As 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back on the most impactful and thought-provoking blog posts we’ve shared throughout the year. From invisible hazards to groundbreaking research, these articles reflect our commitment to enhancing air quality and health. You’ll also find some surprises.

Here are the highlights according to members of the Austin Air team…

 

1. Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Invisible Hazards
Microplastics and nanoplastics are everywhere, but their impacts on air quality and health are often overlooked. This article delves into how these particles infiltrate our lungs (among other parts of the body) and their potential to cause long-term harm. Read more

An infographic with indoor sources of microplastic and nanoplastic inhalation (with small line drawing graphics): 1. Plastic packaging and products (with a plastic water bottle), 2. Synthetic fabrics (with an image of a spool of fabric unfurling), 3. Personal care products (with a circle that has three different small bottles in it), 4. Cooking utensils and appliances (with an image of a canister holding a whisk, spatula, and large spoon).

2. Ozone Generators and Other Air Quality Destroyers

Ozone generators are marketed as air purifiers, but they can do more harm than good. This post sheds light on misleading claims and why choosing the right air purifier matters. What you read may shock you.. Read more

An infographic on a royal blue background explaining, “Ineffective ‘air cleaners’ which create harmful byproducts: 01. Ozone generators (with a graphic of a gadget that resembles a radio), 02. Ionizers (with a graphic of another unspecific gadget), 03. Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) (with a graphic that is the letters ESP in a circle), 04. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) (with a graphic of another unspecified gadget), 05. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) (with a graphic of a circular tower that has perforations and a breeze coming out of the left and right sides), 06. Plasma “air cleaners” (with a graphic that resembles a split wall A/C unit).”

3. Exploring CADR: 9 Reasons It’s an Inaccurate “Standard”

We unraveled the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and explained why it falls short as a reliable standard for air purifier performance. This blog challenges the status quo and educates consumers about making informed choices. Read more

 

4. Wildfires Threaten More than ⅓ of Population and Buildings

Wildfires are becoming a greater threat every year. This article examines their impact on communities, infrastructure, and, most importantly, the air we breathe. Unfortunately, the issue also underscores the need for added protection from wildfire smoke. Read more

 

5. Understanding the Link Between Wildfire Smoke and Dementia

Groundbreaking studies have shown a connection between prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke and cognitive decline. This article highlights the dangers of exposure to particulate matter from wildfires, an everyday pollutant for some folks. Read more

 

6. The Link Between Air Quality and Student Success

Can clean air improve academic performance? The answer is yes. This blog explores how air quality impacts cognitive function, focus, and overall student success, emphasizing the need for clean air in schools. Read more

In-blog graphic to highlight the fact: “Within just a few months of using air purifiers in the classroom, the Aliso Canyon students’ performance improved in the same way it would if class sizes were reduced by a third!” over an image of a sandstone Austin Air cleaner in a school library. The words: “Austin Air Systems” are located in the bottom center of the image, in white text.

7. Air Purifiers Reduce Illness in Daycares: Latest Findings

In this article, we discuss recent studies that show how air purifiers can help reduce the spread of illnesses in daycare settings, protecting children and staff alike. Any parents out there who’ve had to deal with the non-stop runny noses and colds from daycare can truly appreciate the significance of these findings. Read more

 

8. Burn Smart: Safeguard Respiratory Health Around Bonfires

Bonfires may be fun, but they can pose risks to respiratory health. This post provides practical tips for minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants during outdoor burns. We often hear about fire safety (as we should) but being mindful of your respiratory response to a bonfire can prevent problems. Read more

 

9. Spring Farming Activity Impacts Air Quality

When we think of rural areas, we often think of clean air. But seasonal farming activities release pollutants that affect nearby communities worse than urban areas experience. This post examines the issue and shares tips for mitigating its impact on air quality. Read more

A graphic stating: “Spring planting activity which impacts air quality” with small graphics next to each item including “pesticide use (with a spray bottle that has a bug on it), fertilizer application (with a hand sprinkling powder over a plant), tilling the soil (with a tractor), and crop burning (with a flame)” in front of a grassy backdrop with the Austin Air Systems logo at the bottom.

10. Unmasking Atypical Allergy Symptoms: Not the Usual Suspects

Did you know that airborne allergies don’t always present as sneezing or runny noses? This article helps readers identify unusual symptoms tied to poor air quality and how to address them, some of the symptoms will surprise you. Read more

 

We hope these posts have educated and inspired you to prioritize clean air in your daily life. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you valuable insights and solutions for better air quality in the year ahead!

Which blog post resonated most with you this year? Let us know in the comments!

Austin Team
Austin Team