San Joaquin Valley residents can get a free air purifier this wildfire season. Who qualifies?

Qualified residents of the San Joaquin Valley can receive a free single-room air purifier under a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District program.

The Clean Air Rooms program’s objective is to mitigate the adverse health effects of wildfire smoke on Valley residents, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, according to the Valley Air District.

“Smoke from severe wildfires can inundate the Valley and make its way into homes, causing health impacts to our most vulnerable residents,” Samir Sheikh, executive director of the Valley Air District, said in a news release. “This program is designed to help families who may not otherwise be able to buy an in-home air purifier to protect their families during wildfires.”

Here’s who qualifies for the program, and what you can do if you don’t qualify:

How to check if you’re eligible for the program

Households within the Valley also must be in disadvantaged and low-income communities, according to the district. Residents can check their address for eligibility on the district’s website.

Applicants must not have previously received an air purifier in past installments of the Clean Air Rooms program.

Proof of residency must be submitted with an application. Acceptable forms, according to the district’s website, include an energy bill, public utility bill or cable/internet bill.

The statement should have been received in the last 30 to 45 days and must have the applicant’s name and address listed.

Once an application and supporting documents are submitted, air purifiers will be awarded on a first-come basis, based on the application-received date and limited available funding, according to the district.

The air purifier and one filter replacement will be sent directly to applicants’ homes once approved, the district said in a news release.

What air purifiers can do for wildfire smoke

Particulate matter from wildfires can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the release.

The district said residents experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should move to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed.

The air purifiers distributed through the program are certified through the California Air Resources Board. They are also HEPA-rated and can reduce indoor particulate matter by more than 90% in well-sealed environments, according to the district.

If a resident does not qualify for a free air purifier through the program, or if supplies run out, the district encourages the purchase of home air purifiers or for residents to make their own.

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