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What Are the Dangers of Air Cleaners Emitting Ozone?

Air cleaners are devices used to remove pollutants from indoor air. Some air cleaners are designed to emit ozone, a gas that can eliminate certain airborne contaminants. Ozone is also known to be dangerous to human health, and ozone generators have not been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency cautions the public to be wary of claims that the devices are safe and effective.

  1. The Facts

    • Ozone consists of three oxygen atoms. Two of these atoms form the oxygen that we breathe, and the third has the ability to break away from the ozone molecule and attach to other substances. In certain circumstances, this may give ozone the ability to remove some chemicals from the air, but just as ozone can react with material in the air, it can also react with material in the body and cause health problems, according to the EPA.

    Effects

    • Ozone exposure can cause breathing difficulties, throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and lung inflammation, according to the EPA. Asthma can be worsened by ozone exposure, and respiratory infections may be more likely to occur. People exposed to low levels of ozone for a short time may be able to recover from the problems caused by exposure, but long-term, higher-level exposures may make recovery less likely.

    Risk Factors

    • Ozone can be dangerous to anyone, but some people are more susceptible to it than others. Ozone may be more dangerous to people with asthma or other lung diseases. Activities that increase breathing rates, such as exercise, can also cause a person to inhale more ozone and increase the severity of health effects.

    Considerations

    • The EPA points out that ozone is not good at removing pollutants unless it is present at levels that greatly exceed public health standards. Even then, it does not remove all pollutants, and it can produce more pollution when it reacts with chemicals in the air to form dangerous substances.

    Solution

    • The EPA recommends safe methods of air cleaning. Minimizing sources of indoor air pollution, such as harsh chemicals, can improve air quality and opening windows can help dilute contaminants in the air. Properly ventilated homes are less likely to have poor indoor air quality. The EPA encourages consumers to use proven methods of air cleaning if they choose to purchase air cleaning devices.

    Warning

    • The EPA cautions consumers against believing manufacturer claims that ozone is energized oxygen or pure air. Ozone is toxic and it can be dangerous to humans.

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