Ultrafine Particles
The Good, The Bad, and The Tiny

The air we breathe inside of our homes is full of particulate matter and pollutants. Particulate matter is separated into three main groups: coarse particles (PM 10), fine particles (PM 2.5), and ultrafine particles (PM 0.1). As you can see, the smallest of these pollutants are referred to as ultrafine particles and their less than 0.1 microns in size. For reference, that’s smaller than one-thousandth the width of a human hair and is invisible to the naked eye. Although you cannot see them, they are now widely being recognized as a health hindrance to those breathing them – which includes us all.

Ultrafine particles originate from both natural and man-made sources and are only generated under high temperatures. A few sources of these particles are fumes, smoke, fine sea salt from ocean spray, gas stoves and fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces, candles, and emissions from factories. According to Aerosol and Air Quality Research (AAQR), up to 90 percent of our indoor matter is comprised of these potentially dangerous ultrafine particles.

It’s only in recent years that ultrafine particles have been realized as a hazard to your health. Due to their small size, these particles are able to make their way deep into our lungs. Their small size allows them to penetrate through the lungs barriers and make their way into our bloodstream. This results in inflammation and is especially dangerous to those with preexisting respiratory issues and have been linked to heart disease. While we can’t avoid ultrafine particles completely, we can reduce their presence and the negative effects they have on our health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. With the staggering percentage of our air being comprised of ultrafine particles, its essential to incorporate an air purifier into your environment. While HEPA filters are considered the highest performing filters on the market today, they are not capable of capturing ultrafine particles. HEPA filters are able to reduce airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size, while ultrafine particles come in even smaller at 0.1 microns in size.

Fortunately, Winix offers a True HEPA filter that goes beyond what can be found on the market today. Every Winix air purifier boasts this industry leading True HEPA filter, which captures 99.99%* of airborne contaminants down to 0.003 microns in size. Impressively, this is smaller than the originating size of ultrafine particles…and ensures the healthiest air for both you and your family.

*Based on independent laboratory tests conducted on inanimate particles as small as 0.003 microns.

Winix Expands Wildfire Relief Efforts with Air Purifier Donations

As wildfires continue to impact air quality across California, Winix America is stepping up to support communities in need. Through donations of air purifiers to Vintage Church Pasadena and The Dream Center in Los Angeles, we aim to provide cleaner indoor air for individuals and families affected by hazardous smoke and airborne pollutants. Helping Communities … Read more

Protect Yourself and Family from Wildfire Smoke

As wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles, it’s imperative that we know how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from lingering smoke. Wildfire smoke is a health hazard that not only impacts outdoor air, but easily makes its way inside and worsens our indoor air quality too. We’ve put together a list … Read more

A Letter from our President: Celebrating 50 Years of Clean, Quality Air

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Winix, and we wish to pause to not only celebrate this milestone that few companies achieve, but to also reflect on the lessons received along our journey. It has never been enough for Winix to simply be good at what we do, we aspire to be the best.  … Read more

Winix: The Clean Air Coworker

No matter if you work remotely, hybrid or in an office setting – the quality of air you breathe is very important.  Last year, many Americans began heading back into the office and new methods were put in place to ensure a safer environment for employees.  What was new is now the standard for many … Read more

Ozone: A Fresh Perspective

Whether you own an air purifier or are currently shopping around for one, you’ve more than likely heard about air purifiers that produce ozone. There’s been a long-standing debate regarding what is considered safe levels of ozone within the home. While we are all exposed to naturally occurring ozone, having a machine in your home producing it seems like a scary notion. What you … Read more

Winix: A Suggestion for Less Congestion

If you’re fighting the flu or a simple cold, congestion can be downright miserable; you don’t feel or sound quite like yourself. On the trek back to a less stuffy version of yourself, consider adding a humidifier to your ‘get better’ routine. Congestion occurs when the nasal tissues become swollen. This swelling is caused by … Read more

Eliminate Basement Odor with Winix

Stale, dank, musty – basements get a bad rap sometimes. The stuffiness you may experience could be described as stale air that causes an odor called must. This smell covers a mix of basement “scaries” such as mold, dust, VOCs, and stagnant air. Basements tend to lack airflow, which is an invitation to odors, until … Read more

Fresh Look, Same Winix!

Welcome to our new look! We’re excited to introduce you to our newly improved website. Our enhanced user experience makes it easier than ever for consumers to navigate the website and enjoy a simplified shopping experience. Winix America has been redesigned to offer fresh, exceptional content quickly and easily. The site has been recrafted in … Read more