It is that time of the year again when the thick, impenetrable layer of smog takes over parts of the country. And this smog is toxic and is damaging your health every minute, possibly irreparably. So you need to know how to combat air pollution in Delhi. Here are a few measures and a few products that will help you deal with smog effectively.

Air purifiers for your home and car

Air purifiers are absolutely essential in this smoggy weather. You can’t do much about the air outside, but you can make sure that the air inside your home and car is breathable. Check out these air purifiers which are effective for small and big spaces. Place one in each room, your car, and your office to make sure you don’t breathe much of the toxic air outside.

1. Philips AC1215/20 Air Purifier

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One of the most popular air purifiers in the market, this is great for your bedroom or office. The colour indicators on the purifier let you know the quality of air while the purifier is on. You can also set the sensor to night mode to keep its noise levels down. The only drawback with this air purifier is the price which is on the higher side.

2. Mi Air Purifier 3

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Mi Air Purifier 3 is almost the same price and quality-wise as Philips. It has the True HEPA Filter with a filtration efficiency of 99.97%. And it gives improved air quality with triple-layer filtration and smart app control for easy use.

3. Nebelr Car Air Purifier Ionizer

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This compact air purifier is perfect for your car, a small room, or an office cabin. It’s portable, light, and easy to fit in the space of a cup holder. Installing an air purifier in your car is the best way to ensure that you have a comfortable commute without any breathing problems. This air purifier can be plugged into any USB port, in your car, through a power bank, or your laptop.

Effective vacuum cleaners

You might think a regular jhaadu pocha is good enough for your home, but it really isn’t. Not in this weather, for sure. You need a vacuum cleaner to suck out all the dirt from every inch of your home. This is especially important if you have pets at home. Vacuum once a day, or at least once in two days, during the smog. Here are a few vacuum cleaners which will be useful for you.

1. Philips PowerPro FC9352/01 Compact Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

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This vacuum cleaner is bagless, so it’s easier and quicker to clean. It also has wheels and is lightweight so that you can move it around easily. Great for cleaning carpets, sofas, and the interior of your car.

2. Black+Decker VH-801 800-Watt Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

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This handheld vacuum cleaner comes with a shoulder strap. It’s light and easy to cart around the house, and the wire is long enough for you to cover a large area at once. The one drawback with this vacuum cleaner is that the unit gets heated and you need to give it a break to cool down after a few minutes.

3. Kent Bed and Upholstery Vacuum Cleaner

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This vacuum cleaner is especially effective for flat surfaces like beds and sofas. It also has a HEPA filter which reduces the release of dust into the environment, as compared to conventional vacuum cleaners. It has a dust bag that needs to be emptied frequently so that it can clean effectively.

Anti-pollution masks

When you buy anti-pollution masks, make sure they are N95 and above. This ensures that 95 percent or more of the harmful particulate matter in the air is filtered out and not breathed in. Here are a few popular anti-pollution masks which are ideal for people who need to be outdoors. You can also buy printed ones to make them look cool.

1. 3M 9004GV Anti Pollution Mask

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2. Honeywell E-D7002/7005-BU10-IND PM 2.5 Anti-Pollution Foldable Face Mask

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3. Xtore Certified N99 FDA CE Washable Mask 

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Air purifying plants

Indoor plants aren’t half as effective as air purifiers. However, they do help in keeping the air in small areas clean. If you have a small office cabin, a couple of air purifying plants will help. If you keep air purifying plants in your home as well, they may help in increasing the effectiveness of air purifiers. Here are a few air purifying plants which you can buy online.

1. Pearls and Jade Pothos

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These plants, also known as money plants, are easy to grow indoors and don’t need much maintenance. Indirect sunlight works best, so keep them in a spot where the plant gets the sun, but not too much of it. It doesn’t need to be watered frequently. Check the soil with your finger before you water. If it’s dry, add water. If the soil feels damp, the plant doesn’t need any water.

2. Mother-in-law’s Tongue

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Also known as Snake Plant, this is one of the easiest indoor plants. It does well in almost any amount of sunlight and doesn’t need frequent watering. The long leaves also look fabulous in any corner of the house. This is one of the plants which removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde in the air, so it’s a great choice for a house plant.

3. Boston Fern

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This is quite a universal favourite in air-purifying plants. It prefers humid conditions so if you have a window in the bathroom, that’s the best spot for it. Boston Ferns grow best in medium to low indirect light, and it needs consistently moist soil. Be careful not to overwater though.

Related: Hair And Skin Care In Smog: Here’s How To Protect Yourself From The Toxic Air