The filters were created by the BCCDC in collaboration with UBC

Following the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control’s warning of what could be a smoke-filled summer, the health organization has worked with the University of British Columbia to create a device to protect lungs across the province.

While no alerts concerning smoky skies have been made yet for Metro Vancouver, the BCCDC recommends taking a proactive approach. With the near-complete destruction of the interior B.C. town of Lytton by wildfire and Kamloops escaping a similar fate, experts with the BCCDC say there is no reason to expect this summer won’t be a smoky one. The fine particles of said smoke pose a danger to those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, pregnant people, infants and children, and older adults.

No filter? No problem.

Seeing as there was very little scientific evidence on the effectiveness of box fan filters, the BCCDC recognized the need for more information before recommending them across the province. As such the partnership between the BCCDC and UBC was born and various designs were tested in a special air pollution booth.

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