As smog season envelops Punjab, air purifiers have emerged as vital devices for maintaining air quality. These mechanical filters capture particulate matter, such as dust and fine particles, helping to mitigate the effects of pollution.

Jill Heins, a senior director at the American Lung Association, emphasizes that these devices “clean” rather than fully purify the air. While they can capture viral particles, they typically do not eliminate them unless equipped with additional technologies, such as germicidal UV light.

Air purifiers are especially crucial for individuals sensitive to air quality, including those with asthma, allergies, cardiovascular issues, as well as children, pregnant individuals, and the elderly. During severe air quality events, such as those caused by wildfires or high pollution levels, the use of air purifiers becomes even more important.

How Air Purifiers Function

The operation of an air purifier is straightforward: it uses a fan to draw in room air, which is then filtered through one or more components. The gold standard is the HEPA filter, capable of removing 99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some purifiers also feature carbon filters to eliminate odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

While some devices include additional features like germicidal UV lights or ionizers, the latter have fallen out of favor due to ozone production, which can be harmful to health.

The effectiveness of an air purifier is influenced by several factors, including the type of filtration, the size of the unit relative to the room, and its clean air delivery rate (CADR), which measures how much air can be filtered per minute.

Regular maintenance, such as changing filters, is essential for optimal performance. Heins advises consumers to consider the cost of replacement filters, which can sometimes rival the price of the purifier itself.

Combatting Smog with Air Purifiers

During smog season, particulate matter (PM2.5) from sources like diesel exhaust, industrial processes, and burning fuels can severely impact air quality. These fine particles, often visible as haze or smog, are particularly harmful and are a common concern for residents in urban areas.

HEPA filters are designed to effectively remove such particles, achieving up to 99.97% efficiency for those larger than 0.3 microns. However, they are not effective against gaseous pollutants like VOCs. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate air purifier is crucial, as different models offer varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the pollutants present and the room size.

While filter-free air cleaners are available, they can produce harmful ozone levels, which can exacerbate respiratory issues.

Where to find Air Purifiers in Pakistan

There are a number of reliable online websites selling best quality air purifiers. The price margin varies from models to models. Each model comes with variety of different options will which will facilitate the customer more. Some of the websites delivering in Pakistan are listed below:

1. ZebSol Air Purifiers
2. Xiaomi Store
3. M&S Electronics
4. Beurer Pakistan

In conclusion, as Punjab grapples with the challenges of smog season, air purifiers serve as an important line of defense, helping residents breathe easier and protect their health. For optimal results, it’s advisable to use these devices in conjunction with regular cleaning and to ensure proper ventilation when outdoor air quality permits.