#PM2.5 Filtration

[vmantras]

BYD Seal Premium: The Future of Electric Sedans

₹45.55 Lakh The BYD Seal Premium represents a significant step in the electric sedan market, combining advanced technology, luxury, and high performance. Below is a detailed analysis of its key aspects, advantages, and areas of improvement. General Features and Design Sophisticated Color Palette: Available in Arctic Blue, Aurora White, Atlantis Grey, and Cosmos Black, the Seal Premium…

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

Not covid, but another great reason to keep masks on hand: Fine particulate matter increases all sorts of other health issues like asthma, high blood pressure, some cancers, and even strokes. Pollution is just as bad for you as covid in some senses.

By Alden Woods and Kiyomi Taguchi

As Baby Boomers hit retirement, about 1 in 6 Americans is now over the age of 65. The number of Americans living with dementia is projected to skyrocket — but the proportion of older Americans who develop dementia has actually decreased. The exact reason why is uncertain, but various lifestyle and environmental factors can influence a person’s risk of cognitive decline.

One recently discovered risk is air pollution. Studies have linked exposure to a type of air pollution called fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, with an increased risk of developing dementia, and researchers suspect that some sources of PM2.5 may pose a greater risk than others.

New research led by the University of Washington found that wildfire smoke is especially hazardous. An analysis of the health care records of 1.2 million Southern California residents found that higher long-term smoke exposure was associated with a significant increase in the odds that a person would be diagnosed with dementia.

The researchers presented their findings at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July and published the full study Nov. 25 in JAMA Neurology.

“There have been studies that have found total PM2.5 is related to people developing dementia, but no one had looked specifically at wildfire PM2.5,” said lead author Joan Casey, a UW associate professor of environmental & occupational health sciences. “Wildfire smoke is a different animal, in that it’s much spikier. There are many days where there’s no wildfire smoke, and there are some days where exposure is really, really extreme.”

Researchers analyzed the health records of 1.2 million members aged 60 and older of Kaiser Permanente Southern California between 2008 and 2019, all of whom were free from dementia at the start of the study period. They estimated each person’s long-term exposure to both wildfire and non-wildfire PM2.5 as a three-year rolling average, and then identified people who received a dementia diagnosis.

Researchers found that for every 1 microgram per cubic meter (µg/m3) increase in three-year average wildfire PM2.5 concentration, the odds of a dementia diagnosis increased by 18%. Exposure to non-wildfire PM2.5 also increased a person’s risk of dementia, but to a much lesser degree.

“One microgram per meter cubed might sound fairly small, but we have to think about how people are exposed to wildfire smoke,” Casey said. “Most days they aren’t exposed at all, so this might represent a few days of exposure at a concentration of something like 300 µg/m3, where the AQI is over 200 in someone’s community. When you think about it, it’s actually a few really severe wildfire smoke days that might translate into increased risk.”

That risk further increased among racialized people and those living in high-poverty census tracts, following long-term trends in which vulnerable populations often experience disproportionate effects of environmental hazards. The authors suggested that disparities might be related to lower-quality housing, which can increase the amount of smoke that enters people’s homes, or lower-income families’ inability to afford air filtration systems.

The study period does not include the summers of 2020 and 2021, which produced the most extreme wildfire seasons recorded in California. The climate crisis has drastically increased the frequency and severity of wildfires across the American West, introducing “smoke season” in many West Coast regions The influx of smoke has chipped away at air quality improvements made over the last century.

“The main culprit here is climate change,” Casey said. “It’s a global problem. While individuals can protect themselves with air filters and masks, we need a global solution to climate change. It’s going to have to be many-pronged — many people have to be involved to solve this highly complex problem.”

Co-authors on this study are Holly Elser of the University of Pennsylvania; Timothy Frankland of the Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Center for Integrated Health Research; Chen Chen and Tarik Benmarhnia of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego; Sara Tartof and Gina Lee of Kaiser Permanente Southern California; Elizabeth Rose Mayeda of UCLA; Dr. Alexander Northrop of Columbia University; and Jacqueline Torres of UC San Francisco. This research was funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences.

Study link: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2827124

[direquail]

if anyone is looking for something to make their air a little more breathable and has the money for things, here are the tools i wish i’d had before wildfire smoke ruined my lungs:

You want a mask. Respro remains my go-to. Note that this is the specific type of filter you want for whatever mask shell you purchase—charcoal filter + hepa.

