India’s First Wearable Air Purifier Gains Massive Buzz as Delhi Chokes in Severe AQI

Even as Delhi-NCR sees no respite from the horrific Air Quality Index (AQI) for several days now, India’s first portable air purifier - the atovio Pebble - has witnessed a spike in demand. Since last month,

sales for the machine have surged dramatically, reflecting how the population is worried about their health even as air pollution is worsening. The Pebble, a compact pendant-style device designed to be worn around the neck, was launched in December last year and has already sold at least 15,000 units. Manufactured by a Gurugram-based startup, The Pebble utilizes Advanced Variable Anion Technology, which helps neutralize pollutants like particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, bacteria, smoke, dust, and viruses. The company states it has zero ozone emissions, addressing a common concern with some ionic purifiers. A test report from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur's aerosol facility indicated the device reduced respirable particulate matter in the breathing zone by an average of 43.8 per cent in a semi-open environment. The tests were conducted in a semi-open 10 m room with outdoor air inflow, simulating real-world conditions. The report even concluded that with continuous pollutant inflow, the wearable purifier manages to create a cleaner breathing microenvironment - the airspace most relevant to respiratory exposure.

How do air purifiers work?

Portable air purifiers generally use small fans to draw air in through one or more filters, trap various contaminants like dust and smoke along with pollutants in the air, and then recirculate the cleaner air back into the room. Portable air cleaners vary in weight, but they can usually be moved from room to room. While many can be mounted on the wall, portable ones like The Pebble can even be worn around your neck.

What are the benefits of having an air purifier?

According to experts, the situation in Delhi is so bad that people must take all kinds of precautions they can to prevent falling sick. “If you can afford an air purifier, do make sure you have at least one purifier at home, which can purify your air,” said Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute. “Also, you can grow green plants inside your home because plants purify air and give you more oxygen,” he added. Air purifier benefits vary by about the same factors as the air purifiers themselves, including

• The type and number of filters
• The CADR rate
• The targeted pollutants
• How consistently and appropriately the device is used

But when used effectively, air purifiers can have benefits in your home, including:

Allergies

Doctors say air purifiers reduce allergic symptoms as they help lighten the allergen load of your indoor air.

Asthma

Air purifiers lessen the triggers of asthma and attacks, from contaminants like dust, smoke, and pollen.

Dust

Your air purifier can also lessen the amount of dust particles, which are usually 5 microns or less in size.

Animal dander

An air purifier also reduces dander in your home from your pet cat, dog, or bird.

Particulate matter

HEPA air cleaners with sufficient CADR can reduce concentrations of indoor PM2.5 by an average of 50 per cent.