08/01/2026
Boise's Air Quality Is a Reminder That Clean Air Matters—For You and Your Mycology Projects
If you've stepped outside in the Treasure Valley over the past few days, you've probably noticed the thick smoke hanging over Boise. Wildfire smoke has pushed air quality into unhealthy levels at times, filling the air with microscopic particles (PM2.5) that are small enough to travel deep into your lungs.
The photos below show exactly what we've been seeing in the shop.
Our particle monitor reads: • Inside our clean room with the FFU running: PM2.5 = 0 µg/m³ (essentially particle-free air) • Out in the store during the smoke event: PM2.5 have been reaching Moderate to Unhealthy air quality.
That's an incredible difference.
For mushroom cultivation, these airborne particles aren't just a health concern—they also carry dust, mold spores, bacteria, and other contaminants that can dramatically increase contamination rates when you're working with agar, liquid culture, or grain spawn.
This is why clean air matters in mycology.
At Boise Mushroom Company, every culture transfer, liquid culture, agar plate, and grain inoculation is performed in front of a Fan Filter Unit (FFU) or inside a properly used Still Air Box (SAB).
Our Sterile Workflow
A sterile environment isn't created by one tool alone—it's a process.
Before any work begins we:
• Thoroughly clean the workspace. • Wipe all working surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol. • Load all sterile materials before starting. • Wear clean gloves and sanitize them frequently with alcohol. • Flame sterilize scalpels and inoculation tools until red hot, allowing them to cool before use. • Minimize movement to reduce air turbulence. • Work directly in clean, filtered laminar airflow (FFU) or inside the still air box. • Seal cultures immediately after transfers. • Clean and disinfect everything again after the session.
A good sterile technique combined with clean air dramatically reduces the chance of contamination.
FFU vs. Still Air
Still Air Box (SAB) • Affordable • Excellent for hobby growers • No moving air means fewer airborne contaminants reaching your work • Great for agar work, grain transfers, and liquid culture
Fan Filter Unit (FFU) • HEPA-filtered laminar airflow • Professional-level clean workspace • Faster and more comfortable to work in • Ideal for frequent culture work and higher production • Helps maintain consistently low particle counts—even when outdoor air quality is poor
Whether you're just getting started or you're producing cultures every week, having the right equipment can save countless hours and contaminated projects.
Available at Boise Mushroom Company
We currently have:
✅ Ready-to-use Still Air Boxes ✅ Professional Fan Filter Units (FFUs) ✅ Sterile supplies ✅ Agar supplies ✅ Liquid culture supplies ✅ Grain spawn materials ✅ Expert advice to help you build a cleaner workflow
Stop by the shop if you'd like to see the difference for yourself. We're happy to demonstrate the particle monitor, explain our sterilization process, and help you choose the right setup for your growing goals.
Always remember: sterile technique is just as important as the equipment you use. Even the best FFU or Still Air Box can't make up for poor sterile practices.
Not evaluated by the FDA. Products and educational information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
