Latest news with #indoorair
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Clean A Humidifier To Prevent Mold And Bacteria Growth
Humidifiers can do wonders for adding moisture into the air in your home, but if not kept clean, they can actually wreak havoc on your health. These devices can help prevent dryness on your skin, lips, nose, and throat, but if you never clean them out, mold can build up and be spread into the air, too. Below, we asked two humidifier experts for their best tips on how to properly clean a humidifier. Cleaning your humidifier regularly keeps bacteria, mold, and minerals from building up inside, so you always have a safe and clean mist circulating throughout the room. 'Regular cleaning also extends the life of your humidifier to keep it running smoothly and effectively without any germs clogging up the unit,' explains Jennifer Lynch, a content manager at Pure Enrichment. Another issue that can occur with humidifiers is the water that passes through them. The water and air that passes through your humidifier is not always clean, according to Lucas Lappe, co-founder of Canopy and head of product development. 'The minerals in water and the dust/mold in the air can build up and cause havoc inside your humidifier,' he explains. This is why it's important to regularly clean out your humidifier. Some humidifiers, like the Canopy humidifiers, all come with something called a Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA) technology, which works to keep air running through the units at all times. 'This eliminates remnant water inside that can lead to buildup and mold growth,' says Lappe. Both Lynch and Lappe do not recommend using any harsh or abrasive chemicals, like bleach or hydrogen peroxide, to clean out your humidifier. 'These can damage your device, but more importantly, create unsafe conditions with the dissemination of particulates into the air you breathe,' warns Lappe. Before you begin the process of cleaning out your humidifier, you want to make sure that it's unplugged. 'Do not submerge the humidifier into water when cleaning,' explains Lynch. 'Always rinse well and let the unit dry completely before reassembling and plugging back in.' If you find a buildup of mold in your device, you may want to wear a mask while cleaning it so you don't breathe in any spores, suggests Lappe. Another thing to note is that some humidifiers don't need as much rigorous cleaning as others. For example, Canopy humidifiers need less cleaning thanks to the special SPA technology and dishwasher-safe parts. Make sure to always check the manufacturer's directions for cleaning before you begin. White vinegar Water Soft cloth or sponge Bottle-cleaning brush Toothbrush or small brush Unplug the humidifier. Disassemble the humidifier. Refer to your humidifier's manual for specific instructions on disassembly. Most models allow you to remove the water tank, base, mist nozzle, and filter (if applicable). Pour excess water out of the base of the unit. Clean the washable components. Fill the base of the humidifier with the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 30 minutes. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier with a mist nozzle and any other removable parts, Lappe suggests soaking them in a bowl filled with the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes. Use the soft cloth or old toothbrush (for tighter spaces) to gently scrub any mineral deposits or residue. Empty the vinegar solution from all the components. Rinse all the parts thoroughly with clean water until the vinegar smell disappears. Leave all the parts of the humidifier to air dry completely before reassembling. This can take several hours. Never reassemble the unit if any parts are still wet, as this can promote mold growth. Once everything is dry, reassemble your humidifier. Unplug humidifier. Pour excess water out of the base of the unit. Create a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Wash out the base of the unit with the solution using a cleaning brush or soft cloth. Empty the water tank. Remove the mist nozzle and clean the mist tube with the solution and a bottle-cleaning brush. Wipe the surface of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. If you notice an accumulation of water during usage, reduce humidity and dry the outer surface with a cloth. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your humidifier weekly to ensure no risk of mold growth or mineral buildup. 'With Canopy, we recommend refreshing the main parts every time you change the filter (which is about once per 4-6 weeks),' says Lappe. Can I use soap to clean my humidifier? According to Lappe, you can use soap to clean the surfaces of a humidifier, but it may not be as effective against mineral buildup. Can I use essential oils in my humidifier? Lynch does not recommend using essential oils in your humidifier, but Lappe says that some humidifiers can handle essential oils. 'This will really depend on the manufacturer and type of humidifier you have,' he explains. 'We recommend consulting the manufacturer to ensure it's safe and compatible—some essential oils may damage or disrupt the mechanisms inside the humidifier used for humidification.' How do I remove mineral deposits from my humidifier? To descale, or reduce mineral build-up from the water used in your humidifier, Lynch suggests purchasing an accompanying decalcification cartridge filter that is compatible with your humidifier. 'It will regularly provide mineral clean-up without the extra work,' she says. 'Otherwise, you can follow the same general cleaning steps provided for keeping bacteria out of your humidifier.' Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Camfil Breaks Down 2025 State of the Air Report with Accessible Explanations and Actionable Insights
