We have been aware of ionic air purifier tests that Consumer Reports conducted in the past with the poor performance of the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze air purifier. A new review Consumer Reports released in 2005 makes the situation look even worse for other ionic air purifiers.
The most recent tests show that several ionic air purifiers release very undesirable, and possibly dangerous, levels of ozone.
While the level of danger is questionable from a scientific standpoint, ozone is known to cause irratation. Considering that many ionic air purifier purchasers buy the air cleaners for allergy purposes this is not good news.
"Experts agree that an ozone concentration more than 80 ppb for eight hours or longer can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest pain while worsening asthma and deadening your sense of smell. It also raises sensitivity to pollen, mold, and other respiratory allergy triggers, and may cause permanent lung damage."
Another study by Yale University found that ozone levels below the 80 ppd standard caused problems with children with asthma.
Consumer Reports air purifier tests found that the
IonizAir P4620 relseaded 120 ppd of ozone and the
Surround Air XJ-2000 released 300 ppd. However, this was from 2 inches away from the machine. A good suggestion would be - don't put it on your bed stand. Well, thats exactly what the picture on the
IonizAir's box shows.
You can subscribe to Consumer Reports to view the full results of their tests in order to compare low performing and high-ozone emitting models.
Read about Ionic Air Purifiers.
