

Even having small amounts of caffeine (100-200 milligrams) during an asthma attack can cause these symptoms if you’re not used to consuming caffeine. Having too much caffeine (400 milligrams or more) can cause heart palpitations and fever.¹⁵ If you’re already taking an asthma medication that contains theophylline, caffeine can magnify these symptoms.

Asthma diets

The Claims

Your diet can have a positive effect on your asthma. Losing weight can help you breathe easier and make some asthma symptoms less severe.

Also, foods rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamins A and D may be able to reduce asthma symptoms.^16,17,18

The Facts

Simply adding new vitamins or foods to your diet won’t treat your asthma on its own.¹⁹

In most cases, you’ll need to reconsider your entire diet and lifestyle to ensure that any nutritional changes benefit your asthma symptoms.²⁰ Changing your diet suddenly or without professional guidance can quickly lead to a deficiency in important nutrients.

5 Steps you can take to control your asthma

\nFollow your doctor’s orders. If you’re seeing a medical professional for asthma treatment, closely follow any instructions or treatment plans your doctor gives you. Ask your doctor before starting any home remedies or dietary changes. This not only helps you keep your symptoms under control but also keep you from unintentionally harming yourself with unproven home treatments.
\nMonitor your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Indoor pollutants from cooking, smoking and cleaning chemicals can all trigger asthma symptoms. AirVisual Pro by IQAir is an air quality monitor that empowers you to monitor pollutant levels in your indoor and outdoor air so that you know when to act to improve your ambient air quality.
\nAvoid your triggers. Asthma is often triggered by your lifestyle as well as exposure to chemicals and allergens. Limit or remove these triggers from your environment to help prevent asthma symptoms:\n\n\t
- Exercise indoors when outdoor air quality is poor or when it’s cold and dry outside.
- Wear an N95 respirator mask to keep yourself from breathing in asthma triggers.
- Take steps to prevent and remove mold if it’s triggering your asthma.
\n\n\t
\nLimit your exposure to pets that produce dander, including dogs, cats and birds. If you can’t bear to be away from your pet, make sure they’re not allowed in areas where you eat, sleep or spend a lot of time.
\nUse a high-performance air purifier to reduce asthma triggers in the air. The HealthPro Plus® by IQAir is the #1 rated room air purifier for allergies and asthma, filtering 99.5% of particles down to 0.003 microns from the air. This includes asthma triggers like dust, pet dander, and mold spores.
\nWear an air pollution mask to reduce your exposure to asthma triggers when you're outdoors or in heavily polluted areas. A KN95-certified pollution protection mask, such as the IQAir Mask, can filter virtually all asthma triggers from the air you breathe.
\nKeep your home at an optimal humidity level. Your home’s relative humidity (RH) should be around 40%. Use a humidifier if it’s too low, as your airways can dry out and increase your risk of asthma symptoms. Try a dehumidifier if humidity is too high, as dust mites and mold spores can multiply and trigger symptoms.

Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay. When you introduce new substances into your body, you may not know exactly what they’re doing to your body until it’s too late.

Never use any home remedy for asthma unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Most home remedies for asthma probably won’t do you any real harm. But don’t rely on them for relief. See your doctor to create an asthma action plan so that you always know exactly what to do when poor air quality or allergens trigger your symptoms.²¹

","asthma-home-remedies","gid://shopify/Article/606882726187","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/asthma-home-remedies","2022-01-04T17:57:54Z",[390,1146,653],"4 Asthma “cures” you need to stop using right now",{"_10":1285,"_243":1286,"_246":1287,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406316548470","Common home remedies for asthma on a table","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/asthma_20home_20remedies_20debunked_65cb47b9-e3d7-4f8e-8f5b-d556a90ba9e3.jpg?v=1751632563",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1289,"_1115":1290,"_1131":1291,"_1133":1291,"_1134":1292,"_1136":1293,"_985":1294,"_10":1295,"_1140":1296,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1297,"_577":1298,"_541":1300,"_1149":1301},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Chronic absenteeism has no single cause. Learn why air quality may be one of the most invisible and pervasive causes.","Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 15 days of school during the year.1it's a growing problem. There's no sign that absenteeism is declining, despite district and government incentives aimed at getting students in their seats.2,3Asthma and school absenteeismChronic absenteeism has no single cause. But air quality may be one of the most dangerouscauses as it’s both invisible and pervasive.A 2001 study published in Epidemiology linked both particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone directly to students missing class due to respiratory illnesses, including asthma.4 When ozone concentrations rose by 20 parts per billion (ppb), school absences due to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83 percent.When ozone concentrations rose, school absences related to respiratory illness increased by an average of 83%.A 2017 study published in Economics of Education Review suggested that, even if they don’t miss school, students with asthma don’t perform as well in class when pollutant levels increase.According to the study, students with asthma score 1 to 2 percent lower on their math and reading assignments when PM counts are high.5 Their scores drop as much as 10 percent when ozone levels rise.A 2019 study published in the Centers for Disease Control journal Preventing Chronic Disease estimated that 14 to 18 percent of student absenteeism could be attributed to asthma.6 49 percent of schoolchildren with asthma have missed more than one school day.What does air quality have to do with absenteeism?Poor air quality doesn’t affect all students with asthma equally. The 2001 study of ozone-related absences also found that ozone disproportionately hurt communities with lower long-term PM levels, causing absences due to respiratory illness to spike by 224 percent.Communities with higher long-term PM levels, which largely includes lower-income neighborhoods, only experienced a 38-percent increase in absences.What was the underlying reality behind this difference? Lower incomecommunities suffer from poorer air quality than more affluent areas do. As a result, absences due to asthma and other respiratory conditions are more common, so pollutant increases don’t have as drastic an effect.But this means that the impact of poor air quality on chronic absenteeism in lower-income areas is much more common.The more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.In addition to being exposed to poor air quality in their neighborhoods, students living in low-income communities are more likely to attend schools with poor air quality. For example, the more students in a school who qualify for free lunch, an indicator of low family income, the more likely that school is to report poor indoor air quality.7These same schools are much more likely to contain facilities that are outdated or in poor condition, including HVAC and ventilation systems whose disrepair contributes to poor classroom air quality. These conditions can trigger asthma at higher overall rates.8How can I help prevent my child from falling behind?Missing school days leads to consequences beyond falling behind on homework. Research shows that students who miss a lot of school due to asthma are at a higher risk of:9,10,11 Repeating classes Staying away from their peer groups Dropping out of school altogether But you can help keep your child’s asthma symptoms from preventingtheir success.Develop an asthma action planIt’s important to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up. Symptoms can quickly become severe enough to keep your child out of school.Work with your doctor to create a plan that’s easy to work from when you first notice asthma symptoms.12Then, share your action plan with everyone in your child’s life. Share your asthma action plan for school with teachers and administrators. Outside of school, share the plan with friends and other parents so that your child is safe wherever they go.It’s crucial to manage your child’s asthma symptoms quickly and effectively after they flare up.Follow your doctor’s orders.Medical treatment, which may include inhalers and medication, is vital to managing asthma symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions.Don't use asthma home remedies without asking your doctor first.Change your lifestyleMake environmental and lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms: Monitor your indoor air quality.Keep an eye on pollutants in your indoor and outdoor air with an air quality monitor. Encourage your school to set up air quality monitors, too. Teachers can then take appropriate action to increase time indoors when air quality is bad outside. Avoid asthma triggers. Take precautions to help reduce flare-ups and the severity of symptoms: Do physical activities inside when air quality is poor. Ask your child to stop playing outside or have them wear a KN95 respirator mask to keep triggers out of their respiratory system. Take action to prevent and remove mould that may trigger asthma. Limit time spent with dogs, cats, and birds. Make sure they’re not allowed where you eat, sleep, or spend a lot of time. Get involved at school.Join your school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) or school board to help improveyour schoolair quality. Encourage your school to installstandalone air purifiers. These actions can help mitigate poor indoor air quality in schools caused by outdated HVAC systems. Installing MERV 16 filtersin existing school HVAC systems can also help reduce classroom pollutants by at least 90 percent.13 Have your child wear an air pollution mask. A KN95 face maskcan filter virtually all pollen and other allergens from your child's air and reduce their exposure to irritants that can trigger severe asthma attacks. Use an asthma air purifier at home to reduce airborne triggerslike dust, pet dander, and mould spores. Fewer triggers mean fewer symptoms and, most likely, less time spent out of the classroom. The TakeawayPoor air quality in classrooms is a problem for all students. But poor air quality can have far more overwhelming consequences beyond the classroom for students with asthma.Increasing your school’s awareness of air quality and influencing school policies doesn’t just help students with asthma show up to class more often. It helps them stay on track to graduate high school, get into college, and live more meaningful lives as their classroom becomes less of an obstacle and more of an opportunity for success.","

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

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

Asthma and school absenteeism

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does air quality have to do with absenteeism?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I help prevent my child from falling behind?

