Salt lamps, diffusers and "detox" products
None of these remove PM2.5. Some, like scented diffusers and burning anything, add to indoor pollution.
Pollution season brings a wave of products promising “purified”, “detoxified” or “ionised” air. A quick guide:
| Product | Does it reduce PM2.5? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan salt lamp | No | It’s a warm light bulb inside a rock. Claims about “negative ions” are unsupported, and the amount would be negligible anyway. Harmless as décor. |
| Essential-oil diffusers, room sprays | No, and may add pollutants | Scented products release volatile organic compounds that react indoors to form fine particles. Skip them in a sensitive person’s room. |
| Bamboo charcoal bags | No | May absorb a little odour over time. No effect on particles. |
| Humidifiers | No | Can help comfort in very dry air, but ultrasonic models filled with tap water spray mineral dust into the air (and make PM2.5 monitors read high). If you use one, fill it with distilled or RO water and keep it clean. |
| “Anti-pollution” nasal sprays and plugs | Unproven | Not a substitute for a respirator or clean room. |
| “Lung detox” teas, supplements, steam | No | Your lungs clear particles themselves over time. No food or drink removes inhaled PM2.5. |
| Burning camphor, guggul, neem, “purifying” havan samagri | No, makes it worse | Any burning adds smoke. |
Where to spend instead
A properly sized HEPA purifier, sealing for the main room, a genuine respirator that fits, and an indoor monitor if the budget allows. See buying by spec.