This summer, I had the opportunity to spend time in a cabin in Maine. While there, I continued my work as a tech journalist, reviewing various gear for a publication. This included testing air purifiers, food dehydrators, and indoor air quality monitors. As part of my experiment, I kept track of the outdoor air quality and monitored the indoor air, noticing a predictable pattern when using the stove.
However, a few weeks into my experiment, I noticed some unusual spikes in PM 2.5 levels, which are invisible particulates that can have negative health effects. These spikes occurred even when I wasn’t cooking or doing anything that would contribute to poor air quality. As I observed the numbers climbing on my air quality monitors, I realized that the culprit was the rug in the cabin.
I first learned about the dangers of household rugs and carpets from air pollution researcher Shelly Miller, whom I had interviewed for a previous story on air quality. She introduced me to the term “resuspension,” which refers to the dust and particulate matter that can become airborne when kicked up by footsteps or furniture. This can have serious health implications, including heart attacks, hypertension, and respiratory issues.
I had let my no-shoes-inside rule slide at the cabin, and the result was poor indoor air quality. After realizing the connection, I took the rugs outside and used a broom to remove the dust. I also used my HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean the floors, which significantly improved the air quality inside.
I reached out to indoor air quality researcher Andrea Ferro for her expertise on how to effectively remove dust and particulates from carpets. She explained that HEPA air filters are highly effective in removing these particles from the air. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality for our overall health, particularly for our hearts.
In conclusion, my experience in the cabin taught me the importance of being mindful of resuspension and taking steps to maintain good indoor air quality. As a tech journalist, I am constantly learning about new ways to improve our lives through technology, and this experience has reinforced the importance of considering the impact of our everyday habits on our health.
