#United States #Los Angeles #Indoor Air Quality #AHAM Verifide #Portable Air Cleaners

Managing Indoor Air Quality During Wildfires

As wildfires rage across Los Angeles and nearby regions, smoke infiltrating indoor spaces presents serious health risks for millions of residents. In response, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) emphasizes the importance of utilizing portable air cleaners to combat these negative effects on air quality.

The Detrimental Impact of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires not only damage natural ecosystems but also release vast amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, affecting communities far removed from the actual fire. Smoke contains various pollutants that can irritate the respiratory system, potentially leading to more severe health issues, especially among vulnerable populations like children and individuals with pre-existing conditions.

Choosing and Using Air Cleaners

AHAM strong encourages residents to consider the following tips when using air cleaners:
1. Look for the AHAM Verifide® Mark: This logo signifies that the appliance has been independently tested to verify its performance claims, ensuring adherence to CARB (California Air Resources Board) ozone limits.
2. Select the Appropriate Size: When purchasing an air cleaner, it's crucial to choose one that fits the size of the room. Look for the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) on the packaging to find a model that matches the square footage of the space that needs purification.
3. Proper Placement is Key: For maximum efficacy, position air cleaners centrally within rooms, away from walls, and other obstructions. This setup helps improve air circulation and effectiveness.

Consumer Advisory

Be cautious of misleading claims regarding air cleaner performance. It's important to fully understand CADR and smoke ratings when making a choice. Replacement filters should always be obtained from reputable manufacturers to avoid counterfeit products that could undermine air quality efforts.

Maintenance and Readiness

Regular Filter Changes

During periods of heavy smoke, frequently changing filters becomes essential to maintain air quality. AHAM recommends keeping spare filters handy and replacing them as needed to keep air purifiers functioning optimally.

Routine Cleaning

Ensure that both the air cleaner's exterior and the surrounding area are cleaned regularly. Using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce the accumulation of particles in the environment.

Furnace Filter Maintenance

While furnace filters don't replace the need for air cleaners, regularly replacing these filters contributes to overall air quality improvements and should not be overlooked.

Preparedness is Critical

Residents in wildfire-prone areas must remain vigilant and equipped with adequately sized air cleaners and additional filters. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicates that wildfire smoke can travel substantial distances, underscoring the need for preparedness.

Beyond Wildfires: Indoor Air Quality Year-Round

Maintaining good indoor air quality should be a year-round priority. Numerous common indoor pollutants exist that may not be visible yet can impact health even on clear days. Air cleaners effectively reduce allergens and some models offer extra protection against common viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

About AHAM Verifide

Since its establishment in 1963, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has championed the standards of appliance performance verification. The AHAM Verifide® program assures consumers that products meet rigorous performance criteria tested by independent laboratories. Specifically, air cleaners are evaluated based on the CADR metric, providing clear performance indicators for tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the CADR score, the more efficiently the air cleaner purifies the air. Additionally, AHAM’s association with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency facilitates oversight of ENERGY STAR® program verification.

For more information about the AHAM Verifide® initiative, visit ahamverifide.org.