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Oct 17, 2024

How to get free air filters if you live in the east Coachella Valley

Hundreds of free, in-home air filtration units are available to residents of the east Coachella Valley, if you know where to ask. The region's top air regulator, South Coast Air Quality Management

Hundreds of free, in-home air filtration units are available to residents of the east Coachella Valley, if you know where to ask.

The region's top air regulator, South Coast Air Quality Management District, won millions in funds after the adoption of state legislation (AB617) in 2017 to aid select environmental justice areas, where low-income residents experience high rates of harmful air pollution.

Community groups asked for safe, effective devices to be distributed to residents in these areas, including in Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, North Shore and other portions of the east Coachella Valley where residents experience high rates of harmful air pollution.

"In the eastern Coachella Valley, we’ve awarded 394 units to 303 applicants," air district spokeswoman Kim White said in an email. "There is still plenty of funding available for those interested in submitting an application."

Each machine offered through the program uses certified High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters rated to remove 99.97% of particles from indoor air, and provides three years worth of filters.

These units effectively filter soot, smoke and dust particles and are ENERGY STAR certified, said White. In addition, some units also contain carbon filters to help eliminate odors, a major issue for residents near the Salton Sea who are routinely exposed to noxious hydrogen sulfide smells.

A word to the wise: Some air purifiers sold by private companies actually inject ozone or other potential pollutants into the home and should be avoided.

Applications for the free filters are only available online at aqmd.gov/raf and the application form will appear in Spanish for those users whose default language settings are in Spanish.

Applicants must submit one of the following documents to verify residence:

White also recommends checking the related online map (scroll down to see it) to ensure you live in an area that qualifies for the program.

Janet Wilson is senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun, and co-authors USA Today Climate Point, a weekly newsletter on climate, energy and the environment.