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Introduction

Indoor air pollution can be a serious health risk. Studies by the Environment Protection Agency have shown that the air inside buildings is often two to five times more polluted than the air outside, and sometime much more.

One thing we must keep in mind is how many different sources of pollution can contribute to lowering the air quality of our indoor spaces. The term “indoor air pollution” is an umbrella which covers a wide array of unhealthy material which can have different effects on the human body. This article will examine (in no particular order), the ten most common sources of air pollution in American homes, as identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For each item, we will focus on three things: what these pollutants are and where they come from, what health effects they have on humans, and how you can deal with them so that your home is as pollution-free as possible.

CPSC recommends stopping the sources of indoor air pollution as the first strategy to keep the air clean in your home. The second is improving ventilation in your home, so that the following toxins do not stay trapped inside. The third is making use of quality air purification devices.

Most of the information below is based on material provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the CPSC.

1. Radon

(Source:Wikipedia.  Author: Greg Robson)

Radon is a highly radioactive gas that can be introduced into the home through the ground beneath it, well water, and the building materials that constitute your house or apartment. Part of what makes radon so dangerous is the fact that it is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, and that it produces no immediate symptoms, which means that you will normally be completely unaware that you are inhaling it. The CPSC states that one study has indicated that radon is over three times as prevalent in homes as in the outdoors.

Inhalation of radon is linked to lung cancer, and the CPSC estimates that it causes between 7,000 and 30,000 lung cancer deaths every year. For smokers, radon exposure increases the risk of cancer even further, as radon can attach itself to the smoke and lodge itself in the lungs.

Fortunately, testing for radon is relatively inexpensive and easy to do using readily available radon testing kits. It is a good idea to test your home, and if radon levels are higher than 4 pci/L, take steps to reduce it. Contact a professional to help you.

Air purifier effectiveness – None.  Radon must be vented to the outdoors.

2. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke)

The chemicals that resulting from smoking will remain in the air after the cigareete has been finished.

The health risks of smoking are too well known to need any in-depth discussion here. Environmental tobacco smoke carries risks similar to that caused by directly smoking. These include lung cancer and heart disease as well as irritation of the eyes nose etc. It can also exacerbate asthma and cause other health problem.

This is one source of pollution that is very easy to control: simply don’t smoke inside your home or let others do so. By choosing to keep your home smoke free, you can eliminate one major source of indoor air contamination entirely.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Medium.  Many air purifiers successfully remove a portion of tobacco smoke from the air.  Effectiveness varies by model.

3. Biological Sources

(Image Author: Infogramation)

Remember that you are not the only life form that calls your house or apartment home. From pets, to insects, to mold and mildew, all the living things around you make their own contributions to the pollution in your air.

Biological pollutants can cause irritation of the eyes and nose and asthma. There are plenty of reasons you don’t want bugs, mold, or mildew infesting your home; their contribution to air pollution should be one of them.

Unlike environmental tobacco smoke, there is no way to completely rid your home of this pollution source. But you can still take some simple steps to reduce it. Moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew, for instance, so minimize moisture by making sure you have no leaks and using exhaust fans and ventilators if you have them. Be sure to dust and vacuum regularly as well. Wash your bedding in hot water to kill the mites that like to make their home there, and wash your rugs as well. Keep your home clean in order not to attract cockroaches and other pests. One caution to keep in mind: try to avoid using chemical pesticides when other means of pest control are available, as pesticides themselves are a source of indoor air pollution as well (see #9 below.)

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Minimal.  Some airborne mold particles may be captured but mold must be removed at the source where it grows.

4. Carbon Monoxide

Like radon, carbon monoxide (CO for short) is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, and therefore particularly insidious. Environmental tobacco smoke is one source of CO, but there are many others, including gas stoves and heaters, wood stoves, chimneys, and furnaces. Automobiles also produce CO, so attached garages increase the risk as well.

CO attacks, among other things, your bloodstream and central nervous system. Exposure to low-level doses of carbon monoxide will leave you feeling sluggish, which means an inexplicable lethargy is a good early warning sign. Heavier levels of ingestion can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and a lack of coordination. Carbon monoxide is fatal when you come into contact with too much of it.

Keeping the CO sources listed above in proper working order and well ventilated will reduce the risk of CO poisoning. Also, you should install CO detectors in your house or apartment; they are cheap and easy to find and should be a standard accessory in every home.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – None.  Sources of CO2 pollution must be eradicated.

5. Nitrogen Dioxide

(Image author: SJu)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) comes from many of the same sources as carbon monoxide and carries with it similar health risks. In addition, it can also help produce another very dangerous chemical, ozone. Unlike CO, however, NO2 possesses a sharp and easily detectable smell and a reddish-brown color.

Reducing NO2 can be done using the same methods recommended to reduce CO. Since it is more easily detectable than radon or carbon monoxide, even without the aid of any equipment, it poses less of a threat, but you should never take anything for granted when it comes to a deadly chemical like this one.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – None.  Sources must be eliminated or reduced to safe levels.

6. Organic Gases

“Organic gases,” or “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs), is something of a catch-all term for gases that are emitted from many different sources. Among the common sources for VOCs identified by the EPA are paint, cleaning supplies, pesticides, glue, printers and photocopiers, permanent markers, and certain building materials. As you can see, your home probably has many VOC sources, so being aware of them is important.

The effects of organic gases are likewise various, and range from irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat to dizziness and nausea to even more serious problems, including cancer and damage to the central nervous system. Different gases have different levels of toxicity.

