ICYMI: April’s top air quality headlines
This April, researchers continued their efforts to learn more about air pollution, while scrappy engineers worked to build the infrastructure to fight it. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest breakthroughs:
Takes a Seat
Trees are great at absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants, but, thanks to a new invention, we might not need to plant an entire forest to protect our lungs. The CityTree by Green City Solutions is part bench, part tree, and part air filter. It’s capable of absorbing the same amount of pollution as 275 trees at five percent of the cost of planting as many, its founders tell South China Morning Press.
Inside Information
We’ve been measuring outdoor air quality for decades, but a new study shows that we’re not doing enough to monitor indoor air, which can be filled with mould, off-gassing volatile organic compounds, and cooking fumes. Researchers from the University of Surrey say placing sensors in buildings will allow us to begin diagnosing illnesses related to “sick building syndrome” and take steps to reduce indoor air pollution.
Pollution Sleuth
Scientists have known for some time that you can gather pollution readings from moss samples, which absorb particles from the environment. This basic observation recently helped U.S. Forest Service scientists in Portland, Ore. discover the source of hitherto unexplained cadmium and arsenic pollution. The scientists noticed high levels of cadmium, arsenic, and other harmful substances in moss located near some of the city’s artisanal glass factories, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports.
Dangerous Path
Biking may be a healthier commuting option, but a new study says cyclists might subject to some invisible risks. University of Toronto researcher Marianne Hatzopoulou placed air-quality monitors on cyclists in Toronto, and found that the city’s bike routes are among its most polluted roadways. The paths, Hatzopoulou tells The Metro News, put cyclists at greater risk of developing breast and prostate cancer.
Moving Forward
Cities like Beijing and New Delhi have instituted car bans to reduce “code red” traffic pollution days. Now Paris is taking cars off the road, too. The city will ban cars on nearly 20 routes, including the famous Champs-Elysees, one Sunday per month. When Paris conducted a test of the scheme in September, harmful emissions fell 40 percent, The Independent reports
Disclaimers
1Airmega air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander in the air based on KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing. They have been tested according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers. Tested with Airmega Aim, 50, 100, 150, 160 Tower AP-1216L, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250Art, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
2 Our HEPA filter complies with IEST-RP-CC007 standards at speed level 1 as tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance). SGS's test report only reflects SGS's evaluation of the sample and does not reflect the evaluation of the batch of goods from which the sample was taken. Tested with Airmega 100, 150, 160, Mighty AP-1512HH, MightyS AP-1512HHS, 200M, 230, 240, 250, 250S, 250 Art, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
3 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to JEM 1467: 2015 condition, the concentration of acetic acid was proven to be reduced up to 99.5% in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on actual environment. Tested with Airmega 150, Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
4 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022, showed result of over 99.5% removal rate of common household gases including Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Acetic acid, Formaldehyde, Toluene, Benzene, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) within 30 minutes. Results may vary in different environments and not all odors or gas particles may be removed. Tested with Airmega MightyS AP-1512HHS, 250S, 300S, 400S, 350, 450
5 Test conducted using Coway Allergen filter media (5×5 cm) placed in a polyethylene bag. The allergen solution and sample were immersed in 2 mL of phosphate buffer (100 ng/mL) prior to the reaction and heat-sealed to specimen size. The reaction was maintained at 4°C for 24 hours. Nichinichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted the test using ELISA to measure allergen concentration. Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
6 Removal rates of Ammonia (NH₃) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) were tested in a 1 m³ chamber under EL608:2023 conditions for 30 minutes. Gas Detector Tubes were used for measurement, and testing was conducted by KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories). Results may vary in actual product usage environments. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
7 Reduction rates of Naphthalene, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Dioxide were tested using the Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH in 1㎥ chamber, following JEM-1467:2015 standards. Tests were conducted by Intertek. Actual performance may vary depending on the living environment. Tested with Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH, 200M
9 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted with Methyl mercaptan, Isovaleraldehyde, Isovaleric acid in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber with a test time of 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of over 99.5% was achieved. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
10 Tested by the Guangzhou Institute of Microbiology, exposed the filter media to protein solutions for 24 hours under ISO 4333-2022 standard. The results showed strong reduction performance: >99.79% for pollen, >99.60% for dog allergen, >99.90% for cat allergen, and >99.80% for dust mites matter allergen. Actual results may vary depending on room size, airflow, and pollutant levels. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
11 Tested by KCL(Korea Conformity Laboratories) according to SPS-KACA002-132:2022. The test was conducted in a 1.0±0.1 m³ chamber for 60 minutes at (24±4)°C and (46±10)% Relative Humidity. A removal ratio of >99.5% was achieved for Formaldehyde and Toluene in 60 minutes. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
12 Tested by Intertek. The evaluation was conducted against designated test materials: Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. The test was performed in a sealed 1.0×1.0×1.0 m (1.0 m³) odor chamber at a test room temperature of (23±2)°C (measured between 23.6∼23.9°C) and a test room humidity of (45±5)% R.H. (measured between 40∼48)% Relative Humidity. It met the odor removal rate of ≥99.9% for Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Naphthalene. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. Tested with Airmega 350, 450
