 We all know that ozone is what helps protect the Earth from Ultra Violet rays, but not all of us know that ozone can actually be toxic when it’s in the wrong place.
Air purifiers are often actually ozone machines. These devices are not always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. Health professionals, such as the American Lung Association, http://www.lungusa.org/ have alerted us to the danger. In particular, these devices have not been approved by the federal government for use in constantly occupied spaces.
Ozone can be harmful when it’s used in air purifiers. Its chemical properties make it react with organic materials found in our body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled, and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure, but health effects may become more pronounced, and recovery less certain, at higher levels or from longer exposures. Ozone devices often use confusing terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen. Several federal agencies have established health standards or recommendations to limit human exposure to ozone.
It is good to know that there are now air purifiers that are safe because they don’t generate ozone. Negative ion generators are becoming popular. Interestingly, there is research that suggests that these machines may aid in the prevention of depression. Negative ion generators make hydroxyl ions, which are negatively charged combinations of hydrogen and oxygen. So far they have proven to be a good, safe alternative to ozone producing purifiers. Plants are another good air purifier. NASA has conducted several studies that prove houseplants to be very effective at cleaning the air because they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They also cost much less than sophisticated equipment. For those who have allergies or experience “sick building syndrome”, it is good to know that there are eco-friendly options out there to clean indoor air.
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