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The
"air cleaner" that you describe is actually two different devices
in one package. It consists of a component that generates ozone(O3)
which is supposed to remove odor-producing chemicals as well as
organic compounds such as formaldehyde and a variety of solvents.
The ionizer part produces either positively or negatively-charged
ions which become attached to dust particles and various building
surfaces. The ionizing module is supposed to remove airborne dust
particles from the air of your home.
Such
devices are widely sold and are highly controversial. Legal action
has been filed by several State Attorney's General with one high
profile case in trial at this moment.
There
are several major issues associated with such devices. The primary
one is that O3 is a very toxic substance that poses health
risks to those exposed. Should manufacturers be selling a device
to consumers that may injure their health as well as other family
members? The other major issue (associated with O3 generators)
is that they are not effective in controlling contaminants as claimed.
Ozone
is a potent respiratory irritant even at low concentrations (> 0.10
ppmv) if the exposure occurs over a period of hours. If an O3
generator/air purifier is limited to O3 production below
the level that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires (
0.05 ppmv), there is no way that there would be enough O3
in your home to "remove" the chemicals that the "air cleaner" is
theoretically designed to do. It is impossible from a chemistry
standpoint.
When
O3 reacts with chemicals in air, new chemical substances
are produced that are generally more toxic than those already present
(the law of unintended consequences). In addition, O3
has a variety of effects on materials. It has the bleaching power
of chlorine (on a molecule-to-molecule basis). As such it reacts
with fabric dyes in carpeting, upholstery, etc. Ozone has been reported
to turn blue carpets green! Ozone also reacts with rubber compounds
and soft plastics. Those cracked rubber bands in your desk - the
low O3 levels in the atmosphere. It attacks rubber/plastic
gloves, rubber/plastic gaskets/ O rings, washers, vinyl materials,
etc. and cracks them. Adding O3 to your house with your
"air cleaner" will accelerate this process.
As
you can see using an O3 generator as an "air purifier"
is a horrible idea. They are a waste of consumers' money and
a potential threat to the health and safety of your family
(as well as a threat to your possessions). More information
on O3 and O3 generators can be obtained
from USEPA's website: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
The
second module in your air cleaner is an ion generator. Fortunately,
it poses no health risks to you or your family. Under the best operating
conditions (in a closed bedroom), they can be moderately effective
in removing airborne dust particles. Such dusts will plate out on
walls and other room surfaces. The air becomes somewhat cleaner;
your walls somewhat dirtier.
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