Sue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱Jul 2, 2023

My blog post collecting all my smoke-warning/info in one place.

Includes: why/how the smoke is dangerous to everyone, recommendations for how to stay safe, recommended air filters, whole house filters, car filters, encouragement to get your AC checked now and upgrade to a heat pump, and Additional Thoughts.

The smoke might have drifted on for the moment... but it will be back.

Now is the time to prepare.

Stay safe, friends.

#ClimateDiary

https://susankayequinn.com/2023/07/a-note-on-wildfire-smoke-from-an-aerosol-scientist.html

A Note on Wildfire Smoke From an Aerosol Scientist

Pittsburgh, Summer 2023 These are the worst fires in Canadian history… and the smoke will be here (in the US, intermittently, depending on which way the wind blows) all summer. I didn’t…

SUSAN KAYE QUINN
Show threadDan TuckerJul 2, 2023
@susankayequinn I JUST finished setting up air quality index monitoring in my #HomeAssistant #homeautomation system, drawing data from a https://waqi.info/ monitoring site about 1/4 mile from my home. Now to set up an automation to turn on the smart switches on the 3 Corsi-Rosenthal MERV 13 filter boxes when the local index starts to get high
World's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index

How polluted is the air today? Check out the real-time air pollution map, for more than 80 countries.

waqi.info
Show threadValonJul 3, 2023
@dctucker @susankayequinn Your post inspired me to set up air quality monitoring as well. Thanks! #HomeAssistant
Show threadAndy McGuire 🐕
@Valon_Blue @dctucker @susankayequinn the post had me spending an hour and 25 minutes last night on the actual AQI site debating whether I need (ok I really mean want) to buy an outdoor unit from them.... I haven't yet, but it doesn't mean I won't.... 😂
Jul 4, 2023 at 10:55amWeb
Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱Jul 4, 2023
@asjmcguire @Valon_Blue @dctucker I understand the allure of gadgetry! But I'm glad the EPA's AirNow app provides really extensive coverage for most areas. Between that and Weather Underground, folks who can't spring for their own units can still have really good data for free (and I think that's important).
Show threadDan TuckerJul 4, 2023
@asjmcguire @Valon_Blue @susankayequinn I can literally SEE the town location of the outdoor AQI monitor nearest me. That doesn't mean that I'm not sort of thinking of an indoor household monitor. Because, geek factor. 😂 Or my asthma! Yeah, that's it... 😎
Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱Jul 4, 2023

@dctucker Indoor monitoring... I very much get this! I have a CO2 monitor and a particle monitor (in my air purifier). I used to have a separate VOCs monitor but it was frankly trash (unreliable), then it died.

But if we're going to talk about indoor air quality.... :) ... now's the time to consider getting rid of your gas cookstop/stove because those are the biggest source of all those combustion products that are terrible for you. Lots of studies on this lately.

@asjmcguire @Valon_Blue

Show threadDan TuckerJul 5, 2023

@susankayequinn Yes, sadly. I grew up cooking with gas, and my partner has a gas stove in her house. I still love the instant temperature control of a gas cooktop. I've been renting since my divorce, so healthier electric cooktops for me for about 12 years now.

I grew up with 2 x 2-pack-a-day smokers in the house, and also have inhaled far too much boat shop dust, silica, and fumes over the decades. All contributing to some asthma developing in my mid-50s... 😕

Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱Jul 5, 2023
@dctucker Ah, that's rough. :( I'm glad you've got the electric cooktop now (so as not to aggravate that more!). <3
Show threadAndy McGuire 🐕Jul 5, 2023

@dctucker @Valon_Blue @susankayequinn yeah....

I already have one of those haha.

#Zigbee #TuYa