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Best Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke for your Home

Air pollution has become a major problem around the world. Many cities suffer from high levels of smog due to poor air quality. Some areas also struggle with wildfires during dry seasons. These two problems combined create dangerous conditions where breathing becomes hazardous. The fire season is upon us. Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, but when they occur in populated areas and cause health problems for people living nearby, it�s time to take action! This lesson will help you understand how wildfires affect our environment and what we can do about them. Firefighters work hard every year to keep communities safe from dangerous wildfires. But while firefighters battle flames on the ground, another group of professionals works above the clouds � weather forecasters who predict where and when these blazes might start. They use computer models that simulate wildfire behavior based on factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other conditions.

Recommended Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke in 2021

	Airpura V600 V614 VOCs and Specific Chemicals - AirPura V600 is an Excellent Air Purifier focusing of removing chemicals (VOCs) and particulate matter. Enhanced special blend carbon adsorbs VOCs and specific chemicals together with true HEPA for particles. Superior air flow and dwell time with the largest CFM in a portable unit. Coverage up to 2000 sq. ft. depending on model and speed.
	Field Controls TRIO Pro HEPA Air Portable - The Field Controls TRIO Pro HEPA air purifier is a powerful portable air purification and filtration system. Coverage 1,618 with an 8 ft ceiling offering 3 air changes an hour. Quiet and efficient, the TRIO Pro, boasts a remarkable Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 562 and an airflow of 659 CFM.
	Field Controls TRIO Plus HEPA Air Portable - The Field Controls TRIO Plus HEPA air purifier is a powerful portable air purification and filtration system. Coverage 1100 sq ft with an 8 ft ceiling offering 3 air changes an hour. Quiet and efficient, the TRIO Plus, boasts a remarkable Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 295, delivered CFM of 305 CFM, and an airflow of 440 CFM.
	AllerAir AirMedic Pro 6 HDS UV and UltraS UV Air Purifier - AirMedic Pro 6 Smoke UV series including AirMedic Pro 6 HDS UV and AirMedic Pro 6 UltraS UV filters up to 2000 sq ft. and is designed specifically for tobacco smoke concerns. The added UV light gives you extra protection from viruses and bacteria.
	AllerAir AirMedic Pro 6 HDS UV and UltraS UV Air Purifier - AirMedic Pro 6 Smoke UV series including AirMedic Pro 6 HDS UV and AirMedic Pro 6 UltraS UV filters up to 2000 sq ft. and is designed specifically for tobacco smoke concerns. The added UV light gives you extra protection from viruses and bacteria.
	Austin Air HealthMate Plus HEPA & Carbon Filter Air Purifiers - Coverage for 1500 sqft. HealthMate Plus HM450 by Austin Air is ideal as a residential air purifier or office air purifier. Focus on chemical issues and sensitivities. Easy to use and economical against asthma and allergies. Comes with a 5 YEAR Limited Warranty.

What you should consider when buying a home air purifier for wildfire smoke.

Do air purifiers work for wildfire smoke?

The short answer is yes, they do! Air purifiers can help reduce the amount of particulate matter in your indoor environment. Particulates are very small particles that may be harmful or even fatal when inhaled into the lungs. They come from various sources such as construction dust and wood burning fires. The best way to remove these fine particles is through an air filter. An air purifier will have its own built-in HEPA filters which capture 99% of airborne pollutants up to 0.3 microns in size. This means that it removes most of the particulate matter found in wildfire smoke. Do not use ozone generators, personal air purifiers electrostatic precipitators, or ionizers that produce ozone. Ozone is a respiratory irritant that can aggravate asthma and other lung diseases.

Which air purifiers are best for fire smoke?

There are many different types of air purifiers on the market today. Each one offers unique features depending on their design. However, there are some common factors among all models including:

Size - Most air purifiers are designed to fit within standard sized rooms like bedrooms and living spaces. If you need something bigger then look at our other guides.
Noise level - You don't want to spend time cleaning out the house only to hear loud noise coming from the unit. Look for quiet units so you won't disturb others while using them.
Filter replacement frequency - How often does the filter require replacing? A good rule of thumb is once every 6 months. It depends on how much use the unit gets each day. For example, if you're away from home more than 8 hours per day, then you'll probably need to replace the filter more frequently. Look for air purifier units that combine an active carbon filter with a HEPA filter type.
Power consumption - Do you plan to leave this device plugged in 24/7? Or would you rather purchase a portable model? Portable devices tend to consume less power but aren't able to provide the same filtration capacity as stationary ones.
Warranty - Does the manufacturer offer any type of warranty? What happens if anything goes wrong after purchasing the product? Will you get a new part free of charge? All of these questions must be considered before making a final decision.
Price - Lastly, price plays a big role in buying decisions. There are cheap options available but make sure you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. Cheap products might not last long and could end up costing you more money down the road.

