Risks of Ionizers

Ionizers are sold for the purpose of cleaning the air within your house. Many air ionizing filters have labels and stickers that certify that they improve air quality. However, there are other consumer reports that indicate that risks involved with ionizers exist.

Misinformation

• People with breathing problems such as asthma and those with severe allergies purchase air ionizers because they believe that these products will make the air in their home safer to breathe. Most air ionizers claim to clean the air of allergens and other harmful pollutants. Some air ionizers are certified by associations such as the Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation. However, most consumers do not know that the AAFA does not actually require that these products improve air quality. The manufacturers simply pay an application fee and get a stamp of approval from the foundation.

Polluted Air

• According to an investigative report by Lori Lyle from the WAVE 3 news channel in Louisville, KY, ionizing air purifiers do not actually purify the air. Unfortunately, ionizers do pump harmful ozone into consumer's homes. Some consumers, trusting that their air is being purified, take little care to properly ventilate their homes, which further concentrates the air pollutants.

Ozone

• According to a USA Today article on air purifiers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates how much concentrated ozone is allowed outdoors. The article claims that the EPA only allows 80 parts-per-billion (ppb) ozone outdoors in an eight-hour period. The article also claims that the area immediately surrounding one of three ionizers that were tested contained ozone at 150 to 300 ppb while the entire enclosed space contained ozone at 24 to 48 ppb. Many people would be surprised to learn that their air ionizers produce harmful concentrations of ozone in their homes.