Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time to celebrate with lots of lights and our family and friends. However, once the last firecracker has fizzled out, India is sadly faced with a challenging reality: Diwali is also the time when air pollution across the country hits its worst levels. Air quality dips extremely low, creating a thick, harmful blanket of smog that affects everyone, both inside and outside the home.
To understand the scale of the problem, consider the Air Quality Index (AQI). A score between 0-50 is considered ‘Good.’ Yet, post-Diwali data often shows the city of Delhi slipping deep into the “very poor” (AQI 301–400) and even “severe” (AQI 401–500) categories. This year, the average PM2.5 concentration—the most dangerous fine particulate matter—has been recorded to surge by 15 to 18 times in the 24 hours following the festival, with some localities registering AQI values over 400. This drastic drop in air quality makes breathing hazardous.
The Harmful Effects of Toxic Air
When the air quality plummets to these severe levels, it means you are breathing in a dangerous mix of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and heavy metals from firecracker residue. This can lead to air pollution-related distress that is signalled by a scratchy or persistent cough, a sensation of tightness in the chest, and severe irritation in the eyes (often described as burning or watery). Even one night of such toxic air can significantly affect those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis, leading to acute flare-ups and potentially severe health complications.
To protect yourself, a few immediate steps are essential. When outdoors, wearing a high-quality N95 mask is crucial. When indoors, try to maintain proper ventilation while keeping windows closed during peak pollution hours. You can also incorporate natural home remedies, like keeping certain air-purifying plants such as snake plants or peace lilies, and regularly cleaning all household air filters from ACs to exhaust systems to prevent dust and pollutants from recirculating.
How the SHARP-QNET Zensational Air Purifier Can Help
While masks and plants offer some level of protection, the only reliable way to ensure the air inside your home is truly safe is by using a high-quality air purifier. This is where the SHARP-QNET Zensational Air Purifier becomes your best line of defence against post-Diwali air pollution.
This state-of-the-art system is specifically designed to combat the complex mix of indoor pollutants:
1. True HEPA Filter: The core of pollution control lies here. The SHARP QNET Zensational uses a True HEPA filter that captures an astonishing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes the ultra-fine PM2.5 particles that are the most harmful component of smog and firecracker smoke, ensuring they are trapped and removed from your breathing air.
2. Patented Plasmacluster® Ion Technology: This is a game-changer. The purifier emits high-density positive and negative ions, which seek out and destroy airborne contaminants. This technology is verified to kill 29 different types of pathogens, including viruses like H1N1, as well as mould, bacteria, and allergens, actively cleaning the air and surfaces in your room.
3. Dual Action PANDAA Filter: Diwali pollution isn’t just particles, it’s also noxious gases and odours. The PANDAA filter neutralises these harmful gases, converting them into harmless ones, effectively dealing with the lingering smell of burnt crackers and general smog.
4. Integrated Humidifier: The dry, polluted air can be tough on your skin and throat. The integrated humidifier function maintains an optimal indoor humidity level, which helps keep your skin healthy and safeguards you against dry throat infections that are common during the smog season.
Read more: How to Use SHARP QNET Zensational Air Purifier for Humidity Control at Home?
5. 7-Detection Intelligent Modes: This purifier constantly monitors your air quality through seven intelligent modes, detecting PM2.5, dust, odour, temperature, humidity, light, and motion. This allows the purifier to automatically adjust its operation, ensuring maximum efficiency without manual intervention.
Diwali is a time for making joyous memories, not for battling pollution-related ailments. Don’t let the annual spike in air pollution put a dent in your festive celebrations or, more importantly, compromise your family’s health.
Also read: Why Do You Need Good Sleep? How the SHARP QNET Zensational Air Purifier Helps You Sleep Better
