How Local Disasters Impact Indoor Air Quality

Flooding and Mold After Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding in Asheville in 2024, many homes suffered water damage that created ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold spores can become airborne and trigger respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions, especially in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions.

Simply drying your home is not enough to eliminate mold risks. If mold is allowed to grow unchecked, it can infest carpets, walls, and HVAC systems, leading to chronic health problems and costly repairs. Proper remediation and cleaning are essential to remove mold and prevent spores from spreading inside your home.

Smoke and Particulates from the Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire in late 2024 filled the air with thick smoke containing fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic gases. Smoke particles are small enough to penetrate indoor spaces through open windows, doors, and even ventilation systems.

Indoor exposure to wildfire smoke can aggravate heart and lung diseases, cause asthma attacks, and increase the risk of other serious health problems. Many residents reported persistent smoke odors and respiratory symptoms long after the fire was extinguished, emphasizing the need for effective indoor air purification and sealing measures.

Air Purifiers Help Clear the Air in Your Home

In an emergency like this train derailment, many people find themselves out of options. The air surrounding their home is toxic, but they do not have the ability to simply up and leave or move to a new location. It simply isn’t a realistic option for many people, who become trapped in unhealthy environments. If leaving your home is not an option, an air purifier can be a huge asset in keeping the air in your home as safe as possible.

When it comes to removing chemicals, gasses, and odors, an air purifier that also includes activated carbon is a good choice. Activated carbon works through a process called adsorption. It has little pores and pockets that increase its surface area, so when gasses and chemicals pass through, they get stuck in the pores, thereby cleaning the air that’s released. Activated carbon/charcoal’s ability to adsorb phosgene, vinyl chloride, and a myriad of other VOCs has been well-established and documented in numerous studies and scholarly articles.

How Many Air Purifiers Do I Need?

Flexibility in an emergency is critical, so remember these devices can be moved from room to room if a crisis occurs. When you’re trying to restore the air quality inside your home after a chemical spill, it’s most beneficial to have an air purifier in every room. But most people can’t afford to do that. So, pick the room where you and your family will benefit most. When choosing an air purifier, you want to make sure it covers the space you plan to put it in. Every air purifier is designed to cover a certain amount of square footage. For a chemical concern, we recommend 2 air exchanges an hour, more if you can handle the noise. It may very well be the living area since that’s where you spend the most time together. But if it’s just you and your spouse or partner, the bedroom may be the best choice since you spend several hours there each night.

Air Quality Monitoring

It’s always good to know the air quality inside your home. Several companies make air quality monitors, but they won’t do much good if you don’t have a way to address the pollution problem. That’s why your best bet and investment is buying an air purifier equipped with an air quality monitor.

Several companies that manufacture air purifiers have realized how important the monitoring piece is and have started including one as part of the unit. These devices provide peace of mind, but one needs to remember that most monitors do not measure the 600 + chemicals that carbon and additives can absorb. Air purifiers with air quality monitors detect dirty air in real-time, and will adjust the fan speed accordingly to clean it. So, you don’t have to do a thing, other than turn the air purifier on.

What Kind of Air Purifiers to Consider

The Alen 75i is a good choice for particle, chemical, and gas filtration. The Alen True HEPA Fresh + Carbon filter captures airborne irritants, as well as smoke and VOCs. This filter is the best option for the 75i, with 3.6 pounds of chemical carbon mixture combined with HEPA filter technology.

The Alen BreatheSmart 75i will cost around $770 and comes with the Alen Forever Guarantee. It will cover up to 1300 square feet every 30 minutes and is equipped with an air quality monitor that uses laser-sensoring technology. The unit is whisper quiet, Energy Star certified, and can be controlled through Alen’s app. The filters will last up to 15 months, so they don’t need to be replaced as often as other brands.

The Austin Air Healthmate Plus is also a good option for removing chemicals and VOCs from the air. The Austin Air Heathlmate Plus contains nearly 15 pounds of a chemical compound mixture. This mixture includes activated carbon and zeolite. The compound is also impregnated with potassium iodide. This chemical is known for its ability to absorb odors and chemical fumes from the air and trap them. Once the air has been through the filtering system, the particles and contaminants are eliminated.

Preparing Your Home for Future Disasters

Seal Windows and Doors

One of the most effective ways to protect your indoor air quality during environmental disasters—especially wildfires or chemical releases—is to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home. Check all windows and doors for gaps, cracks, or poorly sealed areas where smoke, dust, or chemical vapors can seep in. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these openings. Pay special attention to areas where doors meet the floor or thresholds, and around window frames. Consider installing door sweeps and sealing ventilation ducts if they are not equipped with filters. For added protection during severe events, you can use plastic sheeting or window film to temporarily seal windows. Proper sealing reduces the infiltration of harmful particulates and gases, making your indoor environment safer.

Upgrade HVAC Filters

Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality. Standard HVAC filters often capture only larger particles and may not be effective against the tiny particulates found in wildfire smoke or mold spores. Upgrading to a high-efficiency filter rated MERV 13 or higher can significantly improve your system’s ability to trap fine particles (down to 0.3 microns) and some airborne biological contaminants. Before upgrading, check your HVAC system’s specifications to ensure it can handle higher-efficiency filters without reducing airflow or damaging the system. Regularly replacing these filters—typically every 1 to 3 months depending on use—is also crucial for maintaining their effectiveness.

Create a Clean Room

During periods of poor outdoor air quality, such as wildfire smoke events or chemical incidents, having a dedicated “clean room” in your home can provide a safe refuge. Choose a smaller room with minimal windows and exterior doors that can be tightly sealed. Equip this room with a high-quality air purifier that combines HEPA filtration for particles and activated carbon for gases and odors. Close vents and doors to the rest of the house to minimize infiltration. Keep the door closed and avoid bringing in outdoor air through ventilation during these events. This clean room can serve as a protected space where family members, especially those with respiratory issues or other vulnerabilities, can breathe easier and find relief until the air quality improves.

Keep Emergency Supplies

Preparation is key to responding quickly when disaster strikes. Stock your home with emergency supplies such as N95 or KN95 masks, which are effective at filtering out fine particles including smoke and chemical aerosols. These masks can be crucial if you need to go outside during hazardous air quality conditions. Additionally, keep a supply of replacement filters for your air purifiers and HVAC system on hand. Filter availability can become limited during widespread disasters when demand surges. Having extra filters ready means you can maintain your purification systems without interruption. Store these supplies in an easily accessible location and make sure all household members know where they are and how to use them properly.

Conclusion

We can’t control what happens in the world or the pollution and health hazards it may create. And when those things happen it can be stressful, difficult, and even dangerous. But we can control how we prepare for the unexpected and create a safe space inside our homes. Investing in an air purifier is a good way to help yourself and your family breathe cleaner, healthier air – during an emergency situation and every other day of the year.