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

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

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

Develop an asthma action plan

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

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

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

Follow your doctor’s orders.

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

Change your lifestyle

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

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

The Takeaway

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

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

","asthma-plan-for-school-and-absenteeism","gid://shopify/Article/606882496811","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/asthma-plan-for-school-and-absenteeism","2022-01-03T16:13:01Z",[390,1146,1299],"Parents","Can air quality cause absenteeism?",{"_10":1302,"_243":1303,"_246":1304,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405867626870","Children sitting in a classroom, looking attentive and facing forward.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/060518_absenteeism-header-v2_e3eea76a-5ff6-4d2d-ace5-f1aa39e0b8d9.jpg?v=1750156669",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1306,"_1115":1307,"_1131":43,"_1133":43,"_1134":1308,"_1136":1309,"_985":1310,"_10":1311,"_1140":1312,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1313,"_577":1314,"_541":1315,"_1149":1316},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Consider the case of Matthew C., of Whittier, Calif., who went from being a high-risk asthma patient requiring multiple annual ED visits to being a low-risk patient who no longer requires any asthma medications. The difference is his use of an IQAir air purifier. His mother Crystal says that almost every October and May, before Matthew started using an air purifier, she took him to the hospital when his quick-relief medication wasn't enough to stop an asthma attack. These ED visits and the rescue medications required to treat his attacks placed Matthewin the high-risk category. His asthma attacks were triggered in the fall and spring, when airborne pollen and other triggers are most abundant. During one year, he visited his pediatrician to be treated for asthma eight times. He visited the hospital emergency department twice. So Crystal took home an IQAir HealthPro Series room air purifier. She put the air purification system in Matthew's bedroom and immediately turned it on at its highest setting. That was in September, the beginning of another bad period for Matthew's asthma. It has run continuously since then. Matthew's breathing improved immediately and dramatically the first night he slept in his bedroom with the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier running. He has not used his short-acting beta-agonist medication (albuterol) since then, in either nebulizer or canister form. His mother continuesto carry the canister, and a canister is maintained at Matthew's school as well. The impact of the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier on Matthew's non-drug asthma costs has been equally dramatic. For the first time in his life, he made it through the entire autumn, winter and spring seasons without a single trip to a hospital for an emergency injection. He has not been to the ED since. Obviously, the cost savings are substantial. It's evident that use of the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier has had a major impact on the management of Matthew's asthma. Previously he was by definition a high asthma-risk case, and now he is managing his asthma at a very low asthma-risk level, resulting in an improved lifestyle and the elimination of costs on multiple levels.","

Consider the case of Matthew C., of Whittier, Calif., who went from being a high-risk asthma patient requiring multiple annual ED visits to being a low-risk patient who no longer requires any asthma medications. The difference is his use of an IQAir air purifier.

His mother Crystal says that almost every October and May, before Matthew started using an air purifier, she took him to the hospital when his quick-relief medication wasn't enough to stop an asthma attack. These ED visits and the rescue medications required to treat his attacks placed Matthewin the high-risk category.

His asthma attacks were triggered in the fall and spring, when airborne pollen and other triggers are most abundant. During one year, he visited his pediatrician to be treated for asthma eight times. He visited the hospital emergency department twice.

So Crystal took home an IQAir HealthPro Series room air purifier. She put the air purification system in Matthew's bedroom and immediately turned it on at its highest setting. That was in September, the beginning of another bad period for Matthew's asthma. It has run continuously since then.

Matthew's breathing improved immediately and dramatically the first night he slept in his bedroom with the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier running. He has not used his short-acting beta-agonist medication (albuterol) since then, in either nebulizer or canister form. His mother continuesto carry the canister, and a canister is maintained at Matthew's school as well.

The impact of the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier on Matthew's non-drug asthma costs has been equally dramatic. For the first time in his life, he made it through the entire autumn, winter and spring seasons without a single trip to a hospital for an emergency injection. He has not been to the ED since. Obviously, the cost savings are substantial.

It's evident that use of the IQAir HealthPro Series air purifier has had a major impact on the management of Matthew's asthma. Previously he was by definition a high asthma-risk case, and now he is managing his asthma at a very low asthma-risk level, resulting in an improved lifestyle and the elimination of costs on multiple levels.

","matthew-c-iqair-puts-him-control-asthma","gid://shopify/Article/606881153323","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/matthew-c-iqair-puts-him-control-asthma","2022-01-02T21:42:16Z",[1146,838],"Matthew C.: IQAir puts him in control of asthma",{"_10":1317,"_243":1318,"_246":1319,"_248":1206,"_244":1207},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405648441718","boy with baseball bat","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/207_Matthew_banner_a236d35e-1727-4124-9b67-a1b7d36738d6.webp?v=1749466313",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1321,"_1115":1322,"_1131":1323,"_1133":1323,"_1134":1324,"_1136":1325,"_985":1326,"_10":1327,"_1140":1328,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1329,"_577":1330,"_541":1331,"_1149":1332},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Here are six cleaning myths that can save you 2.5 hours a week when cleaning your home of the 40 pounds of dust that accumulates in your home each year.","A typical six-room home accumulates 40 pounds of dust every year. On average, you spend about 2.5 hours a week cleaning your home. By learning the truth behind these six household cleaning misconceptions, you may save time cleaning and you will be better prepared to make your cleaning efforts more effective. Myth #1 — A mop and broom are the best tools for cleaning. Not necessarily. A high-performance vacuum, used correctly, removes more dirt from hard floors than does a mop or broom. In fact, mops and brooms only push dirt around. What to do: A high-quality vacuum removes dirt from floors and surfaces and captures it in a HEPA filter. As a bonus, vacuuming your hard floors can also cut down on the amount of time it takes to clean them. Myth #2 — Frequent vacuuming will ruin your carpets. Actually, the opposite is true. Regular vacuuming will help protect and extend the life of your carpet. That’s because grit and dust is abrasive and will ruin carpet fibers as the carpet is stepped on. What to do: As a rule of thumb, try to vacuum at least once a week; More is better. Use a high-quality HEPA vacuum cleaner, because low-quality systems simply send dust and dirt back into the air. Myth #3 — Household dust is primarily composed of dead skin cells. This common belief is not necessarily true. Household dust is a mix of dirt, pet dander, fabric fibers, pollen, dust mites and their droppings, and a variety of other ingredients including human skin flakes. About a third of household dust comes from indoor sources. The rest is a mix of outdoor dirt and particles. What to do: Focus on controlling the sources of dust that have the greatest impact. For example, removing shoes just before or upon entering the household will substantially reduce dirt tracked in from outside. Myth #4 — Dust mites are only found in pillows and bedding. False. Dust mites and their droppings can spread throughout the home and trigger allergic reactions or asthma in many people. Hundreds of thousands of them may live in your home’s bedding and pillows. But they also live in carpets, drapery and anywhere else where there is household dust. They thrive wherever they can find their favorite food: dead human skin cells. What to do: Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, so keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Remember that mites and their droppings can spread throughout the house, so consider steam-cleaning carpets throughout the home whenever possible. Myth #5 — Tobacco smoke isn’t a household dust problem. Wrong. Residual nicotine and other toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke settle on room surfaces and, once there, become resistant to normal cleaning. This toxic residue, known as thirdhand smoke, clings to dust, carpets, walls and other surfaces and continues to build up over time. What to do: The best way to fight thirdhand smoke is to never allow smoking indoors. Myth #6 — An air cleaner will help reduce household dust. Not necessarily. It depends on the air cleaner — and many air cleaners (for example, “ionic” air cleaners) don’t remove dust at all. Ionizers electrically charge particles that then stick to walls, TV screens, etc. What to do: Choose a high-performance air cleaner (such as the #1 rated IQAir HealthPro Plus) to dramatically reduce the amount of dust and particles in the air before it settles and becomes surface dust. When it comes to good housekeeping, a clean home is a healthy home. By knowing the truth about these six housekeeping myths you will be better prepared to fight dirt and dust wherever you find it. You may save time cleaning, too. But best of all, the Indoor Air Quality in your home will be substantially improved, and everyone in your home will be healthier year round.","

A typical six-room home accumulates 40 pounds of dust every year. On average, you spend about 2.5 hours a week cleaning your home. By learning the truth behind these six household cleaning misconceptions, you may save time cleaning and you will be better prepared to make your cleaning efforts more effective.

Myth #1 — A mop and broom are the best tools for cleaning.

Not necessarily. A high-performance vacuum, used correctly, removes more dirt from hard floors than does a mop or broom. In fact, mops and brooms only push dirt around.

What to do: A high-quality vacuum removes dirt from floors and surfaces and captures it in a HEPA filter. As a bonus, vacuuming your hard floors can also cut down on the amount of time it takes to clean them.

Myth #2 — Frequent vacuuming will ruin your carpets.

Actually, the opposite is true. Regular vacuuming will help protect and extend the life of your carpet. That’s because grit and dust is abrasive and will ruin carpet fibers as the carpet is stepped on.

