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Head of marketing, Electrolux India.
It is an irrefutable fact that air is fundamental for survival and yet there is remarkably low awareness around the health implications that come from breathing air that is of poor quality. India tops the list of the most polluted cities in the world. In fact, 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are located in India, where particulate matter (PM) was found to be at ‘hazardous’ levels, according to the World Air Quality Report 2021, which was aggregated by IQAirVisual, an organization that monitors international air pollution.
Air pollution knows no borders and it can negatively impact anyone both outdoor and indoor. Further, it is almost shocking to know that the quality of indoor air is many times worse than air outdoors. According to the World Health Organization, one of the main factors contributing to sickness and early death is indoor air pollution. This pollution in a home or in an office stems from the fact that air gets contaminated from multiple seemingly innocuous sources such as surface cleaning liquids, aerosols, cooking, bacteria from damp or humid environments, etc. Gases and minute particles from office machines such as laser printers, copiers, correction fluid, could release microscopic particles and volatile organic compounds that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
The pollutants become trapped in our indoor environments over time, and long-term exposure to these harmful substances can have serious implications on human health and wellbeing. These could range from respiratory illnesses to chest infections, throat allergies, and even eyesight issues. Given that we are currently dealing with a significant surge of viral diseases, the degree of pollution we live with can be alarming.
While we have very limited ways to control the quality of outdoor air, we certainly have more power when it comes to regulating the air inside our homes or offices. This can be achieved through a combination of organic methodologies and with the use of technology. Placing purifying plants such as the peace lily, spider plant, aloe vera or ivy in the home and office can help purify indoor air to a certain extent. Some essential oils such as pine, thyme, eucalyptus are known to combat airborne bacteria. Using a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom will also help to ensure that the air inside a space is recirculated.
However, in today’s world for complete peace of mind, we can turn to technologically sophisticated solutions to effectively deal with trapped air. An air purifier can provide a one-stop solution. Smart air purifiers automatically monitor and gauge the air quality around us and allow for us to either manually or automatically adjust the level of purification required. Some premium models come with an app that allows you to control your environment remotely.
Smart air purifiers automatically monitor and gauge the air quality around us and allow for us to either manually or automatically adjust the level of purification required. Some premium models come with an app that allows you to control your environment remotely.
The advanced multi-stage filtration technology found in air purifiers can capture and eradicate bacteria, allergens and even viruses with nearly 100% effectiveness. Superior high-efficiency particulate absorbing and high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters can capture dangerous and extremely small airborne particles.
It is important to invest in a high-quality product to ensure that you get the maximum benefit and comfort from an air purifier. Choosing products that are portable, elegant in design and are non-intrusive on an auditory level are a great value add for ease of use, comfort, and aesthetics.
If you have a pet or pets at home that sheds hair, make sure to invest in a premium vacuum cleaner and for the best results, use it in tandem with an air purifier that can capture dander. Loose pet fur can be hidden all around a living space and can trigger allergies such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and shortness of breath. Using a strong, pet-friendly vacuum with a powerful air purifier is a great way to uphold air quality and wellbeing in the home.
Identifying and fixing areas in your space that could be a breeding ground for harmful substances such as mold is an absolute must tor effective irradiation. Mattresses and bedding should be cleaned regularly to ensure health and hygiene for the household.
In a post Covid world, Indian consumers have developed heightened sensitivity towards indoor air pollution due to volatile organic compounds, micro dust, bacteria, and viruses and recognize the benefits that air purification brings. This is especially true for those who have children or elderly people residing in their homes. Workspaces and offices too are being more sensitized to the need for investments in products and solutions that have a minimal negative impact on the environment. Air purifiers that address these requirements will find greater acceptance as we move into the future.
To ensure a happy and healthy tomorrow for our loved ones and for the generations that will follow, we must raise awareness and take action to enhance the overall quality of life and the quality of air that we breathe.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.
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