Welcome to Airwaves, a weekly roundup of the most important events and stories in the indoor air quality world. Here are some of the top stories for the week of August 2, 2023:

Did you know gas stoves can emit harmful pollutants? A recent article from CleanTechnica discusses the potential health risks of cooking with gas stoves, which can emit nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can contribute to a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea.

A 34-year-old study from NASA found that snake plants can help clean indoor air and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Results of this study have been repeated over and over, particularly on social media, but the truth is the air cleansing properties of the snake plant are negligible, unless you’re willing to plant hundreds of them in your home. House plants are still a great way to maintain clean air, but don’t count of them as a cure-all. 

In education-related air quality news, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced that it will be providing air purifiers to schools in the state. The MDHHS says that the air purifiers will help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. 

Speaking of improving indoor air quality, it’s important to manage humidity levels indoors for a wide range of benefits. High humidity can lead to a variety of problems in the home, including mold growth, mildew, and condensation. If you live in a humid climate, it's important to take steps to reduce the humidity in your home. You can use a dehumidifier, open windows and doors to ventilate the home, and avoid using appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers and dishwashers.

Finally, there are only 14 days left to get an IAQ device on Indiegogo. IAQ is designed to track a variety of air quality metrics, including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, radon, and VOCs. Act now and get IAQ at the lowest price ever.

As always, contact us with questions, comments, or feedback on all things indoor air. 

-The IAQ Team