WSJ: What a ‘Clean Room’ Is and Why You Need One When the Air Is Bad
There is a way to help protect against outdoor pollutants that can leak into your home
When outdoor air quality deteriorates, staying indoors seems like the obvious solution. However, indoor air isn't always as clean as we might hope, with pollutants often making their way inside. Given this reality, creating a "clean room" in your home can be an effective strategy to safeguard your health on days when air quality is particularly poor.
All homes, regardless of their construction, allow some outside air to seep in, whether through opened doors or small gaps around windows. To counteract this, doctors and air-quality experts recommend designating a specific room in your house as a clean-air haven. This involves concentrating your air purification efforts in one room, making it a manageable and practical approach to improving air quality.
A clean room is especially beneficial for individuals who are more vulnerable to air pollution, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. Jie Zhao, head of a research team at Delos Labs focusing on healthier indoor environments, emphasizes that targeting one room is more feasible than attempting to purify the air throughout your entire home.
When choosing which room to designate as your clean room, experts agree that you should avoid the kitchen. Cooking can release PM2.5 particles, a significant pollutant found in wildfire smoke, and gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide, which can further irritate respiratory systems. Instead, opt for another room where you can place an air purifier to effectively reduce pollutants, following guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency.
By setting up a clean room, you can create a sanctuary of clean air, offering a crucial respite from external pollution and improving overall indoor air quality.
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