Suffocating pollution in many cities of the country is having a serious impact on people’s health. The situation has become such that it is becoming difficult to get clean air even inside the house. In such situations, most people resort to air purifiers as a solution. But a big question is beginning to arise – can an air purifier clean every level of dirty air? Experts say that there is a limit of pollution where even the technology falters and the air purifier does not prove to be 100% effective.

At what AQI do air purifiers become weak?

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 300, purifiers are generally forced to work harder. An AQI above 400, which is categorized as ‘severe’, puts heavy strain on the machine’s filters and motor. Experts say that when AQI is 500 or more, many purifiers are not able to completely clean the air. This is because the amount of polluted air entering the room is much more than the capacity of the filter.

Filter limit – even HEPA cannot save every time

HEPA filters are considered to be the most effective standard of air filtration, capable of blocking even very fine particles like PM2.5. But when the level of pollution in the air increases excessively, the filter quickly starts getting choked. Due to this, the efficiency of the purifier suddenly reduces and the machine starts heating up in its continuous effort to draw air. If such conditions persist for a long time, the lifespan of the equipment also decreases.

The size and ceiling of the room also decide the capacity.

Many people use small purifiers in large rooms when it is not enough for them. The efficiency of the purifier depends on CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). If outside air is entering the room several times or the windows are not completely sealed, the amount of polluted air continues to increase. In such a situation, no matter how advanced the machine is, it cannot clean the indoor air 100%.

What to do when pollution level increases?

Experts recommend that when the AQI is too high—

Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible

Choose a purifier with the right capacity for your room

Regular cleaning and timely replacement of filters is extremely important

Using two purifiers can also be effective in keeping the air clean in extreme conditions.

Also, it is advised to limit the pollution caused by smoke, incense sticks, candles and cooking in the house.

Is the solution just technology?

Experts are of the opinion that air purifiers can provide relief only to a limited extent. When city air becomes too toxic, the basic solution is to reduce pollution—that is, tighter controls on vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, and construction dust.

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