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.

Now that it’s spring, many of us are starting to dive into our spring cleaning routines. While tidying up can help refresh our homes, there’s a hidden concern that often goes overlooked: the effect of vacuuming on indoor air quality. Vacuuming: A Double-Edged Sword for Your Home’s Air Quality Vacuuming keeps our living spaces clean, but it can worsen the air quality in your home over the short term because it stirs up particulate matter (PM). According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, when you vacuum, your cleaning efforts can cause a temporary resuspension of dust, dirt, and even toxic substances, such as lead, pesticides, and biological agents that can trigger allergic reactions. While the purpose of vacuuming is to remove these particles from our floors, some of them can get kicked back into the air, only to settle again on furniture, floors, and other surfaces. Some of these suspended particles can stay airborne for a significant amount of time – long enough for you to breathe them in. The Hidden Risks: How Dust Impacts Your Health Some dust particles are small enough to be inhaled, these are known as PM10 (particulate matter that is 10 micrometers or less in diameter). Inhaling these particles during vacuuming can lead to respiratory irritation, worsen allergies, or trigger asthma symptoms. These particles can be especially harmful to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems. What Can You Do to Minimize the Impact? Use a HEPA Filter Vacuum Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce the amount of dust that is resuspended into the air during vacuuming. HEPA filters can also capture particles that are suspended, improving the overall air quality in your home and reducing the amount of allergens floating around. It’s important to note that a true HEPA filter in a well-designed vacuum with a sealed system can greatly improve indoor air quality, but if the vacuum leaks air or uses a low-quality filter, it may be a marketing gimmick. Keep the Windows Open While you’re vacuuming, consider opening windows or doors to improve airflow allowing particles to exit rather than circulate inside. Make sure it’s a day where the air quality is good, though, as letting in unhealthy air is counterproductive. Vacuum When You’re Not Home For those who have robot vacuums, this is a great solution to reduce your exposure to dust. Set your robot vacuum to clean while you’re away so you don’t inhale the dust it stirs up. Change the Filter on Your HVAC System A well-maintained HVAC furnace or central heating and cooling system filter can trap dust, pollen, and other particles, improving your indoor air quality. Improving your home’s air quality goes beyond just cleaning the floors. Make sure you change your HVAC filter at the recommended intervals. Changing your filter can provide a significant boost to the air cleanliness in your home. Just remember, while filtration helps, it cannot eliminate all pollutants, so it’s best to combine it with other strategies like ventilation and source control for optimal results. AirView showing a spike in PM levels caused by vacuuming indoors. How TELLUS Can Help You Monitor Air Quality Spring cleaning can stir up dust, but that doesn’t mean it has to impact your indoor air quality. With an AirU monitor, you can see real-time data about the air in and around your home – so you know when it might be time to open a window, switch up your vacuum, or swap out that HVAC filter. It’s a simple way to stay informed and make small changes that help you breathe a little easier. Contact us for more information! Wishing you a happy and healthy spring cleaning season!  

We’re excited to share another Fox-13 broadcast featuring TELLUS! Over the past months, we’ve been consistently providing them with air quality data to support their reporting and keep communities informed. Check out the latest clip to see how our real-time data is helping shed light on local air quality challenges. Watch the broadcast here!

TELLUS Co-Founder Kerry Kelly on KSL: Tools for Monitoring Utah’s Air Quality Last night, our very own Kerry Kelly—Associate Professor at the University of Utah and a founding member of TELLUS—joined KSL to discuss innovative tools and strategies for improving air quality in Utah. From cutting-edge monitoring technology to actionable data insights, Kerry shared how these tools empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions. Watch the full segment below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxAivOhDdX8

Researchers from the University of Utah have found that the exposed lakebed of the Great Salt Lake is emitting potentially harmful dust, raising concerns about its impact on air quality along the Wasatch Front. The study revealed that sediments from the lakebed contain high levels of toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, and lithium, which could irritate lungs and contribute to respiratory issues like asthma. Although it’s not a doomsday scenario, further research is needed to determine how much of this dust reaches nearby population centers. Efforts to mitigate the dust involve restoring water to the lake and resetting the lakebed’s natural crust. The lake’s decline is attributed to excessive water use, meaning conservation efforts could help reverse the damage. Read the full article here: https://www.ksl.com/article/51127952