Some devices that are advertised as “air purifiers” or air cleaners purposely emit large amounts of ozone, the main component of smog! Not only are such ozone generators ineffective at cleaning indoor air, but breathing ozone poses serious health risks. This fact sheet discusses these health risks and provides effective, alternative solutions to indoor air quality problems.
The Air Resources Board recommends that ozone generators not be used.
What are ozone-generating air cleaners?
Some indoor “air purifiers” or air cleaners emit ozone, a major component of outdoor smog, either intentionally or as a by-product of their design. Those that intentionally emit ozone are often called “ozone generators,” and are the focus of this fact sheet. Manufacturers sometimes inappropriately refer to ozone as “activated oxygen,” “super oxygenated” or “energized oxygen,” implying that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Because ozone reacts with some other molecules, manufacturers claim that the ozone produced by these devices can purify the air and remove airborne particles, chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, and odors. However, ozone is not effective at cleaning the air except at extremely high, unsafe ozone levels, and then it is only partially effective. Ionizers and electrostatic precipitators are other types of air cleaners that emit ozone, but do so as a by-product of their design and function. These devices are designed to electrically charge particles and remove them from the air; ozone is released through the charging process. These devices typically emit less ozone than ozone generators.
What is ozone?
Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is a highly reactive, unstable, toxic gas. Ground level ozone is a major component of photochemical smog that plagues larger cities during the summertime. There is also a layer of ozone high up in the atmosphere, called stratospheric ozone, that protects us by reducing the amount of ultraviolet light entering the earth’s atmosphere. This beneficial ozone layer should not be confused with the harmful ozone that occurs at ground level.
What are the adverse health effects from exposure to ozone?
Buyers of ozone generators may not be aware that ozone can harm the cells in the lungs and respiratory airways. Exposure to ozone irritates and inflames the lining of the respiratory system. It causes symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In persons with asthma, ozone can worsen asthma symptoms, and one study indicates that ozone may contribute to the development of asthma. Ozone impairs breathing. Elevated exposures to ozone can cause permanent lung damage, and repeated exposure can even increase the risk of dying among persons already in poor health. Persons especially vulnerable include children and those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases, including the elderly. Due to the health hazards of ozone, California has worked aggressively for decades to reduce outdoor ozone levels, with considerable success.
In addition to its impacts on health, ozone can also damage materials such as rubber, fabrics, plastics and other indoor furnishings.
How much ozone do ozone generators produce?
Studies have shown that ozone generators can produce indoor ozone levels several times the state outdoor health standard of 90 parts per billion (ppb) for one hour, as well as the eight hour standard of 70 ppb. In one experiment, a level of 300 ppb was measured in a house after 1-2 hours of ozone generator use.1 As shown, indoor ozone levels were about twice the health standard levels when the ozone generator was set on the maximum setting and the central fan was either on or off. Ozone levels were almost twice the health standard levels in the near room even when the device was set to a medium setting. These concentrations are equal to, or worse than, a first stage smog alert. It is clear that the ozone concentrations produced by these devices can easily exceed health-protective standards.
Are ozone generators effective at cleaning air?
Some devices are marketed with advertising claims that they will kill viruses, bacteria, mold and other biological contaminants, and remove chemical contaminants and odors. However, studies have shown that, when ozone concentrations are below the health standards, it does not effectively remove biological contaminants. Ozone also does not remove particles (e.g. dust and pollen) from the air, including the particles responsible for most allergies. Research also shows that ozone generated by air purifiers does little to remove chemical pollutants. In fact, ozone has been found to react with existing chemicals in the air to create other toxic pollutants, most notably formaldehyde and ultrafine particles.
Some consumers purchase air purifiers to eradicate odors. Evidence shows that ozone concentrations below the health standards are not effective in removing many odor-causing chemicals. Ozone is also known to deaden one’s sense of smell. Not only does this disguise rather than eliminate odors, it can also have the dangerous effect of decreasing a person’s ability to detect high ozone levels. Unlike the situation in air, ozone can be used successfully to purify water in some applications. This is so because high levels of ozone can be used in the water, most of the ozone reacts in the water, and people typically are not present when the ozone is used.
Why are ozone generators still on the market?
If ozone generators are ineffective at removing air pollutants, and they pose major health risks to users, why do they continue to be sold? The unfortunate answer is that misleading advertising by manufacturers is very effective, and no government agency has the authority to fully regulate these devices. Thus, ARB is actively working to educate professionals and the public about the dangers of using ozone generators.
What does the Air Resources Board recommend?
We strongly advise against the use of ozone generators in occupied spaces. Other governmental agencies agree with this advice.
Instead of using an air cleaner, consumers are encouraged to first eliminate or reduce indoor pollution sources and to ventilate well with outdoor air. The most effective method of controlling indoor air pollution is through prevention: eliminating pollution at its source. To minimize the release of pollutants indoors:
• carefully follow directions on consumer products such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues;
• properly maintain and operate gas- and wood burning appliances;
• restrict smoking to outdoor areas;
• purchase building materials and wood furniture that do not emit formaldehyde;
• use candles and incense sparingly, if at all; and
• clean frequently and thoroughly to prevent dust and mold build-up.
Use plenty of ventilation: be sure there is adequate airflow to/from the outdoors. This can be achieved by opening windows, using exhaust fans near pollutant sources (e.g. above gas stoves), and increasing airflow through the use of mechanical ventilation systems. If your home is equipped with a central forced air system, you should also consider upgrading the filter.
If I still need an air cleaner, how do I find a good one?
In some cases, air cleaners may be beneficial. Types of air cleaners include filters (including High Efficiency Particulate Air or “HEPA” filters), electrostatic precipitators, ionizers, and hybrid models.
Source:EPA
