Public game for air purifiers, but docs hit caution button

Citing both increasing levels of pollution and awareness, these air purifiers are useful across homes, offices and even hospitals. On Monday, the Air Quality Index showed a spike in pollution levels in the city with IIT and Alandur recording PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) at 132 and 159 respectively. The ideal levels are between 0 and 50, which poses little or no risk. Manok K, a trader based in Koyambedu, says that there has been a gradual rise in the demand for air purifiers, especially among offices and residential complexes. “We have been receiving several enquiries in the past few months. We have a variety of air purifiers in various price points,” he says. 

Mahesh Gupta from Kent RO Systems, that has air purifiers ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000 says that while northern cities have always been seen as a potential market, the rising pollution levels have made Chennai a steady market. “It is still in the nascent stage and not as developed as markets in the north. This is mainly due to the extreme cold weather conditions in north India that also see a rise in pollutants in the air. Chennai being a coastal city doesn’t face as much pollution. But we feel it could be a great market with more awareness being generated and the rise in pollution levels in Chennai and others cities in the south,” he added. 

An air purifier with filters works well in a room set up. The other factors that determine the air purifier are the room size and surrounding factors. Dr D Vijaysekaran says, “If we continue to have mould and other kinds of pollutants indoors, these air purifiers are going to be of little help. Moreover, no air purifier can substitute the function of healthy lungs. The focus should be on reducing indoor pollution; use air purifiers but complement it by planting saplings. They are the best air purifiers.” Dr K Thirrupathi, a consultant pulmonologist, said that for asthmatics, air purifiers are going to be of little use. “We have to be aware of those products that are ozone-based. These come with a lot of health effects,” he adds.