Wildfires have wreaked havoc across large swathes of Los Angeles recently, introducing harmful particles and toxic gases, which pose major respiratory health risks to the city’s residents. The situation escalated quickly, prompting swift action from community advocates determined to protect the health of at-risk Angelenos.
Among those taking the initiative is Liesl McConchie, a board member of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation and resident of San Diego. With fires blazing nearby, she understood intimately the dangers posed by wildfire smoke and the need for immediate solutions. Her insight led to the rapid deployment of air filters aimed at safeguarding thousands.
Collaboratively, McConchie, alongside her colleagues—including epidemiologist Megan Jehn from Arizona State University's School of Human Evolution and Social Change—designed a rapid response initiative focused on creating and distributing DIY Corsi-Rosenthal air filters. Within just two weeks, they managed to assemble 1,150 air filters. This monumental effort was fueled by $30,000 worth of supplies and nearly 1,000 MERV13 furnace filters donated by 3M, alongside almost $10,000 raised through public donations.
The DIY filters are both economical and effective, crafted from widely available materials such as box fans, MERV13 furnace filters, and duct tape. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorses these homemade air purifiers as “a cost-effective approach to improving indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events.”
Megan Jehn pointed out the growing concern over wildfires, emphasizing their increased size and frequency due to climate change: “Wildfires have increased in size and frequency in the Western U.S. due to our changing climate,” she stated. Jehn has been actively aiding the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation with planning and logistics related to air quality challenges stemming from wildfires, addressing households and establishments like community buildings and evacuation centers across southern California.
Over two weekends, McConchie transformed her backyard in San Diego, enlisting her family and 60 volunteers. Together, they assembled 650 air filters intended for Los Angeles, turning her home temporarily from residence to production line. “The last two weeks have been a total whirlwind,” McConchie reflected. “My house became a small factory; my kids helped me pack a 20-foot box truck to the brim, and I drove around LA dropping off supplies to amazing people protecting their community.”
Alongside these efforts, the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation backed Joaquín Beltrán, who leads the LA-based Action, Care, Equity Coalition. Beltrán established his own production line with volunteer support out of a car dealership space. Through the combined initiatives of McConchie and Beltrán, over 1,000 air filters were built and distributed within just 12 days; these were delivered to emergency shelters, senior care facilities, schools, neighborhood associations, and vulnerable residents.
The foundation was established by outdoor environmental engineer Rich Corsi and filter expert Jim Rosenthal, who until now has been at the forefront of efforts to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to airborne hazards. Rosenthal remarked on their mission: “We’re glad we were able to provide so many air filters to areas heavily impacted by wildfire in Los Angeles.” He underscored the dual purpose of their initiative, which not only addresses immediate crises but also promotes long-term awareness about the importance of indoor air quality. "We also want people to understand... cleaning indoor air is important, it has a direct connection to health, and affordable and effective solutions like Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes exist,” he stated.
With these innovative solutions and the combined efforts of passionate community members, the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation is leading the charge to mitigate the health effects from wildfire smoke. Their collaboration highlights the significance of proactive measures, appealing to community solidarity during emergency situations. Experts like Jehn anticipate more frequent wildfires due to climate change, making such community initiatives increasingly relevant.
The urgency and importance of improving air quality during wildfire events can’t be overstated, particularly for vulnerable populations. This grassroots movement is just one of many strategies being employed to adapt to the challenges posed by environmental changes, continuing the legacy of ingenuity and community spirit. The hope is to build not just resilience against wildfires and smoke, but also awareness about the resources available to those affected.