Meghan Hodges
Climate change and pollution are impacting weather and atmospheric conditions around the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable humans are to invisible airborne pathogens. As a result, many people are thinking harder about the air they breathe and how it could affect their health. According to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report for 2023, almost 36% of Americans (or 119.6 million people) are living in areas with poor air quality. While you may not be able to do much about the environment around you, one way to breathe easier is by measuring and improving the air quality in your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Measurement | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| Air Quality Index Range | 0 (safest) to 500 (most dangerous) |
| Air Quality Index Categories | Green (0-50), Yellow (51-100), Orange, Red, Purple (increasingly poor and unhealthy air quality) |
| Air Pollutants Monitored | Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Particle Pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), Radon, VOCs, Formaldehyde, Humidity, Temperature |
| Air Quality Monitoring Devices | Airthings View Plus, uHoo Smart Air Monitor, Air Purifiers, Smart Thermostats, Indoor Home Security Cameras, Personal Air Quality Monitors, Air Quality Apps |
| Radon Testing Methods | Charcoal Canister, Long-term Testing (90 days to several months) |
| Mold Testing Methods | Air Sample Analysis, Tape Sample Analysis |
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What You'll Learn
Low-cost air pollution monitors
It's important to note that low-cost air pollution monitors may not provide a complete representation of indoor air quality. They only detect contaminants or environmental factors for which they are designed. For example, a monitor that only measures PM may not alert you to the presence of other harmful pollutants like radon or carbon monoxide. As such, it is recommended to discuss any health symptoms that may be related to indoor air pollutants with a healthcare provider.
When choosing a low-cost air pollution monitor, it's essential to consider its accuracy and reliability. While some monitors, like the Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor, offer a simple and affordable option, they may have issues with sensor accuracy or longevity. Connectivity problems are also common among low-cost monitors, so it's important to read reviews and research different options before making a purchase.
Some recommended low-cost air pollution monitors include the Airthings View Plus, which monitors multiple air quality conditions, including CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The Airthings monitor offers both a device display and a companion app, allowing you to check your air quality remotely and providing helpful trend data via simple graphs. Another option is the Vindstyrka by Ikea, which is a small, inexpensive monitor that can be used on its own or paired with Ikea's Starkvind air purifier and smart app. While the display may be hard to read from a distance, it is a solid choice for those on a budget.
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Radon tests
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause lung cancer. It can be found in basements, drains, crawl spaces, and other areas below ground. Radon testing can be completed by a radon tester or by using a do-it-yourself radon test kit from a hardware store. Radon test kits can be purchased online or in retail or hardware stores. The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers discounted test kits available to purchase online.
There are two general types of radon test kits: short-term and long-term kits. Short-term kits measure radon for 2–90 days for quick results. The First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit, for example, takes two to four days to complete. Results are available 3-5 business days after lab receipt. Long-term kits measure radon in your home for over 90 days and tell you your home's year-round average level. The longer the test, the better the results will reflect your home radon levels and your lifestyle. If you used a short-term test, consider taking a second test using either another short-term or a long-term test. If you use another short-term test, calculate the average of the two results.
If the average of two short-term tests is ≥ 4 pCi/L, or results from any long-term test are also ≥ 4 pCi/L, contact a licensed professional to install a radon reduction system. Make sure you retest a few months after your home is fixed to see if radon levels were reduced. The EPA recommends testing for radon below the third floor of buildings. The device must be raised three feet off the ground, in the middle of the room. If your home is in a multi-unit building, place the device in the lowest level within your unit.
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Air quality apps
AirNow Mobile App
The AirNow Mobile App by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a great option for checking current and forecast air quality information. The app provides a simple interface for quickly accessing data and planning daily activities. It offers an Air Quality Index (AQI) that is calculated based on readings of five categories of air pollutants: ozone, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI is colour-coded, making it easy to understand, with green indicating healthy air quality and orange, red, and purple showing increasingly poor and unhealthy air. The app also includes an interactive Fire and Smoke Map, produced in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, which provides comprehensive information about wildfire smoke and air quality.
IQAir AirVisual
IQAir AirVisual is another popular air quality app that provides trusted and reliable air quality information. It covers 500,000+ locations globally and offers real-time pollution indexes, 2D and 3D world pollution maps, and health recommendations. The app also includes pollen counts, allowing users with allergies to plan their outdoor activities accordingly. Additionally, it provides a 7-day air pollution and weather forecast, so you can plan your outdoor activities in advance for the healthiest experiences.
