With deteriorating Air Quality and pollution levels touching alarming levels i.e. Air Quality Index crossing 500, concerns for respiratory well-being are on the rise again. Various activities aggravating release of heavy metals, gases, dust and other harmful particles start developing an array of symptoms which may trigger respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis etc. Although if the exposure is prolonged for a longer period it may lead towards irreparable damage to lungs, eyes and even irreversible changes at formation level in growing foetus as well.
The myth that capturing ourselves indoor during the high level of pollution also needs readdressal as indoor air is usually dirtier than the air outdoors, due to trapping of air contaminants inside. Shuvendu Mazumdar, National Manager, SHARP Air Purifier Business believes that exposure is higher among women and young children as they are most likely to stay indoors for longer durations. Prime pollutants responsible for degradation of indoor air include PM (particulate matter) 10 – like dust, soot pollen and PM 2.5 and if exposed for a longer duration may inflict serious health hazards. Measuring less than 2.5 microns, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) can enter the bloodstream and settle in the lungs, which can lead to cancer of larynx, nasopharynx, lung, and leukaemia, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses like acute respiratory tract infection and COPD.
Air Purifiers with technology innovation from Air sterilizers to ionizers and Plasmacluster ion technology may help get immediate relief against Air Pollutants allowing a breather from continued chocking and difficulty in breathing. Depending upon usage requirement, brand, quality and technology these devices are priced between Rs 5,000 to Rs 90,000. Air purifiers may further help reduce dust, pollen, allergens, particulate matter and odour from the air making it cleaner and more breathable.
Predominantly all brand air purifiers come with HEPA filters (an international standard air filter that can trap particulate matter) and four filtration layers, but there are some budget options as well wherein Air Purifier with three filtration layers are available. For typical respiratory issues, the purifier must filter out PM 2.5 particles.
Some purifiers use Active Charcoal as well, which has a layer of carbon particles that can absorb certain gases but the efficiency of this filter depends on the volume of air drawn. Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) is another filter that consists of charged wires which trap coarse particles. Whereas, the ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) filter can trap particles up to 0.12 microns like mould, virus and fungus, which once trapped can multiply inside the filters thus challenging hygiene.
Other Air Purification technologies include Negative Ionizers, Ozonizers, UV Light and PCO (Photo Catalytic Oxidation). Negative Ionizers generate negative ions that magnetically attract airborne particles such as pollen and dust until the newly-formed particle is too heavy to remain in the air. Ozonizers work much like an ionizing purifier, but it is designed to alter molecules of oxygen and turn them into ozone that breaks down airborne particles. Air purifiers using UV Light & PCO technology uses UV light to destroy microorganisms.
Besides these, innovative technologies that are gaining popularity lately are Plasma cluster ion and Nano G filters. Plasma discharge generates and emits the same positive and negative ions that occur in nature. It sanitizes the air by deactivating mould, viruses, dust mite and bacteria and neutralizing VOCs and toxic gases (breaks ammonia, formaldehyde & carbon monoxide). Once the Plasmacluster block comes in contact with other non-conducive surfaces, they can remove static charge.
Consumers are still not aware and informed about the various air purification technologies and their benefits. When choosing an Air Purifier, Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) needs to be considered as the higher the CADR, the more air gets purified. The number describes the purifier’s ability to remove all pollutants from a specific amount of air. Verification of claims through third-party labs or demonstrations should also be a deciding factor.
For outdoor activity use of breathing mask is suggested as they have the capability to trap dust, pollen, toxic gases, PM10 and PM 2.5. Prolonged exposure to air pollution for people working in the outdoors or due to daily travelling or even health activities like walking, cycling and running may increase the possibility of becoming more prone to health issues. As per a 2016 report by WHO, 4 out of 5 most polluted cities of the world are in India, with Delhi being in the 9th position. These masks usually come with N99 & Carbon filters and are priced between Rs 200 to 2000.
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