Air Pollution FAQs

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is a leading cause of disease and mortality globally, accounting for 3 million premature deaths per year. It occurs when gases and other chemicals, such as particulates and biological molecules, are released into the Earth’s atmosphere, causing harm to humans, animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem. It is a global issue and a severe health risk that must be addressed.

PM 2.5, also known as fine particulate matter, is a mixture of extremely minute solid and liquid particles in the air that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is 30 times smaller than a human hair. As a result, they can penetrate deep into our lungs and bloodstream, causing serious lung tissue damage, cardiovascular illness, and premature death.

An Air Quality Index (AQI) is a statistic used by government agencies to assess and communicate air pollution levels to the public. As the AQI rises, a huge proportion of the population will suffer from severe unfavorable health effects. The measurement of the AQI requires an air monitor and an air pollutant concentration over a specified averaging period. The results are grouped into ranges, and each range is assigned a descriptor, a color code and a standardized public health advisory. You can check more about AQI here: AQI.in

PM10 is almost the same as PM2.5; the only difference is on it’s size. PM10 measures 10 micrometers or less in diameter.

Pollution sources are numerous and little known in India and most Asian countries. As a result, each country must have its unique AQI values. On September 17, 2014, India’s National Air Quality Index Standard (NAQI) was released. The project is part of the government’s mission to instill a “culture of cleanliness” in the country, since air pollution has been a major concern.

The AQI value varies on a daily basis, like it does everywhere else in the globe, and it depends on the city you are in. Despite the fact that India has its own AQI standards, they are among the highest: according to the World Health Organization, 10 of the top 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India, and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Delhi are among the highest measured in any city in the world – about 15 times higher than WHO’s guideline concentrations. That is why it is critical to be aware of the air quality around you.

*Download the AQI India app for live updates directly on your mobile device (COMING SOON).

The AQI values represent the following status of air pollution :

  1. Good : 0 – 50
  2. Moderate : 51 – 100
  3. Unhealthy For Groups : 101 -150
  4. Unhealthy : 151 – 200
  5. Very Unhealthy : 201 – 300
  6. Hazardous For Groups : 301+

Pollution-related disorders caused by air pollution include respiratory infections, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), stroke, lung cancer, and, of course, the worsening of pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions. Allergies, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and asthma symptoms may result in increased medication use, doctor visits, and hospitalizations. The severity of these impacts is determined by the type of pollutant, the degree of exposure, and the individual’s health status and genetics.

A research done by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that the youngest, the oldest and the poorest are the most vulnerable urban populations to air pollution – it affects the central nervous system, playing a role in autism, as well as in other neurodevelopmental disorders. It also affects short-term memory, learning ability, impulsivity and the cognitive performance. Babies and children are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of pollutants because they are growing and their lungs, cardiovascular system, immune system and brains are still developing.

When the AQI is high, it is advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor physical activity such as jogging, trekking, cycling, and so on, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with lung and heart issues. If going outside is unavoidable, an air-pollution mask should be worn. Nonetheless, indoor pollution must be addressed. It is advisable to have a decent air purifier and purifying plants at home or office, and to ensure good air quality, avoid smoking indoors and ensure that there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom.

A diet high in vitamin C, magnesium, and Omega fatty acids could possibly protect you from air pollution. Prana Air’s comprehensive variety of anti-pollution solutions, such as our motion mask and air purifier, can also safeguard you and your family. Find them here: Prana Air

Government agencies employ various methods to calculate their separate Air Quality Indexes, which they then utilize to inform the public about potential short-term health risks. Here you can find readings from government monitoring sites all across the world. For more accurate information, you could consider installing a monitoring station at your home/office and use an app such as AQI India (COMING SOON).

Prana Air Indoor Air Purifier

Ideally, you should replace the filters every two months.

The air purifier is designed to run continuously for lengthy periods of time. However, we recommend that you use it for no more than 18 hours per day.

Yes, the Prana Air Purifier is designed to eliminate 99% of a wide range of pollutants in just one hour, including formaldehyde, PM10, PM2.5, dust, pollen, smoking odors, allergens, 0.3um particles, VOC, H1N1 virus, and germs.

Yes, it comes with a remote control.

No, Prana Air purifiers does not produce Ozone gas or any other pollutant.

No. Until today, there is no technology that decreases CO2, only plants.

No, HEPA filters cannot be cleaned, only changed. If they are in touch with water, they get damaged.

No. Once changed, the HEPA filter cannot be used again. They are disposable once particles as small as 2.5 microns get attached to them.

Yes, that’s the reason behind the ionizator function

No, it won’t purify these gases.

Prana Air Purifier does not have an air pollution indicator on it.

No, it doesn’t take too much space. The size is small if compared to other brands providing the same functions.

Yes, the air purifier is very easy (and light) to be moved from one place to another.

No, it doesn’t have a child lock.

Prana Air Outdoor Masks

They are, indeed. However, the filters are changeable. When HEPA filters come into touch with water, they get damaged.

Depending on how polluted the area is and how frequently you wear the mask, you should replace the filter every 6 months.

When pollution levels are higher than usual and you are having difficulty breathing, you should adjust the fan speed.

You can’t do it. You can wear it for 6 hours straight before needing to recharge it.

There is a light indicator next to the on/off button. If the red light is on, it means that the mask is on.

Car Cabin Air Filter

HEPA stands for <strong>High Efficiency particulate Air</strong>. When in use, it is a form of filter that catches dust particles and other germs. A HEPA filter captures 99.97% of dust particles and other microorganisms in the air. They are effective, and the HEPA filter is well worth the extra cost.

No, they are not washable and also can not be reused. They are replaceable.

Typically the filter will last 6-9 months, however this is also dependent on frequency of your drive time. The poorer the vehicle air quality the shorter the filter lifespan as well as the frequency and duration of the drive. The more frequent and longer your drive time, the more your Prana Air car cabin air filter works for you!

When a Prana car cabin air filter is utilized, the AQI rating drops to 1. It collects all fine dust particles and creates a healthy environment inside the car for a safe travel to your destination.

No, you can install new Prana car cabin air filter on your own in as little as 15 minutes.

No, we do not sell engine air filters.

Yes, if your vehicle was intended to use one. Some automobiles were delivered from the factory without the optional cabin filter. In these circumstances, simply place the appropriate filter into the empty housing. In some situations, a vehicle may have been delivered from the factory without an optional cabin filter or housing. A car dealer can order the housing for you. In this instance, you must first install the housing before installing the filter. Some vehicles did not come standard with the option of a cabin filter. You cannot add one in this scenario.

The filters we sell are “aftermarket” – which means they are made by a company that has no connection with the car manufacturer. The “Aftermarket” has both good and bad reputations. Some aftermarket brands are known for being better that the original parts. Each part is designed to meet or exceed the function of the original.