What to do: As a rule of thumb, try to vacuum at least once a week; More is better. Use a high-quality HEPA vacuum cleaner, because low-quality systems simply send dust and dirt back into the air.

Myth #3 — Household dust is primarily composed of dead skin cells.

This common belief is not necessarily true. Household dust is a mix of dirt, pet dander, fabric fibers, pollen, dust mites and their droppings, and a variety of other ingredients including human skin flakes.

About a third of household dust comes from indoor sources. The rest is a mix of outdoor dirt and particles.

What to do: Focus on controlling the sources of dust that have the greatest impact. For example, removing shoes just before or upon entering the household will substantially reduce dirt tracked in from outside.

Myth #4 — Dust mites are only found in pillows and bedding.

False. Dust mites and their droppings can spread throughout the home and trigger allergic reactions or asthma in many people. Hundreds of thousands of them may live in your home’s bedding and pillows. But they also live in carpets, drapery and anywhere else where there is household dust. They thrive wherever they can find their favorite food: dead human skin cells.

What to do: Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, so keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Remember that mites and their droppings can spread throughout the house, so consider steam-cleaning carpets throughout the home whenever possible.

Myth #5 — Tobacco smoke isn’t a household dust problem.

Wrong. Residual nicotine and other toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke settle on room surfaces and, once there, become resistant to normal cleaning. This toxic residue, known as thirdhand smoke, clings to dust, carpets, walls and other surfaces and continues to build up over time.

What to do: The best way to fight thirdhand smoke is to never allow smoking indoors.

Myth #6 — An air cleaner will help reduce household dust.

Not necessarily. It depends on the air cleaner — and many air cleaners (for example, “ionic” air cleaners) don’t remove dust at all. Ionizers electrically charge particles that then stick to walls, TV screens, etc.

What to do: Choose a high-performance air cleaner (such as the #1 rated IQAir HealthPro Plus) to dramatically reduce the amount of dust and particles in the air before it settles and becomes surface dust.

When it comes to good housekeeping, a clean home is a healthy home. By knowing the truth about these six housekeeping myths you will be better prepared to fight dirt and dust wherever you find it.

You may save time cleaning, too. But best of all, the Indoor Air Quality in your home will be substantially improved, and everyone in your home will be healthier year round.

","housekeeping-myths-keep-your-home-dirty","gid://shopify/Article/606876729643","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/housekeeping-myths-keep-your-home-dirty","2022-01-01T21:49:51Z",[390,1146,653],"Housekeeping myths that keep your home dirty",{"_10":1333,"_243":1334,"_246":1335,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/405534998902","Vacuuming a wooden floor","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/39_housekeeping_desktop_75da2a0b-d4a6-4c32-8b87-8357c89f0ec9.jpg?v=1749028123","pageInfo",{"_1338":53,"_1339":53,"_1340":1341,"_1342":1343},"hasPreviousPage","hasNextPage","endCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2MDY4NzY3Mjk2NDMsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE2NDEwNzM3OTEwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MjN9","startCursor","eyJsYXN0X2lkIjo2MDY4OTk3OTgzMTUsImxhc3RfdmFsdWUiOjE2ODkyNjg2MDYwMDAsIm9mZnNldCI6MTJ9","selectedTag","Allergies And Asthma",{"_541":1347,"_983":43,"_246":987,"_988":1348},"IQAir News - Allergies And Asthma",{"_990":991,"_992":1349,"_12":1347,"_983":43,"_246":987},"Blog","categorizedArticles",{"_1352":1353,"_1390":1391,"_1491":1492,"_1558":1559,"_1626":1627},"featured",[1354,1373],{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1355,"_1115":1356,"_1131":1357,"_1133":1358,"_1134":1359,"_1136":1360,"_985":1361,"_10":1362,"_1140":1363,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1364,"_577":1365,"_541":1367,"_1149":1368},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"See how Cameroon’s campus-based air quality monitoring is helping students, teachers, and communities make invisible pollution visible.","

See how Cameroon’s campus-based air quality monitoring is helping students, teachers, and communities make invisible pollution visible.

","In Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, students at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School now have access to something most schools in the country have never had before: real-time air quality data from their own campus. Franky Comprehensive Secondary School is home to Cameroon’s first campus-based real-time air quality monitoring station. This is an important step in a country where public access to pollution data has long been limited. At the time of installation, the station was among a small number of sites in Cameroon providing real-time air quality data—and the first to be installed on a school campus. Why a school was the right place to begin Air pollution is often discussed at the level of cities, countries, or global health reports. But for children, it is also deeply local. It affects the air they breathe on the way to school, during outdoor activities, and throughout the school day. That local reality is one reason the project began on a campus. The installation was carried out through a partnership involving Franky Comprehensive Secondary School and Global Youth Strategy on Air Pollution and Climate Health (GYS). According to Elvis Ndikum, founder and chair of GYS, schools are one of the most effective places to build long-term public awareness around respiratory health. Discussing asthma prevalence among adolescents, he points to air pollution as an environmental hazard that is often overlooked, even though children are especially vulnerable to its effects. Turning invisible pollution into something students can see The AirVisual Outdoor monitor installed at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School provides real-time measurements of PM2.5, PM10, PM1, temperature, and humidity. The campus’s station profile data can be viewed online on IQAir’s live air quality map and mobile app, allowing students, staff, families, and the wider community to follow local air conditions throughout the day. That kind of visibility changes the role air quality plays in school and community life. When students see PM2.5 levels rise on hazy days and drop again after rainfall, air pollution stops being abstract. It becomes something observable and immediate—something that helps explain why some days feel different than others, and why health protection might need to change with conditions. For many students, this may be the first time local air quality has felt tangible. It also creates a local baseline of publicly visible air quality data—something that can support awareness now and stronger health and policy conversations over time. Filling a major monitoring gap in Cameroon Cameroon has a population of roughly 29 million people, yet public access to real-time air quality monitoring has historically been very limited. That makes it harder for communities to understand exposure risks, for researchers to build evidence, and for decision-makers to respond effectively. In that context, the new campus station is significant far beyond the school itself. It adds a new source of publicly visible data in a country where monitoring coverage remains sparse—and where limited data can make pollution risks harder to quantify and address. The project shows how local organizations and educational institutions can help close critical data gaps—not only by hosting equipment, but by making air quality part of community awareness. In doing so, the project helps build a stronger culture of attention around air quality and respiratory health. The local partnership driving the project The project’s strength lies in its core collaborative partnership. GYS helps position air pollution not just as an environmental topic, but as a youth and public-health issue. Franky Comprehensive Secondary School provides a place where monitoring can directly support awareness, learning, and daily decision-making. Together, they have created a model that shows what school-based air quality visibility can look like in practice, connecting local public-health awareness with broader efforts to expand access to air quality data. A first step with wider meaning The station at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School is an important first step, but its significance lies in what it could lead to next. As more schools gain access to monitoring, the benefits can extend outward: stronger awareness, more localized data, better public understanding, and a clearer picture of air quality over time. For Cameroon, this project shows that even a single campus installation can begin to shift how communities understand the air around them. That matters because the first step in responding to air pollution is often the same everywhere: making local conditions visible. Conclusion Cameroon’s first campus air quality monitor shows how local leadership can turn air pollution from an unseen risk into something communities can observe, understand, and respond to. The installation is part of IQAir’s Schools4Earth initiative to expand access to air quality monitoring in educational communities. Through Schools4Earth, IQAir supports school-based monitoring projects that help students and teachers understand local air quality conditions while contributing to broader public visibility. In Cameroon, that framework helped support a project already rooted in local health awareness and community engagement. At Franky Comprehensive Secondary School, students and teachers now have access to real-time air quality information in a setting where that knowledge can shape awareness early and locally. The project highlights the role schools can play not only in education, but also in building the public-health visibility that stronger air quality action requires.","

In Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, students at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School now have access to something most schools in the country have never had before: real-time air quality data from their own campus.

Franky Comprehensive Secondary School is home to Cameroon’s first campus-based real-time air quality monitoring station. This is an important step in a country where public access to pollution data has long been limited. At the time of installation, the station was among a small number of sites in Cameroon providing real-time air quality data—and the first to be installed on a school campus.

Why a school was the right place to begin

Air pollution is often discussed at the level of cities, countries, or global health reports. But for children, it is also deeply local. It affects the air they breathe on the way to school, during outdoor activities, and throughout the school day. That local reality is one reason the project began on a campus.

The installation was carried out through a partnership involving Franky Comprehensive Secondary School and Global Youth Strategy on Air Pollution and Climate Health (GYS).

According to Elvis Ndikum, founder and chair of GYS, schools are one of the most effective places to build long-term public awareness around respiratory health. Discussing asthma prevalence among adolescents, he points to air pollution as an environmental hazard that is often overlooked, even though children are especially vulnerable to its effects.

