As of August 27, 2024, 54 large active wildfires across the US have burned over two million acres of land. These fires pose a significant threat, not just to those directly in their path, but also to the people and animals thousands of miles away breathing in the smoke from these fires. Impact on human health & wildlife Wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous, as it contains fine and coarse particulate matter, which can penetrate deep in the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating conditions such as asthma, COPD, and heart diseases. This smoke also contains hazardous volatile organic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene, which are known human carcinogens. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are especially at risk. Beyond immediate health impacts, such as asthma exacerbations, strokes, and heart attacks, exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to long-term health issues, including reduced cognitive function, lung capacity, and weakened immune systems. Wildfires also affect wildlife. Like us, animals inhaling toxic smoke can suffer from lung damage and other respiratory issues. Even birds, which might seem safe in the sky, are highly susceptible to air pollution due to their unique respiratory systems. Recent studies indicate that a substantial number of animals, from snakes to elk, have died not from the flames but from smoke inhalation and gas poisoning. Ecological and environmental consequences Smoke from wildfires affects ecosystems in many ways. It reduces sunlight, impacting photosynthesis in plants and algae, crucial to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In bodies of water, smoke can reduce light penetration, hampering the growth of photosynthetic organisms and potentially degrading water quality, which affects fish and other aquatic life. What is causing this? The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires can be attributed to climate change, earlier snow melts, and prolonged dry seasons, which create ideal conditions for more severe and longer-burning fires. These factors have led to a rise in “megafires”— large-scale blazes that are challenging to control and have significant impacts on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Understanding air quality where you are Wildfire smoke poses a significant threat to human health, so it is important to reduce you and your family’s exposure. Understanding air quality where you live, work, and recreate can empower you to make informed decisions about your daily activities when smoke levels are high. One challenge is that regulatory monitors are expensive, which means that their numbers are limited. Regions with low population density, like much of the Midwest and Western US, typically lack regulatory air-quality monitors. Cost-effective air quality sensors can help fill in these geographic gaps. Investing in air quality monitoring gives you accurate, real-time information to safeguard the health of you and your loved ones, whether they’re furry, scaly, or anything in between. What do we do about it? Effective strategies for reducing smoke exposure include staying inside (ensuring that your indoor air quality is good with high-quality HVAC filters and/or stand-alone air filters), limiting exertion outside during smoke events, and considering wearing an N95 (or similar) mask while outside. Over the long term, mitigating wildfire risks could include taking climate actions and encouraging responsible land management. By advocating for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural habitats, and promote sustainable practices, we can try to lessen the impact of these damaging fires and work towards less smoke-filled summer skies. A recent study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate cooling systems for maintaining indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events. While direct evaporative coolers (ECs) offer substantial energy savings and may be a sustainable alternative to air conditioning (AC) in hot, dry climates, they allow significantly more outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to infiltrate homes compared to ACs. During a wildfire smoke event, homes with ECs had nearly no protection against PM2.5 infiltration, whereas homes with ACs provided substantial protection. This suggests that further research is needed to improve cooling pad designs for both cooling efficiency and particle filtration. Consider how TELLUS air quality monitors and maps can help protect and engage your community by providing real-time data and insights, especially during wildfire events.

Read the full article here. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to fund community-driven solutions to the climate crisis. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) will receive nearly $75 million to support 13 statewide initiatives, including an electric school bus pilot program, pollution mitigation at oil and gas refineries, and expanding electric vehicle charging stations. As part of the “Beehive Emission Reduction Plan,” the University of Utah’s Intermountain Industrial Assessment Center (IIAC) will receive $3.75 million to enhance its work in improving energy efficiency across various sectors. The funding will allow the IIAC to expand its reach to commercial, government, and educational buildings, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The IIAC, led by Professors Kody Powell and Julie Sieving, has already consulted with over 150 regional businesses, helping companies save significant energy costs while benefiting the environment.

