Anions or negative ions occurring in nature are very beneficial to the environment and to the humans living in that environment.

The benefits of ions include cleaner air and less static electricity.

Studies also have shown that an abundance of negative ions can have a real effect on mood

And cause a feeling of light hardness both spiritually and mentally.

Ions even have a slowing effect on bacteria and viruses according to some studies.

But can Ion machines that artificially manufacturer anions create the same kind of benefits that occur from ions in nature?

Let’s take a look at some of the different types of ionizers and see what we find out.

Anion fan vs Ionizer fan

Is there a difference between an anion fan and an ionizer fan?

There’s no difference at all. Anion simply means negative ion.

An Anion fan or Ionizer fan are basically a standing tower fan that has a  negative ion

feature.

Do they work?

A fan and an Ionizer can complement each other but probably not in the way that you would think.

Let me explain.

Negative Ions have a very short life. They have to be “eased” into a room in order to get any type a real square footage covered.

Placing a blowing oscillating fan in front of an ionizer will basically cause any anions being emitted from the machine to dissipate quicker than they will do any good.

If you were to run the ionizer feature on the fan first and let the room build up with ions,

You could then turn the fan on and help blow away the dust created by the ionizer and clear out any leftover ozone a little faster.

But that’s probably not the intended use of the machine.

It is safe to say that an ionizer and a fan or not two devices that work well together.

There are much better ionizers and much better fans then there are any devices that try to combine the two.

Are ionizing fans bad for you?

The ionizer on a fan is very small and creates a very low level of ozone. Not enough to be harmful especially when you factor in how fast the fan will blow the ozone by-product away.

Negative ion generator

A Negative ion generator is exactly what it sounds like. A machine that generates negative ions and emits them into the air.

Do they work?

Yes, the science of a negative ion generator is actually pretty simple. When negative ions are created and emitted from the machine, because of polarity they instantly latch on to the positive ions or cations in room.

The newly-formed particle is a combination of a negative ion and a positive ion and any debris that gets in the way when the two snap together.When these newly-formed particles clump together, they become too heavy to float in fall out of the ambient air.

But…
This is where you start talking about the Side effects of negative ionizers.

1. Though the result of cleaner air is achieved because the debris in the air is too heavy to float and has fallen, the surfaces in the room, including the walls, tv, and the Ionizer itself will have a layer of dust on them.

There’s actually a term for it. Great Wall Syndrome¹ is the phrase coined to describe how dust is attracted to the wall when a negative ionizer is used.

And because just plain walking around can cause dust to kick back up into the air, negative ion generators only have a temporary affect on the ambient air before they have to be turned on again.

2. The second side effect of using a negative ion generator is the smell of ozone.
Because of the way the ions are created, the process called Corona discharge which is actually a lightning simulation, ozone is created as a by-product. Though lightning can cause the air to smell and feel much fresher after a thunderstorm, it does not smell fresh in a closed in room.

Depending on the amount of ozone generated, it can be downright pungent.

It can also be harmful to breathe and actually oxidize your lung tissue at too high of levels. That means of course that a negative ionizer should never be used in the same way that you would use a typical filtering air purifier.

There are rules for ozone generating machines that must be followed in order to ensure they are being operated safely.

1. Never utilize them in an occupied room. With either people or pets.
2. the room should be left to completely dissipate before using it again.

Air Ionizer

Though most of the time, air ionizer is a term that is used synonymous with negative ion generator.

They are not always exactly the same thing.

Bipolar ionizer

Some of the best ion generators emit both positive and negative ions. These type of ion generators are called bipolar because they use both polarizations of ions clean air. By releasing both anions and positive ions, the ions good are released instantly combine and trap any debris in the air in the process. Winix is the current Best Provider,

Studies have shown that when bacteria is surrounded by negative and positive ions that the outer membrane of the bacteria cell is damaged, leaving the bacteria inactive. That’s a much more amazing effect than merely adding weight to airborne particles through negative ionization.

Photo Catalytic Oxidation

Another type of ionizer that has a disinfecting effect on the germs in the air is called photocatalytic oxidation. Photo catalytic oxidation uses a ultraviolet lamp targeted titanium oxide catalyst. The result is a machine that emits hydroxyl ions and hydroperoxide ions.
Hydroperoxide ions disinfect the air in the same way that hydrogen peroxide disinfect a wound. Imagine spritzing hydrogen peroxide on every airborne contaminant in an area. That is essentially what a photocatalytic oxidation ionizer does. These air purifiers used to be the toast of the town. Unfortunately you don’t find this type much anymore. A real shame. Air Health is a brand that still carries the torch.

