The record-breaking pollution levels have spiked the sales of air purifiersand masks in Indirapuram in the past three days. Many have brought the purifiers for either children or senior citizens.
While many people bought these items as a preventive measure before the festival of lights and crackers, there has been a significant rise in sales post Diwali as well.
According to Snapdeal, the category has seen an overall three-fold increase in demand this year compared to the same time last year.
“Between pre-Diwali and post-Diwali, we have already seen a seven-fold increase in the number of air purifiers and masks sold on Snapdeal,” it added.
Interestingly, the city-based portal has curated a special store for the category and is expecting a 10-fold surge in orders placed for air purifiers.
Consumers are also opting for air purifiers on the go. Unit sales of car air purifiers in the first 5 days of November was 140 per cent more than that seen in the month of October for the devices on Snapdeal.
The city’s air quality has steadily worsened over the years, a result of pollution from vehicles and industrial emissions.
Apart from atmospheric dust, burning of crop stubble in farms also contributed to the thick cover of hazardous haze that has been shrouding the city for nearly a week.
The air quality have levels of harmful PM 2.5 particles hovering at dangerous levels, something that has been seen in cities like Beijing.
These fine particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease.
