Air purifiers soon to be an essential appliance

Sterilisers to ionisers and Plasmacluster ion technology, purifiers bring instant relief against air pollutants at home

With deteriorating air quality and pollution levels touching alarming levels, concerns for respiratory well- being are on the rise again. Heavy metals, gases, dust and other harmful particles start developing an array of symptoms which may trigger respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis etc. Prolonged exposures 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 high level of pollution also needs readdressal as indoor air is usually dirtier than the air outdoors. Exposure is higher among women and young children as they are most likely to stay indoor for longer durations. Prime pollutants responsible for degradation of indoor air include PM ( particulate matter) 10 - like dust, soot pollen and PM 2.5, measuring less than 2.5 microns, 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. Depending upon usage requirement, brand, quality, and technology, these devices are priced between ` 5,000 to ` 90,000. Air purifiers may further help reduce dust, pollen, allergens, particulate matter and odour from the air making it cleaner, breathable and more importantly, safer.

Kishalay Ray, President for Consumer Electronics Division, Sharp Business Systems, gives us some facts and the technology behind the air purifiers in the market. He explains the tech in the background and what users should know when opting for an air purifier for your home.

Predominantly all brand air purifiers come with HEPA filters and four filtration layers, but there are some budget options. For typical respiratory issues, the purifier must filter out PM2.5 particles.

Some purifiers use active charcoal as well, which 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 mold, 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.

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. Verification of claims through third- party labs or demonstrations should also be a deciding factor.