NEW DELHI: As the national capital grapples with bad air, N95 masks make a comeback after a brief break due to a dip in the Covid onslaught. With the air quality index crossing 400, the demand for air purifiers are also on the rise. “Since Diwali, the sale of N95 masks has gone up. Over the years, especially because of the pandemic, the cost of the masks has come down. Earlier, a good N95 mask used to cost Rs 250-300, now it’s around Rs 150,” said Rahul Aggarwal, a medical store owner at Yusuf Sarai. Track the pollution level in your city“The sale of N95 masks, however, is restricted to the pollution season. During Covid-19, people started using them for protection from the virus, but many eventually shifted to either surgical ones or those made of cloth. Basic N95 masks are now available at Rs 70 and have double or triple layers. However, the manufacturing of valve-based masks has stopped,” said Vijay Kumar of another medical store. With more people facing respiratory complications and asthmatic symptoms having gone up, the demand for air purifiers has also increased. In the past one week, many people have inquired about the device, said Varun Ahuja, a trader. “The starting price for the domestic variety is Rs 5,000 and it goes up to Rs 2 lakh, and the maximum rate for the commercial ones is Rs 5 lakh. People usually ask about the filters of a device,” he added. However, the actual sale of air purifiers hasn’t gone up, compared with previous years. Gaurav Gulati, a shopowner, noted that the demand was the highest in 2020. “So far, the sale has not matched the figures of 2020 and 2021. Maybe, it will go up in the coming days,” he added. Dr G C Khilnani, a pulmonologist at PSRI Hospital, said one should only wear N95 masks and not surgical or cloth masks, and properly cover the nose. Experts say air purifiers are the most beneficial to those spending the majority of time indoors. “Air purifiers are good for removing dust particles, fumes and fungus; almost 95% gets removed. But the effect remains as long as the person is inside a room. Those with respiratory illness should get air purifiers in their room,” said Dr Rajesh Chawla, pulmonologist, critical care, Apollo Hospitals. “Air purifiers have little impact on those who are constantly moving outside, but it is good for those mostly staying in a room, say elderly people,” said Dr Vikas Maurya, pulmonology department head at Fortis Hospital. “While stepping out, one is again getting exposed to the same poisonous air and those with respiratory problems face challenges in immediately adapting to the toxic environment. The switching between the two conditions deteriorates health,” he said, adding that air purifiers with Hepa filters work better indoors.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/choking-sensation-delhi-masks-up-again-air-purifiers-back-in-demand/articleshow/95327398.cms