Wildfire smoke can enter your home through openings like windows, doors, vents, and air intakes, impacting indoor air quality and posing health risks due to fine particles in the smoke.
On their website, Health Canada suggests using air purifiers, especially for vulnerable groups such as seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with existing health conditions.
To select an effective air purifier consider the following,
Certification and Filter: Opt for an air purifier with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and certification from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
CADR Rating: Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for tobacco smoke on the AHAM label. This rating indicates the machine's ability to reduce smoke, dust, and pollen particles. Aim for a high CADR, considering your room's size.
Room Size: Match the purifier's CADR to at least two-thirds of your room's area. Larger CADR values clean air more effectively.
Avoid Ozone: Steer clear of air purifiers that generate ozone, as it can harm your health. Electrostatic precipitators, ionizers, and UV-based purifiers are not recommended.
How to make the most of your air purifier
Placement: Place it in well-frequented rooms with unobstructed airflow, away from direct people exposure.
Settings: Operate at higher settings for better effectiveness, even though it might be noisier.
Maintenance: Regularly clean or replace filters following the manufacturer's instructions.
Reduce Pollution: Minimize indoor pollution sources such as smoking, incense, candles, and volatile organic compound-emitting products.
For homes with HVAC systems
Filters: Install and replace high-quality air filters as per the manufacturer's guidance.
Fan Operation: Run the furnace fan to help filter indoor air.
Tags: Wildfire Smoke in Your Home, Do Air Filters Work?
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