Turning invisible pollution into something students can see

The AirVisual Outdoor monitor installed at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School provides real-time measurements of PM2.5, PM10, PM1, temperature, and humidity.

The campus’s station profile data can be viewed online on IQAir’s live air quality map and mobile app, allowing students, staff, families, and the wider community to follow local air conditions throughout the day.

That kind of visibility changes the role air quality plays in school and community life. When students see PM2.5 levels rise on hazy days and drop again after rainfall, air pollution stops being abstract. It becomes something observable and immediate—something that helps explain why some days feel different than others, and why health protection might need to change with conditions.

For many students, this may be the first time local air quality has felt tangible. It also creates a local baseline of publicly visible air quality data—something that can support awareness now and stronger health and policy conversations over time.

Filling a major monitoring gap in Cameroon

Cameroon has a population of roughly 29 million people, yet public access to real-time air quality monitoring has historically been very limited. That makes it harder for communities to understand exposure risks, for researchers to build evidence, and for decision-makers to respond effectively.

In that context, the new campus station is significant far beyond the school itself. It adds a new source of publicly visible data in a country where monitoring coverage remains sparse—and where limited data can make pollution risks harder to quantify and address.

The project shows how local organizations and educational institutions can help close critical data gaps—not only by hosting equipment, but by making air quality part of community awareness. In doing so, the project helps build a stronger culture of attention around air quality and respiratory health.

The local partnership driving the project

The project’s strength lies in its core collaborative partnership. GYS helps position air pollution not just as an environmental topic, but as a youth and public-health issue. Franky Comprehensive Secondary School provides a place where monitoring can directly support awareness, learning, and daily decision-making. Together, they have created a model that shows what school-based air quality visibility can look like in practice, connecting local public-health awareness with broader efforts to expand access to air quality data.

A first step with wider meaning

The station at Franky Comprehensive Secondary School is an important first step, but its significance lies in what it could lead to next.

As more schools gain access to monitoring, the benefits can extend outward: stronger awareness, more localized data, better public understanding, and a clearer picture of air quality over time. For Cameroon, this project shows that even a single campus installation can begin to shift how communities understand the air around them.

That matters because the first step in responding to air pollution is often the same everywhere: making local conditions visible.

Conclusion

Cameroon’s first campus air quality monitor shows how local leadership can turn air pollution from an unseen risk into something communities can observe, understand, and respond to.

The installation is part of IQAir’s Schools4Earth initiative to expand access to air quality monitoring in educational communities. Through Schools4Earth, IQAir supports school-based monitoring projects that help students and teachers understand local air quality conditions while contributing to broader public visibility. In Cameroon, that framework helped support a project already rooted in local health awareness and community engagement.

At Franky Comprehensive Secondary School, students and teachers now have access to real-time air quality information in a setting where that knowledge can shape awareness early and locally. The project highlights the role schools can play not only in education, but also in building the public-health visibility that stronger air quality action requires.

","revealing-the-invisible-campus-air-quality-monitoring-cameroon","gid://shopify/Article/1000900952438","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/revealing-the-invisible-campus-air-quality-monitoring-cameroon","2026-04-22T17:38:02Z",[643,1366,648],"Featured articles","Revealing the Invisible: Campus air quality monitoring in Cameroon",{"_10":1369,"_243":-5,"_246":1370,"_248":1371,"_244":1372},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414739464566","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/A_88a6fab2-72f4-4a7d-89e3-e1e4587baadc.jpg?v=1776879489",839,674,{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1374,"_1115":1375,"_1131":1376,"_1133":1377,"_1134":1378,"_1136":1379,"_985":1380,"_10":1381,"_1140":1382,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1383,"_577":1384,"_541":1385,"_1149":1386},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Find out whether running an air purifier all day is necessary, safe, and worth it for cleaner indoor air.","

Find out whether running an air purifier all day is necessary, safe, and worth it for cleaner indoor air.

","In most cases, yes. If your goal is to reduce all and any exposure to air pollution, running an air purifier throughout the day is the most effective approach. That’s because indoor air pollution is not a one-time event. Dust settles and gets stirred up again, cooking releases particles and gases, outdoor pollution seeps indoors, and people and pets continuously add new pollutants to the air. Running your air purifier continuously is one of the most effective ways to reduce many common airborne pollutants, including dust, allergens, smoke particles, some airborne microbes carried in droplets or aerosols, and—if the purifier includes the right gas-phase media—certain odors and VOCs. Modern air purifiers are generally designed for continuous operation. Many models also include quieter settings, automatic modes, or smart sensors that help balance air cleaning with energy use and noise. Why continuous operation is best for air quality Indoor air can contain higher concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air, due to poor ventilation, off-gassing from furniture and cleaning products, pet dander, and outdoor pollution seeping indoors. Even after you clean a room once, new pollutants keep entering and forming—so turning a purifier off for long stretches often means you’re letting the room “reload.” Unlike intermittent use, which allows pollutants to accumulate between cycles, all-day operation ensures that contaminants like PM2.5 – particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller – are constantly filtered out, providing consistent protection. This is especially true in urban areas, near busy roads, or during wildfire and high-pollution events. Energy, noise, and maintenance considerations Running an air purifier all day does use electricity, but many modern units are designed to do so efficiently—especially on lower or auto settings. In real life, operating cost depends on the model, fan speed, and how many hours per day it runs. Noise also matters. Most high-quality purifiers are quiet enough for everyday use on lower settings, which is why many people run them continuously in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices. During smoke events or high-pollution periods, a higher fan speed may be worth the extra sound because it helps reduce particle levels more quickly. Continuous use can also mean filters load faster. That’s normal. The tradeoff is straightforward: more run time usually means cleaner air, but also more consistent maintenance. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance or filter-life indicator rather than guessing. When you might adjust your approach While all-day use is ideal, there are a few scenarios where you might adjust: Low-pollution periods: If outdoor air quality is excellent and your home is well-ventilated, you can run the purifier intermittently or use an automated mode to conserve energy. Unoccupied rooms: If a room is rarely used, you can turn the purifier off or set it to a lower fan speed. Budget constraints: If energy use is a concern, prioritize the rooms where you spend the most time—especially bedrooms and main living spaces—and use lower or automatic settings when pollution levels are lower. Best practices for all-day air purifier use For best results, place your air purifier where air can move freely around it and avoid blocking it with furniture or walls. In bedrooms, many people prefer to place the unit a few feet from the bed, so the airflow isn’t directed straight at them. If your air purifier has an automatic or smart mode, use it. These settings can raise fan speed when pollution increases and lower it when air is cleaner, helping balance performance, noise, and energy use. During wildfire smoke or heavy outdoor pollution, keep windows and doors closed so you’re not constantly pulling new contaminants into the room. And to maintain performance over time, replace filters according to the manufacturer’s guidance or the system’s filter-life indicator. Frequently Asked Questions Is it safe to run an air purifier all day?Yes, most modern filtration-based air purifiers are designed for continuous operation. Choose a model that does not intentionally generate ozone, keep airflow unobstructed, and follow routine maintenance guidance to keep performance steady. Will running an air purifier all day increase my electricity bill?The impact is usually minimal. Energy-efficient air purifiers often cost only a few dollars per month to run continuously, and automatic or smart modes can further reduce energy use by lowering fan speed as needed. Can I run an air purifier in my bedroom overnight?Yes. Many people run air purifiers overnight, often on a lower or quieter setting. Place the unit a few feet from the bed to avoid direct airflow and minimize noise disruption. Do I need to run an air purifier if I have good ventilation?Even with good ventilation, indoor air can still contain pollutants from cooking, cleaning, pets, and outdoor sources. An air purifier adds an extra layer of protection, especially in urban or high-traffic areas. Conclusion If you want your indoor air to stay cleaner, it usually makes sense to leave your air purifier on throughout the day. Indoor pollution is constantly entering, forming, and being stirred back into the air—even when a room looks clean. For most households, the best strategy is simple: run the purifier consistently, place it well, maintain the filters, and increase fan speed during smoke, traffic, or other high-pollution periods. Clean air is easiest to maintain when you treat it as an ongoing condition—not a one-time fix.","

In most cases, yes. If your goal is to reduce all and any exposure to air pollution, running an air purifier throughout the day is the most effective approach.

That’s because indoor air pollution is not a one-time event. Dust settles and gets stirred up again, cooking releases particles and gases, outdoor pollution seeps indoors, and people and pets continuously add new pollutants to the air. Running your air purifier continuously is one of the most effective ways to reduce many common airborne pollutants, including dust, allergens, smoke particles, some airborne microbes carried in droplets or aerosols, and—if the purifier includes the right gas-phase media—certain odors and VOCs.

Modern air purifiers are generally designed for continuous operation. Many models also include quieter settings, automatic modes, or smart sensors that help balance air cleaning with energy use and noise.

