Clean Air Solutions: June 2023

Friday, June 30, 2023

The Negative Effects of Climate Change on Pollen Allergies in the United States

As the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, pollen allergies are a persistent problem for at least 50 million Americans. In recent years, pollen seasons have been getting longer and more severe.

Why Are Pollen Allergies Getting Worse Every Year?

Allergy symptoms can worsen with every passing season. There are several factors that may affect the severity of your allergy symptoms:

Age. As we age, our immune systems may weaken, leading to more severe responses as our bodies attempt to flush pollen out of our lungs and sinuses.
Stress. Studies have attributed worsened allergies to excessive stress because stress can cause increased concentrations of histamine (the hormone that your body releases in response to allergens) in the blood.
Poor air quality. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory symptoms associated with seasonal allergies such as coughing, sneezing, fatigue, runny noses, sore throats, and headaches.
Open windows. Although it can feel refreshing in the spring and summer, leaving your windows open allows pollen to build up inside your home.
Not taking a nighttime shower. Pollen accumulates on your skin, hair, and clothing throughout the day. Not showering and changing clothes before bed means that you are exposed to pollen all night long, leading to poor sleep quality and allergy flare-ups.

However, if you have noticed that your allergy symptoms have gotten worse and lasted longer over the years, it may be attributable to climate change. A recent study shows that pollen seasons from allergy-causing plants have increased by 20 days, with a 21% increase in pollen concentrations between 1990 and 2018.

LEARN MORE: 7 Florida Cities Counted Among Worst Allergy Seasons in the U.S., According to Allergy Capitals Report

How Does Climate Change Make Allergy Season Worse?

Climate change is causing longer and more intense allergy seasons, as per experts. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) lists three ways climate change is impacting allergy season.

Firstly, rising temperatures trigger a longer growing season for many plants, meaning that the length of time that these plants are releasing pollen is also extended. Additionally, each plant produces a greater volume of pollen. Finally, the released pollen is increasingly allergenic compared to previous years, causing more severe reactions in those who suffer from allergies. This results in increased symptoms, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

Allergy Season Tips from Air Quality Professionals

You can reduce allergy symptoms by limiting exposure to pollen through the following tips.

Identify the pollen you are sensitive to and monitor its count in your area to minimize outdoor time. Generally, trees and grasses pollinate in the evenings during spring and summer, while ragweed pollinates in the mornings during late summer and early autumn. Use the interactive map provided by pollen.com to track pollen count and forecasts in your area.
To pollen from getting into your hair and eyes, wear a hat and sunglasses before stepping outdoors. Consider using a mask, similar to one used for COVID-19 protection, as recommended by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).
After extended periods of exercising or being outdoors, it’s recommended to change clothes, shower, and wash your hair if you can.
To avoid the impact of pollen season, ensure your windows remain closed and opt for air conditioning wherever possible.
To ensure a healthy and clean indoor environment free from harmful airborne contaminants like pollen, consider using air filtration solutions. Camfil’s City-M in-room air purifier is a great option, removing particles and contaminants for optimal well-being. Be sure to consult your local air filtration expert to learn which air filtration solutions are best for you.

How Can HEPA Air Purifiers Help Allergy Sufferers?

Staying indoors to avoid pollen may seem like sound advice for those with allergies, but it may not be as effective as commonly thought. Pollen is considered a particulate pollutant, and concentrations of particulate matter can be as much as fifty times higher indoors than outdoors, particularly in areas with poor ventilation.

Air purifiers with factory-tested HEPA filters are the ideal air filtration solution for seasonal allergies because of their ability to trap a minimum of 99.97% of particulate matter, including pollen. They can be used in various settings like homes, offices, classrooms, gyms, commercial, and public buildings. Since air purifiers plug into standard electrical outlets and work independently of the building’s HVAC system, they require no elaborate installation and can be conveniently moved around.

Camfil’s City M air purifier is designed to tackle indoor pollution. It uses HEPA filters certified to 99.995% efficient on the smallest particles to reduce pollen levels and capture allergens while an activated carbon filter minimizes household odors, VOCs, and fumes. This powerful duo results in cleaner air and reduced respiratory irritation.

For a more comfortable indoor breathing year-round, manage your allergies by fitting a premium air purifier with HEPA filtration like the City M.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 30 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,600 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/

Media Contact:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620

E: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

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The post The Negative Effects of Climate Change on Pollen Allergies in the United States appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Friday, June 16, 2023

7 Florida Cities Counted Among Worst Allergy Seasons in the U.S. According to Allergy Capitals Report

The 2023 Allergy Capitals Report has ranked seven Florida cities among the top 20 worst allergy seasons across the nation. These seven cities are Sarasota, Cape Coral, Orlando, Miami, Lakeland, Palm Bay, and Tampa. To determine the highly populated cities most impacted by allergy season each year, the report assessed several factors including pollen count, usage of over-the-counter medications, and accessibility of allergists and immunologists.

