As an expert in air purification systems, I have witnessed the growing popularity of negative ionizers as a means to improve indoor air quality. These devices release negative ions into the air, which can help reduce odors and make the air feel fresher. However, as with any technology, it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with using an ionizer in an enclosed space when someone is present. The process of charging air with negative ions produces ozone as a by-product, and ozone is known to be harmful to health.
This is why it is recommended to open a window or run the ionizer when no one is at home and turn it off when there is someone in the room with them. While ion generators work by charging particles in a room so that they are attracted to walls, floors, tables, curtains, occupants, etc., they can also cause these particles to be resuspended in the air. In some cases, these devices contain a collector to attract charged particles back to the unit. While ion generators can remove small particles, there is no controlled study that has confirmed their effectiveness in rectifying an alleged ion imbalance.
Despite this lack of evidence, the market for air purifiers is booming and ion generators or ionizers have become a popular tool for improving indoor air quality.
The Potential Risks of Ionizers
As more information becomes available about the dangers of air ionizers, consumers are increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with these systems. One study found that some air cleaning technologies marketed for COVID-19 may be ineffective and have unintended health consequences. While ionizer air purifiers are very effective at disinfecting air, they should be used with caution as they can also produce harmful ozone.If you're interested in purifying the air in your building with ionizers or ozone generators, there are a few things you should know before using one of these powerful machines. The laboratory tests were performed 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 servicing an occupied office building. However, the study reveals that the air purifier market is plagued by inadequate testing standards, confusing terminology, and a lack of peer-reviewed studies on their effectiveness and security.
Alternatives to Ionizers
Instead of relying solely on ionizers, it is recommended to use an air purifier with several stages of filtration.This method makes less use of ionization and takes advantage of filters that effectively kill viruses and pathogens, neutralize mold, gases, allergens, pet dander, and all types of particulate particles. The health effects of air ionizers are largely unknown, although there are a small number of recent studies that are a cause for concern. In another recent study on the use of air ionizers in school classrooms, the reduction in particle concentrations led to some improvements in the respiratory health of children aged 11 to 14. However, ionizers had an adverse effect on heart rate variability (a measure of cardiovascular health), meaning that any benefit to the lungs came at a cost to the heart. 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 and are typically marketed to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
If you're considering an ionizer to reopen your business during the COVID pandemic, it's best to consider it as part of a larger air purifier system. Unlike air filtration (where air passes through a filter to remove airborne contaminants), very little research has been done on the efficacy and side effects of additive air cleaning methods, such as ionizing devices. As an expert in this field, I urge consumers to carefully consider the potential risks and alternatives before using an ionizer in an enclosed space.
