Getting rid of smoky air can be more difficult than you think.
If you’re in an area where wildfires or other situations have made outdoor air quality a problem, it’s easy enough to follow the precautions that are given about staying inside. But did you know that your vacuum cleaner can cause further problems?
If you’re using a vacuum without a HEPA filter, your health could be negatively impacted.
What do HEPA filters do?
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters have become popular extremely valuable.
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are incredibly efficient at removing the tiniest of particles. So efficient, in fact, that they trap 99.7% of harmful airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger that are in the air.
Using a HEPA filter with charcoal will help remove some of the gases from the smoke that is polluting your air.
Why are HEPA filters important in smoky air?
Even though you may be diligent about keeping the air inside your home clean when the air is smoky outside, particles from smoke can still enter your home.
When you use a vacuum cleaner without a HEPA filter, these particles are stirred up and put back out into the air through your vacuum’s exhaust. Regular filters can’t remove these harmful particulates and this puts the people in your home at risk.
Breathing in smoky air can cause a variety of health problems, such as:
- Aggravation of existing circulatory lung and heart conditions including angina and asthma
- Burning eyes and runny nose)
- Coughing, headache shortness of breath, and wheezing
If you would like to check the air quality of your current location, click here to see a map with real-time air quality conditions by city.
Conclusion
If air quality is a concern in your household due to health reasons, never attempt vacuuming unless your appliance is equipped with a HEPA filter. It’s a simple way to safeguard respiratory health.