How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
The Danger of Wildfire Smoke
With offices based in Southern California, we know just how dangerous wildfires can be to your health. While not everyone in our area is directly affected by seasonal fires, the mixture of dangerous gases, odors, and particles spread by wildfire smoke often has a detrimental impact on nearby communities. As wildfires occur more frequently around the world, we wanted to gather information on the danger they pose to your health and how you can protect yourself.
Health Concerns
Studies shared by the EPA have linked wildfire smoke with a variety of hazardous effects on our cardiovascular and respiratory health. PM2.5 particulate matter is defined by the EPA as fine, inhalable particles that are generally 2.5 microns and smaller. Wildfire smoke can contain the following:
Particulates
• Ash
• Soot
Inorganic Compounds
• Ammonium Sulfate
Biological Materials
• Mold Spores
• Pollen
These pollutants cause discomfort to the eyes and throat, and pose serious threats to your lungs when inhaled. As wildfires become more common for people across the globe, limiting exposure within the home is an easy way to avoid long-term damage.
Ways to Protect Your Home
Stay Informed
The internet offers countless resources to help you stay informed about your area.
Replace Filters
Regularly change your HVAC and air purifier pre-filters for maximum efficiency and protection.
The Benefits of an Air Purifier
While these steps will ensure you are ready in case of an emergency, air purifiers offer even greater security and peace of mind, refreshing your air with powerful fan speeds and high-quality filtration. Purchasing the right model is essential for protecting your home from wildfire smoke. Home air purifiers can quickly filter a wide variety of airborne contaminants, cleaning the air in your home before pollutants can negatively impact your health.
Among other things, air purifiers:
• Remove hazardous materials in the air
• Relieve asthma symptoms
• Reduce the transmission of airborne diseases
• Help neutralize unpleasant household odors
What To Look For
True HEPA Filtration
H13 True HEPA Filters offer medical grade filtration, capturing at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size from your space. These fiber-glass filters protect you from smoke particles like ash and soot.
High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filters
While a standard carbon filter offers some protection against smoke, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filters are significantly more capable at filtering harmful compounds spread by wildfires. The high concentration of carbon pellets offers more effective filtration over a longer period of time.
Clean Air Delivery Rate
CADR is an important metric when assessing an air purifier’s ability to filter hazardous materials in smoke. Results are typically measured in cubic meters per hour (m3/h). The higher the number, the quicker the air purifier is able to refresh the air in the room.
The Levoit Core™ Series
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Featured Models
Levoit VeSync Core™ 300S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier
The Core 300S offers remote control over your environment through the VeSync app. It also features a High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter, which filters compounds found in wildfire smoke, including benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Levoit’s special ARC Formula™ helps neutralize and chemically decomposes smoke, odors, and fumes to prevent second-hand pollution in your home. You can also purchase the Levoit True HEPA 3-Stage Toxin Asorber Filter, which is specially made to protect against smoke, toxic gases, VOCs, and vehicle exhaust.
Levoit VeSync Core™ 400S Smart True HEPA Air Purifier
Featuring an intelligent Auto Mode and a high-precision laser dust sensor, the Core 400S responds in real time to changes in your air quality. The introduction of HEPASmart™ Technology also guarantees more effective filtration of harmful particles, including wildfire ash and soot. The PM2.5 Particle Display and Air Quality Indicator Rings offer direct insight into the amount of smoke and dust particles in your air. Best of all, the Core 400S can be remotely controlled through the free VeSync app, ensuring your home is protected, even when you are away.
Why Levoit?
In 2020, we became the #1 selling air purifier brand on Amazon in the United States. Every year, more people across the world trust our brand to protect their homes. Along the way, we have also gained recognition from Wirecutter and received numerous international design awards. With every model, we strive to improve quality of air and quality of life for households everywhere.