As a popular summer travel destination, high summer pollen levels in Florida impact millions of Americans yearly. Continue reading to learn more about allergy season in each of these Florida cities, as well as providing tips for a better Florida allergy season guided by air quality industry expertise.

What Are the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or “seasonal allergic rhinitis,” result from a reaction to airborne allergens like pollen or mold. These allergens are released during certain times of the year, depending on the plant and region. Therefore, the time of year that an individual person experiences allergy symptoms may vary depending on what specific kinds of pollen they are allergic to.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include:

Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Runny nose
Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Itchy ears, nose, and mouth
Throat pain and irritation
Fatigue or excessive tiredness

Seasonal allergies affect people differently. While some only experience mild discomfort, others can suffer from more severe symptoms that disrupt their lives. This can lead to using sick leave or paid time off for adults or missing school for children, as allergy sufferers try to manage their symptoms and avoid exposure to pollen.

Due to the state’s warm, rainy climate and mild winters, flora thrives year-round in Florida, leading to an unpleasant year-round pollen season for allergy sufferers as different plants pollinate. However, allergens tend to peak in April and May and then again in September, making those months especially difficult.

What is Allergy Capitals Report?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America publishes its “Allergy Capitals” report annually, which scores the 100 most populous U.S. cities based on allergen levels such as pollen.

Seasonal allergies result from an overactive immune system responding to airborne particles like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing, and sometimes more severe reactions like swollen throat or hives on the body.

The Allergy Capitals report ranks cities based on tree, weed, and grass pollen counts, over-the-counter medication sales, and the availability of allergy specialists in the area.

Sarasota 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #6)

Ranking sixth out of the one hundred cities on the Allergy Capitals report, Sarasota’s allergy season has gotten dramatically worst compared to the previous year when it ranked at 42nd on the 2022 Allergy Capitals report.

Below are Sarasota’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 3
Grass pollen: 9
Weed pollen: 16

Severe allergens in Sarasota include Carolina willow, live oak, red mulberry, Eastern poison ivy, ragweed, silverling, spiny amaranth, Bermuda grass, corn, and perennial ryegrass.

Cape Coral 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #7)

Cape Coral also made the top ten, ranking at number seven. The effects of Hurricane Ian on Cape Coral’s air quality may also increase the severity of symptoms for allergy sufferers.

Below are Cape Coral’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 5
Grass pollen: 18
Weed pollen: 33

Severe allergens in Cape Coral include Carolina ash, laurel oak, live oak, red mulberry, white mulberry, smooth amaranth, ragweed, Bermuda grass, corn, and perennial ryegrass.

Orlando 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #8)

At number eight, Orlando’s allergy season is also significantly worse this year than last year when it ranked 41st. Grass pollen levels peak April through July and are immediately followed by the peak of weed pollen season, which usually occurs August through October.

Below are Orlando’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 13
Grass pollen: 8
Weed pollen: 5

Severe allergens in Orlando include Carolina willow, groundsel tree, Eastern red cedar, red mulberry, Florida pellitory, saltwater false willow, Pacific wormwood, Bermuda grass, and winterbent.

Miami 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #14)

With a wide variety of different kinds of trees in large numbers and an allergy season that peaks in spring and summer, Miami is ranked 14th.

Below are Miami’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 9
Grass pollen: 33
Weed pollen: 65

Severe allergens in Miami include Chapman’s oak, Carolina willow, paper mulberry myrtle oak, scrub hickory, old woman, saltwater false willow, seacoast marsh elder, Bermuda grass, and common timothy.

Lakeland 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #15)

With moderate pollen counts and over-the-counter medication usage but low availability of local allergen specialists, Lakeland ranks 15th in the Allergy Capitals report.

Below are Lakeland’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 19
Grass pollen: 20
Weed pollen: 24

Severe allergens in Lakeland include glossy privet, groundsel tree, paper mulberry, Carolina willow, Eastern poison ivy, pignut hickory, Southern red oak, annual ragweed, Florida pellitory, small-head marsh elder, smooth amaranth, Bermuda grass, and corn.

Palm Bay 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #17)

Palm Bay ranked 17th, marking a significant increase in severity from 2022’s ranking of 46th.