Summary

Ionization has an amazing effect on the air in the atmosphere around you.

Though naturally recurring ionization is always better, there are some excellent results you can get out of creating anions artificially.

While these machines can replicate some of the benefits of natural ionization, such as cleaner air and reduced bacteria and virus activity, they also come with potential drawbacks. These include the accumulation of dust on surfaces due to the “Great Wall Syndrome,” the production of ozone as a byproduct, which can be harmful at high levels, and specific usage guidelines to ensure safety.

Despite these concerns, when used correctly, ionizers can offer significant advantages, including air purification without the need for filter replacements, making them a valuable addition to indoor environments.

You can enjoy many of the benefits Ionization through the use of an air ionizer and enjoy the fact that you don’t have to replace the  filters.

When considering the purchase of an air purifier, many opt for the convenience of plug-in models.
These compact devices are designed to remain plugged into a wall outlet continuously, functioning similarly to plug-in air fresheners, such as those by Glade.
However, their design, particularly the bulky plug component, often means they monopolize a standard two-plug outlet, preventing use of the second plug. This can be problematic in homes where outlet availability is limited, leading to reliance on power strips to accommodate multiple devices.

But can an air purifier, especially a regular-sized one, be safely plugged into a power strip?

Can an air purifier be plugged into a power strip?

An air purifier can be plugged into a power strip. Most air purifiers are between the 50 and 200 w range.
And the typical power strip handles 1800 watts, the same is the outlet it’s plugged into.

So with a little basic math, you can see that an air purifier will run fine on a power strip.

But should you?

Power strip safety

Though an air purifier by itself is not enough to overload a power strip,  since the air purifier is made to stay on constantly, it does reduce the amount of power that can be continually used on the power strip.

And plugging too many things into a power strip that stay on all the time can overload a power strip.

Power strip danger

If you ever have seen a power strip that is burnt, you were probably thinking that the whole point of the power strip was to shut off if it were overloaded.

That is wrong.

Power strips do not have a surge protection function.

They are simply a way for you to get more outlets out of a single electrical plug.

Which means that a power strip can be inherently dangerous and if it can get so hot that it burns and melts the power strip, it can get hot enough to start a fire in the house or office.

An easy solution, though a bit more costly, is to use surge protectors instead of power strips.

Surge protectors are designed specifically to shut down if they are overloaded. The APC Performance Surge protector is a good one. Click here to see a picture of it.

They are a safety device first, that will not allow you to plug too many things into it that will catch it on fire.

The little extra you spend on a surge detector is well worth the investment to protect your appliances and more so your home or office from catching fire.

Summary

Can an air purifier be plugged into a power strip?

Air purifiers do not use enough Watts to overpower a power strip.

Especially the small outlet plug-in air purifiers, which are basically a UV light.

But since they are designed to stay on continuously, they take away from the amount of Watts that you can safely use on the power strip.

And against popular opinion, power strips are not made to shut off if they are overloaded. You may have seen a power strip that is burnt and wonder why it didn’t shut off before it got burnt.

The answer is that it was not made to be an overload protection device. A power strip is simply a way to multiply the amount of items that you can plug into a single outlet.

A better solution is to bypass the power strip all together and to use a surge protector instead of a power strip. Belkin is another good option for a surge protector. You can see it here.

Surge protectors look very similar to a power strip and they do the same job of multiplying the amount of things that you can plug into a single outlet,

But they have an important difference in that they are actually made to prevent a surge of electricity that would cause a fire.

If you are short on wall outlets, instead of picking up the 2-pack cheap power strip package,

Consider spending the little extra for a surge protector that can not only protect your devices, but ultimately can protect you from harm.

Ion air purifiers offer a unique method of cleaning air that provides consumers with the choice of an air cleaner that does not require replacement filters.

A huge selling point when you realize the investment you are going to have to make in filter replacements over the life of an air purifier.

But does the benefit of being a filter less air purifier also come with the risk of being dangerous?

Comparison Table of Air Purifier Types

Are ionizer air cleaners dangerous?

Ionizer air cleaners operate by charging airborne particles with ions, causing them to clump together and settle out of the air.

While effective at reducing particulate matter, these devices have a significant drawback: they produce ozone as an unintended by-product.