Why continuous operation is best for air quality

Indoor air can contain higher concentrations of pollutants than outdoor air, due to poor ventilation, off-gassing from furniture and cleaning products, pet dander, and outdoor pollution seeping indoors. Even after you clean a room once, new pollutants keep entering and forming—so turning a purifier off for long stretches often means you’re letting the room “reload.”

Unlike intermittent use, which allows pollutants to accumulate between cycles, all-day operation ensures that contaminants like PM2.5 – particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller – are constantly filtered out, providing consistent protection. This is especially true in urban areas, near busy roads, or during wildfire and high-pollution events.

Energy, noise, and maintenance considerations

Running an air purifier all day does use electricity, but many modern units are designed to do so efficiently—especially on lower or auto settings. In real life, operating cost depends on the model, fan speed, and how many hours per day it runs.

Noise also matters. Most high-quality purifiers are quiet enough for everyday use on lower settings, which is why many people run them continuously in bedrooms, living rooms, and home offices. During smoke events or high-pollution periods, a higher fan speed may be worth the extra sound because it helps reduce particle levels more quickly.

Continuous use can also mean filters load faster. That’s normal. The tradeoff is straightforward: more run time usually means cleaner air, but also more consistent maintenance. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance or filter-life indicator rather than guessing.

When you might adjust your approach

While all-day use is ideal, there are a few scenarios where you might adjust:

\nLow-pollution periods: If outdoor air quality is excellent and your home is well-ventilated, you can run the purifier intermittently or use an automated mode to conserve energy.
\nUnoccupied rooms: If a room is rarely used, you can turn the purifier off or set it to a lower fan speed.
\nBudget constraints: If energy use is a concern, prioritize the rooms where you spend the most time—especially bedrooms and main living spaces—and use lower or automatic settings when pollution levels are lower.
\n

Best practices for all-day air purifier use

For best results, place your air purifier where air can move freely around it and avoid blocking it with furniture or walls. In bedrooms, many people prefer to place the unit a few feet from the bed, so the airflow isn’t directed straight at them.

If your air purifier has an automatic or smart mode, use it. These settings can raise fan speed when pollution increases and lower it when air is cleaner, helping balance performance, noise, and energy use.

During wildfire smoke or heavy outdoor pollution, keep windows and doors closed so you’re not constantly pulling new contaminants into the room. And to maintain performance over time, replace filters according to the manufacturer’s guidance or the system’s filter-life indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to run an air purifier all day?
Yes, most modern filtration-based air purifiers are designed for continuous operation. Choose a model that does not intentionally generate ozone, keep airflow unobstructed, and follow routine maintenance guidance to keep performance steady.

Will running an air purifier all day increase my electricity bill?
The impact is usually minimal. Energy-efficient air purifiers often cost only a few dollars per month to run continuously, and automatic or smart modes can further reduce energy use by lowering fan speed as needed.

Can I run an air purifier in my bedroom overnight?
Yes. Many people run air purifiers overnight, often on a lower or quieter setting. Place the unit a few feet from the bed to avoid direct airflow and minimize noise disruption.

Do I need to run an air purifier if I have good ventilation?
Even with good ventilation, indoor air can still contain pollutants from cooking, cleaning, pets, and outdoor sources. An air purifier adds an extra layer of protection, especially in urban or high-traffic areas.

Conclusion

If you want your indoor air to stay cleaner, it usually makes sense to leave your air purifier on throughout the day. Indoor pollution is constantly entering, forming, and being stirred back into the air—even when a room looks clean.

For most households, the best strategy is simple: run the purifier consistently, place it well, maintain the filters, and increase fan speed during smoke, traffic, or other high-pollution periods. Clean air is easiest to maintain when you treat it as an ongoing condition—not a one-time fix.

","should-you-leave-an-air-purifier-on-all-day","gid://shopify/Article/1000802746742","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/should-you-leave-an-air-purifier-on-all-day","2026-04-21T06:00:00Z",[853,1366],"Should you leave an air purifier on all day?",{"_10":1387,"_243":1388,"_246":1389,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414733304182","Air purifer in living room","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/ShouldYouLeaveAirPurifierOn_Desk_3056c115-415f-48a5-a861-e48d89427895.jpg?v=1776870059","latest",[1392,1408,1425,1441,1458,1475],{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1393,"_1115":1394,"_1131":1395,"_1133":1396,"_1134":1397,"_1136":1398,"_985":1399,"_10":1400,"_1140":1401,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1402,"_577":1403,"_541":1404,"_1149":1405},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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 April 24, 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 April 24, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fires has burned approximately 7,567 acres and is about 15% 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 April 24, 2026, this fire is 15% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

On April 24, 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 April 24, 2026, the Brantley Highway 82 Fires has burned approximately 7,567 acres and is about 15% 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 April 24, 2026, this fire is 15% 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","2026-04-24T14:30:39Z",[390,638,1147],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Brantley Highway 82 Fire, Georgia",{"_10":1406,"_243":-5,"_246":1407,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414818664822","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire2Desktop_a1a81ad2-9e56-4c3c-bae2-aa589175f7ed.jpg?v=1777041247",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1409,"_1115":1410,"_1131":1411,"_1133":1412,"_1134":1413,"_1136":1414,"_985":1415,"_10":1416,"_1140":1417,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1418,"_577":1419,"_541":1420,"_1149":1421},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Find out more about the Pressey Fire burning near Oconto in central Nebraska, including affected areas, containment efforts, and emergency updates.","

Find out more about the Pressey Fire burning near Oconto in central Nebraska, including affected areas, containment efforts, and emergency updates.

","What is the name and location of the wildfire? As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire is active in Pressey Park near Oconto in Custer County, Nebraska. The fire is located north of Oconto along Highway 21 in central Nebraska and has impacted areas surrounding Pressey Park. Emergency crews remain focused on protecting nearby communities, property, and critical infrastructure as firefighting operations continue (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Pressey Fire include: Custer County Oconto Pressey Park Surrounding areas along Highway 21 What is the current containment status of the Pressey Fire? As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire remains at 0% containment and has burned 8,953 acres. More than 130 personnel are actively working around the clock to contain the fire, with additional resources continuing to arrive. Support efforts include two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting bucket drops, along with a National Guard hand crew assisting firefighters on the ground (2). Officials also reported that one home and several outbuildings have been destroyed, while the cause of the wildfire remains under investigation (3). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? No evacuation orders have been issued, but officials are strongly urging residents and visitors to avoid the Pressey Park area near Oconto to allow emergency responders to safely continue firefighting operations. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of April 24, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire is active in Pressey Park near Oconto in Custer County, Nebraska. The fire is located north of Oconto along Highway 21 in central Nebraska and has impacted areas surrounding Pressey Park.

Emergency crews remain focused on protecting nearby communities, property, and critical infrastructure as firefighting operations continue (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The cities and areas affected by the Pressey Fire include:

Custer County
Oconto
Pressey Park
Surrounding areas along Highway 21

What is the current containment status of the Pressey Fire?

As of April 24, 2026, the Pressey Fire remains at 0% containment and has burned 8,953 acres.

More than 130 personnel are actively working around the clock to contain the fire, with additional resources continuing to arrive. Support efforts include two Nebraska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting bucket drops, along with a National Guard hand crew assisting firefighters on the ground (2).

Officials also reported that one home and several outbuildings have been destroyed, while the cause of the wildfire remains under investigation (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

No evacuation orders have been issued, but officials are strongly urging residents and visitors to avoid the Pressey Park area near Oconto to allow emergency responders to safely continue firefighting operations.

\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 April 24, 2026, this fire is 0% contained.

","wildfire-map-spotlight-pressey-fire-central-nebraska","gid://shopify/Article/1001196618102","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/wildfire-map-spotlight-pressey-fire-central-nebraska","2026-04-24T10:40:51Z",[390,638,663,1147],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pressey Fire, Central Nebraska",{"_10":1422,"_243":1423,"_246":1424,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414807687542","massive wildfire spreading through a forest","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire1Desktop_3a9a8879-4919-4a46-9079-6e33ce45802d.jpg?v=1777027763",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1426,"_1115":1427,"_1131":1428,"_1133":1429,"_1134":1430,"_1136":1431,"_985":1432,"_10":1433,"_1140":1434,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1435,"_577":1436,"_541":1437,"_1149":1438},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Southeast Asia grapples with unhealthy air pollution, affecting major cities and public health. Learn more about the impacted regions, underlying causes, and expected improvements.","

Southeast Asia grapples with unhealthy air pollution, affecting major cities and public health. Learn more about the impacted regions, underlying causes, and expected improvements.

