Thanksgiving is normally a time for us to get together and enjoy the traditions we hold dear but this year, it’s going to be tough. We’re apprehensive about mixing in large groups, some of our elderly relatives may decide not to mix with others at all. Whatever happens, this year’s holiday season will be far from normal.
Indoor air quality is more important than ever
Living with Covid-19 has pushed indoor air quality to the top of everyone’s priority list. We’re all worried about what’s floating around in the air. But it’s not just the virus we need to watch out for this holiday season. There are dangers lurking in the kitchen too….
The dangers of cooking with gas
Despite the challenges we face, the traditional Thanksgiving meal will still be a big event. Whether it’s turkey, ham or pumpkin loaf, your kitchen will be a bustling hive of activity on the run up to the big day.
40% of us will be cooking our Thanksgiving meal using a gas stove. Without ventilation, gas stoves are often the main source of pollution in our homes. One study, carried out by scientists from the University of Texas, found that when cooking a Thanksgiving meal, air quality in the kitchen was on par with one of the most polluted cities in the world, New Delhi in India. This is because gas stoves produce high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) a gas that can be highly toxic. Exposure to NO2 causes coughing, wheezing and chest tightness and is particularly dangerous for people with ongoing respiratory diseases such as COPD.
Our work with Johns Hopkins University
Here at Austin Air, we have been working to reduce levels of NO2 in the home for a number of years. In 2009 we were approached by the famous Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, to conduct a clinical trial. Our units were placed in a number of homes with gas stoves, in both the kitchen and the bedroom. NO2 levels were then measured regularly over a three-month period. The results of this study confirmed what we have known for some time. Our units are highly effective at removing pollutants from the home, including those produced by gas stoves.
Stay safe this holiday season with Austin Air
This holiday season, keep the air in your home clean, safe and free from contaminants with the Austin Air HealthMate Plus™. Its unique carbon blend, together with Medical Grade Certified HEPA Material, effectively removes viruses*, bacteria, allergens, VOC’s and chemicals such as NO2.
Protect your family this holiday season with Austin Air.
*Covid-19 is a new strain of virus that as yet, remains untested. However, the Medical Grade Certified HEPA Material technology used in our filters is proven to remove up to 99% of all airborne contaminants as small as 0.1 microns.
