We now live in a time where wildfires are a normal and lasting occurrence. In some areas in BC, there are days, weeks, and months in which we do not see blue skies. Additionally, climate change is linked to the increase in pathogen reproduction and transmission of many infectious diseases. So, the need for air purifiers, or cleaners, is high.
The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) has a great infographic demonstrating how to make your own air cleaner. More detailed instructions can be found here. This air cleaner will help remove smoke and virus particles from a small room.
Keep in mind that you will need to use a furnace filter rated with MERV 13 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) or MPR 1900 (Microparticle Performance Rating) to filter out the smoke particulate and airborne pathogens. And please note that this DIY air cleaner will not remove gasses such as CO2 or radon.
About PIPPS
The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society is a provincial research institute based at Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus. Their vision is to convene, generate and share critical knowledge that strengthens BC’s capacities to prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and be resilient to major infectious diseases that threaten the province’s health and well-being.
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