The savior of indoor air pollution: Air purifiers!

Staff Reporter, Dhaka : One of our era’s greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its threat to human health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. Economic development, urbanization, energy consumption, transportation and rapid population growth are some of the major driving forces of air pollution, especially in large cities. Often described as the ‘silent killer,’ air pollution poses a high risk to young children, the elderly, persons with predisposed diseases, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and workers in specific industries owing to their increased biological sensitivities and different exposure patterns.

Today, nearly the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) air quality limits and threatens their health. [1] Currently, a record number of over 6000 cities in 117 countries are monitoring their air quality. However, the people living there still breathe unhealthy levels of delicate particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with people in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures. [2]Among these cities, Bangladesh’s Dhaka ranked first in the list of cities with the worst air, accompanied by an air quality index (AQI) score of 372 as of January 26, 2023, at 8:50 am. Leading media houses are constantly raising this issue to raise mass awareness and to get policymakers’ urgent attention.[3]

Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution problems, and the air quality turns unhealthy, even more so during the ongoing ‘dry’ season. This national air quality scenario is unlikely to change anytime soon; in fact, the crisis is expected to worsen. As a result, it is vital to continue tackling air quality problems in tandem with climate change mitigation initiatives. Along with this, to remain safe from unwanted particles, individuals can wear masks when outside as it is known to be highly effective against air pollution and in environments with a high risk of exposure to harmful airborne infections. For indoors, the key is air purification through effective filtration. There is a growing need to improve indoor air quality through proper air filtration systems like air purifiers. To eliminate dangerous airborne particles like dust, pollen and bacteria, air purifiers provide an extra layer of protection through several filters.

Nowadays, manufacturers are introducing innovative technologies to help safeguard indoor spaces from unwanted particles. Samsung, for instance, has three air purifier models, boasting unique features like a Multi-Layered Purification System, keeping the air incredibly pure and safe. To begin with, it extracts larger dust particles. Then, an Activated Carbon Deodorization Filter also removes the harmful gases. Meanwhile, the HEPA Filtration with ultrafine dust filter captures up to 99.97% of 0.3㎛-sized dust! With Smart air quality detection & display, Samsung’s air purifiers allow you to check the level of air pollution more precisely. At the same time, a Laser PM Sensor detects dust, even particles less than 1.0㎛, and gaseous contaminants. Similarly, numerous kinds of air purifiers equipped with the necessary attributes and technologies are available in the market now.

The type of air purifier you purchase will depend on the requirements for air quality. Despite the variety, air purifiers are a must for your home to create a safe haven from seasonal allergies brought on by poor-quality dust. So, this season, get an air purifier and protect your indoors from the smallest particles!

[1] https://www.who.int/news/item/04-04-2022-billions-of-people-still-breathe-unhealthy-air-new-who-data
[2] https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/pollution/air-pollution/news/dhakas-air-quality-worst-the-world-second-day-row-3231001

[3] https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/environment/9imqrj2eq8