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Is smoke in your home? Here's how to make an air purifier using a box fan
NPR • • business
Key Points:
- Wildfire smoke from Ontario and northern Minnesota is causing "very unhealthy" to "hazardous" air quality across a large U.S. region from Minnesota to Virginia, with particulate matter levels reaching record highs.
- The main health concern is fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 and smaller ultrafine PM 0.1) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing risks especially to children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions.
- Upgrading home air filters to those with a MERV rating of 13 or higher is recommended to effectively capture fine smoke particles; most HVAC systems support MERV 13 filters but require frequent replacement.
- DIY air purifiers, such as the Corsi-Rosenthal Box made with MERV 13 filters and a box fan, offer an affordable and effective temporary solution to improve indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events.
- Portable HEPA air purifiers, which filter particles with over 99.9% efficiency, are advised for smoke mitigation; the EPA provides guidance on selecting units appropriate for room size and maintains a list of certified air cleaners.