","Is the air quality good in Southeast Asia? On April 24, 2026, air quality across Southeast Asia remains poor, with some of the major cities experiencing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 5:00 PM (local time, UTC+7), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain variable, Southeast Asia’s average PM2.5 levels in 2025 continued to exceed WHO guidelines across the region. Indonesia recorded around 30 µg/m³, about six times the guideline, while Vietnam reached 29.7 µg/m³, or 5.9 times higher. Myanmar and Laos measured 4.7 and 4.5 times the limit, respectively, while Thailand and Cambodia were each about 3.6 times above, underscoring persistent regional air quality challenges. Air quality map of Southeast Asia and neighboring countries as of 5:00 PM (local time) on April 24, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in Southeast Asia? As of April 24, 2026, several major cities across Southeast Asia are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Rai, Thailand Lampang, Thailand Luang Prabang, Laos Phitsanulok, Thailand Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see Southeast Asia air quality map. Chiang Mai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 5:00 PM (local time) on April 24, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will air quality improve in Southeast Asia? Conditions usually begin to improve in late April as weather patterns shift and the rainy season approaches, with rainfall and increased atmospheric mixing helping to disperse smoke particles and reduce PM2.5 concentrations. By Songkran in mid-April, air quality in northern Thailand typically clears, though the pattern of \"fine one day, hazardous the next\" persists until monsoon rains provide more sustained relief. For maritime Southeast Asia, the dry season runs through October, meaning improvement there depends on the onset of the northeast monsoon. Lasting regional progress requires coordinated cross-border emission controls and a transition away from open burning practices (1). What is causing poor air quality in Southeast Asia? Southeast Asia experiences two distinct burning seasons each year, with mainland countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam affected from November through May, while more equatorial maritime nations including Indonesia and Malaysia face peak fire activity from June through October (2).; Biomass burning accounts for approximately 48% of annual average PM2.5 concentrations across mainland Southeast Asia, with forest fires, shrubland fires, and crop residue burning peaking in March when monthly average PM2.5 reaches 45 µg/m³. Indonesia is the major contributor to transboundary haze across the region, as combustion of biomass and organic peat soil generates large volumes of carbonaceous fine particles that are carried by prevailing winds into Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and neighboring countries. Urban sources including vehicle emissions, coal-fired power generation, and industrial activity add to the pollution burden year-round (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 Southeast Asia?

On April 24, 2026, air quality across Southeast Asia remains poor, with some of the major cities experiencing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 5:00 PM (local time, UTC+7), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain variable, Southeast Asia’s average PM2.5 levels in 2025 continued to exceed WHO guidelines across the region. Indonesia recorded around 30 µg/m³, about six times the guideline, while Vietnam reached 29.7 µg/m³, or 5.9 times higher. Myanmar and Laos measured 4.7 and 4.5 times the limit, respectively, while Thailand and Cambodia were each about 3.6 times above, underscoring persistent regional air quality challenges.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of Southeast Asia and neighboring countries as of 5:00 PM (local time) on April 24, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Southeast Asia?

As of April 24, 2026, several major cities across Southeast Asia are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

\nChiang Mai, Thailand
\nChiang Rai, Thailand
\nLampang, Thailand
\nLuang Prabang, Laos
\nPhitsanulok, Thailand

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

$\"\"$ Chiang Mai ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 5:00 PM (local time) on April 24, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will air quality improve in Southeast Asia?

Conditions usually begin to improve in late April as weather patterns shift and the rainy season approaches, with rainfall and increased atmospheric mixing helping to disperse smoke particles and reduce PM2.5 concentrations.

By Songkran in mid-April, air quality in northern Thailand typically clears, though the pattern of \"fine one day, hazardous the next\" persists until monsoon rains provide more sustained relief.

For maritime Southeast Asia, the dry season runs through October, meaning improvement there depends on the onset of the northeast monsoon. Lasting regional progress requires coordinated cross-border emission controls and a transition away from open burning practices (1).

What is causing poor air quality in Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia experiences two distinct burning seasons each year, with mainland countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam affected from November through May, while more equatorial maritime nations including Indonesia and Malaysia face peak fire activity from June through October (2).;

Biomass burning accounts for approximately 48% of annual average PM2.5 concentrations across mainland Southeast Asia, with forest fires, shrubland fires, and crop residue burning peaking in March when monthly average PM2.5 reaches 45 µg/m³.

Indonesia is the major contributor to transboundary haze across the region, as combustion of biomass and organic peat soil generates large volumes of carbonaceous fine particles that are carried by prevailing winds into Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and neighboring countries. Urban sources including vehicle emissions, coal-fired power generation, and industrial activity add to the pollution burden year-round (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.

","southeast-asia-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/1001100673398","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/southeast-asia-air-quality-alert","2026-04-24T10:11:45Z",[390,638],"Southeast Asia Air Quality Alert",{"_10":1439,"_243":-5,"_246":1440,"_248":1371,"_244":1372},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414805197174","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/SoutheastAsia_Fire_Desk_3c24b03f-de67-4da2-9cc3-c86e58b2da6c.jpg?v=1777025511",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1442,"_1115":1443,"_1131":1444,"_1133":1445,"_1134":1446,"_1136":1447,"_985":1448,"_10":1449,"_1140":1450,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1451,"_577":1452,"_541":1453,"_1149":1454},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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 April 23, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia across Clinch and Echols regions. 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 at the boundary between the two regions (1). Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The cities and areas affected by the Pineland Road Fire include: Colon Echols region Fargo Highway area Needmore 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 April 23, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 30,477 acres and is about 10% contained. Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including drought, low humidity, and strong winds (2). Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? Evacuation alerts remain in place for residents living near Highway 441 between Headlight Road and Tiger Lake Road, as well as areas east of Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road. While no mandatory evacuation order has been issued, officials have urged residents to stay prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen. Emergency alerts have advised residents to monitor updates, prepare essential items, and follow instructions from local authorities as fire behavior may shift rapidly (3). How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts. Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode. Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke. Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data. Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask. As of April 23, 2026, this fire is 10% contained.","

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of April 23, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire is burning in southern Georgia across Clinch and Echols regions.

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 at the boundary between the two regions (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

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

Colon
Echols region
Fargo Highway area
Needmore
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 April 23, 2026, the Pineland Road Fire has burned approximately 30,477 acres and is about 10% contained.

Firefighting crews continue suppression efforts under challenging conditions, including drought, low humidity, and strong winds (2).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation alerts remain in place for residents living near Highway 441 between Headlight Road and Tiger Lake Road, as well as areas east of Will Rewis Road and Barnes Road.

While no mandatory evacuation order has been issued, officials have urged residents to stay prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen.

Emergency alerts have advised residents to monitor updates, prepare essential items, and follow instructions from local authorities as fire behavior may shift rapidly (3).

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

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

As of April 23, 2026, this fire is 10% 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","2026-04-23T14:45:46Z",[390,638,663,1147],"Wildfire Map Spotlight: Pineland Road Fire, Georgia",{"_10":1455,"_243":1456,"_246":1457,"_248":1371,"_244":1372},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414782783862","Wildfire engulfs a dense forest","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Wildfire9Desktop_dcac3133-2442-4e61-a2e3-e93717d6b653.jpg?v=1776955719",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1459,"_1115":1460,"_1131":1461,"_1133":1462,"_1134":1463,"_1136":1464,"_985":1465,"_10":1466,"_1140":1467,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1468,"_577":1469,"_541":1470,"_1149":1471},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"Find out more about the extreme heatwave affecting multiple regions across India as temperatures continue to rise across the country.","

Find out more about the extreme heatwave affecting multiple regions across India as temperatures continue to rise across the country.

","Why is there a heatwave in India? As of April 23, 2026, India is experiencing widespread extreme heat across northern, central, and eastern regions, with Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi reporting dangerously high temperatures (1). According to recent reports, 19 of the world’s 20 hottest cities are currently located in India. Among the hardest-hit locations are Bhagalpur in Bihar, Talcher in Odisha, Asansol in West Bengal, and Medinipur in West Bengal. The current heatwave is being fueled by a combination of weather and climate factors. Strong pre-monsoon solar heating is rapidly warming land surfaces. Cloudless skies are also allowing prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Reduced winter snowfall across the Himalayas and parts of Eurasia has also contributed to higher temperatures by reducing natural cooling effects. At the same time, hot and dry northwesterly winds are suppressing rainfall across large parts of the country. Shifting Pacific Ocean patterns and ENSO-neutral conditions are further weakening cooling weather systems, allowing extreme temperatures to persist for longer periods. Areas near the Himalayan region are also experiencing abnormal warming due to reduced snow cover, while eastern plains near Nepal’s Lumbini region are facing similar extreme heat conditions (2). How long will the heatwave last? The current heat event began intensifying after April 20, 2026, as temperatures rose sharply across multiple regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are expected to continue through at least April 26 to April 27 in several states. Some areas may not experience meaningful relief until later in the month as pre-monsoon weather activity increases. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist across: Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana through April 24–25 West Uttar Pradesh through April 23–25 East Uttar Pradesh through April 22–26 Rajasthan through April 24–26 Madhya Pradesh through April 23–26 Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh through April 24–27 Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal through April 22–23 Southern coastal regions, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Karnataka, are also expected to experience prolonged hot and humid weather conditions (3). Are there any alerts in place? The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple heat-related alerts across affected regions as temperatures continue to rise. Yellow alerts remain in place in several states where heat exposure poses moderate health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with existing medical conditions. Orange alerts have also been issued in areas facing a higher risk of heat-related illness due to prolonged exposure. Delhi remains under a yellow alert through April 24, while severe heat advisories continue across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of eastern India. At this time, no evacuation orders or emergency shelters have been reported in connection with the heatwave. Health officials are advising residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, wearing lightweight clothing, and recognizing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Officials have also warned about unusually warm nighttime temperatures in Delhi, Haryana, Odisha, and Konkan. These warmer nights may increase health risks by limiting the body’s ability to recover from prolonged daytime heat exposure (4).","

Why is there a heatwave in India?

