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What is PM 2.5 and What Does it Mean for Indoor Air Quality?

Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread wildfires in the U.S. and Canada have brought much-needed attention to the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and the critical need to improve the air we breathe. The good news is that there are several simple methods for reducing PM 2.5 and improving indoor air quality.

As more research on air quality is conducted, scientists are taking a deeper look at the impact of particulate matter (PM) on both indoor and outdoor air quality and its effect on human health. The science of particulate matter can be a bit daunting, so let’s put things in perspective. 

PM is a complex mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets in the air. It is measured in sizes, such as PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 includes things like dust, pollen, and mold, while PM2.5 includes combustion particles and organic compounds like smoke. 

To put the physical size of PM into context, a human hair is about 50-70 micrometers in diameter, while fine beach sand is a little larger, at about 90 micrometers. PM10 is less than 10 micrometers, while PM2.5 is less than 2.5 micrometers. These are very tiny particles that are invisible to the naked eye.  

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), when it comes to the human respiratory system, PM10 particles can reach the upper airways and trachea, and can typically be eliminated by sneezing or simple nose blowing. But PM 2.5, also known as fine particles, has the potential to penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to health problems.

PM 2.5 can enter indoor environments from outdoor sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and natural phenomena like wildfires. However, indoor activities contribute significantly to PM 2.5 levels as well. Common sources include: 

  • Cooking: Frying, baking, and grilling release fine particles into the air. 
  • Heating systems: Fireplaces and wood stoves can emit PM 2.5. 
  • Cigarette smoke: One of the most potent indoor sources of PM 2.5, affecting not just smokers but also those exposed to secondhand smoke. 
  • Candles and incense: Burning candles or incense can release fine particles into the air. 
  • Cleaning products: Certain aerosols and chemical cleaners release particulate matter when used indoors. 

The concentration of PM 2.5 indoors, where people spend about 90 percent of their time, can sometimes surpass outdoor levels, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Cooking without proper ventilation or smoking indoors can rapidly increase PM 2.5 concentrations, negatively impacting the indoor air quality.   

So, what can you do to reduce PM 2.5 indoors? Monitoring PM 2.5 levels in indoor environments has become easier with the availability of affordable air quality monitors, which can provide real-time feedback on the concentration of fine particles, helping families or businesses take corrective measures. 

In addition, there are several ways to minimize exposure to PM 2.5, including: 

  1. Improve ventilation while cooking: An externally vented range hood is the best way to reduce cooking-related pollutants. Downdraft ranges and cooktops, over-the-range microwaves with built-in fans, ceiling fans and air cleaners can also reduce cooking-related pollution.  
  2. Use an air cleaner: Portable room air cleaners, also called air purifiers, represent the quickest, most accessible option for improving indoor air quality in the home. When you are ready to purchase an air cleaner, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark (learn more about AHAM Verifide® below). 
  3. Avoid smoking indoors: Smoking indoors dramatically increases PM 2.5 levels. Ensuring homes and workplaces remain smoke-free is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure. 
  4. Clean regularly: Dusting with damp cloths and vacuuming with HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaners can help reduce particulate matter buildup.
  5. Check real-time outdoor air quality levels: With a simple zip code search, you can get up-to-date air quality data for where you live (including levels of PM2.5 and 10) at www.airnow.gov.  

By understanding its sources, health risks, and methods of control, you can take practical steps to reduce PM 2.5 and improve the indoor air quality in your home.  

About AHAM Verifide® 

When you are ready to purchase an air cleaner, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark. Room air cleaners certified through the AHAM Verifide® program have been rigorously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the product will perform to the manufacturer’s product claims for the suggested room size. AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on product packaging.  

To find AHAM Verifide® room air cleaners, use AHAM’s online searchable directory to locate the model that is right for you. 

Find a Certified Room Air Cleaner Here 

Post-flood Appliance Safety and Cleanup Tips


If you are anticipating flooding in your area, it is important to know how to safely handle appliances that have been in a flooded home.

Flooding can cause serious damage to appliances and make them hazardous to operate, even if they look normal. If your home has been flooded or you are expecting flooding, follow these appliance safety tips, which include information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Red Cross.

  • If the storm requires you to evacuate, unplug appliances except for refrigerators or freezers before leaving. Turn off gas and electricity if your home is damaged or if you are instructed to do so.
  • Do not turn on or plug in any appliances after a flood, as doing so could cause an electric shock or fire.
  • Flooding may cause gas appliances to move or break. Leave immediately if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak. Turn off the gas and leave the door open.
  • Clean and sanitize all hard surfaces, including countertops, concrete, plumbing fixtures and major and portable appliances. This is critical to remove and to prevent mold. Use hot water and dish detergent to clean, and a capful of bleach in a gallon of water to sanitize. Wash your hands with boiled and cooled or sanitized water after cleaning.
  • Wash any contaminated clothes in a laundromat or machine in a location that hasn’t been flooded if yours hasn’t been inspected, serviced and cleared for use.
    Cleaning up after the flood
    Cleaning up after a flood is a major project. These steps will help you speed up the process:
  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in your home. Your dehumidifier should be positioned in a dry area at least six inches from a wall. Avoid using extension cords to reduce the risk of electric shock. Open windows if the outdoor humidity is lower than the humidity in the house.
  • If you use a wet-dry vacuum during cleanup, follow all manufacturers’ directions to avoid electric shock. Be prepared to replace your appliances after the flood. While it’s possible that some may be recovered, don’t use them until they have been thoroughly inspected by an electrician or qualified technician who can assess whether they are safe to use.
  • Your air conditioner will also help reduce indoor humidity. However, do not use your AC if it has been in contact with flood water.
  • Use fans to improve ventilation and move humid air outside the home.

