Vancouver Air Quality Issues and Air Purifier Recommendations
Why You Need an Air Purifier in Vancouver
Air quality in Vancouver is affected by numerous mountain ranges and valleys, which can complicate atmospheric pollution dispersion and lead to high concentrations of pollutants in the city. In the summer, a major source of outdoor, and hence indoor pollutants, is fine particulate matter (PM2.5) drifting into the city from wildfire burns in the region, with 2015 being an unprecedented year for air advisory warnings. Smoke particulates are considered highly dangerous as they can lodge themselves deep into the lungs where they can accumulate and lead to serious health issues down the road. Wildfires are not the only source of smoke particulates in Vancouver; the burning of agricultural waste and residential wood burning in the winter also contribute to air quality issues in the city.
FACT: Residential wood-burning is responsible for 25% of the PM2.5 emissions in Vancouver, with this figure rising sharply in the winter months
Other major sources of air pollution in the Vancouver area include:
- Exhaust and road dust produced by the growing number of vehicles on the roads;
- Emissions from marine vessels in the port and in coastal waters;
- Diesel soot from diesel vehicles, industrial machines and construction equipment;
- Industrial emissions of nitrogen oxides (e.g., Lehigh Hanson plant), which can cause respiratory issues and serious health effects with chronic exposure;
- Sulphur dioxide that drifts in from the Pine River natural gas plant, with visible piles of yellow sulphur along the city’s harbour-front;
- Pollutants that make their way across the Pacific from countries like China and Japan.
FACT: Over 20% of Vancouver residents live within 100m of a major roadway
Many Vancouver residents also suffer from seasonal allergies due to the abundance of trees and other pollen sources in and around the city, with red alder and birch being the most problematic. In addition, mold spores are a major source of respiratory issues for many individuals because of Vancouver’s wet climate. Smog days only worsen symptoms as smog can trap these allergens at breathing level. Allergy specialists agree that giving your body a break from these types of pollutants (ideally for 8 hours while you sleep) by operating a HEPA or better-than-HEPA air purifier can help to reduce or alleviate allergy symptoms.
Modern Alchemy Air Purifiers Recommends...
IQAir HealthPro Plus
The World’s Best Air Purifier for City Dwellers
The industry-leading IQAir HealthPro Plus air purifier leaves the competition at the starting gate when it comes to capturing ultra-fine particulates. The exclusive HyperHEPA™ filter effectively removes particles down to 0.003 microns, making it perfect for handling smog, vehicle exhaust, wildfire smoke and industrial particulates, while the advanced V5-Cell™ filter adsorbs gaseous chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Blueair 505 Gas & Odour (GO) SmokeStop Air Purifier
Premium Air Cleaning for Allergy Relief
The ultra-quiet Blueair 505 air purifier is designed to effectively capture mould spores and other airborne allergens such as fine ash, dust, pollen, pet dander and dust mite by-products. The GO SmokeStop model offers added protection from dangerous wood smoke toxins, VOCs, mould mycotoxins and other chemical and gas pollutants generated by traffic, industrial and agricultural sources that may be entering your home.
Modern Alchemy Air Purifiers offers expert advice, outstanding products, great prices, unparalleled customer service and free shipping across Canada. Vancouver customers (and all BC residents) also benefit from the fact that we only charge 5% tax on all purchases, instantly saving you your 7% provincial tax, so contact us today!
Phone: 613-894-0331
Toll Free: 1-877-GO-7-PURE (1-877-467-7873)
Email: info@modernalchemyair.com