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Roughly one in five Americans reside in rural areas. While it may seem that these communities have great air quality compared to a city, the reality is different. Many harmful pollutants are released during various agricultural activities, challenging the notion of pure air in rural settings. Pollution sources from various agricultural activities create air pollutants, and one activity that can create large quantities of pollutants is agricultural burning. Photo Credit: Dominik Kiss Although agricultural burning can be effective for soil prep, it releases a significant amount of PM2.5, consisting of fine particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. While this agricultural practice will likely persist, you should stay informed about burning locations and times. A simple precautionary measure could be keeping home and vehicle windows closed when burning is planned. Monitoring air quality also allows for a better understanding of the impact that burning practices have on local air quality, and it allows you to make real-time decisions to protect yourself from poor air quality. “Some rural communities may be more prone to poor air quality from wildfire smoke due to their geographic locations, prevailing winds, and topography” – U.S. Government Accountability Office Another source of rural pollution is dust, which is often generated during agricultural, construction, gravel,  oil, gas, and mining activities, which affect the surrounding air quality. Dust from the soil typically contains silica, a mineral commonly found in sand, soil, rock, and gravel. Silica dust poses serious health risks because these dust particles become trapped in lung tissue causing inflammation and scarring. Photo credit: Julian Hochgesang In a technology assessment by the Government Accountability Office, it was found that some rural communities have utilized air quality sensors to make positive change. Examples include: Heavy Industries: In industries like fuel and mining sites, communities have leveraged air quality sensor data to advocate for improvements in air quality through dialogue with local government authorities, resulting in tangible enhancements to the environment.   Smoke: Whether from wildfires or wood stoves, smoke frequently contributes to pollution in rural regions. Local decision-makers have demonstrated the use of air quality sensors to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing local air quality. For instance, in Minnesota, a program was implemented to encourage residents to switch from wood-burning fireplaces to electric fireplaces. This initiative aimed to decrease the emission of harmful pollutants within residential homes. Photo credit: Cyrus Christensen Agriculture: According to the EPA, “Nearly 1.2 billion acres of the nation’s 2.3 billion acres are devoted to agriculture”. In these agricultural areas, pollution primarily stems from dust generated by tillage, livestock, field burning, and fuel combustion in agricultural equipment, producing “Coarse” particles (larger than 2.5 micrometers). Utilizing sensor data to monitor these pollutants could prove invaluable in identifying opportunities to enhance local air quality.   Education: Understanding the significance of air quality is an essential step in developing strategies to understand and address sources of poor air quality. Rural communities stand to gain significant value from utilizing air quality sensors to comprehend the quality of the air they breathe.   Unfortunately, it can be more difficult to deploy air quality sensors in rural areas because of the increased travel time for users to maintain, service, or troubleshoot them. Residents in remote communities could also encounter challenges in reliably powering and communicating with their sensors. Consequently, they may face limited options when selecting sensors suitable for their requirements. AirU Pro connected to a solar panel, battery, and wind sensor. However, companies like TELLUS now offer solutions to address challenges related to understanding rural air quality. With developments in solar power systems, LTE (cellular), and upcoming LoraWAN options, you can access your air quality measurements in remote areas with limited infrastructure. Rural communities can now access efficient and dependable air quality monitoring solutions, empowering them to make informed decisions for a healthier environment.