The Science Behind Ozone Risks

Ozone (O3) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, recognized by the scientific community for its reactive properties. While beneficial in the Earth’s stratosphere for blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation, at ground level, ozone becomes a potent lung irritant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that exposure to ozone can lead to several adverse health effects, including:

Respiratory Issues: Ozone can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation, and airway inflammation. It can exacerbate conditions like asthma and bronchitis, leading to increased medication use, doctor visits, and even hospital admissions.
Chest Discomfort: High levels of ozone exposure can lead to chest pain and discomfort, making breathing feel more laborious and less comfortable.
Long-term Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to ozone can lead to more severe respiratory conditions and has been linked to a decrease in lung function over time.

Regulatory Actions and Recommendations

In response to these risks, the EPA has taken regulatory actions against the sale of ozone generators marketed as domestic air purifiers. These devices, which intentionally produce ozone for air sterilization, pose a significant health risk when used in enclosed living spaces.

The strong oxidizing properties of ozone mean it can react with not just airborne pollutants, but also with biological tissues in the lungs, leading to potential damage.

While ionizer air cleaners can offer benefits in reducing airborne particles, their production of ozone as a by-product raises important health concerns.

That makes it completely unsafe as an everyday air cleaning device that you turn on and leave.

Ionizer air purifier dangers

Ionizers typically manufacturer ions in one of two ways.

1. Corona discharge which amounts to a lightning simulation
2. Ultraviolet light

Though not nearly the level of ozone that an ozone generator would create,
The presence of ozone at all creates a need for safety precautions.

The good news is that ionizers do not produce Ozone gas as an intentional method of air cleaning.

And the level of ozone manufactured is below the 0-50 ppb Federal limit for the amount of ozone a device can create before it becomes a health hazard.

But that does not negate the fact that ozone can build up when an ionizer is used wrongly or in a wrongly specified space? No.

In other words if you purchase a ionizer that is made to use in 1000 square feet, the same ionizer is going to create much too much ozone in 100 square feet.

You’re still required to follow the directions for the Ionizer to be used safely.

For many, the realization that an air cleaner might produce ozone and inadvertently compromise air quality leads them to focus exclusively on filtered air purifiers. This choice is understandable, given the wide array of effective options available.

However, in moving away from ionizer-based systems, they might overlook the unique advantages these devices offer, which traditional filtering purifiers can’t replicate.

Air Ionizer Advantages

In addition to the clear advantage of being filterless, thus eliminating the need for routine maintenance and filter replacements that HEPA air purifiers require, ionization air purifiers offer a potentially more significant benefit: their impact on bacteria and viruses.

A study by the University of Michigan found that “dangerous airborne viruses are rendered harmless on-the-fly when exposed to energetic, charged fragments of air molecules,” demonstrating the efficacy of air ionization in neutralizing pathogens.
This particular research utilized a plasma bipolar ionizer that generates both positive and negative ions, supporting the effectiveness of ionization technology.

Furthermore, Photo Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) ionizers create ions through a process that involves ultraviolet light and a titanium oxide catalyst. This reaction produces hydroxyl and hydroperoxide ions, potent agents capable of sanitizing both the air and surfaces within a room. These findings, echoed by other similar studies, highlight the unique benefits of ionization air purifiers in enhancing indoor air quality and safety.

The use of PCO has been described as spritzing an entire room with hydrogen peroxide. The same stuff you put on a cut or abrasion to disinfect the area. Imagine disinfecting your entire room with an ionizer.

Benefits and Risks of Ionizer Air Purifiers

Enhancing HEPA Filter Performance

An intriguing aspect of ionizer air purifiers is their ability to augment the efficiency of HEPA filters.

By ionizing airborne particles, they cause smaller particles to conglomerate into larger clusters. These larger particle clusters are then more easily captured by HEPA filters, which might otherwise struggle to trap such fine particulates.

This synergistic effect not only extends the life of HEPA filters by reducing the burden of fine particles but also improves overall air purification efficiency.

Safe Use of Ionizer Air Purifiers

To utilize an ionizer air purifier safely, it’s important to recognize that while most ionizers produce minimal ozone, they do generate it to some extent. The most prudent method to employ an ionizer is to treat it as a form of air treatment, meant to be used in unoccupied spaces.

Similar to professional ozone generators, which are used under strict guidelines ensuring no people, animals, or plants are present in the area during operation, an ionizer should be used with comparable caution. The treated area should be allowed to air out completely before being occupied again.

By adopting this careful approach, you can harness the advantages of ionizer air purifiers without risking exposure to potentially harmful effects of ozone for yourself or others.

 Ionizer Air Purifier Usage Guidelines

Conclusion

Ion air purifier danger comes in the form of ozone.

