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Quick answer
For wildfire smoke, an indoor monitor is most useful when it measures PM2.5 and helps you see whether your clean-air room and filtration are working.
Swipe across the table to compare all columns.
| Sensor | Useful for |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 | Smoke particles and filtration feedback |
| CO2 | Ventilation clues, not smoke itself |
| Humidity | Comfort, mould risk, winter dryness |
| VOC | Broad signal, often less precise in cheap monitors |
Buying criteria
Prioritize PM2.5 readability, calibration reputation, clear app/history if needed, battery or plug-in options, and whether the device helps you make decisions instead of just adding anxiety with decimals.
Sources & further reading
Check the original guidance for details that apply to your home. How we use sources
- Health Canada
Wildfire smoke: health effects of exposure
PM2.5 risk framing and vulnerable household context.