Air purifiers to the rescue

A recent study form WHO alarms that India is one of the most polluted countries with Delhi being the most stained city in the world with worst air quality. Delhi has the highest concentration of PM2.5 — particulate matter less than 2.5 microns — form of air pollution, which is considered serious and harmful.

Beijing was once considered as one of the most polluted cities with a PM2.5 concentration of 56 micrograms and PM10 concentration of 121 micrograms. WHO said that in most cities wherever there is enough data to compare the situation today, with previous years, air pollution is just getting worse.

What’s more appalling is that the air inside our home are actually two to five times more toxic and polluted than the air we breathe outside. Log on to http://goo.gl/a59idJ to know the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of the city you presently live in.

Beijing has installed massive outdoor air purifiers in the city, India could probably do the same, but it does not seem practical as yet. However, in order to breathe some pure air, it is always recommended that you install an air purifier at home.

Judging by the pollution crisis the world is facing, air purifiers are no longer a luxury appliance, but are soon turning out to be a dire necessity.

“Air Purifiers once considered as a luxury is soon changing to becoming a necessity with the rapidly deteriorating air quality. Whether you are home or in office, the air surrounding us has worsened and house dust, allergens, viruses, bacteria and even pollutants emitted by copiers or printers can accumulate and have a long-term detrimental effect on our health. Consumers today are discerning and are more aware of the health hazards associated with breathing in poisonous air. There is a huge potential in the market as people today understand the need of air purifiers. Being one of the innovative brands in this segment, with our products, we assure quality service thereby enhancing individual health” said Rakesh Malhotra, founder, Livpure told Deccan Chronicle.

Opt for the right purifier for your place

Air purifiers eliminate contaminants and pollutants from the air. It works as a filter that sucks in air, passes it through a cleaning mechanism (a particulate filter), releasing cleaner air from the other end. The process is different from water purification where chemical treatment is used. Air is not purified chemically, but filtered. The filters are made of a range of materials, and the technology differs from one purifier to another. Some even use ionizers for effective cleaning.

Recently, several companies have forayed in the manufacturing of air purifiers. Xiaomi, Livepure, Philips, Kent, Sharp and a few other brands have already stepped into the health appliance market in India. We have listed some of the air purifiers you can use to purify the air around you.

Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2

With the recently launched Mi Air Purifier 2, Xiaomi seems to be concerned about ensuring that one breathes in pure air. Priced at Rs 9,999, the purifier packs in a single motor with dual mixed booster fans and a three layer filter. The company claims that the Mi Air Purifier 2 offers Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 310m3/h. Its filter will last up to six months depending on usage, and each replacement filter costs Rs 2,499.

Livpure Fresh O2 130 Air Purifier

This air purification system incorporates an anion (negative ion) generator, which disinfects your indoor environment too. Most indoor pollutants such as dust and pollen are positively charged. The negative ions from the air purifier attract these particles forming clumps, which are eventually eliminated by the filters. Priced at Rs 8,999, this air purifier is can cover a room of size 200 sq ft and has a 3-level fan speed.

Philips AC4025/10 portable room air purifier

Its filtration system eliminates harmful agents in two stages: In stage 1, the activated carbon filter acts as pre-filter to catch big particles like human hair and regular house dust, and removes odours and harmful gases. In stage 2, the HEPA filter filters out fine dust, bacteria and allergens. You can buy carbon filters, HEPA filters for around 3,000 and other accessories as well. The Philips AC4025/10 portable room air purifier is available for Rs 16,995.

Kent Aura portable air purifier

The Kent Aura comes with an in-built ionizer and uses the HEPA filter that has a special coating to eliminate bacteria from the air. Kent claims that specially treated activated carbon in the air purifier has a high absorptive value, thus absorbing all foul odours and smell, keeping the air in your house fresh at all times. The air quality in the room is continuously monitored and adjusted by this air purifier and this is indicated by a glowing LED light. The air purifier is available at a price of Rs 13,399 and is capable of covering 270 sq ft of the area.

Home air purifiers have their limitations. They are ineffective if you leave the doors or windows open and are highly effective in air-conditioned rooms. Though an air conditioner can do filtration to a particular level, they cannot outdo an appliance designed for the purpose. Though an air purifier has its own limitations and there are no assurances about your air being purified to the best, it is always good to have one installed at home so that you can care for your family’s health.