One way to limit the concentration of VOCs in your home is to store VOC-producing material outside when possible. Do not buy unnecessarily large quantities of things like cleaning supplies, so that they are not sitting unused in your home giving off gases. Also, use them in ventilated areas when you can and always follow manufacturer’s instructions—often they are there to help limit you exposure to the gases.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Minimal.  Some air purifiers can trap VOC particles but they must had the filtration system to accommodate, most don’t.

7. Respirable Particles

Respirable particles are simply small bits of matter that can easily be inhaled (“respire” is another word for “breathe”). Environmental tobacco smoke contributes to their presence, as do fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and wood stoves.

Respirable particles, like many other indoor air pollutants, can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and they can also cause ailments such as bronchitis. They are a cause of cancer as well.

Reducing their presence can be accomplished by proper maintenance of the devices that cause them, by ensuring good ventilation, and by not smoking indoors. Homes without the sources listed above rarely have significant levels of repairable particles, so long as they are well ventilated.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Medium-High.  Depending on the model, some air purifiers are quite effective at removing particles from the air.

8. Formaldehyde

(Image Author: Simon Eugster)

Formaldehyde, or CH2O, is an organic compound that exists as a gas at room temperature. Formaldehyde is invisible, but has a distinctive pungent smell. Common sources of formaldehyde in the home include glues, environmental tobacco smoke, and textiles such as durable press drapes. But the top source of formaldehyde in most people’s homes is the presence of pressed wood containing urea-formaldehyde resins in building materials and furniture: this category includes particle board, hardwood plywood paneling, and, above all, medium-density fiberboard. Homes built in the 1970s were sometimes insulated with urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), which is a major source of indoor formaldehyde pollution.

In high enough concentrations, formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, rashes, and fatigue. It may also be a cause of cancer and other serious health problems.

If you do not have UFFI as insulation in your home, you probably do not have excessive levels of formaldehyde. To keep formaldehyde at a minimum, reduce the humidity and moderate the temperature in your home. In the future, use exterior-grade pressed wood products, which release less formaldehyde because they have different resins.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Minimal-None.  Some air purifiers can remove a small amount gases but sources of formaldehyde pollution must be removed.

9. Pesticides

Pesticides’ very purpose is to kill, so clearly, you do not want to be continuously inhaling them at home. Pesticides release a variety of chemicals into the air. Pesticide containers in the home are the primary source of this pollutant, but pesticide can also be unwittingly tracked in from the yard by those who use them outside.

Pesticides can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and they are detrimental to the central nervous system and the kidneys. They are also associated with an increased risk of cancer.

To reduce the pesticides in your indoor environment, avoid using chemical pesticides when possible. If you do need to use them, follow instructions on the label, do not use excessive amounts, and make sure you keep the area well ventilated after use. Do not purchase more than you need, so that you don’t have extra pesticides resting unused in your home giving off fumes. It is best to store pesticides outside rather than inside. If you need the services of a pest-control company, check its credentials before you allow it to spray harmful chemicals in your house.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Minimal-None.  Pesticide sources should be stored outside the home.

10. Asbestos

Finally, asbestos is a type of magnesium silicate fiber that was once commonly used in home construction for its ability to insulate the home and resist fire. Asbestos fibers are so small that they can easily be inhaled by someone without the person knowing it. Today, many forms of asbestos are banned by the federal government, and even those that are not are rarely used. Therefore, asbestos is a major risk in older homes rather than newer ones.

Asbestos produces no immediate symptoms, so there are no early-warning signs. In the long term, it can contribute to abdominal cancer, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. There is even a condition known as asbestosis, which occurs when the fibers cause scarring in the lungs.

If your home has asbestos, this does not necessarily mean that you are in danger. If the asbestos is of good quality and left undisturbed, it will not release fibers into the air to be inhaled. If some operation needs to be performed on your home that might lead to the asbestos being disturbed, it is best to use professionals. If you are worried about asbestos levels in you home, the wise action may be to seal the asbestos off rather than try to remove it, which may just lead to more asbestos being released into the air.

Air Purifier Effectiveness – Varies.  Many air purifiers can filter asbestos particles suspended in the air column down to .3 microns.  However, asbestos sources should be removed by experts and surfaces cleaned if asbestos contamination is suspected.  Should never rely on an air purifier alone to deal with asbestos pollution.

Conclusion

As you can see, although there are numerous sources of indoor air pollution, many of them can be fought using relatively simple steps. Also, some actions will help to reduce multiple sources: keeping humidity in your house or apartment low, for example, and not storing excess chemical products inside. By being aware of the dangers and following the advice above, you may significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe at home. Remember also to ensure good ventilation, so that the sources you can’t completely eliminate will not stay trapped inside.

Sources referred to in this article:

• Green Facts. “Scientific Facts on Air Pollution: Nitrogen Dioxide.” http://www.greenfacts.org/en/nitrogen-dioxide-no2/index.htm
• United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/450.html#Refguide
• — . “Biological Pollutants in Your Home.” http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html
• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/publications/training/short_ppt.pdf
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Asbestos.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asbestos.html
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Formaldehyde.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Nitrogen Dioxide.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/no2.html
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Pesticides.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pesticid.html
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Respirable Particles.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/rpart.html
• — . “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Volatile Organic Compounds.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
• Wikipedia. “Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning
• — . “Formaldeyde.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde
• — . “Health Effects of Radon.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_effects_of_radon
• — . “Nitrogen Dioxide.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_dioxide

Introduction: Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of radiation with very short wavelengths—too short to be perceived by the human eye. This form of energy is called “ultraviolet” because it has shorter wavelengths than violet light, which has the shortest waves of any kind of visible light.

Although UV radiation can be dangerous, and you can often hear reports about the dangers of UV rays coming from the sun, ultraviolet light is not always detrimental to humans and has a variety of uses. Some air purifiers include specialized lights that produce ultraviolet rays as a way to kill living pollutants.

