Lessons Learned Monitoring Air Quality in 3 Locations

Three CNET experts share surprising insights about indoor air quality and how to improve it.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Over several months, three CNET wellness and smart home experts monitored air quality in different locations across the US. They learned surprising facts about how humidity, cooking, cleaning, and even mattresses can impact indoor air quality and affect health. The experts share tips on how to measure, monitor, and improve the air we breathe at home.

Why it matters

Knowing the quality of the air in our homes is crucial for health, but it can be difficult to detect since air pollution is invisible. This report provides valuable insights from experts on the hidden sources of indoor air pollution and practical steps people can take to create cleaner, safer air in their living spaces.

The details

The experts used various air quality monitors to track factors like particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature in their homes. They found that activities like cooking with gas stoves, using certain cleaning products, and even having a mattress can increase harmful pollutants indoors. For example, Anna in Los Angeles noticed her humidifier caused PM2.5 levels to spike, while Tyler in Bend, Oregon, saw his gas fireplace and oven raise CO2 levels. Aly in Reno, Nevada, discovered that nonstick cookware and high-heat cooking methods increased VOCs detected by her air purifier. The experts recommend using air purifiers, improving ventilation, and choosing low-VOC products to minimize indoor air pollution.

  • Anna has been monitoring her air quality with the Airthings View Plus, Wave Enhance and Renew air purifier for over 2 months.
  • Tyler has been testing the Switchbot Meter Pro for 8 months.
  • Aly has been using the Blueair Classic Pro CP7i air purifier for the past 2 months.

The players

Anna Gragert

A CNET wellness and smart home expert who lives in Los Angeles.

Tyler

A CNET wellness and smart home expert who resides in Bend, Oregon.

Aly

A CNET wellness and smart home expert who lives in Reno, Nevada.

Joakim Lindh

The head of strategic growth at Airthings.

Odile Liu

The chief product officer at Blueair.

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What they’re saying

“While there is no direct causation between one and the other, PM2.5 particles (like dust or smoke) are often hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water from humid air. When humidity rises, these particles swell up, so a particulate matter monitor may then read them as more numerous or larger, skewing the PM2.5 value upward.”

— Joakim Lindh, Head of strategic growth at Airthings (CNET)

“Gas cooking uses the process of combustion, where natural gas is burned off, which creates heat. When this combustion occurs in your home, the chemical reaction releases pollutants into your air, including ultrafine particulate matter, as well as VOCs like nitrogen oxides or even deadly carbon monoxide.”

— Joakim Lindh, Head of strategic growth at Airthings (CNET)

“Carbon dioxide, productivity and health are closely linked. High concentrations are associated with restlessness, drowsiness, headaches and poor concentration.”

— Joakim Lindh, Head of strategic growth at Airthings (CNET)

“Many conventional cleaning products -- especially those with added fragrances -- can release VOCs that trigger your air purifier. Scented sprays, bleach-based cleaners and products with synthetic fragrance blends are common culprits. These chemicals can linger in the air and may contribute to respiratory irritation, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.”

— Odile Liu, Chief product officer at Blueair (CNET)

“Cooking -- even on an electric stovetop -- can release fine particles, volatile organic compounds and grease aerosols into the air, especially with high-heat methods like frying or searing. Certain oils with low smoke points, like sesame or unrefined olive oil, and Teflon-lined cookware can also contribute, potentially triggering your purifier's sensors.”

— Odile Liu, Chief product officer at Blueair (CNET)

What’s next

The experts recommend using air purifiers, improving ventilation, and choosing low-VOC products to minimize indoor air pollution.

The takeaway

This report highlights the hidden sources of indoor air pollution and provides practical tips from experts on how to monitor, measure, and improve the air quality in our homes. By understanding the factors that impact indoor air quality, we can take steps to create cleaner, healthier living spaces.