From f3fa54ab6703a08fa942709c648aa15094ae1abc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Adam Kelly Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:19:15 +1100 Subject: Update README.md --- README.md | 1 + 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index d1b56bc..2a0d435 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ A small DIY air purifier using off-the-shelf components for <$100aud. ## Background +[Melbourne haze](/DIY-Air-Purifier/1576814734-MelbourneSmokeHaze.jpg) In the summer of 2019/2020 Australia is experiencing unprecedented dangerous fire conditions driven by climate change. Much of the east coast of the country south of Brisbane is engulfed in deadly bushfires and air pollution ratings in cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and many other regional cities and towns is many times the recommended safe levels of PM2.5 particles. The long term affects of the inhalation of bushfire smoke is mostly unknown at this time, but already people have died from respiratory distress bought about by the smoke-filled air. There has been a great deal of discussion online and in the media about the use of P2 respirators and home air purifiers to reduce the effects of the bushfire smoke. However, information about the efficiacy of P2 respirators for bushfire smoke is not readily available and what information can be found suggests they may be of limited use. Health officials are continuing to recommend eliminating exposure to PM2.5 particles and bushfire smoke-related chemicals by remaining indoors if possible. Unfortunately for many people the summer heat makes indoors extremely uncomfortable and the evaporative air conditioners installed in many homes in my state of Victoria do not filter the damaging PM2.5 particles from the air. Health officials recommend using HEPA H13 air purifiers, however these are extremely expensive with even a basic unit suitable for a single room costing around $500aud. -- cgit v1.2.3