Although they enjoyed enormous popularity at first, ionic air cleaners have been the for the past several years. Recently, they have even been involved in a high-profile class action lawsuit involving the Sharper Image and its Ionic Breeze air cleaner. Increasingly, consumers are becoming aware that these types of air purifiers are not their best option, not only because they are not as effective as manufacturers claim, but also because they actually contribute to harmful indoor air quality. However, despite numerous articles warning against the dangers of ionic air purifiers, many consumers stand staunchly by their units; some companies even continue to recommend them. In an effort to clear the air, so to speak, let's explore some key issues related to ionic air purifiers. Probably the three most desirable characteristics or selling points of ionic air cleaners were that they are quiet, energy efficient, and don't require replacement filters. In addition, and somewhat ironically, ionic air cleaners produce "evidence" of their effectiveness - black residue, which results from the negative ions attaching to the airborne molecules in the air, collecting pollutants, and then clinging to nearby surfaces.

But as we shall see, these apparent boons come at quite a cost. Ionic air cleaners emit a steady stream of negative ions into the air. These negative ions attach to airborne molecules, making them negatively charged and attractive to nearby positively charged particles. As this attraction occurs, clumps form, thereby collecting the pollutants and other contaminants in the air. Eventually the molecules become heavy and fall to the floor or land on nearby surfaces, consequently forming dirty surfaces in the area surrounding the air purifier.vi-2500 ion air purifier reviews Negative ions occur naturally, near waterfalls or after it rains, for instance, and have positive effects on humans, animals, and the environment because they create oases of pure air. sewa air purifierHowever, ionic air cleaners aren't so benign. kenmore hepa 100 air cleaning system

Specifically, they generate ozone, which when released into indoor air and inhaled, is a powerful lung irritant that actually exacerbates allergies and asthma. Not only do ionic air cleaners produce ozone as an undesirable byproduct, but they are not even particularly effective at removing other pollutants from the air. As far back as 2005, many magazines published findings showing that ionic air cleaners posed health hazards. For instance, CNN reported in April 2005, "Consumer Reports said it tested ionizing air cleaners for ozone levels and for their ability to remove dust, cigarette smoke and pollen from the air, and Sharper Image's Professional Series Ionic Breeze Quadra SI737 SNX is one of five products that was ineffective as air cleaners." Similarly, USA Today reported, "Popular and expensive ionizing air cleaners a staple of late-night infomercials — could expose users to lung-damaging levels of ozone, and they do a poor job of actually cleaning the air, according to a study in the May issue of Consumer Reports."

In fact, the Consumers Union, a product testing group that tests products for the much-acclaimed Consumer Reports, concluded back in 2003 that ionizing purifiers do a poorer job of removing smoke, dust, and other pollutants from the air than their advertising suggested. Subsequently, Sharper Image filed a lawsuit against the consumer group. It was thrown out of court, and Sharper Image agreed to pay about half a million dollars in court costs. About five years later, the adverse findings regarding ionic air purifiers finally caught up with the Sharper Image to the point that they were forced to declare chapter 11 bankruptcy. Their sales had declined steadily since 2004, and the settlement of a class-action suit against the company by owners of the Ionic Breeze air cleaner (in which the Sharper Image agreed to remit a $19 merchandise credit to every consumer who purchased the unit between 1999 and January 2007) seems to have sealed the deal. The prolonged nature of the controversy, as well as the widespread coverage of the Sharper Image's financial trouble, has helped to spread and confirm the news about ionic air purifiers' risks.

For no-health-risk alternatives, see our own wide selection of air purifiers. The main health concern related to ionic air purifiers is the fact that they produce ozone as a byproduct. In the upper atmosphere, ozone protects us from ultraviolet rays; that's why we're concerned about depleting ozone levels and are aware of the need to be extra-cautious in protecting ourselves from the sun in areas where ozone damage is particularly bad. However, ozone in indoor air, where it's inhaled directly into the lungs, poses significant health risks. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies ozone as a toxic gas that causes lung damage, triggers asthma attacks, and can even lead to an increased risk of death. Not only is ozone harmful if inhaled, but it also creates additional problems. For example, when ozone reacts with common household chemicals such as carpet fumes or even cooking oil, formaldehyde, another toxic gas, is produced. Furthermore, ionic air cleaners also create ultra fine particles, which penetrate into the lungs when inhaled.

In this way, chemicals from household items like cleaning products and air fresheners find their way deeply into our bodies — where they obviously don't belong. , we would certainly never recommend a product that claims to alleviate breathing problems but actually contributes to them. Our wide selection of air purifiers is sure to meet your specific needs and preferences; and you can be sure that none of them will pose any hazard to your health. Explore our site or call our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team to discover which options are best for you.Do you know that there was a recent news that involved a big-name ionic air purifier manufacturer? This publication had claimed that the tested air purifier system by this manufacturer removed very little matter, but instead it significantly raise ozone levels in the room. So is there truth in the matter? Well, unluckily for this ionic air purifier company and thousands of customers, the judge for the case found the publications' claims were true.

Hence some ionic air purifier systems can raise ozone levels.Here are some points about the possible danger that air purifiers poses in your home... or is there any real danger at all? Ozone is found naturally in the earth's atmosphere and it protects us from the sun's harmful rays. In your house, however, ozone produced by air purifiers can be harmful. Companies selling these air purifiers claim they are using the ozone at safe levels to clean the air, but the truth is that the same ozone emitted by the air purifier can cause respiratory illness. Are you willing to risk your health? Damage to Your Home and Health Studies have also found that ozone can cause rubbers, upholstery, and paint to deteriorate more quickly. If ozone can eventually crumble the paint on your walls and the material covering your sofa, what can it do to your lung tissue? Do you really want to put your money into an air purifier that can eventually turn healthy lungs into a big mess? Even if an ionic air purifier is only a "little" dangerous, there is still some danger there.

Overexposure To OzoneOne of the problems with these air purifiers is that the unit has no control to prevent over-exposure to the ozone. Sure, the ozone can kill the spores in the air, but the ozone can also cause problems. As levels of ozone rise in your room, the air purifier continues working and pumping out more ozone. Ultimately, the level of ozone moves from safe to unsafe in just a matter of time. The Other Side To be fair Being fair , we really need to consider two sides to the story. Some will say the ozone produced by an ionic air purifier is only a danger if you use it in an enclosed room. You realize they may be right; perhaps the ionic air purifier isn't so bad. It's the use of the word "may" that might cause you concern. If there is a risk there in the first place, why play the odds with something as simple as an ionic air purifier? In essence, the air purifier you are trusted and depended on to remove irritants from the air are not working. Your allergies or asthma are now irritating your lungs even more due to the ozone.