Below are Palm Bay’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 26
Grass pollen: 32
Weed pollen: 13

Severe allergens in Palm Bay include bluejack oak, box elder, green ash, Turkey oak, water oak, Carolina ash, Jesuit’s bark, coastal ragweed, Russian thistle, spiny amaranth, bermudagrass, and corn.

Tampa 2023 Allergy Season (Overall Rank: #18)

Ranking #18 in the 2023 Allergy Capitals report, Tampa’s allergy seasons have been steadily increasing in severity and growing in length over the last several years.

Below are Tampa’s rankings on the list of 100 cities for total pollen count by plant type:

Tree pollen: 22
Grass pollen: 21
Weed pollen: 41

Severe allergens in Tampa include water oak, paper mulberry, live oak, Eastern red cedar, Florida pellitory, Jesuit’s bark, silverling, bermudagrass, and perennial ryegrass.

8 Tips for Minimizing Allergy Symptoms in Florida

While it’s challenging for allergy sufferers to avoid pollen and eliminate hay fever symptoms entirely, the following tips can help to minimize them in spring:

Check local pollen counts regularly.
Plan yard work around pollen spikes.
Change and wash your clothes after extended periods of time outdoors.
Bathe or shower after coming in from outdoors.
Keep doors and windows closed.
Vacuum often.
Use a nasal rise to move allergens out of your nasal passages.
Protect your home with HEPA filters.

Premium Air Filters Can Alleviate Florida Pollen Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can force many people to stay indoors to avoid pollen outside. But while this is good advice for those with severe allergies, it may not be as effective as you’d think.

Indoor air pollution is a major concern, with pollen being one of the biggest culprits. Pollutants in enclosed areas can be up to 50 times more concentrated, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. The lack of fresh airflow causes harmful particles to accumulate and circulate, putting people at risk.

Ideal for use in homes, offices, classrooms, gyms, and commercial and public buildings, air purifiers with factory-tested HEPA filters are the best air filtration solution for seasonal allergies. Because they plug into standard electrical outlets and work independently of the building’s HVAC system, air purifiers are easy to install and can be moved to different locations in the building as needed.

Camfil’s City M air purifier utilizes superior tested and certified HEPA filters to mitigate indoor pollen concentrations, reducing allergy symptoms. It also incorporates an activated carbon filter to capture and diminish irritants like household odors, fumes, and VOCs, preventing respiratory irritation.

By installing an efficient air purifier such as the City M, taking medication, and undergoing immunotherapy if deemed necessary by your doctor, you can manage your allergies this season and enjoy a more comfortable Florida summer.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

Media Contact:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620

E: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

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Sources:

https://www.pollenlibrary.com/

The post 7 Florida Cities Counted Among Worst Allergy Seasons in the U.S., According to Allergy Capitals Report appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

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Thursday, June 8, 2023

Strategies to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke Pollution, According to Air Quality Company Camfil

Wildfire smoke. Be prepared.

In the early 1900s, a young soldier coined the phrase “Be Prepared” which was later adopted as the motto for the Boy Scouts of America. The sentiment behind the phrase can be applied universally to many situations, but none more so than being prepared for wildfire smoke.

Who should prepare for wildfire smoke?

While there are areas of the country and times during the year when wildfires are more likely to occur than others, they can appear suddenly and wherever there is fuel to burn. Since wildfire smoke can travel hundreds if not thousands of miles from the source, virtually anyone can be impacted.

There are times when the danger from flames is so great, evacuation is necessary for survival. In 2022, North Texas wildfires destroyed almost the entire town of Carbon, while 7000 separate wildfires across the state of California killed nine people and demolished countless homes.

This is a serious situation, particularly for hospitals and long-term care facilities that must deal with patients in critical condition. There are also times when the smoke from a nearby fire is heavy for days or weeks at a time, but evacuation isn’t ordered or is not practical.

In those situations, steps can be taken to protect property and lessen the risk of the flames spreading. However, this article will focus on the steps to protect the lung health of those who remain behind in areas where wildfire smoke is present. These can be divided into two broad categories: steps to limit smoke entering a building and steps to protect the health of the occupants when it does.

Does the building and HVAC equipment matter?

Strategies to limit smoke from entering a building may differ based on its intended use. Apartment buildings, condominiums, commercial offices, or retail spaces follow different approaches than an individual residence might for example. This is often due to the type of HVAC system commonly used for each as well as specific code requirements for ventilation. Commercial spaces for example often have minimum requirements for how much outside air must be brought into the building based on size, intended use, or occupancy. But there also may be requirements on how much air to exhaust from certain spaces such as kitchens or restrooms. Commercial buildings also have much larger and more complicated HVAC systems and controls.

