As an expert in the field of air purification, I have seen a growing trend in the use of ion generators and ionizers as a popular tool for improving indoor air quality. However, there is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding these devices, particularly when it comes to their safety. In this article, I will provide you with the facts about air purifiers with ionizers and help you make an informed decision about whether they are right for you.
The Concerns About Ozone Production
One of the main concerns about ion generators and other electronic air filters is their potential to produce ozone, a pulmonary irritant. While indirect ozone production is a cause for concern, there is even greater concern about the direct and intentional introduction of this irritant into indoor air.Despite what some marketers may claim, there is no difference between the ozone found in the open air and the ozone produced by these devices. Under certain conditions of use, ion generators and other air filters that generate ozone can produce levels of this pulmonary irritant much higher than levels considered harmful to human health. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a limit of 0.05 parts per million of ozone for medical devices. This is because while ozone can be used to reduce odors and pollutants in unoccupied spaces, the levels needed to achieve this are above levels generally considered safe for humans.
The FDA's Regulation of Air Purifiers
It's important to note that while most air purifiers are not regulated by the FDA, a small percentage of them may be classified as medical devices if they claim to have health benefits. This means that they must adhere to the FDA's limit of 0.05 parts per million of ozone.However, this does not necessarily mean that these devices are completely safe for use.
The Effectiveness of Ionizers
While ionizers are very effective at disinfecting air and removing particles, they should be used with caution due to their potential to produce harmful ozone. Before purchasing an air purifier, it is important for consumers to eliminate or reduce indoor sources of pollution and to ventilate areas with outdoor air. Alternatively, you can opt for an air purifier with multiple stages of filtration that relies less on the ionization method and instead utilizes filters that effectively eliminate viruses, pathogens, mold, gases, allergens, pet dander, and all types of particulate particles. At TEQOYA, we take the safety of our customers very seriously. That's why we have conducted tests to measure the number of reactive oxygen species (including the superoxide ion) produced by our ionizing air purifiers.These tests were carried out according to a protocol developed by the CERTAM laboratory with INSERM to measure the oxidative potential of contaminated air.
The Truth About Air Purifiers and COVID-19
The market for air purifiers has boomed in recent years, particularly due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, a new study has found that some air cleaning technologies marketed for COVID-19 may be ineffective and even have unintended health consequences. While the health effects of air ionizers are largely unknown, there are a small number of recent studies that are cause for concern. These laboratory tests were carried out by taking samples of particles and gases in the air in a large, semi-furnished chamber and in a field test with an ionizing device installed in an air treatment unit that served an occupied office building. This means that the results are applicable to real-life scenarios and should not be taken lightly.The Smart Choice for Air Purification
One of the most popular types of air purifiers on the market right now are ion-generating systems, including “bipolar ionization” devices that electrically charge particles so they settle in the air faster.These devices are typically marketed to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, at Smart Air, we do not use ionizers in our purifiers to achieve high CADR rates. Instead, we rely on safe and effective HEPA filters to provide our customers with the best air purification possible. If you're in the market for an air purifier, it's important to choose one that is both safe and effective. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has certified a list of air cleaning devices that meet their strict standards for safety and effectiveness.
Additionally, Smart Air is a social enterprise certified by B-Corp that offers simple and practical air purifiers and provides free education to protect people from the harm of air pollution.
