Submitted by: Submitted by rock
Views: 343
Words: 1063
Pages: 5
Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 11/29/2010 10:06 AM
Waiting to inhale
Marketers have smelt opportunity in the smog that passes off as air these days. According to
a study conducted by the centre for science and environment studies in 36 Indian cities, 19
million Indians were taken ill or hospitalized due to pollution in 1991. By 1995, the number
had grown to 26 million, and there are many who haven’t reached a doctor yet, but are
developing into sure shot cases. While metros are the worst hit, cities like Jaipur and Kanpur
are becoming increasingly polluted.
What is new, however, is the phenomenon of indoor pollution. Closed doors and windows
keep out dust , smoke and pollen, but shut in the more insidious pollutants – dust and
microorganisms trapped in air- air conditioners, carpets and curtains, besides cigarette smoke
and ink particles released by copiers and printers in offices. And lack of cross-Ventilation
makes the air in a room stale. “This may not be obvious,” says R.A. Vaswani, managing
director, Inalsa Appliances Ltd. “but leads to what is known as the sick – building
syndrome.” Asthma, allergies and migraines are the common outcome.
Obliviously, products that clean the air are needed. Yet, the market for air purifiers is very
small. By Eureka Forbes (1996-97) turnover: Rs. 205 crores ) estimates, it stands at Rs. 2
crore. This expected to touch Rs. 6.5 crore by 2000.
Since the low volumes don’t justify investment in manufacturing, most products are
imported. Perhaps the first to enter the market was Eureka Forbes with Euro Air in 1994.
“Euro Air was launched in keeping with the company’s concern regarding health and
hygiene. We offer vacuum cleaners for dust & dirt, Aqua guard for water, and a product to
tackle air pollution was the next appropriate step”, says the company. Delhi based Mridul
enterprises, which was importing from Korea and Taiwan, but is now starting domestic
manufacturing, launched Forest Air a year and half back. Right Air, which Mumbai – based
Living safe...