Why HEPA? Because you want things rated PM2.5 (that’s rated for particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter. That’s small enough to get into your bloodstream after you inhale it and cause the kind of damage that gave me, a person with no family history of asthma, absolutely shitty asthma and chronic pain on top of it.

Any amount of work you’ll be doing outside? Wear a mask. Wear a mask, wear a mask, wear a mask. I don’t know if KN-95s for viruses will work as well for smoke as things like a respro, but if it’s what you’ve got, wear it, because that’s better than nothing.

You might also be able to find PM2.5-rated masks at hardware stores, in the US.

You want the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty. Packs a hell of a punch cleaning up your air. Keep it in whatever room of your house you happen to be in, but especially the room you sleep in. Sleeping in smoke will fuck you up, and irritated lungs will keep you from sleeping, which will make everything worse and less comfortable, which is a vicious cycle.

Always have to mention Corsi-Rosenthal boxes. They’re basically DIY HEPA filters. While they often cost less than manufactured air filters like the Coway, the cost of the RIGHT materials is in total not a ton less expensive than the Coway (although it still was less expensive last I checked) and the Coway allows you to clean, maintain, change filters w/o building a new one etc. However, CR boxes are verified to work against viruses and smoke and have caught on in a big way as DIY air filtration to protect yourself from covid:

In all, the key words are “HEPA” and “PM2.5”

[jerdazenglobal]

The JZ450 Air Purifier is the Best Yoga/Fitness Companion of 2024, Praised by Yoga Enthusiasts! 🧘‍🫁

With a CADR value of 468m³/h, it can purify spaces up to 581ft²/54m², perfectly covering home yoga/fitness scenarios. Its 3-layer filtration system and powerful airflow provide a purification efficiency that surpasses other air purifiers of its kind.

Even during rest, it works gracefully without creating extra noise for you! 🤫

Buy Now:

[c19library]

Affordable High-Quality Masks

Last Updated September 4, 2023 (Note: Some products on this list occasionally change prices, and I may not have updated the price yet.)

KN95

WWDOLL KN95

Color Options: Yes Size Options: Yes GB 2626-2019: Yes Manufacturer: Chengde Technology Co. Filtration Test (Adults): 98.63% (Mask Nerd) Filtration Test (Kids): 98.50% (Armbrust)

Adults

Amazon: $17.77 for 25, $13.02 - $22.27 for 50

Amazon.com: WWDOLL KN95 Face Mask 25 Pack, 5-Layers Mask Protection, Breathable KN95 Masks White : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Amazon.com: KN95 Face Mask 50 Pack, WWDOLL KN95 Masks 5-Layer Breathable Mask with Elastic Earloop and Nose Bridge Clip, Disposable Respirator Protection Against PM2.5 Black : Tools & Home Improvement

Kids

Amazon: $17.77 - $24.74 for 50

Amazon.com: WWDOLL Kids KN95 Face Mask 50 Pack, 5-Layers Breathable KN95 Masks for Children, Black : Tools & Home Improvement

WWDOLL Kid KN95 Face Mask 50 Pack, 5-Layers Breathable KN95 Masks, Multicolored - Amazon.com

Hotodeal KN95

Color Options: Yes Size Options: No GB 2626-2019: Yes Manufacturer: Chengde Technology Co. Filtration Test: 99.67% (Armbrust)

Amazon: $34.19 for 60, $43.69 for 120

Amazon.com: Hotodeal KN95 Face Mask 20 PCS,5 Layers Cup Dust Mask Against PM2.5 from Fire Smoke, Dust, for Men, Women, Essential Workers(White) : Tools & Home Improvement

HUHETA KN95

Color Options: Yes Size Options: Yes GB 2626-2019: Uncertain (Assume No) Manufacturer: Guangdong Nuokang Medical Technology CO., Ltd Filtration Test (Adults): 99.70% (Armbrust) Filtration Test (Kids): No data

Adults

Amazon: $11.39 - $14.25 for 30, $14.39 - $21.84 for 60

HUHETA KN95 Face Masks, Packs of 30 Individually Wrapped, 5-Ply Breathable and Comfortable Safety Mask, Filter Efficiency Over 95%, Protective Cup Dust Masks Against PM2.5 (Black Mask): Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

