A portable air purifier can you help manage poor indoor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, as recommended by the EPA in their clean room guidelines. Not all air purifiers are equipped for smoke removal and there are several factors to consider. We suggest evaluating an air purifier’s performance in removing smoke related pollutants by considering the three points below.
Blueair recommends using a combination particle and carbon filter. The activated carbon-based filters are effective in removing fine particles as well as smells and ozone created by the wildfires.
The CADR rating reflects the volume of air in CFM (cubic feet per minute) that is cleaned of particles of certain sizes.
To measure the effectiveness in removing different particle sizes, three types of particles are tested: smoke, pollen and dust. These represent small, medium and large sized particles.
Trust an air purifier certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). All AHAM Verified® air purifiers are given a recommended room size to effectively clean that space size. This ensures there is enough airflow (measured in ‘air changes per hour’ or ‘ACH’) to reduce pollutant levels continually.
Cleaning your air is vital during Wildfire season. All Blueair air purifiers feature activated carbon filters to absorb high levels of gases and odors present in smoke and are energy efficient for 24/7 use. If you still need help deciding which air purifier is right for you, here are some top Blueair picks for wildfire season.
Protect™
Protect air purifiers quickly remove up to 95%¹ of wildfire odors in 30 mins and have one of our highest Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) values for smoke. The SmartFilters accurately track real-time usage, the app can tell you exactly when it’s time to replace the filter based on how polluted your air has been. Protect models have relatively low energy consumption for 24/7 use, especially during a wildfire.
Recommendation
Protect 7710i and Protect 7770i
Blue Auto
All Blue Pure Auto models remove 99%² of fine particles from wildfires and have a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) value for smoke. They are some of the most energy efficient and quiet air purifiers on the market – which is important if you need to run them 24/7. One-touch auto mode uses a particle sensor to constantly adjust the fan to the perfect setting, based on your real-time air quality. An LED indicator displays air quality status using three colors.
A 360-degree air intake means you can place the Blue Pure Auto almost anywhere without compromising performance.
Recommendation
Blue Pure Auto 211+ and Blue Pure Auto 211+ Auto
Classic
The gold standard in particle, odor and gas removal. Classic air purifiers feature a dual filtration carbon filter equipped to absorb higher levels of gases and odors present in smoke.
Recommendation
Classic 605, Classic 680i
SMOKEBLOCK filters
Turn your Blue family purifiers into the ultimate tool against wildfire season with NEW SmokeBlock filters. Additional activated carbon removes up to 99.99% of wildfire smoke* along with extra protection against other wildfire emissions such as toxic gasses, smog and odors**
Ensure they are in working order and replace batteries if necessary.
Run your air purifier 24/7- polluted air can enter through ventilation or poorly sealed windows. We also recommend alternating fan speeds to efficiently remove smoke particles, gasses, and odor. Higher fan speeds remove smoke particles but can impact gas absorption.
Replacing your air purifier filters before and after wildfire season can help to maximize performance. Filters that also contain carbon are best to help remove particles and gases that make up smoke.
Consider purchasing a few particulate respiratory masks to wear outside when needed.
Purchase extra filters and plan to replace before and after wildfire season. Select filters with the highest MERV rating recommended by your HVAC manufacturer.
Conditions can change quickly. Follow your local news, the AirNow website, or your state air quality website for up-to-date information.
wildfire smoke
According to Climate Central, “Wildfires burning within 50-100 miles of a city routinely caused air quality to be 5-15 times worse than normal. Smoke generated by forest fires is comprised of water vapor, particulate matter and a variety of gases, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."
These materials each fall into one of two different groups of pollutants: particles or gases. Each group requires a different method of filtration to successfully remove it from the air.
Smoke particles: Largest component and most harmful Fine (PM 2.5). Gas : Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene
As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Fine particles...particles generally 2.5 µm in diameter or smaller represent a main pollutant emitted from wildfire smoke.. [and] are [the] greatest health concern. This group of particles also includes ultra fine particles, which are generally classified as having diameters less than 0.1 µm."
Click to read full EPA article
Blueair was founded on the firm belief that the freedom to breathe is a basic right. Clean air ensures a healthier, brighter future for ourselves, and especially for our children. Through advocacy and donations, we have improved access to clean air for over 1,000,000 children across the world.
¹Tested on ammonia, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid (JEM 1467-2015). Other odors may occur.
²*In 60min. Tested on PM 2.5 (GB/T 18801-2015).
*Based on removal testing of particles 0.4-0.7um in 60min in a 30m3 room. Performance may vary.
**Tested on benzene, toluene, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide.