Sale of masks, purifiers goes up as air thickens

With air pollution rising to critical levels, an increase in sale of N95 masks, a basic effective mask to tackle PM 2.5, and indoor air purifiers has been noticed in the capital.

Khan Market’s specialty mask store, Nirvan Being, has sold approximately 300 masks, which were priced around Rs 2,000.On Tuesday, this store has done record business of `4 lakh, sources said.

Some corporate houses are also purchasing masks for their employees. The prices of N95 masks has increased by 20 per cent over last year. “Ever since the Supreme Court banned the sale of firecrackers, happy days are nhere again for us. In one to two days there will be enough stock in order to meet the demand of masks. Before the climate changed for the worse, we didn’t have enough masks,” the store sources said.

Manjit Singh, who bought three masks for his family said, “If the government doesen’t take any decision soon, the least they should do is to cut down bring down the prices of masks to Rs 400 from Rs. 2000.”

Sale of air purifier companies such as BlueAir, Kent has risen in NCR by five per cent. “There is a surge in demand for air purifiers. Many come here seeking a solution that can help them breathe easy and provide relief. Several have been sold to asthamatics, people with respiratory problems, parents and elderly so far,” said Arvind Chabra, India head, Blueair.

Dr Raj Kumar, HoD, pulmonary m edicine, Patel Chest Institute advised people “not to venture outside home. Staying indoors is the best precautionary measure they can take. Masks and air purifiers are not 100 per cent effective.”