Filters

two monitors, one location – called co-location! This chart compares raw PM2.5 data and speaks volumes. The higher line is one of two purple air channel sensors outside a home in Smithers BC. The second line is a purple air channel sensor inside the same home at the same time. The spike in the middle of this inside sensor’s readings was an episode of boilling potatoes. The third spike on this line was frying in the kitchen. *** Both spikes make the argument for a heat activated charcoal range hood!

This chart also shows the benefit of filters. This home has two Bionaire filters, one in the front room and one in the master bedroom.  Here’s a link to the model: https://www.bionairecanada.com/en_CA/air-purification/air-purifiers/bionaire-99.99-true-hepa-mini-tower-air-purifier-with-allergy-plus-filter/BAP702C-CN.html#start=11

This home is roughly 1500 sq feet and uses a forced air furnace.  They don’t use wood heat at all, but there are at least two homes in the immediate area that occasionally do. Note the average particulate readings outside are above provincial standards.

This chart also shows what air quality people call the fumigation events. We normally get two of these a day – in the morning when kids are outside getting on and off school buses and in the playground: people are also rolling out of bed and starting their fires. In the evening when kids are again at risk of exposure and people are getting home and kicking up the heat to warm up the house and settle in for the night.

Check out this graphic – this data from this home shows the same trend. It’s unfortunate there is such as rise over the course of the night of indoor air pollution due to neighbouring wood stoves. Here’s the full story. Armidale, NSW.