Because of the way ions are manufactured in an ionizer, namely ultraviolet light or Corona discharge which is the real definition of lightning in a bottle.
Ozone is the unfortunate by-product.

And since ozone is such a powerful oxidant, it will not only oxidize the pollutants in your air,  it can also oxidize your lung tissue.

Though ionizer air purifiers do not create the level of ozone that a ozone generator does, ozone, even at a low level can build up and be harmful to breathe.

Despite the need for cautious use due to ozone generation, ionizers present unique advantages not found in other air purifiers, such as eliminating the need for filter replacements and actively destroying viruses and bacteria.

These benefits make ionizers an attractive option, albeit with a usage approach that differs from that of HEPA air purifiers.

An air ionizer should be treated as a air treatment rather than a set it and leave it filtering type of air cleaner.

By treating an air ionizer as a room treatment, used only when the space is unoccupied and allowing sufficient time for dissipation, you can enjoy all its benefits without the risks associated with ion air purifiers.

Furthermore, one of the standout advantages of ionizers is their filter-free operation.

Interestingly, they can also enhance the performance of HEPA filters by aggregating smaller particles into larger clusters, which are then more readily captured by the HEPA filter, thus improving its efficiency.

FAQ: Ionizer Air Purifiers

1. What is an ionizer air purifier?
An ionizer air purifier is a device that uses electrical charges to generate ions, which attach to and neutralize airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pathogens, making them easier to filter or causing them to settle out of the air.

2. How do ionizer air purifiers differ from HEPA air purifiers?
Ionizer air purifiers work by charging airborne particles and do not require filter replacements, while HEPA air purifiers use dense physical filters to trap particles. Ionizers can also reduce the presence of viruses and bacteria more effectively than standard HEPA filters.

3. Can ionizer air purifiers produce ozone?
Yes, ionizer air purifiers can produce ozone as a by-product of ion generation. However, the amount is typically low and within safety standards set by regulatory bodies.

4. What is the smell of ozone, and is it normal to detect it from an ionizer air purifier?
The smell of ozone is often described as crisp or similar to that of chlorine. Detecting a faint ozone smell from an ionizer air purifier can be normal due to the ozone produced during ionization. However, strong ozone odors may indicate excessive ozone levels, which could be harmful.

5. Are ionizer air purifiers safe for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions?
While ionizer air purifiers can remove allergens from the air, the ozone produced can irritate the respiratory system. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should consult with a healthcare provider before using an ionizer air purifier.

6. How should an ionizer air purifier be used safely?
To use an ionizer air purifier safely, operate it in unoccupied spaces and allow the room to ventilate before re-entry. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding room size and operational duration.

7. Can ionizer air purifiers improve the efficiency of HEPA filters?
Yes, ionizer air purifiers can enhance HEPA filter performance by causing smaller particles to clump together into larger particles, which are more easily captured by HEPA filters.

8. How often should I clean or maintain my ionizer air purifier?
Maintenance frequency for ionizer air purifiers varies by model, but generally, it’s recommended to check and clean the device according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal performance. This often includes cleaning the ionizing rods or plates to maintain effective ion production.

Air Purifier Advantages and Disadvantages

There’s no doubt that air purifiers are one of the most marketed items that you can find anywhere. The claims about the effectiveness of air purifiers seem to reach new heights every year. Some of the claims made by some advertisers make air purifier sound more gimmicky or scammy than an actual appliance that has a real function.

Whichever side of the fence you fall on, there is more than enough ammunition to argue your side. Here we’ve laid out what we think are the biggest negatives and side effects as well as advantages to owning an air purifier.
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Negative Side Effects of Air Purifiers

1. Air Purifiers are Expensive

Air purifiers are one of the more expensive appliances available for purchase. The price tag on many air purifiers makes you wonder how they could come up with such an exorbitant price for a filtering machine. The price tag doesn’t stop when you purchase the device either. Get ready to join the filter of the month club. Or at least the filter every 3-6 month club.

2.  Replacement Hepa Filters

Air purifiers require replacement filters. You cant really argue the amazing capacity of hepa filters to be able to remove allergens from the air. But the ongoing cost of replacing the hepa filter would be considered a major negative side effect of owning an air purifier.

3.  It’s hard to tell if they’re working

Unless you’re having a specific problem with indoor allergies and can pinpoint the exact spot or room where the allergies tend to affect you the most, it’s hard to tell if an air purifier is actually working.