The Importance of Air Pressure in Keeping Wildfire Smoke Out

If the air pressure inside a building or room is lower than the surrounding area, a pressure differential exists and air will naturally flow from higher pressure to lower pressure areas. Windows with poor weather stripping, gaps under doors, and even small cracks can let a surprising amount of air inside. When smoke is present in the air surrounding a building or room, an important strategy is to keep the air pressure inside higher (or at least equal) than the pressure outside, as this creates a barrier of air that keeps smoke out.

How to Prevent Wildfire from Getting Inside Your Building

The first and most obvious step is to close windows all the way and make sure there are no gaps. Make sure spaces under any doorway to the outside are sealed. There are a surprising number of areas where air can move in and out of a building and it may take some time to locate them all.

A building or home also has various pieces of equipment with fans that move air into or out of the building. It’s easy to overlook something like a clothes dryer, but air flows into the dryer from inside a house and then is exhausted outside which can alter the pressure inside. Becoming familiar with this equipment and how it alters air pressure inside a building is critical to limiting smoke from getting inside.

HVAC systems – Most commercial HVAC systems are designed to draw in a set amount of outside air continuously as part of an overall ventilation strategy. The outside air is mixed with recirculated air upstream of the air filters and follows ductwork into the buildings. However, when wildfire smoke is nearby, outside air intake should be closed off or significantly reduced. While outside air does enter upstream of the air filter, unless a series of high-efficiency filters that can control both particulate matter and gaseous chemicals at very high levels, wildfire smoke will penetrate the filters and enter the building.
Window AC units – Some window AC units bring in fresh air while others do not. Consult the operating manual to understand how a particular unit functions and how to close any outdoor air intake. Portable AC units generally only recirculate air from inside but there are models with dual hoses designed for one hose to bring in a small amount of outdoor air. Verify how each system works and shut off the outdoor air intake.
Exhaust vents and fans – Some buildings and homes have exhaust vents and fans such as an attic fan. When these are running they exhaust inside air to the outside, but the consequence is the air pressure inside the building may then be lowered to less than the outside pressure. When this occurs, outside air can rush in with surprising force through small and almost invisible seams and cracks.
Clothes dryers and range hoods – These act the same as exhaust vents. They exhaust indoor air outdoors, but like exhaust vents, they could potentially change the positive pressure inside the house to negative and draw smoke-filled air inside.

How to Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke When It Gets Indoors

While strategies can be employed that limit smoke from entering a building, it’s inevitable that some smoke will find a way inside. Keeping in mind the guidelines mentioned previously regarding controlling outside air intake, setting the HVAC system’s fan to run continuously gives an opportunity for the air filters to remove hazardous particles found in wildfire smoke. However, to maximize this opportunity, the air filters themselves must be of high enough efficiency to make a difference. Otherwise, this strategy simply recirculates contaminated air through the facility.

The smoke produced by a wildfire contains a high percentage of microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in size, known as PM2.5. In fact, its estimated 90% of the total mass of wildfire smoke is comprised of these particle sizes. To filter the PM2.5 particles out as air is passed through the HVAC system filters requires air filters with an efficiency rating designed to target the microscopic particles.

Learn more: Air Filter Performance Test Standards

Here is another instance where the difference between equipment commonly found in commercial buildings versus what’s often used in residences matters. Commercial buildings typically have larger HVAC equipment with a greater footprint and higher fan capacity. The size difference may allow the units to accommodate larger air filters with more filtering area. While someunits only come standard with one- or two-inch filter-holding frames or tracks, many can hold filters with an even greater depth or can be retrofitted to hold larger filters. The value of deeper air filters with more filtering area is it allows for high particle capture efficiency ratings (MERV values) but with much lower pressure drops.

For example, a commonly used MERV 8A two-inch pleated filter has a rated initial pressure drop of 0.31″ at 2000 cfm. However, a commonly used 12-inch deep MERV 14A V-bank style air filter has an initial pressure drop of 0.29″ at 2000 cfm which is lower than the MERV 8 filter despite a much higher MERV value. To achieve a MERV 8A value, a filter must have an average particle capture efficiency greater than 20% but less than 35% on particles between 1.0 and 3.0 microns in size. However, a MERV 14A filter is rated to capture an average of 90% of those same particles; 55% to 70% higher than a MERV 8A. When protecting lung health, the difference between MERV 8A and MERV 14A is significant.

