The pandemic illustrated just how vulnerable people are to invisible pathogens. While most of the world continues to struggle with masks and restrictions, many people are more conscious than ever about the air they breathe and how it could affect their health.
There is good cause for concern. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report for 2022 found that 4 in 10 Americans are living in areas with unhealthy air. There is not much you can do about the environment around you, but you could measure your home’s air quality — and improve it if needed.
How is air quality measured?
You may be familiar with air quality warnings if you follow the local news or weather reports. The standard measurement for air quality is known as Air Quality Index, or AQI. On a large scale, ground and satellite instruments measure particles in the air, which are then scored from 0 (safest) to 500 (most dangerous). AQI primarily measures:
- Airborne particles
- Carbon monoxide
- Ground level ozone
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
Ozone and airborne particles are the most common culprits, found as smoke from wildfires, smog and more. Air quality is color-coded depending on how concentrated the particles are. The higher the pollutant level, the less safe it is for people to be outside. The range from most dangerous to least is:
- Dark red: Hazardous (to all), 301 to 500
- Purple: Very unhealthy, 201 to 300
- Bright red: Unhealthy, 151 to 200
- Orange: Unhealthy to sensitive groups, 101 to 150
- Yellow: Moderate, 51 to 100
- Green: Good, 0 to 50
Air quality reports are often issued for a metropolitan area or region. If the results are high, it is best to stay indoors, especially if you suffer from allergies or have health issues that could worsen from pollution. Knowing that your home’s air is safer than outside is essential. Fortunately, you can measure air quality in your home as well.
How can you test air quality in your home?
A variety of DIY testing kits are available to check for formaldehyde, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon and more. However, knowing what to check for could save you time and money. An air quality monitor can identify and alert you to an issue in its early stages. There are several smart devices that can monitor your home’s air quality:
“When it comes to knowing what to buy, make sure that your air quality monitor has precision, resolution, and calibration features,” Sarah Jameson of Green Building Elements suggests. “Research the technology you are eyeing and check for its overall performance including the range. Apart from your sensor being …….