Ozonizers, or ozone generators, are often marketed as a “natural way to eliminate odors or purify the air.” Ozone is the main component of smog and can be found in both the upper and lower atmosphere. While ozone in the stratosphere helps filter out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, ozone in the atmosphere can be harmful to the respiratory system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has used the phrase “good at altitude, bad in the vicinity” to make this distinction. The interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals released into the environment can produce harmful levels of ozone (for example, these harmful concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere are often accompanied by high concentrations of other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, fine particles, and hydrocarbons).
Whether pure or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be hazardous to health. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends that ozone generators not be used, except for approved industrial purposes where exposure to ozone is avoided. Not only are ozone generators ineffective at cleaning indoor air, but inhaling ozone poses serious health risks to humans and animals. This fact sheet analyzes these health risks and provides alternative and effective solutions to address indoor air quality problems. A medical HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it great for pet dander and pollen. However, it may not be as effective with smaller particles, such as viruses, bacteria, and tobacco smoke.
An air purifier with several stages of filtration is a better option for eliminating viruses and pathogens and neutralizing mold, gases, allergens, pet dander, and all kinds of particles. Ionizers emit negatively charged ions that attach to positively charged particles suspended in the air. Air filters, electronic particulate air purifiers, and ionizers are often used to remove particulate matter suspended in the air, and sometimes gas-adsorbing material is used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate. Standard HEPA filters are the safest option since they prevent ozone production. However, they don't completely solve the problem of small particles. An ionizing air purifier works differently than traditional purifiers with a mechanical filter such as HEPA air purifiers.
These filters also keep those particles in place so you don't have to worry about dust or particles ending up all over your couch and floor. An air purifier with a high-quality HEPA filter system removes particulates from the air without producing ozone. This “stratospheric ozone” helps keep us healthy by filtering out harmful UV radiation from the sun.
