India, Dec. 14 -- Portable wearable air purifiers have become increasingly visible in cities battling chronic pollution. These small, necklace-style or clip-on devices promise to create a cleaner breathing zone around your face without the effort of wearing a mask all day. The idea is appealing: a silent personal air shield that follows you everywhere. But how much of this is grounded in science, and how much is optimistic marketing? This explainer breaks down what these devices are, how they work, the myths around them, their real strengths and compromises, and whether they offer any meaningful protection outdoors.

What Exactly Is a Wearable Air Purifier?A wearable air purifier is a compact, battery-operated device that sits close to yo...