EPA Studies – Effectiveness of UV Air Purifiers

Based on the available test information, the actual success rate of UV purifiers is mixed. According to the EPA’s official guide on indoor air cleaners, well-designed ultraviolet air cleaners are able to:

Air Purifiers

 

“[Air purifiers] reduce the viability of vegetative bacteria and molds and to provide low to moderate reductions in viruses but little, if any, reduction in bacterial and mold spores.”

Factors Influencing UV Air Purifier Effectiveness

It also states that various factors influence the effectiveness of UV purifiers, including

• UV irradiation dose
• System design and application
• System operation characteristics
• Microorganism targeted for deactivation.

Thus not all UV air purifiers are the same, and UV lights will be more or less useful depending on the environment they are placed in.

Furthermore, tests have shown that UV cleaning alone does not reduce dust mite problems or allergic reactions to mold—the latter because mold is still dangerous to humans even if it is dead. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the only solution to mold is to have it removed. Ultimately, the EPA declares that further testing is necessary in order to better understand just how useful ultraviolet air cleaners really are.

Conclusion – Ultraviolet Air Purification Effectiveness

• Well designed systems can reduce vegetative bacteria, molds, and some viruses
• Little if any reduction in bacteria or mold spores
• Ineffective against particles like dust or dust mites
• Further research is needed to measure absolute effectiveness

Sources referred to in this article:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition): A Summary of Available Information — Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Cleaners.” http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/residair.html#Ultraviolet_Germicidal_Irradiation_Cleaners
• Wikipedia. “Ultraviolet.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet

 

Air Pollution – Not Just in Big Cities

Although for most people the term “air pollution” conjures up such images as smog hovering over a city or black smoke pouring into the sky out of heavy industrial buildings, the fact is that air pollution is an indoor phenomenon as well, and one that can affect unsuspecting people while they work, when they go out to eat or find entertainment, and even when they are in their homes. And though it is very easy to fail to notice it compared to more visible or dramatic threats to our well-being, indoor air pollution can pose serious health risks when we are exposed to too much of it.

2.7% of the entire global burden of disease is caused by exposure to indoor air pollutants – World Health Organization

The World Health Organization claims that 2.7% of the entire global burden of disease is caused by exposure to indoor air pollutants. This seems even worse when we consider how easy it is to take certain steps to reduce indoor pollution, such as not smoking, maintaining proper ventilation, and using an air filter.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

What causes this too-often overlooked phenomenon? There are many causes of air pollution in homes, workplaces, and elsewhere. These sources are very diverse and sometimes pose different kinds and degrees of health risks. To gain a fuller understanding of the magnitude of the problem, it will perhaps be helpful to examine some of causes of air pollution inside buildings.

Materials That Release Gasses

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution primarily results from “sources that release gases or particles into the air.” These can include fairly common household combustion sources such as fireplaces and those chemicals that are used in indoor cooking, such as the gas in a gas oven. Other chemicals are released by building materials, most infamously asbestos, but also paint, certain types of pressed wood used to make furniture, and even wet carpets. Household cleaning or personal grooming products are other common ways that we introduce chemicals into our environment without giving the matter much thought. Heating and air conditioning devices can also contribute to indoor air pollution, as can humidifiers.

Second-hand Smoke

The consumption of tobacco while indoors also contributes to air pollution. As if the health problems that directly result from smoking were not enough, we must also consider the threat posed as a result of consuming tobacco products inside. Sadly, the health detriments of smoking do not stop when the cigarette (or cigar, or pipe) goes out. Exposure to second-hand smoke that has built up inside a home or business where smoking has occurred is highly dangerous.

For example, the EPA estimates that second-hand smoke is responsible for causing or worsening asthma symptoms for up to a million children every year, as well as causing respiratory infections that annually send thousands of children to the hospital and affect hundreds of thousands more. Among adults, second-hand smoke can cause problems like lung cancer and heart disease. These facts make smoking in a confined area a very risky proposition, especially when one considers how easily it can be avoided.

Pests & Pets

Other sources of air pollution are the various life forms we unwillingly share our buildings with. These include pests, mold, bacteria, and plants. Cockroaches and dust mites, for instance, are not undesirable just because they are ugly and germ-ridden. They also leave behind allergens wherever they go. These allergens settle onto surfaces such as the floor or furniture. Although they do not stay floating in our indoor atmospheres for long, when we vacuum or dust, we stir these particles up and release them once again into the air, where we, or those we share our living or working space with, can inhale them. According to the American Lung Association, this debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and may even be responsible for causing asthma to develop among the very young.

Nor do air pollutants come only from unwelcome “guests” like mites and roaches. Unfortunately, pets too cause similar problems by leaving dander behind them. In fact, the ALA points out, many of the harmful substances released by dogs and cats are lighter in weight than those released by the pests discussed above. This means that they are constantly floating in the air and do not need to be stirred up by human activity. Inhaling this matter can cause irritation of the respiratory system, rashes, and lung damage.

Poor Ventilation

As might be expected, poor ventilation and filtration will greatly exacerbate the pollution caused by indoor air pollutants by trapping them inside. A poorly ventilated fireplace, for example, or an air conditioning unit whose owner does not regularly replace its filter as directed by the manufacturer, can become seriously detrimental to the air quality of a home. The air inside will become saturated with chemicals, such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide, that can irritate the eyes or throat, and that are capable of causing serious health problems, including bronchitis and lung cancer.

