Reducing indoor air pollution: Use a kitchen exhaust fan!

An over-the-range hood can be effective in removing
indoor air pollutants - if used regularly, experts say.

Cooking is a great habit that can help promote healthier eating habits, strengthen family bonds and create financial stability – but it can also produce high levels of indoor air pollution.

Cooking with high heat or gas burners on stove tops and in ovens can spread airborne chemicals and particles that may affect people’s health and well-being.

Experts often advocate the use of kitchen exhaust fans as one way to reduce indoor air pollution.

However, the exhaust systems vary in terms of price, noise, power consumption and effectiveness, and there is no standard to rate them.

In a recent study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of seven different over-the-range hood designs.

They found that no device excelled in all categories, as those fans that were efficient in removing pollutants tended to have high fan speeds that hurt efficiencies or were so loud that normal conversation became impossible.

In the end, buying a new hood may not be necessary, the researchers say: Using even moderately effective kitchen exhaust fans can make a positive difference in the air quality at home.

Another tip: Cooking on the back burners instead of the front burners allows for even greater efficiency.

The study was published in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Source: American Chemical Society

Air purifiers for better indoor air

Cooking odors can be quite irritating, but they are not the worst pollutants in indoor environments.

AllerAir's 5000 Exec:
Powerful room air purifier

Most homes and offices feature a variety of toxins in the air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

While better ventilation and source control will help, a portable and powerful air purifier with the right air filters will provide healthier and cleaner air – guaranteed.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the home and office have been designed with the most efficient airflow configurations, the most effective air filters and the most versatile options in mind, to provide the best possible air cleaning solution for virtually any indoor air quality concern.

The air purifiers boast a deep-bed granular activated carbon filter, a trusted and proven filtration media for airborne chemicals, gases, odors, VOCs and fumes.

The carbon and HEPA filter combination also takes care of particulate matter, dust, pollen and dander, while optional UV germicidal filtration helps neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Not sure what you need? Consult our air quality and model selection guides.

Contact AllerAir for more information as well as personalized recommendations, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.