Airthings, a global technology company dedicated to promoting healthy indoor environments, has just released its Airthings Report for 2023. This annual report, based on a comprehensive analysis of over 2 billion data points from more than 11,500 smart indoor air quality monitors across the United States and Canada, sheds light on the concerning trends in indoor air pollution.
Key Takeaways from the Airthings Report for 2023:
- Rising Levels of Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The annual average level of indoor air pollution increased by over 17% in the United States and Canada in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 7.43µg/m³ and 6.26µg/m³, respectively.
- Exceeding Recommended Levels: The average indoor air pollution levels for 2023 were 39% higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe air threshold of <5µg/m³.
- Increased Exposure: Individuals in the U.S. and Canada spent 1,211 hours in 2023, or almost 14% of their time, breathing air above the WHO’s recommended safe air levels—an alarming 29% increase from 2022.
- Wildfires Impact: Smoke and particulates from the 2023 wildfires, particularly in North America, contributed significantly to making 2023 the worst year for indoor air pollution on record.
- Longer Exposure to Unhealthy Air: Airthings air quality monitors registered extremely unhealthy levels for more than 25% longer in 2023, equating to an additional 275 hours of exposure to poor air quality.
Insights from CEO Oyvind Birkines: “These findings about indoor air pollution levels, although startlingly high, are likely lower than what we can expect to see from the population at large. This is considering that those with our air quality monitors have a specific interest in air and likely have access to more air quality insights than the average person.
“We hope this report empowers people to further consider and improve the quality of the air they breathe.”
Other Indoor Air Quality Insights from 2023:
- CO₂ Levels: CO₂ red hours (>1000 ppm) fell by 11% from 2022 to 2023.
- PM2.5 Levels: PM2.5 red hours (>25µg/m³) rose by 17% from 2022 to 2023.
- Radon Levels: Radon red hours (>4pCi/L or >150Bq/m3) fell by 14% from 2022 to 2023.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOC red hours (>2000ppb) fell by almost 18% from 2022 to 2023.
2023 was not only confirmed as the hottest year on record but also marked a significant deterioration in indoor air quality. It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of these findings and take steps to mitigate indoor air pollution for the sake of their health and well-being.
How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution Levels:
- Close openings to your home during periods of outdoor pollution.
- Use an air quality monitor to detect indoor air quality.
- Employ an air purifier to quickly improve air quality.
About Airthings:
Airthings is a global technology company focused on providing award-winning radon and indoor air quality monitors. Founded in 2008, Airthings is on a mission to ensure that people around the world recognise the impact of indoor air quality and take control of their health through simple, affordable, and accurate technology solutions while optimising energy consumption in buildings
To access the full Airthings Report for 2023 and learn more about their indoor air quality solutions, see the Airthings Report 2023.
Content Team
Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.
