Citation:

Prathibha, P., M. Turner, L. Wei, A. Davis, K. Vinsonhaler, A. Batchelder, B. McCaughey, J. Carlstad, A. Chelminski, A. Rappold, B. Hassett-Sipple, AND A. Holder. Usage and Impact of a Do-It-Yourself Air Cleaner on Residential PM2.5 in a Smoke-Impacted Community. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, 333:NA, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2024.120650

Impact/Purpose:

This journal article describes the results of a study evaluating the real-world effectiveness of DIY air cleaners for reducing smoke concentrations indoors. The study took place in Hoopa, CA, which is a tribal community that is frequently subjected to wildfire smoke during summertime and wood smoke in the wintertime. The participants were asked to operate either a DIY air cleaner, which consists of a box fan and a MERV 13 filter, or a low-cost commercial air cleaner in their homes for at least 8 hours a day. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were measured to determine the infiltration ratio cleaners during two seasons (summer and winter). Mixed linear models were used to quantify the association between air cleaner use (as measured by power meters) with infiltration ratio and indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Both the DIY and the low-cost commercial air cleaners were effective at reducing the infiltration ratio and indoor PM2.5 concentrations. This study also identified that major barriers to using the DIY air cleaner was the high noise level and excessive cooling in the wintertime. However, most participants reported that they would use DIY PACs in smoke events.

Description:

Field study results summarizing the effectiveness of DIY air cleaners and commercial air cleaners during smoke episodes in households with no indoor smoking and assessment of changes in indoor air quality.

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