How Alen Air Purifiers Can Protect You and Your Family
When a Saharan dust storm makes its way across the Atlantic and reaches the US, it's undeniable - you can almost taste the change in the air. The fine dust particles that came from thousands of miles away don't just remain outside; they can infiltrate your home, impacting the air that we all breathe. You can see the evidence in the unusual haze that hangs in the air and the decrease in visibility. And, when this foreign dust mixes with local pollution, it's a recipe for even poorer air quality.
Every year, an estimated 15-50 million tons of Saharan dust reach the shores of the Americas, including the USA, usually during the summer months (June, July, and August). The dust is picked up by strong winds in the Sahara Desert and carried across the Atlantic Ocean. The dust can travel as far as the Caribbean, the southeastern United States, and even Texas.
A Saharan dust storm forms when strong winds, often associated with the desert's extreme weather patterns, lift fine particles of sand and dust from the desert surface into the atmosphere. This dust can be lifted as high as 4-5 kilometers into the atmosphere and carried long distances by trade winds and upper-air currents.
The frequency and intensity of Saharan dust storms reaching the USA varies from year to year. The most recent intense Saharan dust storm to travel across the US was in June 2020. It was widely covered by meteorologists. In some areas, PM (particulate matter) levels were as high as 10 times the national air quality standard.
In general, Saharan dust storms are not a major hazard to the USA. However, they can have some negative impacts on air quality and visibility. Here are some tips for staying safe during a Saharan dust storm:
- Wear a mask: If the air quality is poor, wear a mask to protect your lungs.
- Stay indoors: If you are sensitive to dust, stay indoors as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids: The dust can dry out your airways, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
- Invest in an Alen air purifier: Alen air purifiers are top-rated for dust removal
Health Risks Associated with Saharan Dust Storms
Now, breathing in this dusty air isn't just uncomfortable - it carries real health risks. Imagine those fine dust particles, invisible to the naked eye, penetrating deep into our lungs, and sometimes even making their way into our bloodstream. This can lead to all sorts of health problems, from triggering allergies and causing skin irritation to more serious conditions. The very thought makes me realize the severity of this situation.
For folks already dealing with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the arrival of a Saharan dust storm can feel like the world is against them. Those tiny dust particles can stir up these conditions, causing flare-ups and exacerbating symptoms. It's no surprise that hospitals often see a rise in admissions for respiratory issues when the dust storms are at their peak.
How Can Alen Air Purifiers Protect You?
Alen’s advanced HEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them adept at trapping fine dust particles. Additionally, we offer customizable filters allow users to tailor their purifiers to specific needs, like removing allergens, which can be particularly useful during dust storms.
Alen air purifiers also feature SmartSensor technology which automatically detects changes in air quality and adjusts the purifier's speed accordingly. The Alen mobile app can track your air quality in real time and communicate with your smart home technologies to manage your air purifier. Apart from their dust-trapping efficiency, Alen air purifiers offer other beneficial features during Saharan dust storms. Features like Sleep Mode will reduce noise levels to a whisper-quiet hum, ensuring a good night's sleep even if the purifier runs all night.
The Alen BreatheSmart series, particularly the BreatheSmart 45i and BreatheSmart 75i, are ideal for dealing with Saharan dust particles. The BreatheSmart 45i is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms and uses the True HEPA filter to capture dust particles. The BreatheSmart 75i, on the other hand, is designed for larger spaces, and, with the addition Alen Fresh filter with activated carbon to absorb harmful chemicals and VOCs, cooking odors, and common household odors + capturing allergens, dust, mold, and germs it not only traps dust particles but also reduces household odors that may become more noticeable during dust storms.
During periods of high pollution like Saharan dust storms, it's important to check and replace the filters of Alen air purifiers more frequently, as they work harder to clean the indoor air. Also, ensure that the purifier is placed in an open area where it can efficiently circulate the air. Regularly cleaning the exterior of the air purifier with a dry cloth can also enhance its performance.
Final Thought
As we navigate the complexities of a world where Saharan dust storms become part of our reality, the importance of effective solutions like air purifiers cannot be overstated. Alen air purifiers, in particular, have shown their merit. They're not just a band-aid solution, but a well-crafted line of defense against the microscopic invaders brought by these dust storms. They serve as a reminder that even when faced with global phenomena, there are steps we can take in our homes, our personal spaces, to ensure our well-being and that of our loved ones. So, as the dust settles on this discussion, let's remember that when nature sends a storm our way, we have the tools at hand to weather it.
Click here to see a list of Alen air purifiers that remove Saharan Dust particles or to determine the specific Alen unit that is best for you, consider our Digital Assistant to help find your perfect Alen unit.
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