Introduction Gas stoves are convenient, but new research shows they can raise nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels indoors to unhealthy concentrations, affecting everyone in the home. A study from Stanford Doerr’s School of Sustainability measured NO₂ in over 100 U.S. homes, finding that pollutant levels can spike quickly and linger long after cooking. Key Findings:  Rapid and lasting exposure: Even rooms far from the kitchen can reach unsafe NO₂ levels within an hour of stove use.   Cumulative risk: Typical gas stove use puts households three-quarters of the way to the WHO annual NO₂ limit before even leaving the home.   Ventilation helps, but usage is critical: Using a range hood reduces exposure, but the most important factor is how much gas is burned.   Smaller homes are more affected: Apartments around 800 ft² can see twice the exposure of larger homes.   Environmental justice concerns: Historically marginalized households experience disproportionately higher NO₂ exposure. Conclusion: As Professor Rob Jackson emphasizes, “It’s the whole family’s problem.” With the right tools, like TELLUS monitors, households can track, understand, and improve their indoor air, creating safer, healthier living environments. How TELLUS Air Monitors Can Help: Understanding and mitigating indoor air pollution starts with accurate data. TELLUS AirU Pro monitors provide: Real-time indoor readings of NO₂ and other pollutants. Room-by-room tracking to see where exposure is highest. Actionable insights to improve ventilation and reduce risk. By monitoring indoor air quality, families can see the impact of everyday activities, like cooking, and take steps to protect their health. Air Monitors

A large-scale study conducted in Rome, Italy, suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of certain mental health disorders. Researchers followed over 1.7 million adults aged 30 and older between 2011 and 2019, tracking the incidence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. They also examined prescription data for antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Key Findings Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with higher risks of: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (+7% per interquartile range increase) Depression (+13%) Anxiety disorders (+10%)   Similar associations were observed with Black Carbon (BC) and ultrafine particles (UFP). Bipolar, personality, and substance use disorders did not show clear links. The strongest effects were seen in adults aged 30–64, except for depression, which affected a broader age range. Why This Matters The study adds to growing evidence that air pollution doesn’t just impact physical health, it may also affect mental health. The link between air pollution and prescription medication use strengthens the credibility of these findings. As urban areas continue to face rising pollution levels, understanding and mitigating air quality risks becomes increasingly important for public health, mental well-being, and quality of life. Take Action Monitoring air quality in your community can help identify areas of concern and inform strategies to reduce exposure. Tools like AirView and AirU monitors provide real-time, calibrated data that can guide decision-making for both individuals and policymakers. Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023005755

A new long-term study evaluated how sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have changed over the past two decades across 12 monitoring sites in five western U.S. states, including Utah, California, Nevada, Idaho, and Colorado. By combining advanced methods, Positive Matrix Factorization and Chemical Mass Balance, the study assessed contributions from multiple sources such as vehicle emissions, dust, biomass burning, and industrial pollutants. The results show a clear impact of national and local air-quality regulations: concentrations of pollutants like secondary ammonium nitrate, sulfate, and vehicle-related elemental carbon significantly declined, even as vehicle miles traveled increased. Seasonal reductions in biomass-burning emissions were also observed, highlighting the effectiveness of residential wood-burning restrictions. However, dust levels generally rose, likely due to increasing regional aridity and traffic. Overall, this study reinforces that consistent air-quality policies and targeted emission reductions have played a key role in improving air quality across the western U.S. over the last 20 years. This research was supported in part by Kerry Kelly, co-founder of TELLUS. Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1309104225003812?dgcid=coauthor

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most significant, and often overlooked, environmental risks to public health. According to the EPA, people spend roughly 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant concentrations can be 2–5 times higher than outdoor levels. Exposure to contaminants like radon, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter has been linked to asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. To address these challenges, Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have introduced the Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act to the 119th Congress. The bill seeks to strengthen the EPA’s authority and resources to better protect Americans, especially children, from poor indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities. If enacted, the Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act would: While outdoor air quality has seen substantial improvement through the Clean Air Act, indoor air quality has yet to receive the same level of attention or regulation. This legislation represents a major step toward ensuring that every classroom, workplace, and home is a safe and healthy environment. At TELLUS, we believe that the first step toward cleaner air is better data. Our monitoring solutions and AirView software platform empower communities, schools, and organizations to understand and act on their air quality in real time. Fact Sheet

