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That sizzling tadka, the comforting aroma of fresh parathas; few things feel more like home than anything else. But behind that familiar scent may be something you can’t see: invisible smog swirling through your kitchen. Every time you cook especially during high-heat frying, sautéing, or grilling, pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter are released into the air. These particles quietly build up in the air you breathe, often lingering long after you’ve finished cooking. Women, especially those spending more time in the kitchen, inhale these fumes daily. The result? Dull skin, clogged pores, and hair that feels like it’s been deep-fried along with the samosas. Studies have shown that exposure to kitchen smoke can cause respiratory problems and even accelerate skin ageing. According to recent research, 40–60% of India’s ambient PM₂.₅ pollution comes from residential cooking and heating. Another study found that in homes using solid fuels, 24-hour pollutant concentrations can exceed 400 µg/m³, exposing women cooks to dangerously high levels of toxic air, the equivalent of standing beside a congested highway for hours every day. The Air You Breathe Indoors Matters The good news? You can reduce the harmful effects of this hidden smog with a few simple changes. Start with stronger ventilation, keep your chimney or exhaust fan on while cooking and let it run for a few minutes afterward. A good-quality chimney is no longer a kitchen luxury; it’s a health essential that helps remove smoke, grease, and invisible pollutants right at the source. Switching to cleaner cooking methods like induction stoves or air fryers also helps. These not only reduce emissions and indoor heat but also make cooking safer and more energy-efficient. “We often think of pollution as something that happens outside, in traffic jams or crowded streets. But every time you fry, sauté, or burn that perfectly golden paratha, tiny invisible smoke particles fill the air,” says Aarushi Agarwal, Head – Large Kitchen Appliances and New Businesses, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. “These particles don’t just make your walls sticky, they stick to you. Cooking should be about nourishment and comfort, not coughing fits or teary eyes. Every breath in the kitchen should bring comfort, not concern.” She adds, “Our mission is to listen closely, design thoughtfully, and deliver meaningfully, to help make kitchens safer spaces with smarter ventilation and technologies that reduce indoor pollution. We’re reimagining appliances to protect the air, the food, and the families we love. With a few mindful habits and the right appliances to keep air clean, you can make sure every meal is served with a side of fresh air and peace of mind.” Technology Meets Fresh Air Anil Gurnani, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, TTK Prestige, highlights how smarter appliances are transforming the modern Indian kitchen. “As lifestyles evolve and home cooking becomes more frequent, the role of technology in ensuring kitchen safety and comfort has become more important than ever,” he says. “Today’s consumers are more conscious about ventilation, air quality, and maintaining a cool, safe cooking environment, and this is driving the demand for smarter, more responsive kitchen solutions.” Gurnani explains that his brand is leading this change through its SafeSense Technology, a patented innovation in its range of chimneys. “This IoT-enabled system uses smart sensors to continuously monitor the kitchen environment, detecting gas leaks and smoke levels in real time. If any leakage or excess smoke is detected, the chimney automatically switches on to start suction and remove the pollutants while simultaneously sending a notification to the user’s smartphone via the Prestige App, even if they’re not in the kitchen.” This technology, currently available in the Prestige Oscar Chimney, will soon extend to other models, including T-shaped and angular designs. “Our goal is to make advanced kitchen safety accessible to more homes,” Gurnani adds. “As consumer expectations evolve, our focus remains clear to bring smart, connected, and safe innovations that enhance well-being and redefine the modern Indian cooking experience.” Breathing Easier at Home The takeaway? Clean cooking doesn’t just mean healthy meals, it means healthy air. By improving ventilation, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and being mindful of indoor air quality, you can transform your kitchen into a safer, more breathable space. After all, every tadka, stir, and simmer should fill your home with warmth not smog.