How does fire smoke affect air quality?

Air pollution is the introduction of contaminants into Earth's atmosphere, and results in haze or smog that we observe at ground level. Air pollutants are created by natural phenomena such as forest fires, volcanic eruptions, industrial emissions and vehicle exhausts but they can also be introduced to the environment through human activities like power generation, agricultural burning, mining industries, manufacturing processes and transportation methods.

Can smoky air make you sick?

The answer is yes. Smoke can cause a number of health problems, including asthma and lung cancer which makes it harder for you to breathe.Health problems related to wildfire smoke exposure can be as mild as eye and respiratory tract irritation and as serious as worsening of heart and lung disease, including asthma, and even premature death.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

Refers to the cleanliness of indoor environments. Indoor air contains particles ranging from microscopic dust mites to pollen grains to bacteria. These particles may come from sources inside the building itself, such as construction materials, furnishings, carpeting, paint, etc., or outside the building, such as outdoor air, traffic fumes, tobacco smoke, cooking odors, pets, etc. The presence of these particles in an enclosed space has been linked with respiratory illnesses such as allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, exposure to high levels of airborne particles indoors increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using gas stoves and vacuuming. Index values of 101 to 150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including active adults, people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults and children.

What are wildfire smoke health effects?

Wildland fires produce fine particles that may pose health risks to people who live or work nearby which include:

Asthma attacks
Heart or Lung condition
Eye irritation
Skin rashes
Headaches
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Sore throats
Chest pains
Fatigue
Dizziness
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Death

Can you be allergic to smoke from a fire?

Yes! People have different reactions when exposed to certain types of allergens. The same thing happens with smoke. If you're sensitive to pollen, then you might experience an allergy attack after being near a fire. This could lead to coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses, headaches, fatigue, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death.

Is Wildfire smoke worse than cigarettes?

Yes! The main difference between cigarette smoking and wildfire smoke is that cigarette smokers inhale their own toxic chemicals while those exposed to wildfire smoke have no control over how much smoke enters their lungs. In addition, there are many other toxins present in cigarette smoke compared to wildfire smoke.

What is the difference between PM2 5 and PM10?

PM 2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in size. This pollutant includes dust, dirt, pollen grains, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, fungi, organic chemicals, metals, glass fibers, asbestos, carbon black, diesel engine emission, welding fumes, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, woodsmoke, coal-fired plants, incinerators, cement kilns, oil refineries, chemical factories are examples of fine particles that can be a risk to health. The EPA has set a standard limit on airborne particle concentration of 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Fine particles larger than 10 micrometers cannot penetrate deep enough into the lungs to reach the bloodstream. However, small particles do enter the blood stream and lodge inside organs where they can trigger inflammation and other harmful responses.

What states have the most wildfire smoke?

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were over 1 million wildfires across the United States during 2018. Of those, California had the highest total acreage burned while Texas was second. In terms of population impacted, Arizona came out first followed by New Mexico.

Do carbon filters help with wildfire smoke?

Yes! Carbon filters remove both gaseous and solid components of combustion gases and filter out sooty particles in smoke. They reduce the amount of these toxins entering indoor environments.

Does a HEPA air filter remove smoke?

A HEPA filter is an effective way to reduce particulates in your home or office, but it will not eliminate all particles that are harmful to health. A HEPA filter can be used as part of a filtration system for removing airborne contaminants such as dust and pollen. It may help protect you against asthma attacks caused by inhaling irritants like cigarette smoke, mold spores, animal dander, and other allergens.

Why should I wear a mask when outside?

