Air purifiers can help filter out smoke — and this popular model is $42 (40% off)
Wildfires in Canada have caused air quality across several parts of the U.S. to plummet as the smoke slowly drifts south. In fact, IQAir, an air monitoring company, currently lists Detroit as having the second worst air quality in the world — and New York City is third. The smoky air has drifted as far south as the Carolinas, according to the NOAA, and it continues to spread. With that, it's understandable to wonder what you can do to breathe a little easier. Some public officials are urging people to stay inside but, unfortunately, wildfire smoke can get inside your home, too. That's where an air filter can help.
Why can wildfire smoke be dangerous to some individuals? It's made up of gases and fine particles that can get deep into your lungs and lead to health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Wildfire smoke can also trigger health issues like bronchitis and asthma, the American Lung Association (ALA) says.
If you have an underlying lung condition like asthma, it's best to stay inside as much as you can when there's wildfire smoke in your air. But wildfire smoke can seep into your home as well.
Dr. Raymond Casciari, a pulmonologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif., tells Yahoo Life that it's best to keep the windows in your home closed and run an air conditioner, but keep the fresh-air intake closed to keep outdoor smoke from coming in. Then, use a HEPA filter inside when possible to get rid of any smoke that may have seeped in.
"Air purifiers with a HEPA filter draw in the smoke, trap the particles and blow out clean air," Casciari says. He notes that they can be "helpful" but can't necessarily protect you from all smoke when the air quality is especially bad.
If air quality isn't a huge concern for you on a regular basis, it's understandable to not want to spend an arm and a leg on an air purifier. Consider the ToLife Air Purifier: It's currently down to just $42 and has a HEPA filter, which is considered the gold standard in air purification. It captures particles down to 0.3 microns and has 360 air outlets to deliver purified air all around.
The purifier has six timer settings to allow you to have it automatically power down after a set period of time and operates at levels as low as a nearly silent 25 decibels. At just 3.4 pounds, it's highly portable, allowing you to tote it from room to room.
Plenty of fans swear by it. "This air purifier has transformed my home, efficiently filtering out allergens, pet dander and smoke," shared a five-star reviewer. "With smart sensor technology, it adjusts purification settings based on pollution levels, ensuring optimal performance while remaining whisper-quiet. As an allergy sufferer, I've experienced a significant reduction in symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes since using this device. This air purifier is a true lifesaver."
A fellow fan called this air purifier "small but mighty." They added, "It is very quiet. I can barely hear it when it's on its lowest setting, which is perfect for nighttime use."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
