There are many types of air purifiers available on the market. However, some products have earned notoriety for being more harmful than beneficial in the long run. Ozone generator-types of purifiers have been virtually blacklisted as dangerous for ozone, while indeed being capable of clearing the air of pollutants, is also a toxic gas.
Ionic air […]
There are many types of air purifiers available on the market. However, some products have earned notoriety for being more harmful than beneficial in the long run. Ozone generator-types of purifiers have been virtually blacklisted as dangerous for ozone, while indeed being capable of clearing the air of pollutants, is also a toxic gas.
Ionic air purifiers, on the other hand, are somewhat teetering on the verge of falling under the same repute as ozone generators. Most air purifiers have ozone as a byproduct, but ionic air purifiers have a higher level of production. It is in the nature of the product’s function. For better understanding, the following is a description of how ionic air purifiers work:
The pollutants in the air are drawn in by the machine, which ionizes them, usually making them negatively charged. They are then sent out into the air again where neutrally or positively charged items such as walls and furniture will attract them. These negatively charged particles will continue sticking on to these surfaces until they lose their charge or are wiped or vacuumed away. This method of cleaning the air can work well for those individuals who suffer from certain types of allergies. The seasonal types of allergies cause attacks that can be fairly predicted on account of the presence of allergens in the air. The constant wiping, dusting, and vacuuming required by the use of ionic air purifiers will get rid of allergens even without the use of the purifiers. The rhinitis and asthma types of allergies can be brought about by contact with pollen, dust, pet dander, mildew, et cetera. Ionic air purifiers are most effective in controlling allergy attacks when partnered with a good quality air filter, which also eliminates the need for the constant dusting and vacuuming. A lot of ionic air purifiers now come with a filter, infusing two technologies to work together for optimum benefits.
However, ionic air purifiers have also earned flak for the same feature it has which supposedly purifies the air. Apparently, the electric fields that can ionize particles thereby making them easier to vacuum or wipe away can also produce ozone, which poses several health hazards. Ozone can irritate different body organs, cause chest pain, and aggravate different types of allergies.
Fortunately, we are constantly achieving breakthrough strides in air purifier technologies. Manufacturers have dealt with the question of ozone production and have striven to moderate it. Before purchasing ionic air purifiers, ask for proof that its ozone byproduct level is low and safe, as deemed acceptably by various government and environmental agencies.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 3:00 pm and is filed under Allergy.
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