Until the air looks like that photo above again, chances are you’ll be grappling with how to deal with the air.
Look no further. Vancouver Coastal Health has plenty of advice for people looking for ways to clean their indoor air.
Information provided by the health authority notes that the wildfire smoke that’s blanketing B.C. is made up of a complex mixture of air pollutants, including small particles – a.k.a fine particulate matter – that can cause irritation and inflammation when inhaled. It can travel indoors through windows, doors, vents and other openings.
Portable air cleaners can be used to help improve the air quality and reduce the health risk of wildfire smoke. The mobile units, which plug into wall sockets, can be moved between rooms. In most studies, portable air cleaners have been shown to reduce small particle concentrations by 40 to 80 per cent, and their use has been associated with better lung function, lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation in children and adults.
Those who can benefit most are those in higher-risk categories: people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease, pregnant women, infants and young children, and the elderly.
Some things to know about portable air cleaners:
- There are two main mechanisms: HEPA filtration or electrostatic precipitation. HEPA units, which use mechanical suction to pull air across a high-efficiency filter, are the preferred method. (Electrostatic precipitators can create ozone gas, which can be a lung irritant.)
- Both HEPA filtration and electrostatic precipitation can only remove particles from the air. However, some portable air cleaners also have activated carbon filters that can deal with the gaseous pollutants in wildfire smoke.
How to choose an effective portable air cleaner:
- Look for a unit certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
- The AHAM label will indicate the square footage of the area the unit can clean. Choose one that is appropriate for your space, and use it where people spend most of their time.
- The AHAM label indicates the clean air delivery rate for particles of different sizes, including tobacco smoke, dust and pollen. Wildfire smoke is most similar to tobacco smoke.
- Portable air cleaners certified in the State of California are subjected to higher standards than those sold elsewhere. All units on the list certified by the California Air Resources board – www.tinyurl.com/yco32kou - are also tested for electrical safety and low ozone emissions, and some may be available for purchase here.
- Portable air cleaners must be maintained to continue working properly. Look for a unit that clearly indicates when the HEPA filter needs to be replaced.
- Prices can range from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Look at online reviews to determine effectiveness, reliability and noise levels in making your decision.
How to use an air cleaner effectively:
- Portable air cleaners work best when run continuously with doors and windows closed.
- Use portable air cleaners in the same rooms as window or mobile air conditioning units if you do not have central AC.
- Closing doors and windows can be dangerous on hot days if you don’t have air conditioning; be aware of body temperature and use common sense. For most people, heat stress is a bigger risk than smoky air.
- If you do not have air conditioning and it is too hot to keep doors and windows closed, try to locate a clean air shelter in your community. Libraries, recreation centres and shopping malls often have relatively cleaner and cooler air.
- Source: Vancouver Coastal Health