Learn key insights from the 2025 "State of the Air" report and how Camfil's IAQ solutions address air quality challenges for healthier indoor spaces. Camfil Breaks Down 2025 State of the Air Report with Accessible Explanations and Actionable Insights Riverdale, NJ, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Camfil, a global manufacturer of cutting-edge air filtration solutions, has announced the release of an educational guide that brings the critical findings of the 2025 "State of the Air" report by the American Lung Association to a wider audience. The analysis highlights urgent air quality challenges and how businesses can proactively address these issues with innovative indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions. The "State of the Air" report revealed startling data on air pollution in the United States, citing that nearly 131 million Americans live in areas with failing air quality grades. The report identifies worsening air quality due to wildfires, extreme weather, and industrial emissions, and notes that communities of color and low-income populations bear a disproportionate burden. At the same time, Camfil highlights the need for immediate measures to ensure cleaner, healthier indoor spaces as Americans spend roughly 95% of their time indoors. Camfil's analysis explains the key findings of the report and equips businesses with practical approaches to improve IAQ, such as implementing high-efficiency particle filters and molecular filters that target harmful pollutants like ozone. Advanced solutions like HEPA filters and activated carbon filters are at the forefront of mitigating the dual risks of outdoor pollution infiltrating indoor spaces and excessive strain on HVAC systems. 'The findings of the 2025 'State of the Air' report are a reality check for businesses and policymakers. If air quality is compromised outside, it's critical to ensure cleaner, healthier air inside,' says Kevin Wood, Vice President, Manager of Marketing and Technical Materials at Camfil. 'Proactive IAQ management is not just about compliance but also about creating safer, more sustainable indoor environments.' With an emphasis on actionable insights, Camfil also provides tailored solutions for businesses across sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing, ensuring they meet emerging IAQ regulations while fostering productivity and well-being. Access Camfil's 2025 "State of the Air" educational guide and learn more about their comprehensive air quality solutions. About Camfil Camfil USA Air Filters The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 29 manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and 5,700 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at For media inquiries, please contact: Lynne Laake Camfil USA Air Filters Phone: 888-599-6620 Email: Attachment Camfil Breaks Down 2025 State of the Air Report with Accessible Explanations and Actionable Insights Sign in to access your portfolio
Geeky Gadgets
27-05-2025
- Health
- Geeky Gadgets
Build Your Own Indoor Air Quality Monitor with Micro:bit and Rust
What if you could take control of the air you breathe indoors, making sure a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your loved ones? With indoor air quality directly impacting everything from productivity to long-term health, monitoring CO2 levels has never been more relevant. Yet, many commercial air quality monitors are expensive, limited in functionality, or lack customization options. That's where this project steps in. By combining the power of a micro:bit development board, a high-accuracy CO2 sensor, and the efficiency of Embedded Rust, you'll learn how to build a compact, cost-effective, and scalable air quality monitor that's tailored to your needs. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a beginner curious about embedded systems, this guide from The Rusty Bits will show you how to turn a few components into a practical, real-world solution. In this step-by-step overview, Rusty Bits shows you how to measure CO2 levels using the I2C communication protocol, display real-time data on an LED matrix, and even wirelessly sync your monitor to a mobile app for long-term tracking. Along the way, you'll explore the benefits of Embedded Rust, from its memory safety features to its modular design capabilities, making your project not only reliable but also future-proof. This isn't just about building a device—it's about understanding the tools and techniques that make modern embedded systems so powerful. By the end, you'll not only have a working air quality monitor but also the skills to expand it with additional sensors or features, turning it into a versatile IoT solution. Isn't it time you took control of your indoor environment? DIY Indoor Air Monitor The air quality monitor you create will measure CO2 levels ranging from 400 to 2000 ppm, providing real-time feedback through the micro:bit's LED matrix display. Bluetooth connectivity will allow seamless data transmission to a mobile app, allowing users to track air quality trends over time. The project is centered around the micro:bit for its simplicity and versatility, while Embedded Rust ensures safe, efficient, and reliable programming for embedded systems. This project not only introduces you to embedded systems but also addresses a critical need for monitoring indoor air quality, which is essential for maintaining a healthy living or working environment. Key Components To build this system, you'll need the following hardware: Micro:bit Development Board: Acts as the central controller, managing communication, data processing, and user interaction. Acts as the central controller, managing communication, data processing, and user interaction. SCD40 CO2 Sensor: A high-accuracy sensor that uses the I2C communication protocol to measure CO2 levels effectively. A high-accuracy sensor that uses the I2C communication protocol to measure CO2 levels effectively. Optional Accessories: Depending on your setup, accessories like a SparkFun breakout board or