Summer is not the season for breathing easy.
In New York City, the hottest months of the year come with increased concerns about pollution, pollen, and poor air quality.
And now, the city is projected to once again be swathed in smoke thanks to a recent wildfire outbreak across western Ontario and Minnesota, with plumes projected to roll in around 3 p.m. EST today.
The vast smoke plumes from these recent fires are traveling hundreds of miles, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts for Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado.
Meanwhile, the burning and smoking are stoking air-quality concerns in New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
The smoke is predicted to reach NYC later today, where air quality issues will be compounded by the intensifying heat dome, bringing near-record temperatures across the region.
Experts predict the fires will bring extremely hazardous air quality to our fair city beginning this afternoon, harkening back to the red skies and haze that enveloped NYC in June 2023.
According to the NWS, wildfire smoke can elevate fine particle pollution (PM2.5) levels, which can worsen asthma and heart conditions and trigger breathing issues.
Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory illnesses are most vulnerable.
Hot, bothered, and unable to breathe- not ideal.
But fear not, armed with duct tape and determination, you can create your own in-home air purifier.
Filtrete Air Filters has shared a step-by-step plan that empowers people to improve their indoor air quality in under an hour for as little as $80.
Corsi-Rosenthal Box room air purifier
Total time: 45 minutes
Total cost: $80-100
Science-backed, a Corsi-Rosenthal Box combines comines four air filters and a standard box fan to capture unwanted air particles.
A collaboration between namesake environmental engineer Dr. Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal, CEO of Tex-Air Filters, has produced an open-source design that has since been used by thousands worldwide to remove particles and pollution in schools, homes, churches, and offices.
Experts note that this design can reduce PM2.5 by 92% on average.
According to 3M, the box can be a great addition to your current ventilation system, especially if the goal is to purify the air in a large room with poor ventilation.
Materials:
- (4) MPR 1900/MERV 13 20”x20”x1” air filters
- Box fan (20”x20”)
- Cardboard (20”x20”)
- Duct tape
- Cutting tool
Assembly:
- Arrange the filters in a square.
- Secure the filters together with duct tape and seal the edges
- Place the fan on top of the filter square. Position the fan so that the air is directed towards the ceiling.
- Secure the fan to the filter box on all sides with duct tape
- Create a cloak for the fan by cutting an 18-inch circle in the middle of the cardboard.
- Add the cloak to the top of the box fan. The circle should be centered on the fan.
- Use duct tape to secure the shroud to the fan.
- Plug in, turn on, and enjoy better air quality
Filters need to be changed every six months. When they start to appear dirty, that’s your cue to start anew.
Yet another cost-effective way to improve air quality: many Americans are eligible to use their pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for an air purifier.
According to the FSA Store, there are specific requirements to qualify for reimbursement for an air purifier.
Examples of qualifying conditions may include allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. So if you’re planning to take advantage of this FSA credit, you’ll want to be sure you have the supporting documents
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