Ionizer Safety
Ionizers, sometimes called ion generators or ionic air purifiers, refer to electronic air cleaners that emit charged ions. The charged ions attach to airborne particles and help them settle faster. Ionizers that emit ozone may be dangerous. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Some ionizers and other electronic air cleaners produce ozone, a gas that sometimes causes chest pain, throat irritation, coughing, breathing problems and lung damage. As of 2010, the federal government has not approved any ozone-generating devices for indoor air pollution control in occupied areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Considerations
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Ionizers that do not produce ozone are not dangerous. However, most ionizers produce small amounts of ozone as a byproduct of electrostatically-charged metal plates. If your ionizer produces low levels of ozone, minimize dangers by keeping the ionizer several feet away from your breathing zone, according to Surround Air.
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Warning
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Do not rely on your sense of smell to detect ozone levels. People have varying sensitivities to ozone, and people quickly lose the ability to smell ozone once exposed to the gas.
Efficacy
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Several experiments show that ionizers remove dust, pollen and other particles less effectively than high-efficiency particle filters or electrostatic precipitators, according to the EPA. For best results, control indoor air pollution by removing sources of pollution and ventilating with outside air.
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