Most residential HVAC systems do not have the space (depth) to hold a 12-inch deep air filter. Typically these home units can only hold one- or two-inch deep filters. That limits air filter selection to standard, pleated-panel type air filters. While on paper, MERV 13 air filters with reasonable pressure drops are available, the reality is the air filters are only able to achieve a MERV 13 value by relying on a temporary electrostatic charge which inflates the actual performance. After a period of time, the filters lose MERV value, often dropping to as low as a MERV 8.

Technical Bulletin – MERV vs MERV-A Explained

What other air filter options are available for wildfire smoke?

If a home’s HVAC system is only capable of holding one- or two-inch air filters, steps can still be taken to improve the air. Yes, an electrostatically charged, standard MERV 13 pleated panel filter will lose efficiency as it loads with fine dirt particles, but the level of that drop and the timeframe that loss occurs is dependent on dirt load and airflow. One strategy is to continuously run the fan in the HVAC system (following cautions about bringing in outside air), but replace the filter far more often than normal. And yes, following this strategy will cost more, but the filter will perform closer to its rated MERV value and the cost to provide clean air is far less than treatment for damaged lungs.

The other option is to use room air purifiers. Air purifiers became commonplace during COVID, particularly for parents of school-aged children who needed to make arrangements for in-home learning. There are several benefits to air purifiers which make them a good option when HVAC air filters are limited.

Generally speaking, most air purifiers have filters with high particle capture efficiency, up to and including HEPA filtration. A HEPA filter has a minimum particle capture efficiency of 99.97% on 0.3-micron particles. Ideally, the recommended air purifier should come equipped with a test report certifying that the filter has undergone thorough testing to confirmHEPA-level filtration efficiency prior to being shipped from the factory. Otherwise, while it may be a better filter than most, there’s no guarantee it is an actual HEPA filter.

Another benefit is that air purifiers are usually portable which provides flexibility to select key areas within the home and to create a zone of cleaner air. This may be a bedroom or a larger family room where several occupants gather. There are established calculations that offer guidance when determining if more than one air purifier is needed based on the size of the space in question.

One other benefit is air purifiers can have activated carbon filters installed. Wildfires release gaseous hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (that form ground-level ozone) as well as other harmful gases and volatile organic compounds. These are molecule-sized particles that are up to 1000 times smaller than what the best HEPA filters can capture. While some HVAC air filters include activated carbon, air purifiers have the capability of holding a wider variety and greater volume of carbon media which increases the number of chemicals that can be targeted and extends the filter’s longevity.

Living with wildfire smoke

Ultimately there are areas of the country where, given enough time, wildfire smoke is a virtual certainty. When evacuation orders are issued, occupants should follow the instructions and get away from the area. In those situations where evacuation isn’t ordered or practical, understanding how to limit the amount of smoke entering a building, what to do if it does, and being prepared with the knowledge and equipment to protect the lung health of yourself as well as other occupants, will be an invaluable tool.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

Media Contact:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620

E: Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

F: Friend Camfil USA on Facebook

T: Follow Camfil USA on Twitter

Y: Watch Camfil Videos on YouTube

L: Follow our LinkedIn Page

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Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Air Pollution and the Future: The Rising Importance of HEPA Filtration

Air pollution is a pressing global concern with significant health implications. With escalating air pollution levels, a persistent pandemic, and heightened awareness of indoor air quality, the role of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration is increasingly critical. As per 2023 data from the American Lung Association, many US cities, most of which are in California, have poor air quality based on measures of ozone and particle pollution. Looking ahead, urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements are expected to shape the future of air quality and the demand for HEPA filtration systems. Addressing air pollution at its source by promoting sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse emissions remains a crucial part of this discussion.

According to the American Lung Association State of the Air report, the cities in the United States with the worst air quality as of 2023 are primarily in California, with some cities in other states also affected. Here are the rankings for the most polluted cities based on three measures of pollution: ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution.

Based on ozone levels, the most polluted cities in the United States in 2023 are:

San Bernardino, California
Riverside, California
Los Angeles, California
Tulare, California
Kern, California
Fresno, California
Maricopa, Arizona
Jefferson, California
Placer, California
San Diego, California
Douglas, Colorado
Harris, Texas
Salt Lake City, Utah
Madera, California
Nevada, California
Stanislaus, California
Orange, California
Kings, California
Eddy, New Mexico
Arapahoe, Colorado
Mariposa, California
Pinal, Arizona
Sacramento, California
Fairfield, Connecticut
Imperial, California

Based on short-term particle pollution levels:

Kern, California
Fresno, California
Mono, California
Kings, California
Klamath, Oregon
Inyo, California
Fairbanks North Star, Alaska
Tulare, California
Siskiyou, California
Douglas, Nevada
Stanislaus, California
Tehama, California
Plumas, California
Washoe, Nevada
Carson City, California
Madera, California
Nevada, California
Butte, California
Los Angeles, California
Colusa, California
Yakima, Washington
Sutter, California
Sacramento, California
Placer, California
San Joaquin, California