Respiratory Illnesses, Fall Allergies Put Indoor Air Quality in Focus

If indoor air quality had a season, fall might be it. With millions of children across the U.S. and Canada now back in school, multiple indoor air quality concerns are on the minds of parents, educators and others. Those include new COVID variants, fall allergies, and the spread of illnesses like colds and the flu.

While there’s no way to completely avoid illness-causing viruses and bacteria, there are ways to reduce the risk of indoor transmission. Portable room air cleaners represent the quickest, most accessible option for consumers who want to improve the indoor air quality in their home or classroom. Testing has shown that room air cleaners with HEPA filters have the ability to reduce the level of viruses, bacteria and mold in indoor air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said that, when used properly, air cleaners can help reduce airborne pollutants, including viruses.

Indoor air quality gained prominence as a public health issue during the  the COVID-19 pandemic, and many have made room air cleaners an important part of their plan to reduce the chance of transmission. Almost half (46%) who responded to an AHAM survey conducted in late 2020 said they had taken steps to improve their home’s indoor air quality during the pandemic. Another 16% reported having purchased an air cleaner during the pandemic. Among those who owned a portable air cleaner, 42% reported using it more than they had prior to the pandemic.

In addition to viruses and illness, many consumers also reported being concerned about pollutants like dust, mold and pollen.

There will soon be an easy way to compare the ability of different air cleaner models to remove viruses, bacteria and mold. AHAM has developed a room air cleaner standard that measures removal of microbiological pollutants like viruses, bacteria and mold. The standard, AHAM-AC-5-2022, is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and will ultimately be added to AHAM’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which assigns numerical ratings based on an air cleaner’s tested performance in a given room size.

AHAM AC-5 was developed over 18 months by a team of public health professionals, engineers and academic researchers.

Room air cleaner use tips

  • Air cleaners should be positioned as close as possible to the center of the room to maximize airflow.
  • Change the air cleaner filter regularly, according to the model’s use and care manual.
  • Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly to remove pollutants that could potentially be put back into the air.

Suffering from Fall Allergies? We’ve Got Tips for Conquering Them

 

While most people tend to think of spring as peak allergy season, the reality is that millions of people suffer from allergies all year long, and the Fall season can be particularly bothersome for allergy sufferers.  

Hay fever—which actually has nothing to do with hay or fevers—is a general term used to describe the symptoms of late summer and fall allergies. The biggest culprits of hay fever are pollen and ragweed.  

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), ragweed starts to release pollen in mid-August, when the days are still warm and the nights start to get cooler. It can last well into September and October, typically continuing to wreak havoc until the first hard freeze, depending on where you live. It grows wild almost everywhere, especially on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Ragweed pollen is really light, so it spreads far and wide, and even if ragweed doesn’t grow where you live, ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles in the wind!  

Autumn leaves can also trigger allergic reactions for millions of people. While most homeowners find it difficult to keep up with all those pesky leaves, for allergy sufferers, raking leaves presents even greater challenges. It can agitate pollen and mold, releasing it into the air, causing allergy and asthma symptoms to spike. 

Speaking of mold, it’s yet another fall allergy trigger. While we know that mold can grow in damp areas in the house, mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves and decaying plants are ideal breeding grounds for mold. 

Indoor Allergens 

While the great outdoors is the source of most seasonal allergens (which also make their way inside on clothes, shoes, hair, and more), our homes harbor all sorts of indoor allergens, with many causing chronic suffering and asthma, especially for those who are more susceptible to respiratory issues, like young children and the elderly, or those with auto-immune disorders. 

With simple everyday living, all sorts of unseen contaminants and air pollutants are generated, like dirt, dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and even chemicals. Those pesky dust mites and other pollutants get stirred up in your indoor air anytime your HVAC system is running, whether air conditioning or heat. That’s because your HVAC system pulls in all those contaminants and pollutants, and then recirculates the air throughout your home an average of five to seven times per day!  

Then there’s mold, which is perhaps the most bothersome allergen of all. Mold and mildew can lurk all around your home, and if undetected or ignored, mold growth can turn into a serious health issue for everyone living under its roof. 

Just like seasonal outdoor allergies, indoor allergens trigger sneezing, wheezing, runny noses, and more. 

