“Study reveals limitations in portable air cleaners for removing wildfire smoke volatiles.”
Wildfires are becoming more frequent, extended, and severe due to climate change, posing risks to lives, homes, and the environment. Additionally, wildfire smoke contains health hazards, such as respiratory and heart diseases.
While portable air cleaners have gained popularity in removing small solid smoke particles, a new study in Science Advances reveals their limited effectiveness in eliminating volatile organic compounds, a different component of smoke. Many of these compounds are toxic, while others can cause irritation and breathing difficulties. These volatile compounds are the odorous substances that cling to skin, hair, and clothing after exposure to smoke from sources like campfires or smoky rooms.
Volatile smoke components persist in various household surfaces, emitting compounds for hours, days, and even weeks after exposure. Portable air cleaners, although effective for particles, are far less so for volatiles, and once turned off, volatile concentrations quickly rise again.
The research suggests a simple and cost-effective solution to reduce these emissions from surfaces: dusting, vacuuming, and mopping can immediately reduce emissions by approximately 40%.
The study was conducted in a test house, where researchers artificially generated smoke using a device designed for crafting cocktails with heated pine wood chips. After two weeks of simulated smoke events, the researchers found that surface cleaning was necessary to lower volatile compound levels in the house effectively.
Cleaning horizontal surfaces like floors and tabletops was effective, but the study did not address cleaning walls and ceilings, which may be another source of emissions. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using chlorine-based or heavily scented cleaning products, as they can release volatiles and potentially create undesirable chemical reactions.
Limiting difficult-to-clean surfaces like curtains and carpets in homes frequently exposed to wildfire smoke may also be a practical approach, though more research is needed to identify the surfaces that most absorb volatiles.