As of April 23, 2026, India is experiencing widespread extreme heat across northern, central, and eastern regions, with Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi reporting dangerously high temperatures (1).

According to recent reports, 19 of the world’s 20 hottest cities are currently located in India. Among the hardest-hit locations are Bhagalpur in Bihar, Talcher in Odisha, Asansol in West Bengal, and Medinipur in West Bengal.

The current heatwave is being fueled by a combination of weather and climate factors. Strong pre-monsoon solar heating is rapidly warming land surfaces. Cloudless skies are also allowing prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Reduced winter snowfall across the Himalayas and parts of Eurasia has also contributed to higher temperatures by reducing natural cooling effects. At the same time, hot and dry northwesterly winds are suppressing rainfall across large parts of the country.

Shifting Pacific Ocean patterns and ENSO-neutral conditions are further weakening cooling weather systems, allowing extreme temperatures to persist for longer periods.

Areas near the Himalayan region are also experiencing abnormal warming due to reduced snow cover, while eastern plains near Nepal’s Lumbini region are facing similar extreme heat conditions (2).

How long will the heatwave last?

The current heat event began intensifying after April 20, 2026, as temperatures rose sharply across multiple regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are expected to continue through at least April 26 to April 27 in several states. Some areas may not experience meaningful relief until later in the month as pre-monsoon weather activity increases.

Heatwave conditions are expected to persist across:

\nDelhi, Punjab, and Haryana through April 24–25
West Uttar Pradesh through April 23–25
East Uttar Pradesh through April 22–26
\nRajasthan through April 24–26
\nMadhya Pradesh through April 23–26
Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh through April 24–27
\nBihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal through April 22–23

Southern coastal regions, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Karnataka, are also expected to experience prolonged hot and humid weather conditions (3).

Are there any alerts in place?

The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple heat-related alerts across affected regions as temperatures continue to rise.

Yellow alerts remain in place in several states where heat exposure poses moderate health risks, particularly for children, older adults, and individuals with existing medical conditions.

Orange alerts have also been issued in areas facing a higher risk of heat-related illness due to prolonged exposure.

Delhi remains under a yellow alert through April 24, while severe heat advisories continue across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of eastern India.

At this time, no evacuation orders or emergency shelters have been reported in connection with the heatwave.

Health officials are advising residents to take precautions, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, wearing lightweight clothing, and recognizing signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Officials have also warned about unusually warm nighttime temperatures in Delhi, Haryana, Odisha, and Konkan. These warmer nights may increase health risks by limiting the body’s ability to recover from prolonged daytime heat exposure (4).

","heatwave-map-spotlight-northern-central-and-eastern-india","gid://shopify/Article/1001168863606","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/heatwave-map-spotlight-northern-central-and-eastern-india","2026-04-23T09:16:54Z",[390,638],"Heatwave Map Spotlight: Northern, Central, and Eastern India",{"_10":1472,"_243":1473,"_246":1474,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414755193206","A man wipes sweat from his face under the scorching sun.","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/Heatwave2Desktop_201f1ef3-3ac0-4fcd-86f6-216c4a5b07b3.jpg?v=1776936733",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1476,"_1115":1477,"_1131":1478,"_1133":1479,"_1134":1480,"_1136":1481,"_985":1482,"_10":1483,"_1140":1484,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1485,"_577":1486,"_541":1487,"_1149":1488},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"China grapples with unhealthy air pollution, affecting major cities and public health. Learn more about the impacted regions, underlying causes, and expected improvements.","

China grapples with unhealthy air pollution, affecting major cities and public health. Learn more about the impacted regions, underlying causes, and expected improvements.

","Is the air quality good in China? As of April 23, 2026, air quality in China remains poor, with some of the major cities experiencing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly. By 1:30 PM (Chinese Standard Time, GMT+8), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. While conditions remain poor, China’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 29.6 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 87, classified as \"moderate\". This level is nearly 5.92 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing China among the world’s 20 most polluted countries in 2025. Air quality map of China and neighboring countries as of 1:30 PM (CST) on April 23, 2026. Source: IQAir. Which cities are affected by bad air quality in China? As of April 23, 2026, several major cities across China are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include: Aksu Beijing Jinchang Kashgar Lanzhou Puer Yinchuan Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time overview of pollution levels nationwide, see China's air quality map. Beijing ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 1:30 PM (CST) on April 23, 2026. Source: IQAir. When will the air quality improve in China? With spring now underway, the end of the coal-fired heating season should bring some relief, as heating-related emissions begin to ease. However, March and April bring their own challenge: this period has the highest frequency of sand and dust weather, with storms primarily originating from Mongolia, capable of spiking PM10 concentrations several fold. More sustained improvement is expected by late April to May, as warmer temperatures, stronger winds, and spring rainfall help disperse pollutants. Lasting progress still depends on continued emission controls and cleaner energy adoption (1). What is causing poor air quality in China? The root causes of air pollution in China include dependence on fossil fuels, coal combustion, biomass burning, traffic and waste incineration emission, industrial pollution, and soil dust, with coal and other fossil fuels exploited despite renewable investments (2). In spring (March-May), pollution persists due to frequent dust storms from the Gobi Desert, Taklimakan Desert, and Inner Mongolian Plateau, causing sudden PM10 spikes. Higher temperature and humidity levels rise, and winds contribute to the smog by carrying pollutants from industrialized regions. Resuspended road dust from construction and urbanization, and transboundary pollution also contribute. Meteorological conditions favor the mobilization and transport of dust in spring (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 China?

As of April 23, 2026, air quality in China remains poor, with some of the major cities experiencing air quality in the \"unhealthy\" range and high PM2.5 concentrations, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

By 1:30 PM (Chinese Standard Time, GMT+8), several urban centers have recorded AQI readings between 100 and 200, prompting health warnings. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, wear masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors.

While conditions remain poor, China’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2025 was 29.6 µg/m3, equivalent to an AQI of 87, classified as \"moderate\". This level is nearly 5.92 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3, placing China among the world’s 20 most polluted countries in 2025.

$\"\"$ Air quality map of China and neighboring countries as of 1:30 PM (CST) on April 23, 2026. Source: IQAir.

Which cities are affected by bad air quality in China?

As of April 23, 2026, several major cities across China are reporting poor air quality. Some of the affected cities include:

Aksu
Beijing
Jinchang
Kashgar
Lanzhou
Puer
Yinchuan

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

$\"\"$ Beijing ranked among the most polluted major cities globally, as of 1:30 PM (CST) on April 23, 2026. Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in China?

With spring now underway, the end of the coal-fired heating season should bring some relief, as heating-related emissions begin to ease. However, March and April bring their own challenge: this period has the highest frequency of sand and dust weather, with storms primarily originating from Mongolia, capable of spiking PM10 concentrations several fold.

More sustained improvement is expected by late April to May, as warmer temperatures, stronger winds, and spring rainfall help disperse pollutants. Lasting progress still depends on continued emission controls and cleaner energy adoption (1).

What is causing poor air quality in China?

The root causes of air pollution in China include dependence on fossil fuels, coal combustion, biomass burning, traffic and waste incineration emission, industrial pollution, and soil dust, with coal and other fossil fuels exploited despite renewable investments (2).

In spring (March-May), pollution persists due to frequent dust storms from the Gobi Desert, Taklimakan Desert, and Inner Mongolian Plateau, causing sudden PM10 spikes. Higher temperature and humidity levels rise, and winds contribute to the smog by carrying pollutants from industrialized regions.

Resuspended road dust from construction and urbanization, and transboundary pollution also contribute. Meteorological conditions favor the mobilization and transport of dust in spring (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.

","china-air-quality-alert","gid://shopify/Article/999656948086","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/china-air-quality-alert","2026-04-23T05:30:23Z",[390,638],"China Air Quality Alert",{"_10":1489,"_243":-5,"_246":1490,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/414748639606","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/BeijingDesktop_bc51c3b5-6b87-4b64-b0ee-e36d75f0f16e.jpg?v=1776922227","popular",[1493,1510,1526,1542],{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1494,"_1115":1495,"_1131":1496,"_1133":1496,"_1134":1497,"_1136":1498,"_985":1499,"_10":1500,"_1140":1501,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1502,"_577":1503,"_541":1505,"_1149":1506},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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.

\n \n

\n\n

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

\n\n

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",[390,638,1504,1147],"Popular articles","How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke",{"_10":1507,"_243":1508,"_246":1509,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/406601138550","Wildfire at night in hills","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_21_WildfireDesktop_a_790d6d55-874f-4c95-bff8-11655661a476.jpg?v=1752702197",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1511,"_1115":1512,"_1131":1513,"_1133":1513,"_1134":1514,"_1136":1515,"_985":1516,"_10":1517,"_1140":1518,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1519,"_577":1520,"_541":1521,"_1149":1522},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[853,653,1504],"Do air purifiers work? Air purifier myths and facts debunked",{"_10":1523,"_243":1524,"_246":1525,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"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",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1527,"_1115":1528,"_1131":1529,"_1133":1529,"_1134":1530,"_1136":1531,"_985":1532,"_10":1533,"_1140":1534,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1535,"_577":1536,"_541":1537,"_1149":1538},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[390,653,1504],"Himalayan salt lamps: Worth their salt?",{"_10":1539,"_243":1540,"_246":1541,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"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",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1543,"_1115":1544,"_1131":1545,"_1133":1545,"_1134":1546,"_1136":1547,"_985":1548,"_10":1549,"_1140":1550,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1551,"_577":1552,"_541":1553,"_1149":1554},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[653,1504],"The hidden dangers of scented candles",{"_10":1555,"_243":1556,"_246":1557,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"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","successStories",[1560,1577,1594,1609],{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1561,"_1115":1562,"_1131":1563,"_1133":1564,"_1134":1565,"_1136":1566,"_985":1567,"_10":1568,"_1140":1569,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1570,"_577":1571,"_541":1572,"_1149":1573},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[648,838],"Revealing the Invisible: Boosting air quality awareness in Kenya",{"_10":1574,"_243":1575,"_246":1576,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"gid://shopify/ArticleImage/411421278582","Nairobi-city-smog","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0677/4059/8571/articles/AQL_Revamp_Kenya_Clean_Air_Desktop_4f1dd00b-baa3-4e27-9eed-3acd42f2faae.jpg?v=1767630558",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1578,"_1115":1579,"_1131":1580,"_1133":1581,"_1134":1582,"_1136":1583,"_985":1584,"_10":1585,"_1140":1586,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1587,"_577":1588,"_541":1589,"_1149":1590},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[643,648,838],"Revealing the Invisible: WWF-Pakistan’s mission for clean air",{"_10":1591,"_243":1592,"_246":1593,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"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",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1595,"_1115":1596,"_1131":43,"_1133":43,"_1134":1597,"_1136":1598,"_985":1599,"_10":1600,"_1140":1601,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1602,"_577":1603,"_541":1604,"_1149":1605},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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",[643,648,838],"Revealing the Invisible: Permian Health’s air quality crusade in Gambia",{"_10":1606,"_243":1607,"_246":1608,"_248":1172,"_244":1173},"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",{"_1124":1125,"_1126":1610,"_1115":1611,"_1131":1612,"_1133":1613,"_1134":1614,"_1136":1615,"_985":1616,"_10":1617,"_1140":1618,"_1142":-5,"_1143":1619,"_577":1620,"_541":1621,"_1149":1622},{"_12":1128},{"_985":1130},"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.","

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","https://shop-gl-eur.iqair.com/blogs/news/cleaner-air-healthier-kittens-iqair-supports-tiny-but-mighty-rescue","2025-01-27T04:00:00Z",[1266,838],"Cleaner air, healthier kittens: Tiny but Mighty Kitten Rescue",{"_10":1623,"_243":1624,"_246":1625,"_248":1154,"_244":1155},"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","geoSpotlight",{"_1628":1629,"_2125":2126},"spotlightItems",[1630,1987,2116],{"_12":1631,"_1632":1633,"_1634":1635,"_29":1636,"_1637":1638,"_1641":1642,"_1130":1643,"_10":1648,"_985":1649,"_1650":1651},"Ben Avon AQI Alert","range",75,"markerIconUrl","https://cdn.airvisual.net/assets/marker-images/generic.png","autoGenCustomMarker","location",[1639,1640],-80.0821377,40.5051586,"timestamp","2026-03-23T06:04:25.107Z",{"_246":1644,"_541":1645,"_1646":1647},"https://www.iqair.com/us/newsroom/unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups","Ben Avon has \"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups\" air quality. See the map and health recommendations.","thumbnail","https://www.iqair.com/dl/app/notifications/Notification_Daily_AQI_Face_03_Orange@3x.png","autoGenCustomMarker:city-5bc822e841fdcdf1939e7d23","unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups","article",{"_541":1652,"_985":1649,"_1131":1653,"_1134":1654,"_1136":1655,"_1143":1656,"_577":1657,"_1126":1658,"_1149":1659,"_980":1663,"_1666":-5,"_1667":-5,"_1668":1669,"_1672":-5,"_1673":-5,"_1674":1675},"When air quality is \"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups\"","Learn about the risks of this AQI range and protect the vulnerable from potential hazards.","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 .recommendations-container { border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius: 12px; background-color: #f9fafb; padding: 24px; color: #111827; font-family: sans-serif; } .recommendations-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; } .recommendations-table th, .recommendations-table td { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 16px; vertical-align: middle; } .recommendations-title { color: #499fbc; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em; } .recommendation-subheading { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0; } .recommendation-block { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 8px; justify-content: center; padding: 16px 0; } .recommendation-block img { max-width: 50px; height: auto; } .recommendation-text { font-size: 18px; text-align: center; } /* Responsive styling */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .recommendations-table, .recommendations-table thead, .recommendations-table tbody, .recommendations-table tr, .recommendations-table td, .recommendations-table th { display: block; width: 100%; } .recommendations-table tr { margin-bottom: 20px; } .recommendations-table td, .recommendations-table th { text-align: center; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; } .recommendation-block { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } .recommendation-text { font-size: 16px; } .recommendation-block img { max-width: 40px; } } HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS How to protect from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups pollution Wear a mask outdoors and indoorsGET A MASK Run an air purifierGET AN AIR PURIFIER Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor airGET A MONITOR Reduce outdoor exercise 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","

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

IQAir's top-selling room air purifier, featuring advanced HyperHEPA filtration for particles of all sizes and V5-Cell filtration for gases and odors. Excellent for allergens, bacteria¹, dust, viruses² and VOCs. The HealthPro 250 model includes smart air monitoring, WiFi app integration, energy-efficient fan, and real-time PM2.5 measurement. Covers up to 990 sq. ft.

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

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See the map and health recommendations.","https://www.iqair.com/dl/app/notifications/Notification_Daily_AQI_Face_06_Maroon@3x.png","autoGenCustomMarker:city-656d711bb9a8cf89b45f3946","hazardous-air-quality",{"_541":2000,"_985":1998,"_1131":2001,"_1134":2002,"_1136":2003,"_1143":2004,"_577":2005,"_1126":2006,"_1149":2007,"_980":2011,"_1666":-5,"_1667":-5,"_1668":2013,"_1672":-5,"_1673":-5,"_1674":2014},"When air quality is \"Hazardous\"","When the AQI enters the hazardous range, it's time to take serious precautions.","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. .recommendations-container { border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius: 12px; background-color: #f9fafb; padding: 24px; color: #111827; font-family: sans-serif; } .recommendations-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; } .recommendations-table th, .recommendations-table td { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 16px; vertical-align: middle; } .recommendations-title { color: #499fbc; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em; } .recommendation-subheading { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0; } .recommendation-block { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 8px; justify-content: center; padding: 16px 0; } .recommendation-block img { max-width: 50px; height: auto; } .recommendation-text { font-size: 18px; text-align: center; } /* Responsive styling */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .recommendations-table, .recommendations-table thead, .recommendations-table tbody, .recommendations-table tr, .recommendations-table td, .recommendations-table th { display: block; width: 100%; } .recommendations-table tr { margin-bottom: 20px; } .recommendations-table td, .recommendations-table th { text-align: center; border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; } .recommendation-block { flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } .recommendation-text { font-size: 16px; } .recommendation-block img { max-width: 40px; } } HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS How to protect from Hazardous pollution Wear a mask outdoors and indoorsGET A MASK Run an air purifierGET AN AIR PURIFIER Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor airGET A MONITOR Avoid outdoor exercise 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? 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. 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 Face Mask Air Purifier Air quality monitors /* Ensure full-width container */ .container { width: 100%; } /* Responsive styles */ @media (max-width: 768px) { /* Stack images vertically on smaller screens */ table { width: 100%; display: block; } table tr { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; } table td { width: 100%; padding: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 20px; } table td img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } /* Adjust h3 and p for smaller screens */ h3 { font-size: 1.5em; } p { font-size: 1.1em; } }","

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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