Liesl McConchie, a board member of the Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation, collaborated with epidemiologist Megan Jehn to design 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.