Not All Air Purifiers Are Created Equal Made Easy

Not all air purifiers are created equal, especially when it comes to improving indoor air quality. Be wary of air purifiers marketed with terms like “energized oxygen,” “activated oxygen,” or “trioxygen,” as these are often euphemisms for ozone.

Instead, I suggest choosing safer alternatives such as air purifiers with HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, or UV-C light technology. These options will effectively clean the air without producing harmful ozone.

If you already own an ozone-producing air purifier, the best course of action is to stop using it immediately and replace it with a safer model. Open windows to ventilate your home and remove any lingering ozone.

When shopping for a new air purifier, I suggest researching brands thoroughly, looking for third-party certifications like AHAM or Energy Star, and understanding key specifications such as Clean Air Delivery Rate.

I’ll never forget the day I found out my air purifier was an ozone generator. My Jack Russel had been coughing, and I’d been experiencing headaches. It wasn’t until a friend of mine came over and recognized the telltale smell of ozone and explained what was going on, I opened the windows and got rid of them immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Ozone-producing air purifiers can be dangerous for both humans and pets
• Be wary of devices marketed with terms like “energized oxygen” or “activated oxygen”
• Pets are especially vulnerable to ozone due to their smaller size and faster respiratory rates
• Safe alternatives include HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-C light purifiers
• When shopping, look for third-party certifications and understand key specifications
• Research brands and models thoroughly before purchasing

Understanding Ozone

Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. While it plays a crucial role in protecting us from harmful UV radiation in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is a different story. This air pollutant can be harmful to both humans and animals.

Ozone-producing air purifiers intentionally generate this molecule, often marketed to eliminate odors and kill bacteria. However, the reality is far more complex and potentially dangerous, especially regarding indoor air pollution which is why I don’t recommend them.

Ozone can also interact with indoor materials such as rubber, latex, and some plastics, potentially leading to their degradation over time. This can not only release more harmful compounds into the air but also damage household items.

For example, ozone exposure has been known to cause rubber seals on doors and windows to deteriorate, which might lead to increased drafts and further air quality issues.

I remember when I first realized my air purifier was an ozone generator. My Jack Russell, JD, had been coughing more than usual, and I had started to get frequent headaches. It wasn’t until a friend visited and mentioned the odd smell in the air that I connected the dots.

She explained that the smell was likely ozone and warned me about its dangers. I immediately turned off the purifier, opened the windows, and began my search for a safer alternative.

After I replaced my ozone-producing air purifier with a model featuring a HEPA filter and activated carbon, I immediately noticed the difference. My headaches ceased, and JD’s coughing reduced significantly.

It was a relief to find a product that improved air quality without any harmful byproducts. I realized that thorough research before purchasing an air purifier was worth the effort.

Types of Ozone-Generating Air Purifiers

• Ionizers – These devices emit negatively charged ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to fall out of the air. Some ionizers produce ozone as a byproduct.
• Electrostatic precipitators – Similar to ionizers, these use an electrical charge to remove particles from the air but can also generate ozone.
• Ozone generators – These devices intentionally produce ozone, often marketed as “activated oxygen” or “trioxygen.”

Some ozone-generating air purifiers, particularly certain ionizers, produce ozone as a byproduct in fluctuating quantities depending on their settings. This variability can lead to unpredictable levels of ozone in the home, which makes it even more challenging to avoid its adverse effects.

A study by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) found that the ozone levels from some of these devices could exceed the safety limits set for indoor environments, causing potential health risks.

Identifying Ozone-Producing Air Purifiers

• Terms like “energized oxygen,” “activated oxygen,” or “trioxygen”
• Claims of eliminating strong odors through oxidation
• Lack of CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification
• Missing or low CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) ratings

Certain air purifiers may not explicitly mention ozone production but they use ambiguous terms like “oxidizers” or “air sanitizers.” These terms can sometimes be used to mask the fact that the purifier generates ozone as part of its cleaning process.

To avoid confusion, look for products that are certified by independent testing organizations that explicitly state that they do not produce ozone, such as the CARB certification for low-ozone emission devices.

Dangers to Our Furry and Feathered Friends

• Dogs – Increased risk of respiratory issues and potential lung damage
• Cats – Asthma-like symptoms and reduced lung function
• Birds – Sensitive to air quality changes, potentially fatal effects
• Small mammals – Respiratory distress and long-term health consequences

Research has shown that birds, especially those kept in cages or aviaries, are susceptible to ozone and other airborne pollutants. Studies have indicated that chronic exposure can lead to respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases in birds.

Additionally, the impact on their feathers can affect their insulation and overall health, potentially leading to increased vulnerability to temperature fluctuations and infections.

Negative Effects on Health and Pets

The potential risks don’t stop at ozone. Ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds can also be released into the air by low-quality air purifiers, along with ionizers that contribute to higher dust levels.

The implications for long-term health and respiratory conditions could be serious, not to mention the more immediate, unpleasant effects like headaches, throat irritation, and even exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

Pets, with their typically smaller size and lower breathing levels, can be at even greater risk from these byproducts.

Long-term exposure to ozone has been linked to increased rates of respiratory infections and reduced lung function in children. In particular, children with pre-existing conditions such as asthma may experience exacerbated symptoms or more frequent attacks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that ozone exposure can impair lung development in children, making it crucial for households with young children to avoid ozone-producing air purifiers.

Safe Alternatives for Better Air Quality

• HEPA filters – Highly effective at removing airborne particles
• Activated carbon filters – Excellent for odor removal without producing harmful byproducts
• UV-C light purifiers – Can kill bacteria and viruses without generating ozone
• Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology – Breaks down pollutants without producing harmful substances

Photocatalytic oxidation technology, while effective in breaking down pollutants, can sometimes produce secondary pollutants like formaldehyde if not properly maintained.

Ensuring that photocatalytic oxidation-based air purifiers are equipped with pre-filters and maintain regular upkeep can mitigate this risk.

Additionally, combining photocatalytic oxidation technology with other filtration methods like HEPA and activated carbon can enhance overall air quality while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Sources:

Which Air Purifiers Are Ozone-Free? Comparing Ionizers, UV-C, and HEPA – molekule.com

What are ionizers and other ozone-generating air cleaners? – epa.gov

Air Purifiers that Produce Ozone May Be Hurting Your Health – rabbitair.com