Do Ionic Air Purifiers Really Work

Do you know what the difference is between anremove airborne particles, the downside is that
indoor air cleaner and an air purifier?are easily returned to the air. This is because they
Air cleaning is when harmful particles are filteredare on the floor and other surfaces of the room.
from the air. A room air purifier, in contrast, isMovement of people through the room can
intended to destroy mold spores, bacteria andcreate a draft, which stirs them back up.
viruses that are in the air.Ultimately, the harmful particles are returned to
Despite their name, ionic air purifiers do notthe air.
actually purify the surrounding air. This is becauseTo overcome this problem, some ionic air purifiers
they do nothing to kill off airborne microorganisms.have some additional electronics called
Instead, they are air cleaners and should, in reality,electrostatic precipitators. They work as a
be called that.filtration device that effectively traps harmful
The Technology Behind Ionic Air Purifiersparticles onto charged metal plates. So that they
Ionic air purifiers, also called ionizers, are built withremain effective, the plates need to be cleaned
negative ion generators. As you may guess fromon a regular basis.
the name, it continually generates and sends out aConsumer Report Studies on Ionic Air Purifiers
stream of negative ions. Negative ions are atomsIn 2005, Consumer Reports published the results
or molecules that have lost an electron.of a study into ionic air purifiers. The research
These negative ions are attracted to the positiveconcluded that ionic air purifiers failed in their job
particles in the air and as a result, the negativeof cleaning the air. As well as that, they also
ions join with the positive particles. This combineddiscovered that these type air purifiers also added
weight of the particles in the ionic air, results inhigh levels of ozone to the air.
them becoming too heavy and eventually, theyUnfortunately, high levels of ozone are toxic. In
fall to the floor because of their own weight. Thefact, studies suggest that ozone can cause
end result is that all manner of particles aredamage to the lungs and the respiratory tract.
removed from the surrounding air.The Healthier Option.
The Quiet Air Cleaner PurifierIf you are looking to improve the air quality in
To many people, the science behind how an ionicyour home, an ionic air purifier is probably not the
air purifier works makes it the ideal choice. Theybest answer from a health point of view. They
are also popular because they are quiet and usesay that prevention is better than cure and that
little energy. Unlike most air purifiers, ionic aircan apply to air quality as well. Keeping the air
cleaners do not normally have air filters that needhealthy in the first place is a far better option.
regular replacement.- One way to do this is to get rid of carpets and
What is the Black Dust from Ionic Air Purifiers?rugs, which collect and hold harmful pollutants.
Ionic air purifiers emit a stream of negative ions,- You should also only smoke outside and never
which are attracted to particles in the air, causingburn candles or incense indoors.
those particles to fall to the floor. However, they- Installation of outdoor venting fans in a
can also fall onto other surfaces within the room.bathroom and kitchen will go a long way in helping
These areas and surfaces are also positivelyair circulation.
charged. Therefore, the particles falling from the- Whenever possible, open windows to air you
ionic air are attracted to the room's surfaces. Thehouse.
black dust effect that can be seen around theThese simple but effective ways to purify the air
ionic air purifier is the result of this process.in your home will be a lot more effective than
While it is true that ionic air purifiers are able toany ionic air purifier out there.