As an expert in the field of air purification, I have encountered numerous questions about the safety and effectiveness of ionizers. These devices, also known as ion generators, work by charging particles in a room so that they are attracted to walls, floors, tables, curtains, and even occupants. While they may seem like a convenient solution for improving indoor air quality, there are some potential risks that need to be considered. One of the main concerns with ionizers is the possibility of resuspended particles. As these devices charge particles in the air, they can become attracted to surfaces and then be released back into the air through abrasion.
This can lead to a cycle of particles constantly being circulated in the room. Some ionizers have a collector to attract these charged particles back to the unit, but this is not always effective. There have also been claims that ionizers can rectify an imbalance of ions in the air, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. In fact, no controlled study has confirmed any benefits of ionizers in terms of improving indoor air quality. While they may help remove small particles from the air, there are other more effective methods for achieving this. One of the main concerns with ionizers is their production of ozone as a by-product.
Ozone is known to be harmful to health, and its presence in an enclosed space can pose serious risks. This is why it is recommended to only use an ionizer when no one is present in the room and to turn it off when someone enters. In fact, some devices advertised as air purifiers deliberately emit high levels of ozone, which is a major component of smog. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recommends against using ozone generators for anything other than approved industrial purposes where exposure to ozone is avoided. Not only are these devices ineffective at cleaning indoor air, but they also pose serious health risks to humans and animals. At Smart Air, we prioritize the safety and effectiveness of our air purifiers.
Unlike many other companies, we do not use ionizers in our products. Instead, we rely on safe and effective HEPA filters to achieve high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) numbers. We believe that this is the best way to ensure clean and healthy indoor air. If you are considering purchasing an air purifier, it is important to do your research and choose a device that has been certified by CARB. This will ensure that the device has been tested and proven to be safe and effective.
Additionally, it is important to look for peer-reviewed studies on the device's effectiveness and safety, as the market is currently lacking in this area.
