Ozone Generators
Concerns about health, pollution, effectiveness
Ozone generators are often discredited as a form of air purification. The theory behind this method is that ozone renders airborne chemicals harmless. With the increasingly negative attention to ground-level ozone, many people shy away from this form of air purifier. That's probably a good thing, since the theory behind ozone generators has been disproved – it seems ozone only masks odors instead of neutralizing harm.
Ozone is a chemical that, when inhaled directly and in large enough quantities, can cause severe damage to your lungs. Inhaled in small amounts, ozone can cause minor chest pain, coughing, throat irritation and shortness of breath. If you already suffer from respiratory problems, ozone will make it even more difficult to breathe. Likewise, individuals who exercise will be more likely to inhale larger amounts of ozone, which can make it difficult to breathe while exercising and can pose long-term health risks.
According to the EPA, you should beware of terms like "energized oxygen" or "pure air", which are used in place of "ozone generation" and related terms. They also warn: "Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen."
Ion air purifiers might be classified with ozone generators; ion air purifiers neutralize some airborne contaminants, but they also produce ozone. Ozone generators give your indoor air a deceptively clean smell. This is not, in fact, clean air, so don't be fooled by the smell. The general consensus concerning ozone is “good up high, bad nearby.” The ozone layer is necessary to filter UV rays, but ozone at ground level is considered harmful.
On the other hand, the issue of ozone in air purification is not always clear-cut. There is evidence that ozone is harmful, but the extent of its harmfulness becomes a politicized issue when people begin to have a vested interest. In air purification, this is seen when people selling high-quality (and high-cost) HEPA filters try to steer consumers away from (much cheaper) ion air purifiers and ozone generators.
In any case, it is safe to say that ozone generators are not the most effective method of removing indoor contaminants from your air. Many other methods are better suited for your home and your health, but many of these methods are more expensive. Ozone generators, even if they are slightly effective (which has yet to be thoroughly proven) pose health hazards that you may not want to risk.
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