HUHETA KN95 Face Mask 60 PCs, 5-Ply Safety Masks for Men & Women, Filter Efficiency>=95% (Black Mask): Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Kids

Amazon: $11.39 - $14.24 for 30

Kids KN95 Face Masks for Children, Packs of 30 KN95 Mask for Kids, KN95 Black Mask for Girls Boys with Breathable 5-Layers Protection and Adjustable Earloop for School, Park, Indoor, Outdoor Use: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

NOTE: If a KN95 mask is too big for you, or you can feel air leaks when worn, there are products that can bring the ear loops further behind your head or tighten the front for a better seal. N95s are recommended first for an improved fit/seal if you can access them.

Examples:

Fix the Mask: https://www.fixthemask.com

Lanyard: Amazon.com: ZASIE Face Mask Holder, Face Mask Lanyard for Kids and Adults, Face Mask Extender Strap Holder, Face Mask Tightener, 5 Pack : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry

Silicone Buttons: Amazon.com: 4 PCS Extended Silicone Bands Anti-Tightening Strap for Masks to Prevent Ear Pain,Adjustable Comfort mask Grips Extension Buckle Holder Hook Ear Strap,4 Color : Health & Household

Velcro: Amazon.com: Maskie Face Mask Holder, Ultra-Light and Breathable Mask Ear Saver with Adjustable Gripper, Comfortable Mask Strap, Wear It in Multiple Ways, Reusable Mask Extenders/Ear Savers, 2.9 g - URSA Straps : Health & Household

N95

Blox Duckbill N95

Color Options: No Size Options: No NIOSH: Yes Manufacturer: ivWatch

Blox Direct: $12.50 for 50 (~$28 after shipping + tax)

blox N95 (part BLX-9501, medical use) | BloxDirect.com

Project N95: $15 for 50 (~$30 after shipping + tax)

Duckbill Blox N95 Masks Universal (projectn95.org)

3M Aura 9205

Color Options: No Size Options: No NIOSH: Yes Manufacturer: 3M

Amazon: $12 for 20, $129.99 for 440

Amazon.com: 3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9205+, N95, Pack of 20 Disposable Respirators, Individually Wrapped, 3 Panel Flat Fold Design Allows for Facial Movements, Comfortable, NIOSH Approved : Tools & Home Improvement

3M VFlex 9105

Color Options: No Size Options: Yes NIOSH: Yes Manufacturer: 3M

Office Depot: $28.59 - $30.39 for 50

Standard: 3M VFlex Particulate Respirators 9105 N95 White Pack Of 50 Respirators - Office Depot

Small: 3M VFlex Particulate Respirators 9105S N95 White Pack Of 50 Respirators - Office Depot

Honeywell DF300

Color Options: No Size Options: No NIOSH: Yes Manufacturer: Honeywell

Amazon: $34.24 for 50

Amazon.com: Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Flatfold Disposable Respirator- Box of 50, White,One Size : Tools & Home Improvement

Donations (Free)

Project N95 has a free mask program for those in need. https://www.projectn95.org/free-masks/

—————————————————————

Certification Type

GB 2626-2019 (KN95)

95% or higher filtration. Other specific standards set by China. Usually manufactured and certified in China.

https://www.projectn95.org/kn95-mask-guide/

https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/NDA4MTMxMzYz

NIOSH (N95)

95% or higher filtration. Other specific standards set by the United States. Manufactured and certified in the United States.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2021-124/pdfs/2021-124.pdf

Other

Labels that indicate set standards, manufacture, and certification in other countries.

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200403-2

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2020-04-03-0

Filtration Test Results

CDC Testing

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/testing/NonNIOSHresults.html

Third-Party Testing

Mask Nerd: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M0mdNLpTWEGcluK6hh5LjjcFixwmOG853Ff45d3O-L0/htmlview#gid=1976839763

Armbrust: Comprehensive Mask Testing – Armbrust American (armbrustusa.com)

[tameblog]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[ramestoryworld]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[alexha2210]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[angusstory]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[tumibaba]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[vmantras]

