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May 03, 2023

NYC air quality got you down? Here's how to make a homemade air cleaner.

Published Jun 8, 2023 at 3:23 p.m. Share Published Jun 8, 2023 at 3:23 p.m.

Published Jun 8, 2023 at 3:23 p.m.

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Published Jun 8, 2023 at 3:23 p.m.

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As the skies over the New York City metropolitan area exude doomsday vibes, residents are looking for ways to make the air a little more breathable.

Some have returned to masking outdoors while others are wondering how to keep safe indoors amid the arrival of haze and an array of physical discomforts caused by wildfires burning in Canada. Reports of scattered shortages on air filters and AC units have begun to surface as the week of bad air quality continues, but there are relatively easy ways to rig your own air-cleaning machine.

While there is limited scientific information on the efficacy of DIY air cleaners in comparison to commercial air purifiers, early results from the Environmental Protection Agency and others suggest homemade air cleaners can reduce exposure to smoke particles.

Here's how to create a homemade air cleaner, according to a guide from the EPA:

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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