Based on year-round Particle Pollution:

Kern, California
Tulare, California
Plumas, California
Klamath, California
Kings, California
Fresno, California
San Bernardino, California
Riverside, California
Lincoln, Montana
Fairbanks North Star, Alaska
Sutter, California
Jackson, Oregon
Los Angeles, California
Madera, California
Pinal, Arizona
Stanislaus, California
Okanogan, Washington
Marion, Indiana
Merced, California
San Joaquin, California
Yakima, Washington
Wayne, Michigan
Butte, California
Josephine, Oregon
Allegheny, Pennsylvania

Eleven counties received failing grades for all three measures of pollution: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Tulare in California and Pinal in Arizona

https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings/most-polluted-places

Air pollution, both within our homes and in the outdoor environment, is a major global concern with significant implications for human health. With rising air pollution levels, an ongoing global pandemic, and a growing awareness of indoor air quality, it’s apparent that the future of air and the importance of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration are more relevant than ever before.

HEPA filters are meticulously designed to trap a minimum of 99.97% of particles that measure 0.3 microns in size, making them effective against a wide array of pollutants including dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even certain bacteria and viruses. Our understanding of air pollution is evolving, and we’re now recognizing that these pollutants are not just nuisances but potential threats to health. Long-term exposure to particulate pollution, for instance, has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the importance of indoor air quality. As the virus is predominantly transmitted through respiratory droplets and aerosols, HEPA filtration has been identified as a crucial strategy in reducing airborne transmission in indoor settings. In fact, some studies suggest that air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce the concentration of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the air.

Because HEPA filters cannot trap gaseous pollutants such as ozone, it is also important to implement an activated carbon or similar activated filter media in conjunction with HEPA filtration efforts in order to effectively target all kinds of pollution.

Recent data from the American Lung Association highlights this urgent issue. The cities in the United States with the worst air quality as of 2023 are predominantly in California, but several cities in other states are also affected. These rankings are based on three measures of pollution: ozone, short-term particle pollution, and year-round particle pollution. In some instances, cities like Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Sutter, and Tulare in California, as well as Pinal in Arizona, received failing grades for all three measures of pollution.

Looking ahead, the future of air is likely to be influenced by three key factors:

Increased urbanization and industrialization: As more people migrate to cities and industrial activities increase, air pollution levels are expected to rise. This will likely lead to an increased demand for effective air filtration systems, such as those equipped with HEPA filters.
Climate change: Climate change is expected to exacerbate air pollution problems, with rising temperatures potentially leading to an increase in the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. This suggests that the need for effective air filtration will only grow in the future.
Technological advancements: The future may bring more advanced and efficient air purification technologies. For instance, we might see the development of ‘smart’ air purifiers that can monitor air quality in real time and adjust their operation accordingly.

In conclusion, the future of air is a significant concern that requires our immediate attention. HEPA filtration will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in providing cleaner and healthier indoor environments. However, it’s also crucial that we address air pollution at its source by promoting sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The severity of air pollution in many U.S. cities underscores the urgent need for both effective air filtration systems and broader strategies to reduce pollution levels.

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New York City Issues Air Quality Advisory as Air Quality Worsens to Become Among Worst in the World

Early Wednesday morning (June 7), pollution in New York City was so severe that its air quality rating was one of the worst in the world, second only to Delhi, due in large part to smoke traveling on the wind from Canadian wildfires. In response, the City of New York has issued an air quality advisory for the entire city and the FAA issued a ground stop at New York’s LaGuardia Airport due to low visibility.

The advisory warns New Yorkers that those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD may experience difficulty breathing or worsening symptoms due to poor air quality. The City also cautioned all citizens to limit their outdoor activities in order to reduce exposure to high levels of air pollutants.

According to Air Quality Index data, New York’s air quality usually falls within the “good” range, with an AQI score averaging around 50. Currently, however, air quality around New York is in the “healthy” and “unhealthy” ranges, with scores in areas such as the Bronx surpassing 200.

Continue reading to hear from air pollution experts about how wildfire smoke affects air quality and what you should do to limit pollution exposure.

What is the Air Quality Index?

The AQI, created by the EPA to measure air pollution levels based on area in the U.S., is now universally accepted. Each airport measures readings on an AQI scale that ranges from 0 to 500 to quantify pollution levels and potential health effects.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) has six categories, each with a corresponding color and level of health concern. Green and yellow (acceptable), orange (affecting sensitive people), red, and purple (cause for alarm and a call to stay inside), along with maroon (emergency conditions), make it easy to know when air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in your area.