Every September, people living with asthma face a unique set of challenges. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), this month has the highest number of asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations of the year. The third week of September is even known as “Asthma Peak Week.” Why Is September So Hard for People with Asthma? Asthma makes breathing difficult by narrowing the airways due to swelling, constriction, or excess mucus. In September, many triggers stack up at the same time: Ragweed pollen: Weed pollen is at its highest in mid-September, and ragweed is the top culprit for allergy and asthma flare-ups. Mold: As leaves fall and humidity lingers, mold spores increase, irritating airways. Respiratory infections: Back-to-school season means crowded classrooms, making flu, RSV, colds, and COVID-19 spread more easily. Poor indoor air quality in schools: Dust, allergens, and pollution often build up inside older school buildings. Extreme weather and wildfires: Heat, humidity, hurricanes, and wildfire smoke can all make breathing harder for people with asthma.   These overlapping triggers make asthma harder to control, especially for children, who often feel the impact first. What Can People Do to Protect Themselves? AAFA recommends working with your doctor to create an Asthma Action Plan, staying up to date on vaccines, using HEPA filters to improve indoor air, wearing a mask when needed, and limiting exposure to known triggers like pollen and mold. How TELLUS Helps During Asthma Peak At TELLUS, we know that air quality data is the first step toward taking action. Our AirU monitors and the AirView platform provide real-time, hyperlocal air quality information for tracking pollutants like wildfire smoke, pollen, and ozone that can make asthma worse. By combining data from TELLUS monitors with public sources, AirView gives communities, schools, and families an accurate view of the air they’re breathing. This empowers people to: Know when outdoor air may worsen asthma symptoms. Track how weather and wildfire smoke are affecting local air quality. Improve indoor air decisions by knowing what’s happening outside.   September may be Asthma Peak Month, but with the right information, you can take steps to reduce risk and protect your health. Read the full article from AAFA here: https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/september-asthma-peak-month/

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, wildfire smoke is emerging as one of the most widespread and is emerging as a significant health threat. Even communities hundreds of miles from active fires can face significant exposure. The Health Toll of Wildfire Smoke Recent studies suggest that the dangers of wildfire smoke have been underestimated. Short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the tiny particles in smoke that travel deep into the lungs, has been linked to: Higher mortality than previously recognized: New research in Europe suggests the health burden of wildfire smoke may be nearly double past estimates. Major U.S. impacts: Between 2006 and 2020, wildfire smoke contributed to an estimated 15,000 deaths and $160 billion in economic damages. Increased hospitalizations: Each 1 µg/m³ rise in wildfire PM2.5 increases hospital visits for respiratory issues, asthma, pneumonia, and flu. Children, seniors, and those with underlying conditions are most vulnerable. Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself During smoky periods: If possible, stay indoors with windows closed and use an air purifier. Wear a well-fitted N95 or P100 mask if you must be outside. Pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with health conditions. Monitor local air quality using platforms and apps like AirView to guide decisions about outdoor activity. Why Monitoring and Alerts Matter Because wildfire smoke can travel long distances and air quality can shift quickly, accurate and real-time information is important. Tracking smoke plumes, wind patterns, and PM2.5 levels allows individuals and communities to act early, whether that means adjusting outdoor plans, setting up clean-air shelters, or activating filtration systems. Tools to Stay Informed At TELLUS, our focus is on making this data clear and accessible so that communities can respond effectively: Real-Time Air Quality Monitors: Continuous readings of pollutants in your area. AirView Smoke & Wind Tracking: Visuals of how smoke and wind are moving regionally. Customizable Alerts: Custom notifications for when conditions reach levels that affect your health, so you can take protective steps in the moment. Why Monitoring and Alerts Matter Monitor air quality often during fire season. Follow alerts and adjust activities when air quality worsens. Use indoor filtration to maintain clean air. Wear certified particulate masks if being outdoors is unavoidable. Bottom line: Wildfire smoke is more dangerous and widespread than many people realize. Staying informed with real-time monitoring and alerts helps you take timely steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Why Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring Matters A new study from researchers at Mount Sinai and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed that exposure to wildfire smoke can cause serious health effects that last up to three months after the fires are over. This groundbreaking research, published in Epidemiology (May 28, 2025), highlights the long-term risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke, especially in vulnerable communities. The study analyzed over 21 million hospitalizations across 15 U.S. states and found strong links between PM2.5 exposure and increased cases of: Asthma and COPD flare-ups High blood pressure and heart attacks Hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular issues   These effects were especially pronounced in low-income neighborhoods and for individuals with a history of smoking, demonstrating a clear need for continuous air quality monitoring—not just during a wildfire, but long after the smoke has cleared. How TELLUS Helps Communities Monitor and Respond to Wildfire Smoke At TELLUS, we understand that air pollution from wildfires doesn’t stop when the flames go out. Our AirU Pro monitors and AirView dashboard offer real-time and historical air quality data, including PM2.5 levels, to help schools, city leaders, and families: Track lingering pollution after a wildfire Set custom alerts for unsafe breathing conditions Make data-informed decisions about outdoor activity, safety protocols, and community health response   With forecasting and Nowcast options available through our AirView iframe integrations and API, it’s never been easier to get ahead of poor air quality events—whether you’re managing a city, a school district, or just trying to keep your family safe. Better data means better decisions. Wildfire monitoring solutions Source: Epidemiology, May 28, 2025

