Due to limited available funding, we are not currently accepting new program applications. If you have not applied before and would like to be notified if applications reopen, we encourage you to join our waitlist.
Please note that being on the waitlist does not guarantee an air purifier if applications reopen. Upon notification, applicants will need to submit an application for program eligibility.
Air Improvement Relief Effort Program
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District’s (SDAPCD) Air Improvement Relief Effort Program provides FREE air purifiers to eligible households affected by odors caused by hydrogen sulfide, that is produced by the transboundary wastewater and sewage flows near the Tijuana River Valley.
Eligibility
Eligible areas include most households in the City of San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, and Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach.
Existing Applicants Program Update
We are working on program changes that will allow existing applicants to request up to two additional air purifiers. Once more information is available, eligible applicants will be notified through the email and/or phone number listed on their application. Due to limited quantities, priority consideration will be given to households with children and inviduals over 65 years of age, as well as communities closest to the Tijuana River Valley.
Households that have an application in process can check their status by visiting, filters.sdapcd.org and selecting the "Check Application Status" button on the bottom right-hand side of the page.
Need Application Help?
Current program applicants can stop by one of the drop-in locations below for additional assistance or program questions.
The following locations will be available until further notice.
Imperial Beach Library 810 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Every other Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 12PM | Border View YMCA South San Diego 3601 Arey Dr, San Diego, CA 92154 Wednesdays, 9AM - 12PM |
Air Purifier Feedback Survey
SDAPCD conducted a survey on our AIRE program to gather feedback from households about their indoor air quality.
Survey results showed that many participants noticed improvement in their indoor air quality after using the air purifiers. Respondents also shared how they are using the air purifiers and their overall experience with the program.
View the fact sheet with survey highlights here. The full report is available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standalone air purifier is the device that draws in the air within a room to remove contaminants and pollutants. The filter is the device placed inside the air purifier that traps polluting particles and then the air purifier releases cleaner air. Since air filters trap the contaminants and pollutants, it is important to replace filters based on manufacturer guidelines or if the replacement indicator light turns on your air purifier.
At this time, distribution is limited to one device and up to two
replacement filters per household. Not all eligible households will
receive an air purifier due to limited quantities.
If you
would like to purchase an additional air purifier, the California Air
Resources Board provides guidance on selecting an air purifier to best
fit your needs and a list of California certified
devices. To address hydrogen sulfide, look for filters that
contain activated carbon and potassium permanganate or the equivalent.
In consultation with state and federal agencies, SDAPCD took into consideration air purifiers that can help address the “rotten egg” odors associated with hydrogen sulfide. The air purifiers provided through the AIRE Program contain High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters with activated carbon, and potassium permanganate, a chemical compound that acts as an oxidizing agent to remove hydrogen sulfide. For the best use of air purifiers, it is recommended by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create a “clean air room,” view the guidelines here.
If your order is lost and requires replacement, you can contact Oransi Customer Service Team Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM EST.
- Phone: (888) 281-3948
- Email: cs@oransi.com
- Live Chat available on their website
Visit, filters.sdapcd.org and select the “Check Application Status” button. If you are unable to view your application status or have questions, call (858) 586-2779 or email filters@sdapcd.org.
Replacement filters can be purchased at Oransi.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com. If you are unsure which filter fits your device, search by manufacturer and model name. You can also contact the Oransi customer service at (888) 281-3948 or email cs@oransi.com.
Learn More About Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is important because we spend most of our time indoors, and cleaner indoor air helps protect long‑term health by reducing exposure to pollutants that can otherwise affect everyone in the home.
Learn more about Reducing Your Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and changes you can make in your home to improve indoor air quality.
More information about how to get the most out of your air purifier and best practices for removal of odors and gases, can also be found on CARB’s website.
For more information regarding how air purifiers can help remove
odors and gases, please visit the California Air Resources Board’s
guidance page.