What to know about air purifiers and how Boyle Heights and East L.A. residents can get one for free

Pollution is already a problem in L.A. County, and many areas are dealing with even worse air quality as fires tear through Southern California. 

While wearing N95 and P100 masks when you’re outside is an effective way to limit the impacts of contaminated air (note: cloth masks don’t filter out wildfire smoke), public health officials say the most effective way to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke is to stay inside – and even better if you are using air purifiers.

“If you are in an area that has poor quality, whether you’re seeing that through the Air Quality Index (AQI) or seeing ash in the air with winds blowing over burned areas, you want to take precautions,” said Scott Epstein, air quality assessment manager for the local district. “An air purifier is a really effective way of keeping indoor air clean.”

Air filters and purifiers collect PM2.5, also known as fine particulate matter, which has been more present in the air because of wildfires. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs. 

You can check the air quality of your area here.

What to look for in an air purifier

If you have or are looking to purchase an air cleaner, make sure the device is the right size for the room you plan on using it in, and that it has a high-efficiency HEPA filter.

A filter’s ability is rated by Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV). Those with a higher number can catch smaller contaminants. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “upgrading to a filter rated MERV 13 or higher can be especially important during smoky periods to effectively remove fine particulate pollution from smoke in the indoor air.”

A list of California-certified air cleaners can be found here.

Free air purifiers available for Boyle Heights and East L.A. residents

Units are available for qualifying Eastside residents as part of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s residential air filtration program. It’s open to residents of Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Eastern Coachella Valley and West Commerce. 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to qualify, applicants must submit a document to verify residence in one of the four target areas (see specific boundaries).

Interested applicants can find more information on the program and apply online here.  

Please note: It takes time to process, approve and ship air purifiers through this program. 

How to create a cleaner air space

Find a room in your home that fits everyone, and close windows and doors. Use a certified portable air cleaner and run continuously on the highest setting.

“You want to make sure that the unit is sized appropriately for the room you’re in,” said Epstein. “It helps remove fine particle pollution and ash from the indoor environment. Whatever goes into the air purifier doesn’t go into your lungs when you breathe.”

Try to stay cool by running fans or AC to help recirculate with a new filter. Avoid activities that create smoke and other particles indoors.

How to do it yourself (DIY) at home

According to the CDC, DIY air filtration units (also known as Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes) can be effective for temporary use until you can acquire a commercial air cleaner, though they should not be used as permanent alternatives.

All you need to get started is a box fan, a high-quality filter and duct tape (see a full guide).

“You want to make sure that you’re using filters that are MERV 13, FPR 12 or higher,” said Epstein. “That ensures the filters are efficient enough to remove those extra small particles. Couple them with a box fan from 2012 and onwards and you’ve got your own purifier. It’s a very inexpensive alternative when commercial units may be sold out in stores.”