BYD Seal Performance: A Game-Changer in Electric Sedans

₹53 Lakh The BYD Seal Performance is a standout electric sedan that blends cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and luxurious comfort. Below is a deeper analysis of its features and capabilities: Design and Aesthetics Exterior Design:The Seal Performance boasts a sleek and aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of just 0.219, which enhances energy efficiency and contributes to…

[romaleen]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[monaleen101]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[iamownerofme]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[shelyold]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the

[iammeandmy]

As Los Angeles battles recent wildfires, air quality across the region has plummeted to hazardous levels. Based on authoritative recommendations, many have turned to air filters and purifiers as a defense against smoke pollution. But what if these solutions are not as protective as suggested? It turns out there are widespread misconceptions about wildfire smoke and its hazards, as well as the effectiveness of air filtration in protecting human health against wildfire smoke because this has been an understudied and consequently overlooked area of research. A scientific paper by Metalmark researchers uncovers critical flaws in current filter technologies and their assessment when it comes to capturing dangerous wildfire smoke particles. "There are a number of misconceptions about the size and behavior of particles generated by wildfires," explains Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. "This leads to a false sense of security when recommending filters tested using methods that don't account for the unique properties of smoke." The recent fires in Los Angeles have blanketed the region in thick smoke. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has reported PM2.5 levels up to 5 times the federal standard, prompting warnings to stay indoors. Understanding Wildfire Smoke and PM2.5 Wildfire smoke consists of fine particulate matter (PM) known as PM2.5, which includes particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter — approximately 1/30 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. While PM2.5 is a regulatory benchmark, this characterization fails to convey the size distribution of smoke particles. Practically all wildfire smoke particles are much smaller, averaging about 0.1-0.3 microns — roughly 1/350 the diameter of a human hair and smaller. This distinction is critical because smaller particles carrying toxic chemicals are more harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and more capable of entering the bloodstream. Key Misconceptions About Wildfire Smoke Misconception #1. Smoke Particles Are Larger Than 1 Micron Wildfire smoke particles are predominantly submicron in size, forming as ultrafine particles (UFPs) immediately during combustion. Over tens of minutes, these particles stabilize between 0.1-0.3 microns, allowing them to travel vast distances without significant size changes. This stability means that harmful smoke particles from fires in Los Angeles can affect air quality across the US West Coast and the rest of the US. Misconception #2. Wildfire Smoke Is Just Like Any Other PM2.5 Unlike urban PM2.5, which often originates from traffic and industrial emissions, wildfire smoke is composed mainly of organic carbon compounds. Fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) include the combustion of biomass, building materials, vehicles, electronics, batteries, and more. They introduce additional toxins, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, isocyanates, dioxins, furans, chlorine, various toxic organic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, formaldehyde), heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While some toxins, such as highly volatile formaldehyde, are transported in gaseous form, many of these toxic substances hitch a ride on smoke particles, often reported at diameters 200-300 nm or below, making them hazardous over long distances. Moreover, wildfire smoke aerosols are dynamic, containing semi-volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and react to form secondary pollutants, further degrading air quality and posing ongoing health threats. Smoke is even known to spread pathogens, contributing to rising cases of Valley Fever, for example. Misconception #3. Smoke Is Harmless If You’re Far from the Fire Smoke’s impact from large-scale extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, for example, smoke traveled thousands of miles and caused hazardous air quality as far away as New York City and Atlanta. Despite the distance, the particle size and toxicity remain largely unchanged, leading to increased respiratory and cardiovascular health issues in affected regions. Research shows that faraway smoke increases cardiopulmonary disease and is associated with up to 1000-fold the premature deaths of the fires themselves. Misconception #4. Staying Indoors Provides Adequate Protection Many believe that staying indoors is a sufficient safeguard against wildfire smoke. However, smoke particles infiltrate buildings through gaps, ventilation systems, and even closed windows. Additionally, indoor air quality can degrade due to formaldehyde, ozone, and other chemicals — common byproducts of wildfires that penetrate indoors. Misconception #5. Current MERV-13 and HEPA Filters Provide Sufficient Protection While MERV-13 and HEPA filters are touted as effective solutions, they have limitations: Suboptimal Performance for Submicron Particles: Most HVAC filters, including MERV 13 and higher grades, are the least effective at capturing particles in the 0.1-0.3 micron range — precisely the size of wildfire smoke particles. Furthermore, their efficacy is not generally assessed for particles in the