a BitMaker Light can simplify wiring and power management. These components ensure seamless integration and reliable performance, forming the foundation of your air quality monitor. The micro:bit's built-in features, such as the LED matrix and Bluetooth module, reduce the need for additional hardware, making the system compact and efficient. DIY Air Quality Monitor: Affordable, Accurate, and Customizable Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on air monitoring. Understanding I2C Communication I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) is a widely used two-wire communication protocol that assists interaction between the micro:bit and the CO2 sensor. It operates using two key lines: SDA (Data Line): Transfers data between the micro:bit and the sensor. Transfers data between the micro:bit and the sensor. SCL (Clock Line): Synchronizes data transmission to ensure accurate communication. In this setup, the micro:bit functions as the controller, initiating communication with the sensor, which serves as the target. The process involves sending a start condition, addressing the sensor, exchanging data, and concluding with a stop condition. Proper timing, error handling, and adherence to the I2C protocol are critical to ensure accurate and reliable data transfer. By mastering I2C communication, you can integrate additional sensors or peripherals into your system, expanding its functionality and versatility. Why Use Embedded Rust? Embedded Rust is a powerful tool for developing safe and efficient embedded systems. It offers several advantages that make it ideal for this project: Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL): Simplifies interaction with hardware components like the CO2 sensor, reducing the complexity of low-level programming. Simplifies interaction with hardware components like the CO2 sensor, reducing the complexity of low-level programming. Concurrency Management: The Embassy framework enables asynchronous programming, allowing tasks such as sensor data collection and Bluetooth communication to run concurrently without blocking the system. The Embassy framework enables asynchronous programming, allowing tasks such as sensor data collection and Bluetooth communication to run concurrently without blocking the system. Reusable Libraries: Existing Rust crates, such as lib-scd , streamline the integration of sensor drivers, saving development time and effort. By using Embedded Rust, you can write modular, platform-agnostic code that is both efficient and maintainable. Its strong type system and memory safety features minimize bugs and improve the overall reliability of your project. Setting Up and Calibrating the Sensor Proper setup and calibration are essential for accurate CO2 measurements. The SCD40 sensor operates in periodic measurement mode, automatically taking readings at regular intervals. Key steps for setup and calibration include: Power-Up Delay: Allow the sensor to stabilize for a few seconds after powering on to ensure accurate readings. Allow the sensor to stabilize for a few seconds after powering on to ensure accurate readings. Automatic Baseline Calibration: The sensor adjusts itself if exposed to fresh air at least once a week, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and simplifying maintenance. These features make the system user-friendly and ensure reliable performance over time. Additionally, the sensor's compact design and low power consumption make it suitable for continuous operation in various environments. Organizing Your Code A well-structured codebase is crucial for maintaining and expanding your project. Consider the following practices to ensure your code remains clean and manageable: Modular Design: Separate functionalities such as I2C communication, sensor data processing, and Bluetooth handling into distinct modules to improve readability and reusability. Separate functionalities such as I2C communication, sensor data processing, and Bluetooth handling into distinct modules to improve readability and reusability. Future-Proofing: Design your code with scalability in mind, allowing for the integration of additional features like new sensors or enhanced data visualization. Design your code with scalability in mind, allowing for the integration of additional features like new sensors or enhanced data visualization. Optimized Logging: Use concise and meaningful log messages to simplify debugging and improve system performance. These strategies will make your code easier to debug, update, and scale as the project evolves. A modular approach also encourages collaboration and reuse in other embedded projects. Next Steps Once the basic system is operational, you can enhance it with additional features to increase its functionality and user appeal: LED Matrix Display: Use the micro:bit's built-in display to show real-time CO2 levels, making the system more interactive and user-friendly. Use the micro:bit's built-in display to show real-time CO2 levels, making the system more interactive and user-friendly. Bluetooth App Integration: Refine the Bluetooth connection to enable seamless data transfer to a mobile app for long-term air quality monitoring and analysis. Refine the Bluetooth connection to enable seamless data transfer to a mobile app for long-term air quality monitoring and analysis. Additional Sensors: Expand the system to include temperature, humidity, or particulate matter sensors for a more comprehensive air quality analysis. These upgrades will transform your air quality monitor into a versatile IoT solution capable of providing detailed insights into indoor environmental conditions. By continuously refining and expanding your project, you can create a tool that not only monitors air quality but also contributes to a healthier and more comfortable living space. Media Credit: The Rusty Bits Filed Under: DIY Projects, Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
