The magazine tested six popular ionizing cleaners and one HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. It found that two of the ionizing cleaners emit 150 to 300 parts per billion of ozone in samples taken 2 inches from the machine, while three other ionizing cleaners are in the 26-to-48-ppb range. The Environmental Protection Agency's standards for outdoor ozone concentration exposure is 80 parts per billion over eight hours. "Anyone who has respiratory problems might think, 'The closer I get this thing to my head while I'm sleeping, the better.' Those people will be exposed to relatively high levels of ozone, which is not a good thing," says Mark Connelly, the magazine's director of testing. "In normal people, exposure to ozone levels of 100 parts per billion causes injuries to the airways," says Dean Sheppard, director of the Lung Biology Researcher Center at the University of California-San Francisco. "It also produces an effect in the airways of normal people that's like what you see in people with asthma: shortness of breath and wheezing."

Studies by researchers at UCSF and Yale University also have shown that even small increases in ozone are associated with reduced lung function and increased mortality rates. Casey Fisher, president of Surround Air, which makes one of the models on Consumer Report's "not recommended" list, disputed the results and says tests conducted by "an independent lab prove that the ozone level produced by the XJ-2000 is well beneath safety standards at as close as 1 foot away, and even less." The magazine found that five of the six ionizing cleaners don't clean very well. "They were all ineffective in removing pollen, dust and smoke from air," says Jeff Asher, the magazine's technical director. Robert Padgett of Brookstone says its Pure Ion air cleaner has "one of the highest clean-air delivery rates of any product in its class," according to independent tests. Doctors don't recommend air filters for patients with allergies and asthma, says Sheppard. Animal dander especially isn't readily removed by such filters because it gets caught in furniture or rugs, he says

But more than 80% of air cleaners are purchased become someone in the home has asthma or allergies, magazine editor Robert Markovich says. And ionizing air cleaners account for about 25% of the roughly $410 million Americans spend on air cleaners each year.aclare air purifier reviews There is no government oversight over ionizing air cleaners. carrier infinity air purifier gapa priceIf the product is not making a medical claim, it doesn't fall under the Food and Drug Administration's jurisdiction, spokeswoman Julie Zawisza says.idylis air purifier 310 The EPA would require congressional authority to set indoor air standards, spokesman Dave Ryan says. However, the agency's Web site warns of the adverse effects of even a relatively small amount of ozone.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is reviewing scientific literature on the effects of ozone-generating air cleaners. It expects to complete its study this fall, spokesman Steve Forde says.How to Clean a Friedrich Air Cleaner Filter Friedrich, based in San Antonio, Texas, produces a wide variety of home/business consumer appliance products including filtered air conditioners and purifiers. Friedrich Air Cleaners use a three-filter system consisting of a pre-filter, electronic cell with collector plates and an activated carbon post-filter to remove dust, grease, smoke or other particles and odors from the air. Whether you own the C-90A or C-90B model, Friedrich has designed the Air Cleaner series for easy filter removal, cleaning and/or replacement. Clean your Friedrich Air Cleaner filters at least once a week. If it is used in a high traffic or dusty/smoky areas or continuously, check the filters daily and clean as necessary as dirty filters can block airflow or allow too much accumulation of particles in the unit resulting in poor air purification.

In addition, dirty filters can cause inefficient power distribution in the electronic cell reducing the charge to the collector plates allowing particles to pass through and out of the unit without collection. Unplug the unit from the wall socket. Remove the top cover off the unit to pull out the electronic cell and pre-filter. Vacuum the electronic cell and pre-filter. Vacuum the interior of the unit. Remove and vacuum the carbon filter. Carbon filters lose odor absorption after approximately three to six months; remove and throw away the carbon filter if you notice any smells on the out-flowing air when it is in use. Wash the electronic cell in a dishwasher or carefully in a large container of a hot water (150 to 170 degrees F) and mild detergent or allergen-reducing cleaner. If you're cleaning in a container, soak the cell at least 15 minutes. Shake the container slightly from side-to-side approximately every three minutes to dislodge any particles/debris. Rinse the pre-filter under hot running water and then wash it with detergent or cleaner.

For grease or smoke in/on the filter, use a grease and/or smoke remover. Rinse the electronic cell by placing it in another large container of hot water and allowing it to soak for at least 10 minutes. Rinse it and the pre-filter under clean hot running water afterward to remove any remaining dirt or detergent/cleaner residue. Set the cell and pre-filter aside to air-dry. Replace the carbon filter, if necessary, while waiting for the cell and pre-filter to dry. Reassemble the unit after the cell/pre-filter dry completely. Re-position your unit in a room. Place the unit at least 8 inches from any wall so that the rear intake grille has adequate airflow (unblocked). If the ionizer wires become dirty, wet a cotton ball with water and use it to clean the wires. Always wear gloves when removing/cleaning the dirty electronic cell and pre-filter. Both could cause an allergic reaction from exposure to dust and other particles; the electronic cell also has sharp edges that can cut flesh.

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