Believe it or not, not all air cleaning devices are appropriate for home use – some air purifiers emit ozone that can be harmful to your health. Air purifiers are ineffective if they are producing ozone in your home as they work to purify air. Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule that is essential to the air we breathe. The third oxygen molecule can re-attach to molecules of other substances and alter their chemical composition. Ozone is an important ingredient of smog and is a highly reactive and unstable gas. When inhaled, ozone can damage the linings of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone is especially harmful for those with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. Which air purifiers should I avoid? It is important to avoid ozone generators and ionizing air purifiers.

These air purifiers send out a stream of negative ions that attract pollutants and become too heavy to remain airborne. The contaminants are removed from the air but do not leave the room and are not captured on the air purifiers collection plates or filters. They fall to the floor, land on walls, and are easily put back in the air. Ozone generators and ionizing air purifiers would be very effective if they did not pose a health threat. The biggest factor about these air purifiers is the ozone that they emit. The EPA has warned consumers against using ozone generators, and states in recent experiments ionizers were found to be less effective in removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen, or fungal spores than high efficiency particle filters (HEPA). What other methods can be used to control indoor air pollution? The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting to chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive.

Although some reviews say that the ozone produced by electrostatic air cleaners is safe for those in normal good health, both the EPA and American Lung Association advise against using these devices, because there are many ozone-free high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) models on the market. It is advised to use proven methods of controlling air pollution. Read Next: Different Types of Air Purifierscar air conditioner cleaner foam Ionizing and ozone air purifiers have come under fire from consumer groups, consumer review magazines and even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). can you clean your air ducts yourselfTwo claims are at the heart of the controversy: that these types of air purifiers are not effective at removing contaminants from the air and that ozone generators could harm people.air purifier heat

In 2002 and 2003, Consumer Reports tested several different air purifiers, including Sharper Image's Ionic Breeze. Independent researchers checked and verified the tests. Consumer Reports found that ionizing air purifiers like the Ionic Breeze created "almost no measurable reduction in airborne particles" [source]. Sharper Image sued Consumer Reports. The magazine later conducted further tests in response to Sharper Image's complaints and still found the Ionic Breeze to be ineffective. Sharper Image's lawsuit against Consumer Reports was thrown out, and the company was forced to pay more than half a million dollars to cover Consumer Reports' legal fees. Gas vs. Electric Stoves: Which is really more efficient? Magnetic Air Conditioners: A High Tech Way Of Keeping Cool What natural gas home appliances are available? Should all of my appliances come from the same manufacturer? Is stainless steel on its way out? The EPA has also released information warning the public about air purifiers that generate ozone.

Because the manufacturers are not making specific medical claims about these devices, they do not need Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. In fact, there really is no government oversight over consumer air purifiers other than the HEPA standard, so any manufacturer claiming that such a device is "government approved" or "government certified" is misleading consumers. However, concerns about the generation of ozone in people's homes have led the EPA to conduct studies on the subject. All ionizing purifiers generate some ozone, but ozone generators are specifically designed to release the gas, and in much larger quantities than ionizing purifiers. The EPA states, "Relatively low amounts [of ozone] can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections" [source]. Their studies indicated that even when used according to manufacturer instructions, many ozone-generating purifiers created ozone concentrations in a house in excess of public health limits.

They also found that ozone as used in a household air purifier "has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants." They also noted that ozone has a tendency to react with chemicals and form by-products that are potentially even more dangerous. The EPA's final recommendation on the matter: "The public is advised to use proven methods of controlling indoor air pollution." Ozone generators are not among the proven methods listed on its site.Ozone generators are being promoted as an effective method to clean indoor air pollution and odours. However ozone is a lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects. Ozone generators are being promoted as an effective method to clean indoor air pollution and odours. However ozone is associated with adverse health effects. Available scientific evidence shows that ozone concentrations that are safe to breathe are unlikely to be effective in controlling indoor air pollution. Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices use a variety terms to describe ozone.

Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a "healthy" kind of oxygen. However, ozone is a toxic gas with very different properties to oxygen. Whether it is a pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Ozone: Good up high, bad nearby Ozone, O3, is composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule. The additional third atom makes ozone an unstable, highly reactive gas. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere helps filter out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but ozone in the air we breathe is irritative to the eye, nose, throat and lungs and can have a significant negative impact on health. These proven adverse health effects have resulted in the Australian Government setting standards for ozone in outdoor air. What does an ozone generator do? An ozone generator is a device designed to produce the gas ozone. Ozone is used effectively in water purification, but ozone in air must reach high levels to remove air pollutants.

Health experts warn that it is important to control conditions to ensure that no person or pet becomes exposed to high levels of ozone. Ozone also masks the odour of some pollutants by impairing a person's sense of smell. Further, ozone is not effective for killing bacteria or mould in materials such as air conditioning duct lining and ceiling tiles. Risks of using ozone generators Some people are more susceptible than others and may be more likely to experience adverse health effects. People at particular risk are children, the elderly and people with asthma. Can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, cough and shortness of breath. May exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. Is likely to increase hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory disease. Can also adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings, and fabrics. Some effective ways to control indoor air pollution

There are several simple and effective methods of controlling indoor air pollution and odours, including source control, ventilation and air cleaning. It is important to note that mould is a common source of odours in homes. Source control is most effective and easy to implement: Remove products and materials, which cause indoor air pollution, or replace with an alternative non-polluting product. If no alternative product is available, store the polluting source elsewhere, for example paint thinners are best stored in a detached garage or shed. If you can not remove the source, try to reduce its strength. For example, sometimes formaldehyde-emitting materials such as MDF can be sealed to reduce the rate of emission. Do not allow people to smoke in your home. Routinely clean wet or moist surfaces to prevent mould and bacterial growth. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry all items completely. Separate damp areas from living areas and keep bathroom doors closed to reduce humidity in your home.

For example vent clothes dryers to outside or locate the washing machine in a separate laundry. Ventilation is also effective and commonly used: Install an exhaust fan close to the source of pollutants or moisture such as the cooking stove, dishwasher and washing machine. Keep the windows open as often as possible to allow air to circulate. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Air cleaning by itself does not adequately reduce indoor air pollution, however it can be used in combination with source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers can be used to remove airborne particles. Gas adsorbing material (eg activated charcoal) is sometimes used to remove gaseous pollutants. Air cleaners are relatively costly. To be effective they require proper sizing, installation and use (according to the manufacturers directions), and maintenance, so they are more suitable for use in workplaces rather than homes.