Why indoor and outdoor air quality matters more than ever in India

India faces a growing air quality crisis, with 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities. While outdoor pollution garners attention, indoor air – where people spend over 90 percent of their time – is often worse. Poor ventilation, exposure to harmful materials, and human activity all elevate risks. Addressing this requires certified filtration solutions that safeguard health and optimise energy use.

In India, where air pollution is severe indoors and outdoors, protecting indoor air quality is crucial for public health and energy efficiency.

The Invisible threat we breathe every day

Every day, we inhale around 15 kg of air—far more than the food or water we consume. Yet, air quality remains one of the most neglected aspects of human health. Microscopic pollutants, such as PM10, PM2.5, and especially PM1 particles, infiltrate our lungs and bloodstream, contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease, asthma, cancer, and cognitive decline.

Air Quality in India: A growing concern

India is home to 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities. The surge in urbanisation, industrial activity, and vehicular emissions makes outdoor air hazardous; however, indoor air is often 5 to 50 times more polluted due to poor ventilation, building materials, cleaning agents, and human activities.

This is especially alarming for high-occupancy spaces such as offices, hospitals, schools, malls, and public transport terminals, where people spend more than 90% of their time indoors.

Indoor Air Pollutants: Hidden hazards

Pollutants that affect indoor air quality generally fall into four main categories. 

• Particulate matter includes dust, pollen, mould spores, bacteria, and combustion particles.
• Gaseous pollutants often originate from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by paint, furniture, cleaning products, and cooking gas.
•  Environmental contaminants, industrial exhaust, vehicle fumes, construction dust, and emissions from open waste burning also contribute to poor indoor air.
• Fourthly, human contamination involves airborne viruses and bacteria brought in by occupants. 

Solutions that protect the health & save energy

Clean air is possible with the right filtration solutions. Products like Camfil’s Opakfil ES, Hi-Flo XLT, and City Air Purifier range are designed for Indian HVAC environments and meet the latest ISO 16890 standards.

These filters remove PM1 particles with high efficiency and reduce HVAC energy use, which can account for up to 70 percent of a building’s energy demand. By selecting high-efficiency filters with low pressure drops, facilities can enhance air quality and reduce operational costs.

The ISO 16890 Advantage

Unlike earlier standards, ISO 16890 equivalent to the Indian Standard IS 17570:2021, introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Government of India, classifies air filters based on their actual efficiency against PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 particulate matter. This approach offers enhanced transparency and relevance for end-users, HVAC consultants, and system designers. Compliance with IS 17570 / ISO 16890 is now mandatory for all air filter manufacturers operating in India, ensuring a uniform benchmark for indoor air quality performance across the industry.

Camfil India is proud to be the first manufacturer in India to align its production with IS 17570:2021 at its state-of-the-art Manesar plant. When purchasing, always look for the ISI mark on filters, as it assures safety, performance, and compliance.

When combined with Eurovent-certified energy performance labels, ISO 16890 ensures that filters are not only effective but also energy-efficient. Filters rated A+ under Eurovent contribute to the lowest energy consumption, reduced CO₂ emissions, and longer filter life – delivering both environmental and economic benefits.

Benefits

Clean indoor air offers a range of health and wellness benefits. It helps reduce respiratory illnesses, allergies, and asthma symptoms, also supporting better sleep and improved concentration. Cleaner air enhances overall mood and productivity, contributes to better cardiovascular health, and can lead to lower medical expenses over time.

Air Purifiers: Extra Protection for Urban India

In metro areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, mobile air purifiers offer a vital layer of protection. Camfil’s certified HEPA air cleaners remove particles, gases, and even viruses.

They can be used in:

• Positive Pressure rooms (introducing filtered fresh air)
• Negative Pressure isolation zones (like hospital ICUs)
• Air Recirculation Systems (for Offices, Stores, etc.)

Clean Air is a Human Right, Not a Luxury

Conclusively, with rising urban pollution and health risks, investing in certified air filtration products is no longer optional.

Camfil India is committed to delivering clean air solutions that are globally certified, locally manufactured, and tailored to address India’s specific challenges. Through our advanced filtration systems and purifiers, we empower buildings to breathe clean – so that the people inside can live better.

For more details, visit www.camfil.com/