ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

As Canadian Wildfires Worsen Air Quality, Here's How To Protect Yourself and Which Purifiers To Buy

Limiting outdoor activities and staying indoors as much as possible can significantly reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.
UPDATED JAN 22, 2024
Cover Image Source: GettyImages |  David Dee Delgado
Cover Image Source: GettyImages | David Dee Delgado

The devastating wildfires in Canada have had far-reaching effects, causing a significant decline in the air quality in many parts of the United States. The smoke and particulate matter released from these wildfires pose severe health risks. Therefore, it's critical to seek solutions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Let us discuss the crisis caused by wildfires, the health effects of wildfire smoke, identify high-risk individuals, delve into effective measures to reduce exposure, and additionally, evaluate the efficacy of air purifiers, highlight popular brands, and explore alternative methods to mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke.



 

Wildfire smoke contains microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to various health issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that exposure to wildfire smoke can cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Moreover, individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions face an increased risk of developing severe health complications. The most vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.

Source: GettyImages |  Justin Sullivan  Staff
Source: GettyImages | Justin Sullivan Staff

To minimize the risks associated with wildfire smoke, it is essential to take proactive measures to reduce exposure. The following steps can help individuals safeguard their health during wildfire events:

a. Stay Indoors: Limiting outdoor activities and staying indoors as much as possible can significantly reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

b. Keep Windows and Doors Closed: Preventing smoke from entring by closing windows and doors is crucial. This measure helps maintain cleaner indoor air quality and reduces the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

c. Wear a face mask: Good-quality face masks, like N95 and KN95 masks, offer protection from health issues associated with wildfire smoke.

d. Use Air Purifiers: Air purifiers are effective tools for improving indoor air quality during wildfire events. These devices filter out particulate matter, such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants, providing cleaner air to breathe. 

Source: GettyImages | David Dee Delgado  Stringer
Source: GettyImages | David Dee Delgado Stringer

According to a report by IBIS World industry analyst Evan Jozkowski, these concerns are significant factors driving the demand for air purifiers. The surge in demand has not only led to increased sales but also had a positive impact on the stocks of major air purifier manufacturers. Whirlpool and Carrier Global, in particular, have seen a significant uptick of approximately 8% in their stock values in recent days.

Source: GettyImages | Alex Wong  Staff
Source: GettyImages | Alex Wong Staff

When selecting an air purifier to combat wildfire smoke, several factors should be taken into account. The key considerations include the size of the area to be covered, the type of filter used, the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), noise levels, and energy efficiency. By evaluating these factors, individuals can make an informed decision and choose an air purifier that best suits their needs.

Source: GettyImages |  Jean Chung  Stringer
Source: GettyImages | Jean Chung Stringer

Various air purifier brands have gained popularity for their effectiveness in combating wildfire smoke. Here are a selection of noteworthy brands to consider:

Veva - Veva air purifiers have established a reputation for their reliable performance and incorporation of true HEPA filters. They are highly regarded for their durability, affordability, and compact design. An example is the Veva 8000 Black Air Purifier, which effectively covers an area of approximately 325 square feet. It features a replaceable filter that typically lasts for about a year.

Yiou - Yiou air purifiers are specifically designed to effectively capture particulate matter and include built-in air quality indicators. They are suitable for larger rooms, with a coverage capacity of up to 547 square feet. The compact size of Yiou air purifiers allows for easy placement on tabletops or bedside tables.

Levoit - Levoit air purifiers are renowned for their elegant design, whisper-quiet operation, and rapid air cleaning capabilities. With a focus on removing particles as small as 0.3 microns, Levoit air purifiers provide efficient filtration. The Levoit Air Purifier is particularly recommended for rooms up to 500 square feet and offers a swift air cleaning cycle.



 

The devastating Canadian wildfires have created a code red situation. The health effects of wildfire smoke are severe, particularly for vulnerable individuals. To mitigate the risks, proactive measures such as staying indoors, keeping windows and doors closed, and utilizing air purifiers are crucial. By taking these steps and investing in quality air purifiers, individuals can effectively combat the impact of wildfire smoke and safeguard their health and well-being.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
They also triggered a showdown between Mark Cuban and Daniel Lubetsky before closing the deal.
10 hours ago
As Heather took a second to solve the final puzzle, Seacrest admitted she made it look easy.
15 hours ago
Carey suffered a similar snafu a few months ago while playing the same game of 'Bullseye'.
1 day ago
Fans also share some tips that could've helped Bain win the bonus round but it was too late.
1 day ago
Emily Croke coincidentally got the question related to her great-great aunt, Emily Folger.
1 day ago
Luckily for the veteran host, no one in the studio caught the mistake on time.
1 day ago
The executive producer of the show, Michael Davies later apologized for the spoiled show.
1 day ago
Even the seasoned expert was stumped by the unusual subject of the painting.
1 day ago
In the end, Mr Wonderful cut off Greiner with a deal that the founder of Wad Free couldn't refuse.
2 days ago
Seacrest got geniunely spooked as he couldn't figure out who played a prank on him.
2 days ago
The seller brought some "Secret Service" memorabilia of former Attorney General J. Howard McGrath.
2 days ago
The guest was already emotional because of the backstory involving native Alaskans.
3 days ago
The player once again fumbled a puzzle despite moving forward in the game.
3 days ago
The host didn't want to get more of the weird answers on the show anymore.
3 days ago
The founder of Beyond Sushi impressed the Sharks with 100% plant based flavors.
3 days ago
The Shark jumped back in to the deal as he thought his wife would love the product.
4 days ago
The guest who bought the item at a charity store had no idea that it was over 3,000 years old.
4 days ago
When the rare coin showed up on Harrison's table, he had to take his old man's approval for the deal.
5 days ago
Fans said that such behavior was unnecessary and slammed the antics as self-congratulatory.
5 days ago
Several customers took to social media to complain about spoilt milk that they purchased from the store.
5 days ago