Why this matters, and how to protect your health As wildfires burn more frequently and intensely across the western U.S., researchers are warning: the smoke may be more dangerous than we realize. According to Stanford scientists, wildfire smoke is about 10 times as toxic as air pollution from fossil fuels. Even at low levels, exposure has been linked to heart, lung, and neurological damage—and there’s no known “safe” threshold. “Each new study should increase our concern,” said Dr. Lisa Patel, pediatrician and lead author of Climate Resilient Schools. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with asthma are especially vulnerable, but everyone is at risk when smoke lingers in the air. What’s in wildfire smoke? Wildfire smoke isn’t just soot. It’s a chemical stew of: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that enters deep into the lungs Volatile organic compounds and heavy metals Gases like carbon monoxide and benzene These pollutants can damage the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, and children’s lungs may be especially at risk due to ongoing development until age 21. What can you do to stay safe? Stanford experts recommend: Checking local air quality daily (use tools like AirView) Using a portable HEPA air cleaner indoors during wildfire events Wearing a well-fitting N95 mask outdoors when smoke is present Monitoring indoor air quality with a reliable air quality monitor like AirU And importantly: limit outdoor activity for kids, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions when smoke levels are high. Why wildfire smoke is getting worse Climate change is driving hotter, drier conditions, leading to more intense wildfires and longer smoke seasons. “Wildfire smoke has single-handedly reversed decades of clean air progress in the U.S.,” said Dr. Marshall Burke, an environmental economist at Stanford.   Public health messaging matters Experts also stress the importance of accessible alerts and multilingual communication, especially in lower-income areas where protective resources may be limited.   Want to be alerted when air quality turns unhealthy in your neighborhood? Sign up for our beta now to get personalized notifications and stay ahead of the smoke.

We spend about 80% of our time indoors, often assuming the air inside is clean. However, new research from the University of Utah, co-led by TELLUS co-founder Dr. Kerry Kelly, reveals that outdoor pollution doesn’t always stay outside. Over 18 months, researchers used TELLUS AirU air quality monitors across the University of Utah’s Salt Lake campus to track how various pollution events like wildfires, temperature inversions, and dust storms affect indoor air. Here’s what they discovered: Inversions and dust typically remain outside. Wildfire smoke, however, can find its way in — especially during peak fire season and in buildings that use air-side economizers. The type of HVAC system in place matters, and better air filters can make a big difference. As we enter another wildfire season, this research is a timely reminder: the air inside your home, office, or classroom may not be as protected as you think. “The good thing is it’s a very solvable problem … Even simple solutions like portable air filters do a great job.” Dr. Kerry Kelly This work highlights a key point we emphasize at TELLUS: You can’t fix what you can’t see. Understanding how air moves and changes is the first step to protecting the people inside. Check out the full study in the June issue of Building and Environment, or learn how TELLUS turns invisible risks into visible, real-time insights. Don’t wait for the smoke to settle. Get visibility into your air quality today. Sources: Science Direct University of Utah

On the night of April 8, a powerful cold front swept through Salt Lake City, bringing with it a massive dust storm that briefly obscured the skyline and spiked air quality index (AQI) levels to 129—unhealthy for sensitive groups. Captured on camera atop the University of Utah’s William Browning Building, the event revealed just how quickly conditions can change. Dust from Utah’s West Desert, Sevier Lake, and parts of eastern Nevada was carried into the city by wind gusts over 45 mph. This dramatic drop in air quality highlights a growing year-round concern across the West, where drought, exposed soil, and high winds contribute to more frequent dust events—adding to existing air quality challenges like inversions, ozone, and wildfire smoke. At TELLUS, our real-time monitoring systems are designed to capture these changes as they happen—empowering communities with data that’s both actionable and easy to understand. Read the full story or see real-time air quality data.