It turns out, the difference between N95 and KF94 masks is minor for the factors that most users care about. KF94 is the “Korean filter” standard similar to the US N95 mask rating. Let’s dive into the differences: N95 vs KF94 . Note, there is no “N94” or “K94” mask …
Smart Air’s analysis of Bangkok’s PM2.5 data (what is PM2.5?) finds Bangkok air pollution source varies systematically by season and time of day. Bangkok Average PM2.5 First, some basics. In 2020, Bangkok averaged 21 micrograms of PM2.5. That puts Bangkok just over two times the WHO annual limit. (Recently, the …
Choosing which air purifier to buy can seem complicated. With thousands of air purifier models to choose from, how to choose? In this 2022 air purifier buying guide, we take you through the four steps on how to choose an air purifier. What’s the Best Air Purifier? The best air …
Over this last Christmas, I was at home on the couch, and my dad asked me if I’ve seen this new Molekule air purifier he saw an ad review for. He asked because I’ve been building and testing DIY air purifiers ever since a Beijing airpocalypse in 2013 had me coughing …
A question that I get asked often (and that I have always wondered about) is whether my wall-mounted air conditioner is bringing in dirty air from outside. If so, it’d be safer not to use it, especially on days with bad air. My short answer is no. To explain why, …
Air purifiers have become incredibly popular for those looking to protect themselves against COVID-19 and other viruses. That’s not surprising. Data shows that air purifiers can filter out COVID-19. In fact, the EPA now suggests portable air purifiers be used to improve ventilation to protect against COVID-19: However, when looking …
Does a wet mask still work? If your mask is slightly wet, how does this wetness and humidity affect it’s performance? Fortunately, scientists have tested the effectiveness of wet masks. Researchers tested the performance of new and “wet” masks. They asked 22 people to wear either a DIY cloth mask, …
The latest research on the health effects of air pollution have discovered a surprising finding: low levels of air pollution are actually more harmful than higher levels. This data has potentially important implications for people living in relatively “clean” cities like New York and London. My Intuition About Air Pollution’s …
Can activated carbon filters remove formaldehyde and VOCs? Earlier tests from Smart Air found that carbon can reduce VOCs from cigarette smoke. But formaldehyde and VOCs in general are particular concern for many people. We put activated carbon filters to the test by ordering formaldehyde straight from the factory and …
Several people have asked me if they can use one purifier to clean their entire apartment or house. For example, can I put a large purifier in the living room and avoid having to put purifiers in each room? The benefits would be great. This setup would be easier, cheaper, …
