- Advertisements for air purifiers will be all over the media in a few weeks when the capital is struck by the first waves of pollution from Punjab’s rice fields. Are these devices helpful? It is commonly known that air pollution adversely influences public health. Indoor air quality is becoming a major problem besides outside air pollution. Many individuals spend a significant amount of time inside, where air pollutants, including mould, dust, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can build up and hurt health. People look for ways to shield themselves from dangerous air during winter when pollution levels rise.
Air purifiers use a variety of filtering methods to eliminate air contaminants. The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is the most widely used filtering system; it can catch up to 99.97 per cent of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pollen, mould spores, and certain germs and viruses. Other devices target gaseous pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as activated carbon filters. Others use ultraviolet light to destroy airborne bacteria. However, some systems, such as ionisers, attract and weigh down pollutants by releasing negative ions, which causes the contaminants to fall to the ground.
Air purifiers are helpful in homes since cooking smells, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and domestic cleaning agents contaminate the air. The cleaner air is especially beneficial to those who suffer from respiratory disorders like asthma or allergies. Their actual performance, however, may differ significantly from the reported numbers. Manufacturers usually test air purifiers in controlled environments with optimal ventilation, room size, and pollution sources to demonstrate maximum efficiency. However, the intricacies of real-world contexts can affect purifier performance. The most excellent PM removal efficiency that air purifiers routinely accomplish in real-world tests is between 70 and 75 per cent, much less than the stated efficiencies. This indicates that the typical home environment differs from laboratory settings, not that air purifiers are inefficient. Performance is significantly impacted by room ventilation, ongoing pollution sources, and even the cleaner’s location. Eliminating dangerous particles can dramatically enhance indoor air quality, even at 70 per cent efficiency.
Indoor air purifier effectiveness depends on several parameters, including room size, location, and upkeep. A cleaner’s efficacy can be significantly diminished if used in a space more significant than its intended capacity. Proper placement is also essential; air purifiers should be placed behind furniture that might impede circulation or in central locations with enough airflow. Frequent upkeep is crucial, including cleaning and filter replacement. In addition to decreasing efficiency, clogged filters occasionally release pollutants into the atmosphere. When it comes to maintenance, users need to be careful.
Technological advancements have significantly increased the efficiency of air purifiers. Recent advancements include real-time air quality monitors and automatic operating modifications that maximise air filtration. Several devices now use hybrid filtration systems that combine HEPA filters with ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation or graphene-based materials to enhance particle removal and pathogen inactivation. These recent advancements guarantee a more thorough approach to managing indoor air quality.
Old filters must be disposed of properly to reduce environmental damage as air purifiers age. Certain filters need careful treatment because they contain dangerous materials like lead or mercury. Pollutant leakage back into the environment can be avoided by adhering to local disposal laws and manufacturer instructions. Hazardous components should be treated at specialist facilities, and filters should be disposed of properly after being packed in plastic bags.
Despite their apparent advantages, air purifiers cannot be used as a stand-alone remedy for problems with indoor air quality. A comprehensive strategy is required, including lowering pollution sources such as indoor smoking, using low-VOC paints and cleaning supplies, and ensuring enough ventilation. Additionally, it is crucial to keep doors and windows closed during the hours of highest pollution in highly polluted metropolitan areas.
Air purifiers cannot directly address outdoor air pollution because they are made for interior environments. Because it affects vast geographic regions, ambient pollution—caused by car emissions, industrial operations, building, burning biomass, and natural phenomena like wildfires—needs extensive interventions. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ground-level ozone are examples of common outdoor contaminants. Systemic measures, such as lowering emissions from industry, automobiles, etc., introducing cleaner technology, and enforcing stringent regulations, are needed to address outdoor air quality.
Governments must impose stronger emissions regulations to lower pollution levels, encourage cleaner energy sources, and invest in environmentally friendly transportation. Air quality initiatives will only be fully implemented with such extensive policy changes. Enhancing indoor and outdoor air quality requires a multipronged approach combining private initiative with governmental regulations. Combining immediate fixes like air purifiers with long-term measures like emission regulation and public education is necessary to address the more significant air pollution problem.
