01/14/2025 - by Grace Lee
Dear L.A. Relief Network Community,
In the aftermath of the recent fires and ongoing air quality concerns in our area, it’s crucial to take steps to ensure that the air we breathe is as clean and safe as possible. Whether you're at home or in your car, investing in air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters and activated carbon filters can provide essential protection from the pollutants that still linger in the air. In this article, we’ll explain why these filters are important, what to look for in an air purifier, and why it's essential to consider using carbon filters in your car as well.
Why Air Quality Matters After a Fire
Fires release more than just smoke and soot—they also release toxic chemicals, particulate matter, and gases that can be harmful to your health. After a fire, the air is often filled with fine particles like PM2.5 (which are small enough to enter your lungs and bloodstream) and other pollutants that are not easily detectable by the naked eye.
HEPA filters and carbon filters are among the best tools available to improve indoor air quality by removing both particles and gases from the air. Let’s take a closer look at what each filter does and why you should consider using them.
What to Look for in an Air Purifier: HEPA and Carbon Filters
1. HEPA Filters: The Gold Standard for Particulate Matter
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are designed to capture small particles, such as dust, mold spores, pollen, and smoke particles. These filters are highly effective at removing particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes PM2.5—the fine particulate matter that is most hazardous to our health, especially during and after a fire.
Why You Need a HEPA Filter:
Removes harmful particles that can trigger respiratory problems, asthma, and allergies.
Highly effective against wildfire smoke, which can contain fine particulate matter that lingers in the air for weeks.
Essential for people with breathing conditions, such as asthma or COPD.
Key Consideration:
When buying an air purifier, make sure it is rated for your room size. A unit that is too small won’t effectively filter the air in a large room, and one that is too large may be inefficient for a smaller space.
2. Activated Carbon Filters: Tackling Gases and Odors
Activated carbon filters work differently from HEPA filters. Instead of capturing particles, carbon filters adsorb gases, chemicals, and odors. These filters are particularly important after fires, as they can help eliminate the lingering smells of smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and harmful gases like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene.
Why You Need a Carbon Filter:
Absorbs toxic gases like those found in smoke, household products, and industrial chemicals.
Neutralizes odors, making your living space more comfortable and safer to breathe in.
Important for removing smoke and chemical fumes that HEPA filters cannot address.
Key Consideration:
Carbon filters need to be replaced regularly as they can become saturated with chemicals and lose effectiveness over time. Make sure your purifier model allows for easy carbon filter replacement.
3. Other Features to Look For in an Air Purifier
While HEPA and carbon filters are the main features to focus on, there are a few other functions and technologies that can enhance the performance of an air purifier:
UV-C Light: Some air purifiers include UV-C light technology that can kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. This can be particularly helpful in humid environments where mold growth is a concern.
Pre-Filters: These filters catch larger particles like pet hair and dust, which can extend the life of the HEPA and carbon filters. If you have pets or live in a dusty environment, consider a unit with a pre-filter.
Air Quality Sensors: Some models come with air quality sensors that can automatically adjust the purifier’s speed based on the level of pollutants in the air. This can be helpful for keeping the air consistently clean without manual adjustments.
Quiet Operation: If you plan to run the air purifier continuously, look for one that operates quietly. Some purifiers can be noisy, so check user reviews for noise levels before making your purchase.
Carbon Filters in Your Car: Why It’s Important
The quality of air inside your vehicle can be just as important as the air in your home. After a wildfire or in areas with high air pollution, the air inside your car can quickly become filled with harmful smoke, dust, and toxic chemicals. In fact, many of the pollutants that affect your home’s air can also infiltrate your vehicle.
Most cars come equipped with a basic cabin air filter, but these filters typically only trap larger particles like dust and pollen. They don’t do much to absorb gases or odors from smoke, pollution, or industrial fumes.
Why You Should Use a Carbon Filter in Your Car:
Removes harmful gases like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide, which are present in vehicle exhaust and pollution.
Neutralizes smoke odors and chemicals that can linger in the car after a wildfire or other environmental event.
Improves air quality inside the car, making it more comfortable and safer to breathe during long drives or commutes.
Key Consideration:
Make sure to replace your car’s carbon filter regularly, as it can become saturated with pollutants over time. Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it may need to be changed more often if you live in a high-pollution area or are frequently exposed to smoke.
After a fire, or in any environment with poor air quality, it’s essential to invest in good air filtration systems. Combining HEPA filters with activated carbon filters will give you the best protection from harmful particles and gases, whether you’re at home or on the road. For your home, look for an air purifier with both HEPA and carbon filters, and be sure to maintain and replace the filters as needed.
For your car, consider upgrading your cabin air filter to a carbon filter to help remove smoke, chemicals, and odors that could otherwise make breathing inside the vehicle uncomfortable and unsafe. Maintaining clean, filtered air is not only important for your comfort but also essential for your health, especially for people with respiratory conditions or sensitive health.
Stay safe,
The L.A. Relief Network Team