Air-Purifiers Are Only Effective Against PM2.5, Not CO2 Levels

Air purifiers might be successfully controlling PM2.5, but CO2 levels in the same area are well past the safe limit

Poor-ventilation is a constant factor behind rising indoor C02 levels. 

(Photo: iStockphoto)

While you might believe that installing an air purifier is your ultimate solution in the disastrously high pollution levels of Delhi, there is more that needs to be done to breathe fresh air.

A recent study by the Indian Pollution Control Association has found that even though air purifiers might be successfully controlling PM2.5 in the vicinity of their installation, the CO2 levels in the same area remain well past the safe limit of 1000 parts per million.

A report by the Times of India mentioned that that these readings were the highest in corporate offices with an average of 2000 ppm, followed by movie theatres and finally the lowest in residential places.

A major reason for the same might be poor ventilation in these places.

According to Priyanka Kulshreshtha, head, research and communication, IPCA,

Early mornings and law nits are the biggest problem periods. CO2 levels start rising even with an air purifier on due to the closed environment. In offices, the problem is worse due to the high number of people present under a single roof. Over a period of time, productivity levels star to drop if you are exposed to high CO2.

As simple and doable solutions to the CO2 concern, experts suggest in-door plants and keeping windows or doors open for brief periods in order to help with the ventilation. Air-purifiers can only deal with PM2.5 particles, and thus are not enough to provide clean and pure air.