Exposure to PM2.5, an air pollutant from wildfire smoke and other sources, can be harmful to lung and heart health, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Recommended responses to reduce smoke exposure during wildfires include staying indoors with tightly sealed doors and windows and utilizing air filtration systems.

Given that current indoor air filtration technologies have limitations that prevent widespread use, EPA and its federal, state, local, and tribal partners held a Challenge to encourage the development of prototypes for novel, effective, low-cost technologies to reduce indoor PM2.5 concentrations and protect public health during wildfire smoke events.​

Winners will share their innovative prototypes for low-cost solutions that safely reduce indoor fine particulate matter during periods when outdoor PM2.5 concentrations are high. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions during a fifteen-minute Q&A session following presentations.