The following table shows the AQI levels and their corresponding scores:

How Do Wildfires Affect Air Quality?

Wildfires in the U.S. mainly impact the west coast and northern states, but their smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, leading to hazy conditions and poor air quality even far from the fire.

The current air quality situation in New York (and in other U.S. cities such as Washington D.C.) is an example of how wildfire smoke can be carried far from the source of the wildfire and affect air quality all over North America.

What Pollutants Are Found in Wildfire Smoke?

Wildfires involve both complete and incomplete combustion of wood, plant matter, and other organic materials found in forests, which means that the pollution emitted by wildfires contains a broad range of pollutants.

There are two types of air pollutants: gaseous pollutants and particulate matter. Wildfire smoke may contain varying types of gaseous pollutants dependent on the burned material. Some of the most frequently found in wildfires include:

ozone
sulfur dioxide
nitrogen oxides
carbon monoxide
carbon dioxide
volatile organics compounds (VOCs)
water vapor

The other category of pollutant is particulate matter. Particulate matter is defined as any solid or liquid particle small enough to remain suspended in the air. Particulate matter is a common result of the combustion processes that occur in wildfires, including substances such as soot and black carbon.

Tips For Staying Safe When New York Air Quality is Affected by Wildfire Smoke

To account for air quality advisories and poor ambient air quality during wildfire season, it’s crucial to consider the effects of wildfire smoke and prepare accordingly, regardless of whether you live in an area directly affected by wildfires.

To avoid being harmed by dangerous wildfire smoke pollution that can disperse thousands of miles away from where it started, stay indoors when an air quality advisory is issued, or when you see visible haze. Close your doors and windows to maintain good air quality indoors. If you have to leave home, try to limit outdoor time as much as possible.
It’s advisable to steer clear of outdoor workouts, specifically running and hiking, as deep breathing during these activities leads to increased inhalation of pollutants.
To maintain good health during spikes in poor air quality, it’s crucial to visit indoor spaces with controlled, well-filtered air supply. Furthermore, although adequate ventilation is ideal, it’s important to ensure any outdoor air also goes through proper filtration before entering indoor spaces. It is also important to remember that just because you are inside does not mean that your lungs won’t be affected by pollution. Because of outdated building design, inadequate air filtration, and other factors, indoor air quality can be as much as 50 times worse than the air outside
Maintain adequate filtration in your house. In addition to helping clean the air you breathe, this is crucial because most HVAC systems are not equipped to handle the extreme levels of pollution associated with wildfire smoke. The panel and fiberglass filters found in HVAC systems are there to protect the equipment from being damaged by normal amounts of pollution in the air. During wildfire season, you may find that you need to change your HVAC air filters more frequently.
Adding an air purifier to your HVAC system filtration can help protect your health from indoor pollution. Due to limited filter capacity, most residential HVAC systems cannot deliver the necessary efficiency, making air purifiers a valuable supplement. HEPA filtration air purifiers can provide ample filtration to eliminate pollutants. Camfil’s City M uses both HEPA and activated carbon filtration to target particulate matter and gaseous pollutants for cleaner air.

Learn more from molecular air filtration expert Jennifer Webb about wildfire air quality in this Camfil video: What Filters Does An Air Filtration Professional Use During Wildfires?

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Camfil USA Air Filters

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The post New York City Issues Air Quality Advisory as Air Quality Worsens to Become Among Worst in the World appeared first on Air Filters for Clean Air.

from Air Filters for Clean Air

Monday, June 5, 2023

The Hidden Benefits of Clean Air: Exploring the Link Between Better Indoor Air Quality and Improved Productivity

Discussions of the benefits of cleaner air often highlight the impact of both indoor and ambient (outdoor) air pollution on human health, particularly the health of our lungs and hearts, and on the environment. However, the benefits of breathing clean air extend far beyond reduced instances of respiratory irritation and diseases.

An important but often overlooked benefit of clean indoor air is its positive effects on worker productivity. In this article, Camfil air quality experts discuss how air quality impacts productivity and how to achieve clean air in commercial office spaces.

How Does Air Quality Affect Worker Productivity?

Despite its significance, the quality of indoor air at workplaces is often neglected while trying to enhance employee productivity. Research suggests that maintaining clean indoor air can have a substantial impact on people’s performance at work. Let’s take a look at a handful of studies published in recent years on the correlation between air quality and productivity.

