News headlines have been buzzing lately about the potential dangers of gas stoves. While the recent controversy might feel new, concerns about air quality and gas cooking have been simmering for years. One of the biggest culprits is PM2.5 – tiny particulate matter that can cause serious health problems. This is where PurpleAir comes in: our sensors give you the real-time data to see exactly how gas stoves impact the air you breathe, compared to electric alternatives. Gas Stoves and Indoor Air Pollution When you turn on a gas burner, you're not just heating your food; you're also releasing a m ..read more

Do you want to replace your traditional car with an electric vehicle? You’re not alone.  Most people opt for an electric car to have lower operating costs, lower oil dependence, and enjoy a smoother, quieter ride. In fact, electric car markets saw exponential growth in 2022, where sales es exceeded 10 million—they more than tripled in the last three years.   But are there any disadvantages or harm in using electric vehicles?  In this blog, we explore the relationship between electric vehicles and air pollution. By the end of this article, you’ll know how these cars affect ..read more

Having countries closely linked to each other can have significant benefits—like how globalization has facilitated the exchange of goods, services, and information on a global scale. However, having countries in close proximity also means that air pollution can travel easily across borders.   Transboundary air pollution has become a pressing issue that transcends borders, affecting the health of our planet and the life it sustains. In this article, we’ll explain what causes transboundary air pollution and how you can take action to protect the air you breathe every day.  What i ..read more

As the weather gets cooler, people tend to spend more time indoors and seal themselves in their homes to keep warm. However, this also means indoor air pollutants can accumulate and adversely affect our health.   Using heating systems and reducing natural ventilation can lead to the buildup of combustion byproducts, like carbon monoxide. Plus, dry indoor air can worsen the situation, leading to respiratory issues.   That’s why maintaining indoor air quality during colder months is essential for your health. Today, we are sharing some tips to help you improve your air quali ..read more

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? Most likely, good food, good company, and a good time. On the other hand, good air quality might be the last thing you think of. However, your Thanksgiving air quality might put you and your family at risk. Activities like cooking, lighting candles, and wood-burning, which are a common part of the holidays, release harmful levels of air pollution. As such, it’s vital to consider your air quality even during festivities so you can enjoy all the fun without the adverse health risks. Today, we’re going deep into the topic ..read more

Air quality maps are an excellent source to evaluate the air around you. But some maps show different information than others. This makes it confusing, especially when the results are polar opposites—one may say that your air is safe, while another says it’s harmful.  So, how can you check the air pollution around you when you’re unsure of which map to trust?  Below, we’ll explain why different air quality maps may show different data below. By understanding how these maps work, you’ll know what air quality map to trust.  How Do Air Quality Maps Work?  Air quality mon ..read more

The quality of your decisions depends on the quality of air data you receive.  So, how do you ensure that your air quality monitor provides precise and reliable data? To start, you can maintain your device to keep it in optimal working conditions. By doing so, you’ll continuously receive quality information that will help protect you and your family from air pollution. Moreover, you’ll maximize its value by lengthening its lifespan.  In this article, we’re sharing tips on practicing air quality monitor maintenance.  How Long Should an Air Quality Monitor Last?  PurpleAir a ..read more

Books may give you comfort—but they can also give you bad air quality.  The truth is books can be a breeding ground for dust accumulation that triggers respiratory issues for librarians and visitors. Libraries with insufficient moisture control can also foster mold and mildew growth.  Since libraries are often inside aging buildings, their ventilation systems may be outdated. As such, these systems can’t filter or circulate air effectively, which leads to a buildup of pollutants in the air.   So, what can librarians do to keep their books safe and their visitors happy? In t ..read more

When we think about air pollution, our minds often drift to smog-choked cityscapes and industrial emissions. However, indoor air pollution can still be a significant threat to homes.   For one, air pollution from outdoors can seep indoors. However, there are also many other factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality. This is pertinent because the quality of air we breathe indoors can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.  In this blog, we will explore the causes of indoor air quality issues and how to improve your home air quality, enabling you and your l ..read more

As the vibrant colors of autumn foliage paint the outdoor landscape, the cozy allure of spending more time indoors becomes irresistible. Fall invites us to nestle in the warmth of our homes, savoring the aroma of spiced cider while we cozy up in fuzzy socks.  However, beneath this perfect autumn picture lies a potential hazard that often goes unnoticed: indoor air quality. The very activities that bring us comfort during the fall can inadvertently compromise the air we breathe inside our homes.  In today’s blog, we'll explore the unsuspecting culprits that impact air quality in fall ..read more