April 4, 2005 -- Some popular ionizing air cleaners could be hazardous to your health, especially if you have asthma or allergies, says a product testing group. An investigation by Consumers Union (CU) -- the products testing group that publishes Consumer Reports -- found that five of the best-selling models tested emitted relatively high levels of ozone. Ozone exposure can aggravate allergies Ozone exposure can aggravate allergies and decrease lung function. It is a harmful gas resulting from car exhaust, gasoline vapors, and other pollutants. "It is both misleading and irresponsible for an organization like Consumer Reports to suggest that there is any potential harmful effect from a product that tens of thousands of people have purchased and are using every day without adverse consequences," Sharper Image spokesman and general counsel E. Bob Wallach tells WebMD. A recent study showed that short-term increases in ozone levels in the outside air contribute to thousands of deaths a year in the United States.

In an October 2003 report, CU researchers concluded that ionizing purifiers do a much poorer job of cleaning the air of dust and smoke than their advertising suggests. The report led to a lawsuit against the consumer group by Sharper Image Corp., which makes the top-selling ionizing air purifiers -- the Ionic Breeze line.air cleaner amazon uk The suit was dismissed in November of last year, and Sharper Image has since agreed to pay just over half a million dollars in court costs.clean mold air conditioning ducts While acknowledging that the new ozone tests did not show that the air cleaners pose a clear health hazard, Consumers Union vice president and spokesman Jeff Asher says they did suggest a potential risk. custom 4 barrel air cleaner

None of the ionizing air purifiers tested exceeded a generally accepted ozone safety level when the air was measured 3 feet away. "The bottom line is that these products don't work anyway, so why would anyone want to expose themselves to a level of ozone which, when added to the ozone that is already in the home, certainly isn't going to do them any good?" Wallach added that the Ionic Breeze model used in the latest test has been shown to comply with federal regulations for safe ozone emissions.Do you know that there was a recent news that involved a big-name ionic air purifier manufacturer? This publication had claimed that the tested air purifier system by this manufacturer removed very little matter, but instead it significantly raise ozone levels in the room. So is there truth in the matter? Well, unluckily for this ionic air purifier company and thousands of customers, the judge for the case found the publications' claims were true. Hence some ionic air purifier systems can raise ozone levels.

Here are some points about the possible danger that air purifiers poses in your home... or is there any real danger at all? Ozone is found naturally in the earth's atmosphere and it protects us from the sun's harmful rays. In your house, however, ozone produced by air purifiers can be harmful. Companies selling these air purifiers claim they are using the ozone at safe levels to clean the air, but the truth is that the same ozone emitted by the air purifier can cause respiratory illness. Are you willing to risk your health? Damage to Your Home and Health Studies have also found that ozone can cause rubbers, upholstery, and paint to deteriorate more quickly. If ozone can eventually crumble the paint on your walls and the material covering your sofa, what can it do to your lung tissue? Do you really want to put your money into an air purifier that can eventually turn healthy lungs into a big mess? Even if an ionic air purifier is only a "little" dangerous, there is still some danger there.

Overexposure To OzoneOne of the problems with these air purifiers is that the unit has no control to prevent over-exposure to the ozone. Sure, the ozone can kill the spores in the air, but the ozone can also cause problems. As levels of ozone rise in your room, the air purifier continues working and pumping out more ozone. Ultimately, the level of ozone moves from safe to unsafe in just a matter of time. The Other Side To be fair Being fair , we really need to consider two sides to the story. Some will say the ozone produced by an ionic air purifier is only a danger if you use it in an enclosed room. You realize they may be right; perhaps the ionic air purifier isn't so bad. It's the use of the word "may" that might cause you concern. If there is a risk there in the first place, why play the odds with something as simple as an ionic air purifier? In essence, the air purifier you are trusted and depended on to remove irritants from the air are not working. Your allergies or asthma are now irritating your lungs even more due to the ozone.

While allergens are being removed, a new, possibly deadlier irritant is replacing the air you breathe. Why run an air purifier, specifically an ionic air purifier, if you are making the condition worse? Why risk your life with an air purifier that might be making your symptoms worsen? It's a waste of your money. It is also a bigger risk in the long run. Thus with the given reasons above, getting a HEPA air purifier might be a better choice. Although they are more expensive, these air purifiers help reduce allergens in the air without adding any potentially dangerous things to your environment that might harm you or your family. Sold by Enjoyable Life Inc. and Fulfilled by Amazon. Car Air Purifier,Enjoyable Life Smart Car Air Ionizer and Air Freshener, Portable Ionic Purifier, Odor Eliminator, Auto Air Cleaner|Remove Bad Odor, Smoke, Dust etc.For Your Auto/RV (White) Buy "Car Air Purifier,Enjoyable Life Smart Car Air Ioni...” from Amazon Open-Box & Used and save 63% off the $59.99 list price.

2.4 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches #84,841 in Home and Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home and Kitchen) #47 in Home & Kitchen > Heating, Cooling & Air Quality > Air Purifiers > Air Ionizers See all 322 customer reviews See all 322 customer reviews (newest first) The best feature of this particular air purifier is that it doesn't have to be plugged into your 12V car plug taking up room for your phone chargers, etc. This baby is solid, well-designed, and gives off a modern look while freshening your car. What more could you ask for? Did not make any discernable difference in my vehicle. The device is simply too small to make a meaningful impact. I purchased this Car air purifier to put in my roommate's car whose previous owner had toted her dog around with her everywhere. I was really hopeful was this product and was hoping it would work great. But I can not notice a single differece. I have been using this car purifier for a week or so and I have noticed that the quality of air has improved.