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North India, especially Delhi-NCR, has been witnessing a deterioration in air quality over the past few weeks, with air quality index (AQI) readings reaching “severe” levels in many areas. It has attracted sharp criticism from citizens and worrying advice from health officials. Many people have reported on social media that the pollution is causing breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
Sales of air purifiers have also increased due to public concern, with e-commerce platforms like Amazon India saying their sales have increased by more than five times.
However, with air quality worsening, are air purifiers really beneficial to users? livemint Talked to many doctors to decode it.
Pulmonologist Dr Shaleen Bhatnagar, HOD, Critical Care, Kailash Hospital, Dehradun, said air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and activated carbon layers are capable of removing particulate matter like PM2.5, allergens and some toxic gases, thereby reducing the burden of pollutants that trigger respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.
“However, their effectiveness is limited to the closed space in which they operate. They cannot replace the need for clean outdoor air or address the root cause of pollution,” he said.
“When the AQI gets too bad, their effectiveness becomes questionable because the indoor air is so unhealthy that it cannot be purified by purifiers,” said Dr Harish Chafley, senior consultant, chest physician, bronchoscopist, intensivist and sleep disorders specialist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai.
According to Dr Akshay Mehta, senior consultant, neonatology and pediatrics at Motherhood Hospital, Noida Extension, pollution is a major health concern for mothers and young children.
“For children, their lungs are still developing, and they breathe almost twice as fast as adults, meaning they breathe in more polluted air per minute. In such situations, air purifiers can make a remarkable difference, especially in protecting infants, children and pregnant mothers who spend most of their time indoors,” he said.
How to improve the efficiency of air purifier?
Dr. Mehta said that for best results, purifiers should be kept running round the clock in key areas like bedrooms, with filters being cleaned or changed regularly.
“For optimal performance, keep it on 24/7, though you can use a lower setting during the day and run it on a higher setting when needed. It’s essential to keep doors and windows closed for the device to work effectively,” Dr. Chafley said.
Doctors also suggested that one should avoid going out as much as possible during times of high pollution.
What else can be done to reduce pollution?
Dr. Bhatnagar said the air purifier should be complemented with some low-maintenance houseplants, such as areca palm, snake plant, or peace lily. They can help absorb carbon dioxide and detect toxins.
“Ensuring proper ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms through exhaust fans helps eliminate smoke and moisture that promote the growth of micro-organisms. Avoiding burning incense sticks, candles, or mosquito coils can reduce indoor particulate matter,” he said.
“Keeping windows closed during high pollution, cleaning floors and furniture with a wet cloth instead of dry dust and avoiding smoking or burning incense sticks indoors, all help in maintaining better indoor air,” said Dr Sushil Kumar Upadhyay, consultant pulmonologist, Kailash Deepak Hospital.
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