Outdoor Pollutants Entering the Home

So far we have discussed common causes of indoor air pollution that originate from within the building itself. On top of these indoor sources, however, outdoor air pollutants can easily find their way inside as well. Most of the usual outdoor air pollutants can end up causing pollution indoors as well. Outside air will infiltrate an enclosed space through many avenues: open doors and windows are obvious examples, but even small cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings let outside substances in. Fans and other ventilation systems stir up the air, which moves from room to room as well as from the outside in.

These are only some of the more common causes of indoor air pollution. Some of them, such as smoking, can be remedied through simple means, but others are best combated through the use of an air purifier, which removes toxins from the air before they reach your lungs.

Summary of Indoor Air Quality Problems

• Fireplaces
• Gas ovens & stoves
• Building materials (paint, asbestos, pressed wood, wet carpets, etc.)
• Cleaning products
• Personal grooming products (Hair sprays & other aerosols)
• Tobacco smoke
• Pests (cockroaches, dust mites, etc.)
• Mold
• Bacteria
• Plants
• Pets
• Heating & air conditioning units with dirty filters
• Pollen
• Smog

Can Air Purifiers Help With Indoor Air Pollution?

Air purifiers can help with some of these problems (i.e. pollen, some tobacco smoke, some airborne mold & bacteria particles) but are not a total solution.  Removing pollutants at the source wherever possible and giving your home proper ventilation are the best solutions.

Sources referred to in this article:

• American Lung Association. “Cockroaches and Pests.” http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/cockroaches-and-pests.html
• —. “Pet Dander.” http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/pet-dander-1.html
• —. “Secondhand Smoke.” http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/health-effects/secondhand-smoke.html
• United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/450.html
• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air Quality.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/index.html
• —. “Respirable Particles.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/rpart.html
• —. “Sources of Combustion Products.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/combust.html
• —. “Smoke Free Homes and Cars Program.” http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/index.html
• World Health Organization. “Indoor Air Pollution.” http://www.who.int/indoorair/en/

The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier is popular for its effectiveness in purifying indoor air.
I recommend considering the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner model.
It has gained a reputation for exceptional performance and advanced features.
For a comprehensive review of the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner.
In summary, the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner is an excellent choice for air purification.

A History

Some people who are considering purchasing an air purifier for their homes may have heard about Ionic Breeze, which for a time was a very big name in the world of home air purifiers. This article will examine what the Ionic Breeze was and what happened to it.

What was Ionic Breeze?

Ionic Breeze was a product of The Sharper Image, a brand specializing in high-tech products which at its peak operated over 180 stores in the United States, alongside an extensive online presence. Possibly because this process seemed more high-tech or cutting-edge than traditional air filters, Ionic Breeze was a popular filter for a time, and sold more than two million units.

The First Consumer Reports Article and the Resulting Lawsuit

Unfortunately, the hype surrounding Ionic Breeze failed to live up to the facts, and this proved to be not only a frustrating experience for those who purchased one, but also the downfall of its maker, The Sharper Image.

The controversy began in the year 2003, when Consumer Reports, a magazine dedicated to testing and evaluating consumer products, released a report on air filters that doubting Ionic Breeze’s claims to purify the air. The report found that ionic air filters such as the Ionic Breeze have a low Clean Air Delivery Rate when compared to traditional HEPA filters. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters trap airborne particles in a fiber mat, and have been in use for many decades.

Not surprisingly, The Sharper Image was angered by the Consumer Reports article. They sued the magazine’s publisher, Consumer’s Union, claiming that the methods used for testing in the article did not give an accurate picture of the Ionic Breeze’s effectiveness. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, however, and The Sharper Image was forced to pay over half a million dollars to cover the legal fees of Consumer’s Union.

Further Consumer Reports Articles and the End of The Sharper Image

This was not the end of the negative publicity for the Ionic Breeze. Consumer Reports issued a second article in 2005 that was even more damaging than the first. Not only did the Ionic Breeze (as well as other ionic air purifiers) fail to significantly improve indoor air quality, it also released trace amounts of ozone into the air. Although The Sharper Image attempted to deny the report’s accuracy, it was generally accepted, and sales never recovered.

The magazine later also issued a report denying the value of the “seals of approval” given to filters such as the ionic breeze. And when The Sharper Image announced a new “OzoneGuard” attachment to reduce the amount of ozone released by the its signature air filter, Consumer Reports panned the device as ineffective.

A class-action lawsuit soon arose against The Sharper Image in response to these revelations. By 2008, the company went bankrupt, and it closed down all its stores by the end of that year. The company’s name is now used as a product brand that is sold via an online store and through various home-and-office style retailers.

What Ozone Is and Why It Is Dangerous

Most people, even if they do not know what ozone is, have heard of it, usually in context of the ozone layer in the atmosphere that protects the earth from ultraviolet light. However, ozone is not so benevolent a substance when we come into close contact with it. As the Environmental Protection Agency says: “Good Up High, Bad Nearby.”

Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, rather than the two that comprise a “normal” oxygen molecule. The third atom can relatively easily become detached from the other two, and once free, it will interact with other substances. One of these “other substances” is your body. According to the EPA small amouts of ozone

“can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation”

as well as even worse effects.

In other words, those who purchase ozone-generating air purifiers to improve their indoor air quality may discover that the “solution” is worse than the problem. For instance, one Ionic Breeze owner interviewed by Consumer Reports claimed to have experienced a “dramatic reduction” in her asthma symptoms a mere two days after she turned off the device.

Conclusion

Although the Ionic Breeze initially had great appeal, eventually its design flaws were exposed. The story of its rise and fall can serve as a lesson to those looking for air purifiers to be aware of what they are buying. Especially, they should stay away from any “purifier” that releases ozone into the air. Indoor air pollution is a big enough problem without adding another harmful toxin into the mix.