Modern research clearly shows that the quality of the air filter can make a noticeable difference. The higher the volume of air pollution that comes into a building, the more people will suffer from bad air symptoms like headaches, irritated eyes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, etc., resulting in less work getting accomplished.

Study: Workplace Productivity Decreases When Employees Are Exposed to Air Pollution

A study conducted in China looked at output data from two travel agency call centers in Shanghai and Nantong alongside data about air quality from the Chinese Air Quality Index.

Linking outdoor air quality and weather to each worker’s output, a study found that higher air pollution results in a reduction of daily calls. Specifically, a 10-unit rise in the Air Quality Index resulted in a 0.35% decrease in calls handled per worker.

Air pollution reduction could drive increased productivity in the Chinese service sector by billions of dollars per year, as per researcher estimations. Similar effects may be witnessed in metropolitan areas worldwide.

Study: Air Pollution Negatively Affects All Domains of Cognitive Function

An experimental study tested the impact of air quality on the cognitive performance of office workers in an environmentally controlled office space over the course of six eight-hour work days. Participants were blinded to test conditions as they were exposed to different levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and CO2, as well as different rates of ventilation.

This study tested nine different domains of cognitive function, each of which is an important component of the critical thinking and problem-solving required in modern office workplaces:

Basic Activity Level — the overall ability to make decisions.
Applied Activity Level — the ability to make decisions oriented to overall goals.
Focused Activity Level — the ability to focus on the current task or situation.
Task Orientation — the ability to make decisions that contribute to task completion.
Crisis Response — the ability to plan, strategize, and stay prepared in emergency situations.
Information Seeking — the ability to gather necessary information from a variety of available sources.
Information Usage — the ability to use provided and gathered information to reach goals.
Breadth of Approach — the ability to consider multiple dimensions in decision-making and use a variety of approaches to achieve goals.
Strategy — the ability to optimize information and planning to reach well-integrated solutions.

Higher air quality was found to improve cognitive function in all nine domains tested. Cognitive scores were on average 61% higher on days with better air quality and 101% higher on days with both improved air quality and ventilation. Typical office conditions showed poorer cognitive performance.

Study: Poor Air Quality Means Getting Less Done, and Personal Computers Contribute to Poor Air Quality

Another study highlighted the impact of personal computers on air quality and the resulting dip in productivity. During two 8-week periods, office workers were studied to observe the impact on productivity when removing common indoor air pollution sources and increasing the per-person supply rate of clean outdoor air. The study concluded that poor indoor air quality can reduce office productivity by 6-10%.

Another important finding from this study was that commonly used brands and models of personal computers used in offices are responsible for generating harmful pollutants and contributing to poor indoor air quality. This means that even in areas where ambient air quality is good, the work conducted in offices is responsible for poor indoor air quality.

Study: Clean Air May Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly Populations

Another Chinese study collected the language and math test scores of more than 20,000 people aged ten or older in China over a 4-year period between 2010 and 2014. They then compared this data with air pollution records during the same time period, taking a particular interest in particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Exposure to air pollution over the long term can lead to a decline in cognitive performance such as attention, recall, and ability to process new information. Researchers report a reduction in verbal and math test scores. Importantly, the effects of air pollution on poor cognition were more pronounced as the age of participants increased, indicating a possibility that air pollution may accelerate the cognitive decline associated with natural aging. This effect was especially pronounced in men and individuals with low educational attainment.

The Role of Premium Air Filters in Improving Productivity

Air filters in our ventilation systems are crucial to protect our health and well-being by cleansing outdoor air. Not all filters are created equal – some are more effective at trapping harmful particles and gases and maintain the rated efficiency for longer. Choosing the right one is essential to ensure productivity and safety indoors is highly dependent on the specifics of the building and the needs of the company.

Key considerations for choosing the right combination of air filters for your office include:

Building size and usage
Pollution sources and levels
Specific air quality goals
Industry regulations and standards for air quality
Operational cost
Maintenance requirements

Furthermore, air filters and air purifiers in offices should target both gaseous and particulate pollutants, as both types of air pollutants affect employee health and productivity.

The City M air purifier is an ideal solution to improve indoor air quality in offices for several reasons:

The City M is equipped with HEPA air filtration, featuring individually tested filters certified to remove 99.995% of the most penetrating particle size. This efficient system helps safeguard employees from COVID-19 transmission and other airborne diseases while also shielding them from even the smallest particulate matter and harmful gaseous pollutants.
The City M functions independently of the HVAC system and plugs directly into standard electrical outlets, meaning that it is accessible to all buildings, regardless of existing air handling units.
The City M is quiet, so it will not cause distractions in an office.