Impact of Wildfire Smoke on the Performance of Air Purifiers

DONGRYUL PARK, Shibo Wang, Qisheng Ou, Kiwon Seo, Hyungho Park, David Y. H. Pui, LG Electronics

     Abstract Number: 299
     Working Group: Burning Questions of Aerosol Emissions, Chemistry, and Impacts from Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fires

Abstract
Wildfire smoke is a critical environmental health hazard that significantly deteriorates indoor air quality (IAQ) by increasing concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Prolonged exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels—even in residences located several miles from burn areas—has been linked to adverse respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. In response, ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 recommends the use of mechanical ventilation with high-efficiency filtration and portable air purifiers to protect occupants during wildfire events. This study investigates the impact of wildfire smoke on the degradation of air purifier performance and filter longevity. A laboratory-scale smoke generation and loading system was developed to simulate wildfire conditions. Using this setup, the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) was evaluated and the Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM) was calculated to serve as indicators of purifier performance over time. Two types of filters—electret melt-blown and nanofiber—were tested under repeated smoke loading. Simultaneously, pressure drop across the filters was monitored to assess airflow resistance and clogging characteristics.