Sources referred to in this article:

• Consumer Affairs. “Ionic Breeze Suit Drives Sharper Image into Bankruptcy.” http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/sharper_image.html
• Consumer Reports. “Air Cleaners: The Truth Behind the Accolades.” http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/air-cleaners/ionizing-air-cleaners-air-cleaners-the-truth-behind-the-accolades-505/index.htm
• — . “Proposed Settlement in Sharper Image Air Purifiers Case.” http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/2007/02/settlement-in-sharper-image-ionic-breeze-class-action-2-07/overview/0702_sharper-image.htm
• Huffman, Mark (Consumer Affairs). “Ionic Breeze Suit Drives Sharper Image into Bankruptcy.” http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/sharper_image.html
• Maxwell, Bud (eHow.com). “Ionic Breeze Air Purifier Problems.” http://www.ehow.com/about_5569141_ionic-breeze-air-purifier-problems.html
• MSNBC. “Consumer Reports calls air purifier ‘unhealthy.'” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7391185/
• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Ozone Generators that Are Sold as Air Cleaners.” https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners
• Wikipedia. “Air Ioniser.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_ioniser
• — . “HEPA.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA
• — . “The Sharper Image.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sharper_Image

Air Purifiers That Help and Those That Don’t

Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard that needs to be addressed. For those concerned with reducing harmful pollutants in their homes, air purifiers, along with controlling the sources of pollution and ensuring adequate ventilation, can help keep these unhealthy chemicals and objects down to a minimum. However, not all indoor air purifiers are created equal. Some are more effective than others, and some, unfortunately can cause bigger air quality problems than they solve.

“Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.” – United States Environment Protection Agency

Smart buyers will research the effectiveness of the various types of air purification systems available on the market. This article will focus on one specific problem that some kinds of “purifiers” produce: ozone. Some companies produce air cleaners that deliberately introduce significant quantities of ozone into your home. But ozone is an extremely unhealthy substance that can cause significant health problems for people who are exposed to it. If pumping a pollutant into the air to counteract pollutants sounds odd to you, you’re right.

The purpose of this article is to explain why, if you are shopping for an effective, high-quality air cleaner, you should not purchase any air filter that generates ozone. First we will discuss ozone: what it is, and what effects the Environmental Protection Agency has found it can have on the human body.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a molecule that is made up of three oxygen atoms. Therefore it is often abbreviated as O3, and you will occasionally hear it called “trioxygen.” Many people will be familiar with the term “ozone” from hearing about the ozone layer that exists in the earth’s stratosphere. Up there, some ten or more miles above the planet’s surface, ozone is helpful to humans; it serves to block out harmful radiation emanating from the sun. In fact, without it, life as we know it would not be possible. One sometimes hears of ozone holes, where the ozone has been depleted and radiation enters the atmosphere in higher than normal levels.

(structure of an ozone molecule, 3 oxygen atoms and their charges – Image Source: Wikipedia)

Are Manufacturer Claims Legitimate?

The impression people receive is that ozone is a beneficial substance, and, as far as the ozone layer goes, that is certainly the case.  Manufactures of ozone-generating devices play on this perception, as well. They may also use enticing terms like “energized oxygen” to describe ozone as just another form of the oxygen we breathe. However, chemistry just doesn’t work like that: to quote the EPA’s report “Ozone Generators that Are Sold as Air Cleaners,” ozone is “a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.”

However, someone who is only informed about the role ozone plays in shielding us from radiation may think of ozone solely in terms of its benefits and not be aware of the dangerous results that close contact with it can have. It is possible to speak of “good” ozone and “bad ozone,” but the only difference between the two is location. If you are breathing it, it is always the bad kind. In other words, when it comes to ozone, the EPA wants us to remember the slogan “good up high, bad nearby.”

“At ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant.” – Environmental Protection Agency

Ozone is released by many pollution sources, such as car exhaust, chemical plants, and refineries, and is one of the substances monitored by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. The last thing you need is a so-called air purifier that pumps such a chemical directly into your home’s air.

Next, we will briefly discuss what it is about ozone that makes it so bad for your health.

Why is Ground-Level Ozone Unhealthy?

As we said above, ozone consists of three oxygen atoms that have bonded together. Usually when we speak of “oxygen,” we do not refer to a single oxygen atom but rather a molecule made up of two oxygen atoms, O2. It is this form of oxygen that humans and animals need to stay alive. This is because oxygen atoms naturally tend to bond with each other. A molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms is stable; the two atoms are tightly bound together and are not easily separated.

Ozone Bonds to Your Lungs

This is not the case with ozone. The third oxygen atom can become detached relatively easily, leaving instead one normal oxygen molecule with two atoms, and a single oxygen atom that is not bonded to anything else. It is this tendency to decay that makes ozone so dangerous.

Single oxygen atoms “want” to bond to something else, so to speak, and they will not only do so with one another. They can also attach themselves to organic compounds, such as those found in your body. When they do so, this completely changes the properties of whatever the oxygen atom has bonded with. The final result of the process for you, if you inhale ozone, is damage to the matter that makes up your body. This is why the EPA states that, however necessary ozone is in creating the conditions that allow life on Earth, “at ground level, ozone is a harmful pollutant.”

In short, by breathing the air in an ozone-rich environment, you are ingesting a substance that will wreak havoc on your lungs. Now let us take a look at the specific problems that arise when you are exposed to ozone.

