Ozone Air Purifiers

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a molecule made up of three atoms of oxygen (O3)formed by recombination of oxygen in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. It occurs naturally in the stratosphere where it provides a protective layer shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet B radiation. This highly reactive, irritating gas builds up in the lower atmosphere as smog pollution. Ozone is used as a bleach, a deodorizing agent, and a sterilization agent for air and drinking water. At low concentrations, it is toxic.

Ozone as air purifier:

Ozone is a highly unstable molecule that breaks down to O2 by losing one of the oxygen atoms which then attaches itself to a particle floating around in the air. In sufficient concentrations it can kill microorganisms and permantly disable airborne viruses.The particles are then deposited on indoor surfaces and require periodic cleaning through dusting and vacuuming with HEPA filters.

Issues associated with Ozone.

Ozone is a lung irritant and is produced indirectly by ion generators and other electronic air cleaners and directly by ozone generators. While indirect ozone production from ionic air purifiers can be of concern, there is great concern with the direct, and purposeful introduction of a lung irritant into indoor air. Repeated exposure to ozone pollution may cause permanent damage to the lungs. Even when ozone is present in low levels, persistent inhaling can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pains, coughing, nausea, and throat irritation. It also can worsen bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema, and asthma. Most indirect sources of ozone production in air purification devices are at or below federal standards regarding ozone exposure.

Some ozone generator vendors suggest these machines have been approved by federal agencies for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Often these vendors make statements and distribute material intended to lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. Research directed to investigate the benefits of ozone in eliminating indoor air pollution has so far shown minimal effect at levels that would be safe for human habitation while the ozone generators are in operation.

Ozone generators are accepted for use in establishing indoor air quality in commercial settings such as new construction or space build-outs for new tenents. It is also accepted for use in air quality remediation settings. This use is at high concentrations and the ozone is allowed to break down prior to human occupation.

We at AirPurifierSimplified.com are convinced that ozone generators should not be used as a tool for home based indoor air purification while homeowners and family are present. We also recognize that you and others may disagree with us. We are therefore providing links to relevant documentation produced by concerned organizations for your further information.

If you are interested in purchasing an ozone air purifer, the link at the bottom of the page refers you to a manufacturer that we feel is up front about controling the levels of ozone that is allowed to accumulate in your home.

American Lung Association of Washington (ALAW) page on Ozone Generators

http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/indoor_air_quality/ozone_generatiors.html

EPA’s publication on Ozone Generators: "Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences"

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

Alpine Industries Ordered to Stop Unsubstantiated Claims for Ozone Generators

http://www.mlmwatch.org/04C/Alpine/alpine.html

Health Canada page on “Air Cleaners Designed to Intentionally Generate Ozone (Ozone Generators) - Questions and Answers”

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/.../cleaners-air-purificateurs_e.html