| Some popular air cleaners actually pollute the air | | | | air. These ions combine with impurities (like dust) |
| with ozone, a known lung irritant. Ozone is a | | | | in the air, forcing the impurities to cling to a |
| molecule composed of three oxygen atoms; it's | | | | nearby surface. Consequently, ion generators |
| the same molecule that makes up the ozone | | | | often produce dirty spots on nearby walls and |
| layer of our upper atmosphere. Stratospheric | | | | floors because they do not eliminate impurities; ion |
| ozone is a good thing because it protects us from | | | | generators simply force impurities to cling to a |
| dangerous UV rays; however, ozone in the air we | | | | surface (in the same way that static electricity |
| breathe is harmful. | | | | can make a sock cling to a shirt). HEPA air |
| The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | | | | purifiers, on the other hand, actually trap pollutants |
| states that "relatively low amounts can cause | | | | inside the filter. |
| chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and | | | | The EPA tells us: "Available scientific evidence |
| throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic | | | | shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed |
| respiratory diseases such as asthma and | | | | public health standards, ozone is generally |
| compromise the ability of the body to fight | | | | ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution." |
| respiratory infections." | | | | The American Lung Association (ALA) agrees |
| Ion generators are sold as air cleaners, but they | | | | that "ozone is a potent lung irritant and exposure |
| actually pollute the air; they emit ozone, which can | | | | to elevated levels is a contributor to the |
| irritate the lungs and even cause asthma. On top | | | | exacerbation of lung disease; it is especially |
| of that, despite their popularity, ionic air cleaners | | | | dangerous for persons with asthma and other |
| do not work very well. They create charged | | | | chronic lung diseases, children, and the elderly. |
| particles (ions) and emit them into the surrounding | | | | |