Wearing masks outdoors helps protect against inhaling heavy smoke, ash, debris, and toxic substances produced by wild land fires. Masks will keep you safe if you�re near a wildfire. If you see flames in the distance, stay indoors until firefighters arrive. You don't need to use a full face respirator unless you're working directly around the fire. A simple surgical mask will suffice as long as it covers your mouth and nose. If you are close to a wildfire, the fire itself, as well as heavy smoke can pose serious, immediate risks to your safety and health. Consider purchasing N95 respirator masks You should also consider keeping a supply of N95 respirator masks on hand. People with asthma and lung and heart conditions may be very sensitive to poor air quality and may start to have symptoms when air quality is in the Moderate category and they should consider reducing indoor and outdoor exertion activities. If local officials advise you to stay indoors, take these actions in your home to reduce your smoke exposure: Keep windows and doors closed. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. People with heart or lung diseases, older adults, children, and pregnant women should use special caution around ash.

What if I don't have air conditioning and it's hot indoors?

If you have a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system, this can be the best way to reduce fine particles from wildfire smoke throughout your home, rather than a single room. HVAC systems pull fresh air through ductwork that circulates filtered air back into the house. When using an electric fan or window unit for cooling, make sure to open all vents and turn off any dampers. Without an air conditioner or a central cooling system, it can be challenging to manage indoor temperatures while keeping out smoke.

How does wildfire smoke affect my pets?

Wildfire smoke contains many chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known carcinogens. Pets exposed to PAHs can develop cancer later in life.

How does wildfire smoke affect animals?

Animals such as birds, bats, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and even humans all suffer negative impacts due to exposure to wildfire smoke.

How Far Can Wildfire Smoke Travel?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has developed models that predict how far wildfires spread based on wind speed, fuel type, weather patterns, and other factors. These predictions help us understand where we might expect to find smoke after a wildfire. For example, during the 2018 California Camp Fire, winds were blowing at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. This caused the fire to travel over 1,000 square miles before reaching populated areas. In contrast, the 2017 Mendocino Complex Fire was burning in remote wilderness without strong winds. It burned only about 10 percent of its total area before spreading beyond our borders.

Where Do People Get Their Information About Wildfires?

There are several sources available online that provide information about wildfires. Some websites offer general information about wildfires, but others focus specifically on providing detailed information about specific events. For more information visit www.airnow.gov.

Should I Buy an Indoor Air Quality Monitor?

Yes! An IAQ monitor will give you real-time data so you know exactly what�s going on inside your home. You can use this information to determine whether there are problems with your air quality and adjust your filters accordingly. If you live near a wildfire, you can also check www.airnow.gov regularly to see if the air quality is improving or worsening.

What is the best indoor air quality monitor?

The most important thing to consider when choosing an indoor air quality monitor is what you are trying to measure. The main goal of a IAQ monitor is to provide accurate and reliable data on levels of contaminants in your home or office, so it�s essential that you know exactly which pollutants you want to track. For example, if you live with asthma-prone family members, then you will need to be able to accurately determine whether there are high concentrations of allergens such as dust mites present in your house. If you work from home, you may also wish to check for airborne viruses like influenza A virus. You can use this information to make informed decisions about how to keep your environment clean and healthy. There are many different types of monitors available today, but they all have one thing in common: They collect samples of air inside your home or business and analyze them using chemical sensors.

Air Pollution Absorbing Pavement to Be Tested in Orlando

Air pollution is among the largest environmental and health issues facing us today. In recent years, more and more evidence has shown that exposure to air pollution increases risks for everything from cancer to strokes. Fortunately, this increased focus on air pollution is also leading to new and innovative ways to address the problem. One promising solution is a newly developed type of pavement meant to capture automotive pollution. A test of this pavement may soon be underway in Orlando, Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a 2.2 square mile area of road near an interstate interchange is targeted for a large-scale test. Though by far the largest, this isn't the first time the Florida city has experimented with the paving material. Previously, a small section of a city road and two patches of 500 square feet each at the Orlando International Airport were used as test sites. The new project, however, dwarfs both of these previous experiments in scale. The pavement itself is treated with a photocatalytic titanium dioxide compound. Pavement treated with the solution can then absorb nitrous oxide, one of the most common and most dangerous components of vehicular air pollution. The two smaller tests conducted previously reduced pollutants by up to 31 percent. If used on a widespread basis, such treatments could be a game changer in the fight against air pollution. In the US, the transportation sector accounts for 55 percent of nitrous oxide pollution and 10 percent of volatile organic compound pollution. Both of these components of air pollution can be absorbed by pavement treated with the titanium dioxide solution. If the finding of 30+ percent reductions in pollutants holds true at larger scales, the result would be a substantial reduction of some of the most dangerous air pollutants in large cities. Though promising, it may be some time before the paving material is used widely. In addition to needing time to catch on, it may also be too expensive for some cities to implement at large scales. Pavement infused with the titanium dioxide solution costs about twice as much as ordinary asphalt. The benefits, however, could far outweigh the costs by substantially reducing the total amount of air pollution in major cities. Beyond absorbing pollutants, the titanium dioxide treatment also allows this paving material to reflect sunlight. As a result, the material isn't subject to the so-called "heat island" effect, in which thermal energy radiating off of pavement increases the air temperature around it. With this reflection, it's possible that temperatures near major roads could be brought down significantly on the hottest, sunniest summer days. While innovations like this promising paving material may soon help us control air pollution, it's still a very real problem for the time being. For this reason, it's important to take whatever steps you can to protect yourself from its proven harmful effects. One of the best things you can do to keep yourself safer is to buy a home air purifier outfitted with both HEPA and carbon filters. Carbon filters remove gases and VOCs, while HEPA filters can help capture airborne particles. Together, the two can help keep your home air much cleaner. If you live in a highly polluted area, you should also consider investing in an indoor air quality monitor to help you determine how many pollutants are making their way into your home. Have questions about using air purifiers to keep your home air healthy? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers to your questions and personalized product recommendations based on your needs.