Airthings
The Airthings app is a companion app for the Airthings View Plus device, which monitors various air-quality conditions, including CO2, VOCs, PM2.5, radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The app is easy to set up and sync with the device, allowing you to check your air quality remotely and providing trend data via simple graphs. This information can help you identify sources and patterns of air pollution and take necessary steps to improve your indoor air quality.
While these apps provide valuable information, it is important to note that they may not always reflect real-time data. Additionally, for more specific or detailed air quality monitoring, you may consider investing in low-cost air pollution monitors designed for indoor or outdoor use. These devices can provide more accurate and comprehensive measurements of specific air pollutants and environmental factors.
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Air quality monitors
There are several types of air quality monitors available on the market, ranging from low-cost options to more advanced and expensive models. While low-cost monitors can provide basic information about indoor air quality, they may not detect all potential pollutants. For example, a monitor designed to measure particulate matter (PM) may not alert you to the presence of other harmful substances such as radon or carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is important to understand the limitations of any air quality monitor you choose to purchase.
Some of the more advanced air quality monitors available include the Airthings View Plus, which can monitor CO2, VOCs, PM2.5 (fine particles), radon, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The AirGradient ONE air quality monitor is another option that stands out for being open-source, allowing users to modify it to suit their needs. It also offers the choice between a DIY kit and a fully assembled product. The Aranet 4 is a good choice if you're specifically interested in monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, as it provides easy-to-read onscreen measurements and alerts, as well as app connectivity.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor and the Ikea Vindstyrka are both budget-friendly choices that still offer valuable features. The Govee Smart monitor pairs with an app and can also be connected to Govee air purifiers, making it a convenient choice. It displays PM 2.5, temperature, and humidity readings, along with a colour-coded air quality indicator bar. The Vindstyrka, on the other hand, can be used on its own or paired with Ikea's Starkvind air purifier and smart app via the Dirigera hub. While it has a more subtle and compact design, the display can be a bit difficult to read from a distance.
In addition to these standalone devices, there are also personal air quality monitors available, which are designed to be carried on a keychain or necklace. However, these portable devices have received mixed reviews due to issues with their apps, connectivity, and customer service. Instead, a dedicated AQI (Air Quality Index) app on your phone may be a more reliable and convenient option for staying informed about local air quality conditions.
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Mould tests
Mould is a common indoor air pollutant that can cause severe health issues. It can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma attacks, cause pneumonia, and even increase the risk of neurological disorders. Therefore, it is important to detect and remove mould as soon as possible.
There are several ways to test for mould. One basic method is to take an air sample and have it analysed in a lab. Another approach is to take a tape sample from an area that appears to have mould and send it to a professional for analysis. Homeowners can also purchase a DIY mould test kit from a home improvement store or online retailer. These kits typically involve placing a petri dish in the room for about 48 hours, then sealing and labelling it according to the manufacturer's instructions. The sample must then be sent to a lab to determine the type and level of mould present.
In addition to testing for mould, it is also recommended to invest in an indoor air quality monitor to detect other harmful pollutants. These devices can detect particulate matter, carbon monoxide, radon, and other air pollutants. Some advanced monitors can even connect to your smartphone or other smart home devices, allowing you to monitor your air quality and optimise your energy consumption.
If you suspect a mould problem, it is important to act quickly to address the issue. A professional mould remediation company can effectively and efficiently remove the mould, ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use indoor air quality monitors, which can be either low-cost or advanced. Low-cost monitors use sensors to detect, monitor, and report on specific air pollutants like particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Advanced monitors can also detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and changes in humidity and temperature. You can also use apps on your phone that provide local air quality information.
Some low-cost air quality monitors include the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor.
Some advanced air quality monitors include the Netatmo devices and the Airthings View Plus.
The accuracy of air quality monitors depends on the sensors used and the overall performance of the technology. It is important to research the monitor's ability to measure various pollutants, its response time, and its connectivity.
Some common pollutants to test for include carbon monoxide, radon, VOCs, formaldehyde, and mold. Radon, in particular, can enter your home through gaps in the floor, walls, and ducts, and long-term exposure to it has been linked to lung cancer.
