While the Delhi government has been unleashing a slew of measures to combat pollution levels in the city, Delhiites are thronging to markets to get their hands on masks, air purifiers, plants that help clean the air, and immunity-boosting foods.
Stock running out
Several chemists in the city have stocked up on disposable masks that sell for ₹50-₹300, but added that the stock of the more expensive ‘N99’ mask that help combat the high levels of particulate matter are getting low as two of the popular brands are imported from South Korea and the United Kingdom. Even those looking to shop online for the ‘N99’ masks have been finding the product out of stock.
A chemist at Defence Colony Market said his range of masks starting from ₹50 have been selling like hotcakes since the air quality turned ‘severe’ on November 7 and that most of the “reusable” masks that keep out particulate matter have sold out.
Demand for spider plant has spiked.
However, AIIMS director Randeep Guleria has cautioned that there are no data to suggest that masks or air-purifiers are effective in a practical setting. “Besides being uncomfortable for long-term use, if there are any gaps near the chin or any part of the mask then it won’t serve the purpose,” he said.
An electronics shop at Khanna Market said that they have got many enquiries about air purifiers but very few customers have actually gone home with one.
“Only those customers who have infants at home or ailing people actually make the purchase. It is more of a medical need as they are not willing to spend upwards of ₹20,000 for the device,” said Karam Pal, a salesman.
Nurseries in the city have registered a renewed interest in indoors plants that allegedly help purify the air. Masjid Nursery near Khan market confirmed that they are getting a large number of enquires and sales for spider plants, Dracaenas Dracaenas and chrysanthemums.
Demand for ficus plant has spiked.
A word of caution
Plants are known to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, but they also eliminate significant amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other chemicals from the air.
However, people need to be cautious about the fact that increased plants population can affect humidity and promote mold growth, which can cause other health complications among children and those with reduced immunity, etc., said experts.
Doctors are also offering some home tips to stay fit this season. Dr. Shaarang Sachdev, consultant and coordinator – Emergency, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, said: “Keep your doors and windows closed, do yoga indoors, consume ginger and tulsi tea for stronger immune system and include anti-air pollution foods that include Vitamin C, Omega 3, and magnesium-rich foods such as turmeric, jaggery and walnuts.”
