Indoor Air
Indoor air covers everything we breathe when inside. We spend approximately 80% of our day indoors, so the air we breathe is incredibly important. The World Health Organisation states that 4 million people die every year because of indoor air pollution. We provide tips and advice on keeping you breathing safe when indoors using air purifiers and other life-hacks.
EN1822 HEPA Filter Testing Standard: Everything You Need to Know
Wondering what the EN1822 HEPA filter standard is, and when to use it? This article covers the scope and history of the EN1822 standard, the different EN1822 filter classifications, and the test methods used. Jump to the relevant section: EN1822 HEPA Filter Standard: Overview EN1822 and its latest version, the …
Does Activated Carbon and HEPA Filter Remove VOCs and Formaldehyde?
Does activated carbon filters remove formaldehyde and VOCs? Earlier tests from Smart Air found that carbon does 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 …
HEPA Filter Fan Placement: Should Air Purifiers Have the HEPA Filter on the Front or Back?
Should air purifiers have the HEPA filter on the front or the back–is it better to push or pull air? The Smart Air lab in Beijing ran tests of the same fan with the HEPA filter on either side, and the results contradict most people’s intuition. When I made my …
Breathing For Mind: Effect of Air Quality on Mental Health
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, concerns about air quality often center around respiratory health and physical well-being. However, a growing body of research is shedding light on a less visible but equally significant aspect: the profound impact of air quality on mental health. This article delves into …
Can Plants, like Aloe Vera and Spider Plants, Purify the Air in Homes?
Can plants effectively replace air purifiers? The data suggests that plants may not excel at removing VOCs from the air. Despite a NASA study highlighting certain plants like ivy, spider plants, aloe vera, and bamboo palm as potential VOC reducers, real-home data tells a different story. Now, let’s consider the …
How Long Do Viruses Remain in the Air with Windows Open?
The ventilation and air circulation in a space can affect the persistence of viruses in the air. Data shows that having good indoor ventilation can reduce the chance of virus transmission. Armed with that knowledge, can something as simple as opening a door or a window help to fight COVID-19 …
How to Improve Ventilation in Offices and Homes?
Data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that improving ventilation can lead to a decrease in virus transmission. As such, better ventilation indoors should be considered an important step in reducing the spread of viruses in offices and homes. This article covers three simple steps to improve indoor …
How Long Does It Take for Formaldehyde & VOCs to Off-Gas From Furniture and Your Home?
An important question about formaldehyde is how long it takes for formaldehyde to off-gas in new homes and new furniture–how long will it take for levels to get back to normal? The best data I’ve seen suggests formaldehyde takes about two years to off-gas back to normal levels. What is …
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): What is it & How to Calculate it
Air changes per hour (ACH) stands as an important metric in ensuring a room maintains good air quality and adequate ventilation. But what exactly is air changes per hour, and how can you calculate it? What is Air Changes Per Hour? Air changes per hour is simply the amount of …