Tips for Dealing with Allergens in the Home 

While there is no cure for allergies, many of the appliances you may already have around the house—namely a room air cleaner, vacuum, and clothes washer—can help reduce indoor air pollutants. Following are our best tips for dealing with indoor allergens:  

  • Invest in a room air cleaner. Portable room air cleaners, also called air purifiers, represent the quickest, most accessible option for improving indoor air quality in the home. Air cleaners can filter out harmful particulates such as tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen, making the air your family breathes cleaner and healthier. When you’re ready to purchase an air cleaner, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark (learn more about AHAM Verifide below). 
  • Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens; dry them in a hot dryer cycle to kill dust mites. Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding. Use dust mite-proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses, and box springs. 
  • Vacuum frequently. Vacuuming helps keep allergens low, but keep in mind that poor quality vacuums can put dust back into the air. Look for certified asthma- and allergy-friendly vacuums.  
  • Prevent pollen from getting inside by keeping windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning in warm weather to control dust mites and reduce humidity. Change filters often. 
  • Take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors. Ask everyone who enters your home to leave their shoes at the door. 
  • Control dust mites by keeping surfaces in your home clean and uncluttered.  

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases, with more than 100 million Americans suffering from various types of allergies each year.  

About AHAM Verifide 

When you’re ready to purchase an air cleaner, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark. Room air cleaners certified through the AHAM Verifide program have been rigorously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the product will perform to the manufacturer’s product claims for the suggested room size. AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on product packaging.  

To find AHAM Verifide® room air cleaners, use AHAM’s online searchable directory to locate the model that’s right for you. 

Find a Certified Room Air Cleaner Here 

 

Back to School: Why Air Cleaners are an Essential Tool for a Healthy Classroom

Pencils are sharpened and backpacks are filled. School is back in session, and teachers, students, and parents are hopeful for the best year yet! In addition to those long lists of school supplies, there’s one often-overlooked tool that should be on every classroom’s checklist: a portable air cleaner. 

While most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can also have significant and harmful health effects. IAQ is a real concern as students head back to the classroom—especially considering fall allergies, illnesses like the common cold and the flu, and new COVID variants.  

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors where levels of pollutants can be two to five times—and occasionally more than 100 times—higher than outdoor levels due to dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses, and more.  These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern in classrooms, where students and teachers are in close quarters for several hours each day.  

The Importance of Clean Air in Schools 

The quality of the air we breathe significantly impacts our health, concentration, and overall well-being. For students, who spend a considerable amount of their day in the classroom, breathing clean air is crucial. Poor indoor air quality can lead to:   

  • Increased absenteeism: Exposure to allergens and pollutants can cause respiratory issues, leading to more sick days. 
  • Reduced concentration and learning: Stuffy, polluted air can make students feel lethargic, impacting their ability to focus and learn. 
  • Aggravated asthma and allergies: For students with asthma or allergies, poor air quality can trigger symptoms, affecting their comfort and safety.

How Air Cleaners Make a Difference 

While there’s no way to completely avoid illness-causing viruses and bacteria, there are ways to reduce the risk of indoor transmission. Portable room air cleaners are the quickest, most accessible option for improving indoor air quality in the classroom.  

Air cleaners, also known as air purifiers, work by filtering out harmful particles including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses from the air. By removing these pollutants, air cleaners can significantly improve the air quality in classrooms, creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment. 

Choosing the Right Air Cleaner for Your Classroom 

When selecting an air cleaner for a classroom, consider the following factors: 

  • Size of the room: Ensure the air cleaner is capable of effectively covering the size of the classroom. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended room size.
  • Noise level: Since classrooms need to be quiet for effective learning, choose a model that operates quietly to avoid distractions. 
  • Maintenance: Opt for air cleaners that are easy to maintain, with filters that are simple to replace. 

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Air Cleaner 

  • Air cleaners should be positioned as close as possible to the center of the room to maximize airflow. 
  • Change the air cleaner filter regularly, according to the model’s use and care instructions. 

Other Ways to Maximize Indoor Air Quality in the Classroom 

In addition to using air cleaners, here are a few other ways to improve indoor air quality: 

  1. Open windows: Whenever possible, open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce indoor pollutants. 
  2. Regular cleaning: Dust and clean surfaces regularly to prevent the buildup of allergens. 
  3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Use non-toxic cleaning products to minimize the release of harmful fumes. 
  4. Limit the use of carpets and rugs: Carpets can trap dust and allergens. If possible, opt for hard flooring that’s easier to clean. 
  5. Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly to remove pollutants that could potentially end up back in the inside air. 

Let’s prioritize the health and well-being of students and teachers in the new school year. By adding air cleaners to the classroom, we can provide a cleaner, healthier environment that supports learning and growth.  

AHAM Verifide ® 

When you’re ready to purchase an air cleaner for the classroom, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark. Room air cleaners certified through the AHAM Verifide program have been rigorously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the product will perform to the manufacturer’s claims for the suggested room size. AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, with separate scores for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on product packaging.  

To find AHAM Verifide® room air cleaners, use AHAM’s online searchable directory to locate the model that’s right for you. 

Find a Certified Room Air Cleaner Here 

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