This is the ‘biggest mistake’ you can do while using air purifiers – Times of India

New Delhi: If you think shutting yourself inside a room and turning on the air purifier is the best possible way to fight the bad air that has gripped Northern India then you are severely mistaken. Top doctors along with air purifier brands are suggesting that while purifiers filter particulate matter in air, they do not get rid of Carbon dioxide. Keeping doors and windows shut all night or even all day will drastically increase the level of Carbon dioxide inside the room which might lead to adverse health effects. It is important to understand that air quality is not just about measuring PM 2.5 levels and keeping it low."Of course, it goes without saying that an air purifier is a must have device for households today given the high level of pollution. It is the bare minimum you can do to breather clean when you are inside your house. But the reality is that you need to have air circulation. While air purifiers are not effective when doors and windows are kept open, at the same time, it is important to have some air circulation happening. Otherwise, you will get clean air inside the room that has high levels of carbon dioxide," said Dr Vivek Nangia, director & head, pulmonology, critical care & sleep medicine, Fortis Hospital.Most households in India tend to have small-to-medium-sized rooms that are shared by family members. Thus, the level of carbon dioxide increases rapidly and despite using an air purifier and shutting all windows, there is a feeling of uneasiness.

"No doctor will ever suggest you to do this. Despite the pollution, sufficient air exchange is needed and locking yourself inside a room with an air purifier is just not a solution," said Dr Ashok Kumar, specialist chest, heart diseases & diabetes.

"As the level of carbon dioxide increases overnight inside a sealed room while you are sleeping besides an air purifier, you will wake up with a heavy head. You will not get a good sleep and will feel stressed and lethargic in the morning," said Dr Kumar.

"If someone has a weak heart or if already suffer from any heart disease, the chances of a heart attack increases in the night when he or she is sleeping with doors and windows shut. If someone has already suffered a heart attack, then the high levels of carbon dioxide can cause a repeat attack," he added.

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This is the 'biggest mistake' you can do while using air purifiers - Times of India