On average, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to Environmental Protection Agency research. While many of us love the simple pleasures in life such as lighting a cozy candle at night or for the aromatic scent, it can be linked to increasing indoor pollution and exposure to harmful byproducts. “Pollution contributes to millions of deaths every year from conditions such as heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer or pneumonia”, states Christa Hasenkopf, the director of clean air programs at University of Chicago. While there are many ways to limit exposure, here are two simple ways to reduce indoor air pollution. Unfortunately, candles & incense are common sources of pollutants Nothing sets a cozy mood more than a delicious-smelling candle or slow burning incense. Unfortunately, these simple pleasures can lead to increased levels of pollution in your living space because these combustion sources generate PM2.5, particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. Not only do candles release PM2.5 into the air, other dangerous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) are also released by burning candles. These pollutants contribute to indoor air pollution and may worsen respiratory issues, especially in toddlers and the elderly. PM2.5 – Particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter. So…what can I do instead? There are several options for making your house smell good and feel cozy without those dangerous pollutants. These include using electric candles and stovetop potpourris. It’s important to note that while stovetop potpourris are certainly better than a candle or incense, you will likely have some VOC emissions. If you must burn a candle, understand what it’s made of to avoid harmful ingredients like petroleum, and rather opt for a more natural selection like beeswax. Also take into account that it will still produce PM2.5, so try opening a window if it’s a good air quality day. If you have central heating/cooling and a HEPA air filter you can also run your HVAC system on “fan only” mode a few minutes an hour. Opening windows on clean air days This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to open those windows every once in a while. According to the American Lung Association, “Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows for 10-15 minutes each day to bring in fresh, outdoor air to dilute the polluted indoor air”. However, it’s important to note that opening windows on bad air quality days can do more harm than good, so be sure to check your location beforehand. Overall, while candles can create a cozy atmosphere, it’s essential to use them cautiously and consider alternatives for ambient lighting like electric candles and to open the window 10-15 min a day on good air quality days to minimize potential risks to health. Some additional things to consider that impact indoor air quality: Regularly replacing your HVAC filter Cooking with gas appliances Burning wood (or other solids) in the fireplace Smoking indoors Vacuuming, as vacuums can kick up dust and other particles. Monitoring your indoor air quality allows you to understand the effects of your everyday activities and make informed decisions to adopt alternatives when necessary. Brighter days start with cleaner air!

The Air Quality Workgroup was a notable success story for the US Ignite Communities program in 2023. Building on a partnership that began in 2021 with five communities, the peer-learning group expanded to more than 100 individuals over the past year, including representatives from cities, research institutions, federal partners, nonprofits, and environmental quality organizations. The founding five communities – Salt Lake City, UT; Chattanooga, TN; Cleveland, OH; Kansas City, MO; and Springfield, MA – originally shared their experiences developing low-cost air quality monitoring networks using TELLUS Networked Sensor Solutions. That effort attracted other community leaders, who began to meet regularly to discuss their own air quality challenges, observations, and ideas for solutions. US Ignite published a blog series with key learnings and insights from the workgroup over the summer: How to improve air quality monitoring Strategies for safer air The next generation of air quality sensors Funding opportunities for air quality monitoring projects   Moreover, the workgroup launched an ongoing Air Quality ACTION Seminar Series. These sessions start with a short presentation from a field expert or practitioner, followed by a question and answer section, and closing with an engaging roundtable discussion and share-out. For the full report, read US Ignites’ Annual Impact Report 2023.

Source: Harvard Business Review article written by Joseph G. Allen The movement toward real-time air quality monitoring is gaining momentum, and for good reason. Recent incidents, such as the Canadian wildfire smoke reaching New York City and concerns about COVID-19 transmission in classrooms, highlight the importance of monitoring indoor air quality. At TELLUS, we understand the significance of providing actionable insights into air quality for organizations. Real-time air quality monitoring systems, like the ones we’ve helped deploy, offer numerous benefits. For instance, they provide timely information during crises, such as wildfires or disease outbreaks, allowing for informed decision-making. Additionally, these systems can identify areas within buildings where air quality may impact productivity, helping organizations optimize their environments for both health and performance. The proliferation of low-cost sensors is driving a paradigm shift in air quality monitoring. Rather than relying on costly, time-intensive assessments by professionals, organizations can now collect real-time data using portable sensors. This democratization of air quality monitoring empowers individuals and organizations to take proactive measures to protect health and well-being. Monitoring indoor air quality isn’t just about health and safety—it’s also a sustainability tool. By optimizing ventilation and filtration systems, organizations can reduce energy consumption while maintaining healthy indoor environments. This dual benefit supports both worker well-being and environmental goals. TELLUS is at the forefront of this movement, helping organizations implement real-time air quality monitoring solutions. With our expertise and innovative technology, we empower businesses to create healthier, safer, and more sustainable indoor environments. Join us in embracing the future of indoor air quality monitoring and ensuring the well-being of your workforce and the planet.