The Negative Health Effects of Ozone

Breathing in ozone can damage your lungs and have a number of ill consequences. The following list is based on the EPA’s findings regarding the health effects of ozone exposure:

1. Causes Coughing –  Ozone can make you cough, irritate your throat, leave you short of breath, and cause aching in your chest, even in relatively low doses.
2. Inflames Your Lungs –  It can damage your respiratory system by inflaming the cells that line your lungs.
3. Possible Permanent Lung Damage –  It can cause permanent damage to the lungs themselves in some instances. For example, if a child is exposed to ozone, it can interfere with the growth and development of the lungs. In adults, it can accelerate the deterioration of the lungs that comes naturally with aging.
4. Worsens Asthma – If someone with asthma inhales ozone, it can worsen his or her condition even further.
5. Worsens Emphysema and Bronchitis – Likewise, ozone can exacerbate other lung diseases as well, including emphysema and bronchitis.
6. Interferes With Immune System –  It can interfere with the functioning of the body’s immune system around the lungs, leaving you more vulnerable to airborne infections because your body is less capable of fighting them off.
7. Damage Continues – Some of the immediate irritation caused by ozone may subside after a few days of exposure, even if you are still inhaling it at the same levels. Though this might feel like a relief, it can lull us into a false sense of security. The EPA pamphlet “Ozone and Your Health” (PDF) states that “ozone continues to cause lung damage even when the symptoms have disappeared.”

As you can see, it would be wise to take care to avoid ozone whenever possible. But if ozone is so unhealthy, why do some air purification manufacturers make products that deliberately introduce it into your home? We will now move from discussing ozone in general to examining the effectiveness and safety of these systems.

Ozone-Generating Air Purifiers: Do They Work?

The idea behind air cleaners that produce ozone is based on ozone’s reactive properties. As we said earlier, ozone is highly unstable and will break apart, leading to further chemical reactions. Makers of ozone generators suggest that this process will destroy many of the unhealthy airborne chemicals in your home. But the EPA, which has done considerable investigating into the effectiveness of ozone generators, disagrees, and lists three problems with these claims.

Ozone Air Purifiers Are Largely Ineffective

1. Many pollutants are not damaged by ozone – The EPA goes so far as to say in “Ozone Generators that Are Sold as Air Cleaners” that “for all practical purposes, ozone does not react at all with such chemicals.” Ozone may quickly damage you, but that does not mean everything is equally vulnerable to it.
2. Creation of new pollutants – When it comes to those things that ozone does neutralize, the reaction that destroys the original pollutant sometimes just creates new pollutants, leaving the air hardly any cleaner than it was before. One report prepared by the EPA suggests, for example, that “ozone is also believed to react with acrolein, one of the many odorous and irritating chemicals found in secondhand tobacco smoke.”
3. Ineffective Particle Removal – Ozone does not do anything about unhealthy particles in the air that comprise a good deal of the total amount of indoor air pollution. This would include pet dander or dust, for example. Traditional air filters are usually most effective at getting rid of particulate pollution, which means that if someone buys an ozone generator instead, he or she is missing the opportunity to do something significant to reduce pollution.

Beyond these points, further studies cited by the EPA have also indicated that ozone generators do nothing against many odor-causing substances commonly found in the home. One report, published in the official journal of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, found that “body odor may be masked by the smell of ozone but is not removed by ozone.”

Also, although there does exist some evidence indicating that ozone can be used to combat viruses and living pollution sources such as bacteria and mold, for this to have any measureable impact, the ozone would need to be present in qualities far above what humans can safely tolerate.

To sum it all up, ozone generators just don’t work. That alone is enough reason to avoid buying them, of course. But on top of that, there is the question of safety, and on these grounds, as well, ozone generators fail.

Ozone-Generating Air Purifiers: Are They Safe?

In fairness, different kinds of ozone generators produce different amounts of ozone. Some, if used exactly as recommended by the manufacturer, may not create enough ozone to cause any damage. For all the reasons discussed in the previous section, these purifiers are still useless as a means of cleaning the air, but at least they aren’t directly contributing to the problem they are advertised as solving.

Unfortunately, the EPA has found that, with some other brands of ozone-generating devices, “concentrations of ozone considerably higher than [recognized public health standards] are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions” to the best of his or her ability. There are simply too many factors that can spring up and cause an increase in ozone exposure. The size of the room, whether doors or left open or closed, and the exact makeup of the air around the ozone generator all affect how concentrated the ozone will become.

Also, it is very difficult to take into account other sources of ozone (cars, factories, etc.) that may be nearby. It is possible that an ozone generator will not on its own produce enough ozone to be harmful, but when combined with these other sources, the amount of ozone crosses the danger threshold.

In conclusion, even if ozone generators did work as they are intended to do, and as they are marketed as doing, they just are not safe enough to put in your home.

What Are the Alternatives to Ozone Air Purifiers?

All the evidence indicates that ozone generators are neither effective nor safe. Therefore, first of all, if there are any ozone-generating devices in your house, turn them off at once. They are at best doing no good, and at worst they are adding to the pollution that you purchased them to reduce.

If you are concerned about indoor air quality, the good news is that there are plenty of air purification systems available for houses and apartments that do not produce any ozone at all. There are much better and safer methods of eliminating toxins from the air, and the EPA acknowledges that some other kinds of air purifiers have a role to play in cleaning up the air you breathe at home.

Mechanical Air Purifiers The Best Choice

“Mechanical” air purifiers are those that use filters to capture particles that would otherwise float in the air, possibly to be inhaled by humans. These are likely to be the smartest choice, but be aware that they will not help against gaseous pollutants, only solid ones, especially smaller particles that remain in the air for an extended period of time. Even with a good air purifier, controlling the sources of pollution and making sure your home is well-ventilated are necessary steps.

Note that there are also electronic air purifiers, such as ionizers. However, these are not recommended because they, too, produce ozone, whether they were intended to do so or not. To take the most famous example, the makers of the well-known Ionic Breeze brand of purifiers eventually went bankrupt due to reports that their product produced high levels of ozone. Therefore, mechanical filters will be the best option for most people.

