Ionizers are a popular feature in air purifiers, but they come with a potential risk. Ozone, a by-product of ionizers, is classified as toxic by the EPA and can cause serious health issues. On the other hand, negative ions are naturally produced and can create oases of clean air. So, is it safe to breathe ionized air?To answer this question, laboratory tests have been conducted to measure the particles and gases in the air with an ionizing device installed in an air treatment unit.
The results showed that ionizer air purifiers are generally safe because the ionizers aren't energized enough to be harmful. However, some critics believe that air ionizers emit dangerous levels of ozone, which can be hazardous to health. It's important to note that ionizers are not particularly effective at removing other contaminants from the air. Therefore, it's best to use an air purifier with both an ionizer and a HEPA filter for maximum protection. This way, both the ionizer and the HEPA filter work together to remove particles floating in the air. At the end of the day, you must decide for yourself if the benefits of ionized air outweigh the potential risk of increased ozone levels.
The health effects of air ionizers are largely unknown, although some recent studies are a cause for concern. I especially appreciate your comprehensive and unbiased review of air ionization technology and hope to receive an equally unbiased concern in response to a question I have.