Health Effects of Wood Smoke: What You Need to Know About Wildfire Smoke

Although there are few things that smell better than wood smoke on a cool evening, researchers are increasingly realizing that burning wood can have disastrous health effects. While the occasional campfire probably won't harm you, being exposed to huge amounts of wood smoke on a daily basis is another matter altogether. Unfortunately, that's exactly what millions of residents of the Western United States are facing right now as a result of raging wildfires. Here's what you need to know about the health effects of wood smoke and how they relate to America's intensifying wildfire problem.

How Does Wood Smoke Affect Your Health?

According to the EPA, wood smoke is a source of several harmful pollutants. These include benzene, formaldehyde and polyacrylic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, burning wood can produce large amounts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). Together, these pollutants can make overexposure to wood smoke quite dangerous. The chemical compounds and PM 2.5 together can trigger asthma attacks, lead to bronchitis and exacerbate problems caused by COPD. Children, older adults and those with these underlying health conditions are considered most at risk, but wood smoke pollution can negatively impact people of all ages and demographics. In addition, PM 2.5 has been linked to more serious conditions, including heart failure and strokes. It should be noted, though, that not all wood smoke is the same. Most of these harmful pollutants result from incomplete combustion. When wood is burned completely in a high-efficiency wood burning stove, for example, it will produce fewer of these compounds. Dry, seasoned wood is also less dangerous since it tends to burn more completely than green wood.

The Massive Problem of Wildfire Smoke

While wood smoke on its own is a problem, the enormous clouds of smoke produced by wildfires take that problem to an entirely different level. In heavy wildfire seasons, hundreds of thousands or even millions of acres of timber can burn in the space of a few months. The resulting air pollution lowers air quality and can lead to long-term health issues and even deaths. For example, a Stanford research team estimated that California's heavy 2020 wildfire season resulted in between 1,200 and 3,000 smoke-related deaths. That number is more than 50 times the official tally of deaths directly caused by the fires. Worse still, this estimate represented only the population of people who were 65 and older, who are more susceptible to smoke-related illness. In 2021, the West is facing similarly severe wildfire conditions. As of the time of this writing, approximately 300,000 acres across 6 states were actively burning. While some fires were near full containment, others were raging virtually unchecked. As a result, clouds of dangerous smoke can now be found across several states, leading to severe health risks for many of the Western US's residents. If you live in one of the affected areas, one of the best things you can do is to remain indoors as much as possible and use a home air purifier to maintain the air quality in your home. Since there's little you can do about the quality of the outdoor air, controlling indoor air quality as tightly as possible is your best bet. Fortunately, we carry a complete lineup of air purifiers for wildfire smoke that can help you keep the air you breathe inside clean. Have questions about which air purifier is right for your home and situation? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations based on your needs.

Airfree Onix Shown to Be Effective Air Purifier for COVID-19 Virus

The COVID-19 pandemic of the past year has put many air purifier brands and technologies to the test. Thanks to their tiny size, viruses are harder to target than larger particles that can be easily filtered from home air. Many air purifiers, however, have been shown to be effective in removing virus-sized particles. Now, a study conducted by MRI Global in conjunction with Airfree has shown that Airfree's filterless models are effective at targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about this test and using Airfree air purifiers for COVID-19.

