We’ve just survived yet another winter night with the US Embassy’s air pollution AQI maxed out “beyond index” over 500, so it’s again a good time to review one of Beijing life’s unfortunate necessities: indoor air purifiers. In our expat world’s never-ending discussion of the best air purifiers, many of you have read my article …

I’ve discussed many wellness topics on my expat health blog, but the major interest — by far — is air pollution. Beijingers are thirsty for quality information about air quality, especially regarding how could it affect their children. Let’s review the data now and also talk about healthy steps. In terms of health risks, there …

Students and others with limited incomes shouldn’t feel helplessly left out of the eternal expat discussion regarding air purifiers. I mentioned before but will stress again, given the recent weather: there’s a very decent and affordable Taiwan/U.S.A.-made HEPA air purifier which is perfect for small dorm rooms, offices and bedrooms. It’s the Hunter 31125 model, …

Beijing’s internet forums are always filled with heated debates as to which air purifier is best: IQAir vs Blueair vs others; import vs local; etc etc. I finally decided to jump into the fray and enter the great debate. As I’ve mentioned in many posts, I am a big fan of indoor air purifiers because I …

Last autumn I wrote a very popular piece covering my escapades around town with an air particle monitor. I had so much fun that I borrowed the monitor again last winter and published my findings in CityWeekend Beijing Parents & Kids magazine, now published every two months. Here is my reprint: Winter this year started …

Here’s part two of that interview on BON TV’s Easy China talk show, discussing air pollution in Beijing. Part 1 is here. Highlights of part 2: myths of air pollution(4:00); children’s risks (8:00); indoor air treatments (9:00); air purifier quality (19:30); The Great London Smog of 1952 (24:00).  The screen is too big below, but you can right-click …

Are you aware that certain plants can act as natural air purifiers? Indoor air pollution is a serious problem in many communities, especially in cities. But there are also issues with indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde or varnishes that can also cause problems. There are many air purifiers on the market, but why not save …

I’ve talked a lot about indoor air quality, and I’m happy to report that Beijing Kids has an excellent post this week about indoor plants. They discuss a short video from the TED Conference series; this presentation discusses three common house plants and details how efficiently they can remove CO2, create oxygen, and also absorb …

We’ve had a series of unhealthy air days this week, and I’ve been trying to raise awareness among the schools to have a good action plan. I was just emailed a nice example of what one local school is doing with each cutoff. I think the actions are reasonable and a good start for other schools …

I posted a couple weeks ago how serious the air can get around here, and how young children are the most vulnerable. Since then, I received notice of a wonderful new website at iphone.bjair.info. This website collects the hourly Air Quality Index from the US Embassy’s particle monitor. It’s a perfect little website, and I …

I’ve previously discussed outdoor pollution, a common worry for expats. Less commonly discussed but possibly more concerning is indoor air pollution. It’s important to realize that a poorly ventilated house can have more dangerous air than outdoor air — especially if a smoker lives there. Someone (thanks, Liora!) passed along to me an outstanding review …

This is definitely one of the top 10 issues that expats discuss, even before they arrive here. Yes, the air quality is an issue, but it’s important to review the facts as well. Blue Air Days First, subjectively and objectively, the air is definitely better than it was compared to a year ago. We’ve had …