Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

• What is the UC Davis Health and Breathe California Neighbor Clean Air Program?
• The Neighbor Clean Air Program is an initiative created by UC Davis Health, together with Breathe California, aimed at reducing any inconvenience caused by increased dust and air particulates as a result of construction projects on the Sacramento campus. The program provides High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air purifiers to residents that were identified in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the construction of the California Tower, a replacement tower due to California’s seismic requirements. For eligible residences, the air purifiers and deliver are free.
• Why was the program created?
• The program was created to mitigate potential construction impacts from the ongoing California Tower project, resulting from recommendations made in the California Hospital Tower Environment Impact Report.
• Who is eligible for the Clean Air Program?

• Residences identified by the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) construction air quality analysis are eligible for the Neighbor Clean Air Program. Qualifying residences may be contacted for additional outreach throughout the program. Businesses and other non-residential uses do not qualify. Please see the eligible residents highlighted in the below map. 

  
• What type of filter is being distributed through the program?
• The program distributes a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air purifier, which are among the highest air filter grades for residential use to reduce indoor air particulate matter.
• How do I sign up?

• If you believe you are eligible and haven't received communication, please click the “Is Your Home Eligible” link below to check if your address qualifies for the Program:

  •  Check Program Eligibility
     

  If you are eligible, please find the link to the application here:

  • Start Your Enrollment Application

The Air Purifier

• How often do I change the HEPA filter?
• Replacement HEPA filters will be provided per manufacturer’s recommendation through the duration of the program. Replacement HEPA filters with be provided at no additional cost to participants in the Program. Replacement HEPA filters will be distributed annually and will follow the recommended replacement rate from the manufacturer, which could be 2 to 4 filters per year depending on the unit you have.
• What if my air purifier breaks?
• If the UC Davis Health provided air purifier breaks, replacement units will be provided per the manufacturer's recommendation at no cost to participants. Please contact airfilters@ucdavis.edu for assistance with a replacement. Your original air purifier will need to be returned to UC Davis Health.
• How effective is the air purifier?
• The provided HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles. Additionally, the units effectively filter smoke and dust particles and are ENERGY STAR certified.
• Where should I place the air purifier?
• Install the unit in the room(s) where your family spends most of their time. Locate the unit away from doors, windows, and foot traffic. Do not place next to walls or corners. Place the air purifier in an area where air may easily reach the device and it can effectively clean all the room air. 
  
  (Source: California Air Resources Board – Air Cleaning Devices for the Home: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/air-cleaning-devices-home)
• What are the maintenance requirements for the air purifier?
• Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations in the manual provided for your unit, which may include washing one of the filters inside the unit. Manuals can also be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

Other Questions

• My neighbor around the corner wants to participate in the program. Can they?
• Only residences identified by the EIR construction air quality analysis are eligible for the program. If your neighbor meets the eligibility criteria, they can participate in the program.
• I am new to the area and my neighbor told me about the program. How do I sign up?
• If you're new to the area and believe you may be eligible for the program, please click the “Is Your Home Eligible” link above to check if your address qualifies for the Program.
• I am moving. Can I take the filter with me?
• The filters provided through the Air Filter Program are intended for use in the qualifying residences. If you're moving, please leave the air purifier in place for the benefit of the next resident.