Ionizing air purifiers are highly effective at disinfecting air, but they should be used with caution. Ozone, which is found in the Earth's protective layer, is beneficial in filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. However, when it is emitted into the air we breathe, it can be hazardous to our health and the environment. Studies have shown that air is not purified with safe levels of ozone, since it cannot oxidize air pollutants to this level.
Most room ionizers produce hazardous levels of ozone and create a higher concentration in the room. Fortunately, some room ionizers have built-in controllers to prevent ozone levels from exceeding safe limits. Continuous exposure to ozone can also attenuate the sense of smell. Air ionizers are designed to help provide cleaner air and they do so through the use of ionized particles. As more information is disseminated and presented to the public about the dangers of air ionizers, consumers will be more informed before purchasing an air purifier and will likely avoid these potentially hazardous ionizing air systems. Ionizer air purifiers are generally safe because they aren't energized enough to be harmful.
These ionizers turn on for 8 hours every day, and I have a Therapure TPP300D with UV+ ionizer that turns on for 8 hours in my living room. To get rid of the dangers of second and third hand smoking from my roommate, I plan to keep my ionizer turned on only for 30-40 minutes when no one is in the room, and then turn off the ionizer before anyone comes in.