What Did the Test Results Show?

The test conducted by MRI Global used the Airfree Onix 3000 as its sample device. The same results, however, should broadly apply to Aifree's other filterless thermal air purifiers, which use the same technology as the Onix. For the study, researchers sampled aerosol plates at specific time intervals to see how effectively the Airfree Onix would target airborne SARS-CoV-2 viruses over the course of an hour. According to the data provided to us by Aifree, this test showed an 80.5 percent reduction in infective viability over the 45-60 minute time span. This confirms the effectiveness of the Airfree Onix for targeting the virus that causes COVID-19. While these results don't act as a guarantee that use of an Airfree will protect you from COVID-19, they do suggest that an Airfree purifier can make closed environments safer with regards to COVID-19. Other steps, including social distancing and mask-wearing for those who haven't yet been vaccinated, should continue to be observed in accordance with current CDC guidelines.

How Does Airfree Target SARS-CoV-2?

The Airfree Onix and similar models use a thermal core to neutralize airborne contaminants. This technology, known as a Thermodynamic Sterilizing System (TSS), allows Airfree air purifiers to target even tiny particles like viruses. It also makes Airfree purifiers silent and filter-free. This system is radically different from HEPA-filter air purifiers, which are also effective for removing virus-sized particles from the air.

Using the Airfree Onix Air Purifier for COVID-19 Prevention

The Airfree Onix 3000 is rated for up to 650 square feet, making it a good solution for reducing airborne viruses in small spaces. If you have a larger space, consider using multiple units to provide more coverage. The air purifier should be left on continuously for maximum benefit, since constant recirculating of the air will eliminate viral particles on an ongoing basis.

Other TSS Air Purifiers from Airfree

Although the test was conducted using the Onix 3000 model, other Airfree air purifiers using TSS technology should produce similar results. Following, you'll find a list of other Airfree models that leverage this technology:

Have questions about choosing the right air purifier for COVID-19 protection in your home? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations to meet your unique needs.

What Is the Best Air Purifier Under $150?

If you're looking for an air purifier on a tight budget, you may have had trouble finding the right unit for your home. Here at US Air Purifiers, we understand that not everyone has a large budget for a home air purifier. Here's what you need to look for in the best air purifier under $150 and our top pick in this price range.

What to Look for in an Air Purifier Under $150

At the $150 and below price range, don't expect large capacity. Air purifiers at this price point are mostly smaller units meant to be used in bedrooms and similar small spaces. Despite this, you can still reasonably look for multi-stage filtration. Ideally, you want a unit that has both a HEPA and an activated carbon filer. This combination will give your purifier the ability to remove both solid and gaseous contaminants from your home air. Quality is also a significant consideration when you're shopping on a budget. Even if you can't spend much, you'll still want to get a durable, reliable air purifier. To make sure you're getting something good, look for an inexpensive model made by a reputable brand. Finally, it's important to understand that your options at such a low price range will be somewhat limited. Though you can find good air purifiers under $150, there aren't too many of them out there. If you need a larger selection, consider saving to buy something in the $200-500 price range.

What's the Best Air Purifier Under $150?

We believe that one of the best air purifiers under $150 is the Sunpentown SPT AC 3000i. This small, inexpensive air purifier covers up to 180 square feet, making it a good option for the bedroom, office or study space. The AC 3000i features a HEPA filter that works well for dust, dander, pollen, mold spores and other solid particles. It also includes a small activated carbon filter for gases and odors. This purifier can move up to 100 cubic feet of air per minute. One of the best things about the AC 3000i is its compact size. At just under 15 inches high, this air purifier can be easily placed on a desk, nightstand or small table. Even if you don't have much space available, the AC 3000i is a convenient option that will help clean your air.

Other Inexpensive Air Purifier Options

Although a few good models like the SPT AC 3000i are out there, you'll get far more options in the $200-500 price range. By spending a bit of extra money, you'll find air purifiers with greater capacity and more features. For more information about the budget friendly options you can find in this range, check out our list of cheap air purifiers that will fit almost any reasonable household budget. Have questions about our best air purifier under $150 or any of the other models we sell? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide answers and personalized product recommendations to help you find the right home air purifier for your family.

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