Some people report healthier sleep and mood after purchasing negative ion generators. Negative ions are effective in removing tiny particles such as pollen, mold spores, and dust from the air, but they are not as effective as ozone in eliminating odors.
An ionizer ionizes air molecules to generate and emit ions (O2-, OH-, N2+, etc.). Some products also emit ozone (O3) together with the ions. On the other hand, an ozonizer efficiently generates and emits ozone from oxygen molecules (O2). It does not generate ions.
Since it's tough to make ions without getting ozone as a by-product, and since negative ionizers generally just dirty the wall up by the ionizer, it's generally better not to run one, especially in a confined space.
Ionizer air purifiers use electrically charged ions to attract and trap particles, including allergens and pollutants. While they are generally safe to use at home, it's important to be aware of potential risks associated with these devices. One such risk is the generation of harmful ozone gas.
While ion generators may remove small particles (e.g., those in tobacco smoke) from the indoor air, they do not remove gases or odors, and may be relatively ineffective in removing large particles such as pollen and house dust allergens.
The operation of ionizers, however, if not properly designed, can lead to concentrations of these gases that are irritating to the respiratory tract in indoor environments.
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
Overall, removing contaminants from the air will not have a negative impact on sleep. Here at Molekule we recommend keeping your purifier on at all times so it cleans the air as much as possible.
Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners
One mechanism of damage results from ozone-olefin reactions, and another from ozone reacting with electron donors (such as glutathione). Inhalation of relatively small amounts of ozone can cause coughing, chest pain, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
However, in general, the duration of use required depends on the size of your space and the amount of indoor pollution (which varies throughout the year). This is why most manufacturers will recommend you to leave your air purifier running all day, especially if it comes equipped with an automatic setting.
In an enclosed space, particularly in a car or a small room, ozone levels created by ionizers can exceed recommended levels. Ozone itself has an odor that might be preferable to whatever unpleasant odor you are trying to remove.
An air purifier will have no effect on room temperature (and neither will a fan). They do not “cool the room” but rather lower a person's temperature through the “wind-chill” effect. However, this process is very effective at improving comfort in warm conditions.
Air purifiers provide an effective and safer alternative to ozone generators for maintaining clean indoor air quality. In conclusion, while ozone generators have their uses, it's essential to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their use.
Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.
An air ioniser is effective in cleansing the air of the smallest particles that pollute clean air. These particles are usually between 0.01 and 0.1 microns, and they include smog, tobacco, and smoke. Also, an air ioniser releases ozone gas, which is effective in killing pathogens like mould, fungi, and bacteria.
Do Blueair air purifiers emit ozone? All Blueair air purifiers are CARB certified which means that they are considered safe and do not exceed ozone emission limits. Blueair has conducted ongoing independent testing to ensure that our air purifiers do not release harmful levels of ozone.
Exposure to ozone irritates and inflames the lining of the respiratory system. This causes symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and impaired breathing. Ozone can worsen asthma symptoms, and may contribute to the development of asthma.
Quick Tips: Air Purifiers in the Home
Keep your device away from heat sources. Keep your device away from moisture or areas with high humidity. Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution.
As you can see, the drawbacks of leaving your air purifier on all the time are minimal. It's perfectly safe to keep the device running continuously, and the amount of energy it consumes is very small.
An ozone generator produces ozone that attacks the source of odor causing gases through a process called oxidation and permanently removes the odor. This is very different from a negative ion generator, or ionizer, whose primary purpose is to reduce particles like dust and pollen floating around in air spaces.
Ozone can damage the tissues of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation, and result in symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness and worsening of asthma symptoms.