Summary and Conclusion

Ozone, a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, may help preserve life on earth when it is up in the stratosphere, but it also poses health risks for people when they inhale it. Although some companies sell “air purifiers” that supposedly fight toxic chemicals in the air with ozone, the truth is that these devices are ineffectual and sometimes downright dangerous. They can contribute to lung diseases, worsen pre-existing problems, and damage lung tissue. With so many potential health hazards floating around in your home’s air, the last thing you need is add ozone into the mix.

Therefore, such devices should be avoided in favor of air filtration systems that do not produce ozone. A high-quality air purifier, operating on sound scientific principles, is an important weapon in the fight against indoor air pollution. And happily, there are good, effective air purifiers readily available to keep your home’s air breathable.

Bottom Line – Before you purchase an air purifier, make sure that it does not produce ozone!

List of California Approved Air Purifiers (No Ozone Generated During Operation)

Brand Model Name (Model Numbers) Date Notified EO Number Filtrete™ Ultra Quiet Room Air Purifier (FAP01-RS)  Mechanical 02-26-2009 G-09-004 Filtrete™ Ultra Clean Room Air Purifier (FAP-02, FAP02-RC, FAP02-RS, FAP02-RY, FAP-03, FAP03-RC, FAP03-RS, FAP03-RY) Mechanical 02-26-2009 G-09-004 Filtrete™ Ultra Quiet Room Air Purifier (FAP00-RS)  Other* 12-02-2009 G-09-118 Aerus (Blueair AB) Guardian Air Other* 05-12-2010 Air King® 42″ Wind Curve (9554) Other* 11-12-2009 G-09-102 48″ Tower Fan (9820, 9820A) Other* 11-12-2009 G-09-102 Atmosphere (Access Business Group) Atmosphere™ Air Purifier (101076) Mechanical 04-27-2009 G-09-014 Blueair AB Blueair (403, 450E, 503, 550E, 603, 650E) Other* 05-12-2010 Blueair (203, 270E) Other* 07-09-2010 Electrolux (Winix) EL500A Mechanical Pending** EL500AX EL500AZ Other* Pending** Febreze®/True Air (Hamilton Beach) Direct Plug-In Odor Eliminator (04530C, 04530F, 04531C, 04531F) Mechanical 12-17-2009 G-09-103  GE (Woongjin Coway) Small Air Purifier (AFHC09AM) Mechanical 05-04-2009 G-09-015 Large Air Purifier (AFHC21AM) Mechanical 05-04-2009 G-09-015 Super Air Purifier (AFHC32AM) Mechanical Pending** Holmes (Jarden Consumer Solutions) HAP9240-U  HAP9412-U HAP9424-U Mechanical 03-16-2010 Honeywell® by Kaz® enviracaire® Programmable True HEPA Air Purifier (50310, 50311) Mechanical 03-20-2009 G-09-006 enviracaire® True HEPA Air Purifier (50100, 50101, 50150, 50200, 50250, 50251, 50300, 50300-CST) Mechanical 03-20-2009 G-09-006 enviracaire® QuietClean (60001 ) Other* Pending** HEPA-Type Tabletop Air Purifier (16200) Other* Pending** HEPAClean Compact Tower (HHT-055) Mechanical 06-01-2010 HEPAClean Tower (HHT-155) Mechanical 06-01-2010 HEPAClean Air Purifier Dual Pack (HHT-1500) Mechanical 06-01-2010 HEPAClean Tabletop Air Purifier (HHT-011) Other* Pending** HEPAClean Tower Air Purifier (HHT-080, HHT-081) Other* 07-28-2009 G-09-006 HEPAClean Tower Air Purifier (HHT-085-HD) Other* 03-23-2010 G-10-014 HEPAClean UV Tower Air Purifier (HHT-145, HHT-149,  HHT-149-CST) Other* 07-28-2009 G-09-006 HEPAClean UV Tower Air Purifier (HHT-149-HD) Other* 03-23-2010 G-10-014 Pet Clean Air Air Purifier (HHT-013, HHT-016-MP) Mechanical Pending** QuietCare™ True HEPA Air Purifier   (17007, 17007-HD) Mechanical 01-27-2010 QuietCare™ True HEPA Air Purifier   (17200, 17205, 17205-CST) Other* 01-27-2010  G-10-014 QuietCare™ True HEPA Air Purifier with permanent filter (17000, 17000-19, 17000-S, 17000BB, 17005, 17006, 17000N-KOL) Mechanical 03-20-2009 G-09-006 QuietCare™ True HEPA Air Purifier with permanent filter (17005-S) Mechanical 08-12-2009 G-09-006 QuietClean Air Purifier (HFD-015, HFD-1101, HFD-110, HFD-112, HFD-116C ) Other* 06-30-2009 G-09-006 QuietClean Air Purifier (HFD-135, HFD-137, HFD-139) Other* Pending** QuietClean Air Purifier with permanent filter (HFD-120-Q, HFD-120-Q-1) Other* 05-29-2009 G-09-006 QuietClean Air Purifier with permanent filter (HFD-122C, HFD-015C) Other* 10-19-2009 G-09-101 QuietClean Antibacterial Air Purifier (HFD-130) Other* Pending** QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier (HFD-010) Other* Pending** QuietClean Tower Air Purifier (HHT-090) Other* 03-04-2010 G-10-014 QuietClean Tower Air Purifier (HFD-123-HD) Other* 03-23-2010 G-10-014 QuietClean UV Tower Air Purifier (HHT-215, HHT-217, HHT-219) Other* Pending** SilentComfort™ True HEPA Air Purifier (18155, 18150) Mechanical 03-20-2009 G-09-006 True HEPA Air Purifier (50255-HD) Mechanical 03-23-2010 G-10-014 True HEPA Air Purifier with permanent filer (50150-S, 50250-S) Mechanical 10-19-2009 G-09-101 True HEPA Compact Tower (HPA-050) Mechanical 06-02-2010 True HEPA Tower (HPA-150) Mechanical 06-02-2010 Hunter Fan HEPAtech Air Purifier System (30054, 30055, 37055) Mechanical 06-30-2009 G-09-005 HEPAtech   (30057,30059, 30710, 30711, 30730, 30748, 30750) Other* Pending** Permatype Air Purifier  (30835, 30836, 30837) Mechanical Pending** Programmable HEPA Air Purifier (30401) Mechanical 06-30-2009 G-09-005 QuietFlo® HEPA Air Purifier (30245) Mechanical 06-30-2009 G-09-005 QuietFlo® HEPA Air Purifier (30525) Mechanical 03-16-2009 G-09-005 QuietFlo® Plus Air Purifier (30785, 30780 to 30789) Mechanical 06-30-2009 G-09-005 QuietFlo® True HEPA Air Purifier (30090, 30095) Mechanical 03-16-2009 G-09-005 SOLO2 (30030 to 30039, 30040 to 30049, 37030 to 37039 ) Mechanical 06-30-2009 G-09-005 IDYLIS (Woongjin Coway) Air Purifier (IAP-10-100, IAP-10-100C, IAP-10-125, IAP-10-125C, IAP-10-150, IAP-10-150C, IAP-10-200, IAP-10-200C, IAP-10-280, IAP-10-280C) Mechanical Pending** IQAir® Cleanroom H13™ (1EB UD0 KGU / 1EB UD0 KGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 Dental Hg™ (1D0 UA0 IGU, 1DA UA0 IGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 Dental Pro™ (1D0 UA0 IGU, 1DB UA0 IGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GC™ AM (1C0 UB0 HGU, 1CA UB0 HGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GC™ ChemiSorber (1C0 UB0 HGU, 1CB UB0 HGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GC™ MultiGas (1C0 UB0 HGU, 1CC UB0 HGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GC™ VOC (1C0 UB0 HGU, 1CD UB0 HGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GCX™ AM (1F0 UB0 LGU, 1FA UB0 LGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GCX™ ChemiSorber (1F0 UB0 LGU, 1FB UB0 LGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GCX™ MultiGas (1F0 UB0 LGU, 1FC UB0 LGB) Mechanical 04-15-2010 GCX™ VOC (1F0 UB0 LGU, 1FD UB0 LGB)  Mechanical 04-15-2010 HealthPro® (1BA UA0 CGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 HealthPro® Compact (1AG UA0 RGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 HealthPro® Compact Plus (1AH UA0 VGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 HealthPro® Plus (1BB UA0 DGU) Mechanical 04-15-2010 Lasko Products® 42″ Wind Curve™   (2551, 2554) Other* 11-12-2009 G-09-102 48″ Tower Fan (4820, 4822) Other* 11-12-2009 G-09-102 Cyclonic Ceramic Heater (5840, 760000, 6000) Other* Pending** LifeWise Compact Tower Air Purifier (63-1533) Other* Pending** QuietClean Air Purifier (63-1532) Other* 06-30-2009 G-09-006 Oreck   Professional Air Purifier (AIRT, AirTB) Other* 04-22-2010 G-10-038 ProShield Air Purifier (AIR12B, AIR12GU) Other* 03-10-2010 G-10-038 Rexair, LLC Rainbow (E2 Type 12) Mechanical 02-01-2010 G-10-015 RainMate Air Freshener (AP-2) Mechanical 02-01-2010 G-10-015 Sharp® Air Purifier (FP-P30U, KC-830U) Other* 03-23-2010 G-10-036 Air Purifier (KC-850U) Other* 06-23-2010 Portable Air Conditioner (CV-P10RC) Other* Pending** SwissAir™ (IQAir North America) SolventMaster JV3 (1S0 UB0 000 / 1S0 UB0 PGT) Mechanical 04-15-2010 True Air® (Hamilton Beach) Air Decor Air Purifier (04995) Mechanical 01-06-2010 G-09-103 Direct Plug-In Odor Eliminator (04530, 04531) Mechanical 12-17-2009 G-09-103 Direct Plug-In Odor Eliminator (04530G) Mechanical 04-23-2010 Direct Plug-In Odor Eliminator (04530GM, 04531GM) Mechanical 06-07-2010 EcoClean Air Purifier (04493) Other* 07-29-2010 Pet Air Purifier (04493P) Other* 07-29-2010 Room Size Odor Eliminator (04532) Mechanical 11-23-2009 G-09-103 Room Size Odor Eliminator (04532GM) Mechanical 04-23-2010 Tower Allergen Reducer (04384) Mechanical 04-23-2010 Tower Allergen Reducer (04383) Mechanical 11-23-2009 G-09-103 UTLT+ (CCL Products Limited) Electrostatic Air Cleaner (AP-360) Other* 03-03-2010 G-10-037 Vicks (Kaz) V9070 V9071 Other* Pending**

(Source: State of California, list approved December 2009 – http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm)

Sources referred to in this article:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Ozone and Your Health.” http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=ozone_health.index
• — . “Ozone Generators That Are Sold as Air Cleaners.” http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/ozonegen.html
• — . “Ozone – Good Up High, Bad Nearby.” http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/gooduphigh/
• — . “Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition): A Summary of Available Information.” http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/residair.html
• State of California: Certified Air Cleaners http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm
• Wikipedia. “Ozone.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone
• — . “Ozone Layer.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_layer

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