Most of us just go along our daily lives breathing the air we’re given with no real issues. Sometimes owning an air purifier so that we can say we are breathing healthier air is like taking a multivitamin. You know you need it, but you may not even ever be able to tell a difference in the way you are feeling by taking it.

4. Ozone

Air purifiers that clean the air with negative ions and UV tend to make ozone as a by-product. Whether you believe that ozone is straight from the devil or you don’t mind a little ozone if it means you can effectively reduce airborne viruses, the fact remains that breathing too much ozone can aggravate your lungs.

Which kind of defeats the point of getting a machine to help you breathe better.
Most ionic air purifiers create will below the amount of ozone that would be harmful. But there is the problem of putting to large of an ionic air purifier into too small of an area and getting a Overkill of 03.

Ozone also has a sharp odor that is reminiscent of bleach. Another “defeats the point” type of scenario. If you’re using an air purifier to help reduce odors then you  don’t exactly want a machine that adds an odor in return.

5. Make the Room Dusty

Air purifiers tend to make the area around the air purifier extra Dusty. And air purifiers that use negative ions can cause dust to settle throughout the whole area. So much so that there is a term for it, “Grey wall syndrome”.

6.  Require Regular Maintenance

Maintenance on an air purifier could be considered the same as replacing filters. But there are some types of filters that do not need replacing and can be washed. Most air purifiers have a pre-filter to capture larger airborne debris.

7.  Noisy

Most air purifiers are filtering machines that run similar to a fan that pulls dirty air and exhaust clean air. And just like a fan, they come with different speed settings that allow you to turn the fan up higher or lower. Many larger Hepa air purifiers advertise “white noise” as part of their benefits.

8.  Concentrate germs and bacteria

Air purifiers generally work like a fan in reverse that to pull allergens from the air into a filter. That makes the area around the air purifier that much more full of local debris in the air since the flow of the air is towards the air purifier. This is one of the reasons that sleeping next to an air purifier is not the best ideal.

9. Air purifiers can make allergies worse

Air purifiers can make allergies worse because they tend to pull the airborne  allergens in the room toward the air purifier. This can create a local area around the filter that is highly concentrated with airborne allergens. That’s why putting an air purifier next to your easy chair can actually make the air around your most comfortable seat seem worse.

10. Useless for immediate odors

Though there are many air purifier brands that do work well for removing residual odors with carbon filters, the fact is that air purifiers are pretty much useless to get rid of immediate odors. By immediate, I mean, fresh kitchen odors, chemical odors, or bathroom odors.

11. Useless for smoking

Along the same lines as strong cooking smells, you’re not going to have much luck clearing out the smell of smoke quickly. And if you were talking about a house that has a history of cigarette smoking, the lingering smell is not something that an air purifier will be able to get rid of very easily.
Cigarette and tobacco smoke tends to have a sticky residue texture to it that binds it to the furniture, curtains, walls, and floor.
Ozone generators are you usually used for these types of situations.

Advantages Of Air Purifiers

1.  Save you money

Allergies are big business. And getting relief from indoor allergies is not cheap.

Antihistamines can run you up to 40 bucks a pop at the local pharmacy. And to get the good stuff you have to have a prescription from a doctor.

Factor in the time missed from work and you get the point. Money and more money.

A quality air purifier can filter out as much as  97% of household allergens.

By capturing airborne allergens before they become a reason to see a doctor or a purchase medication, an air purifier can work to save you money.

2. Great for Babies

Babies are very susceptible to all types of allergens and bacteria.

Using a HEPA air cleaner with a activated carbon filter included will help your baby breathe better without introducing anything into the air that might have an adverse effect.

An Air purifier can also reduce the need for using germ sanitizing wipes in which chemicals can stick around much longer than you might imagine.

Activated carbon in an air purifier can also help reduce the abundance of odors that can gather in the baby’s nursery or room.

Ozone producing air purifiers should be avoided to ensure that the babies developing lungs are not harmed.

There can be no doubt that clean air is important for a baby to grow strong.

3. Government Statistics  

Statistics. You gotta love em.

But did you know that according to the CPSC Consumer Product Safety Commission,

Indoor air can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air even largest industrialized cities?

The same research found it people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors and that indoor air pollution is more of a health risk then outdoor air pollution.

Modern building techniques not only provide tightly sealed buildings to better ensure that the temperature remains a constant,

They also keep indoor air pollution sealed inside as well.

Do air purifiers work? Yes, The right air purifier can help you is your family avoid being a statistic.

4. Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Allergies affect us all at some point and for some of us, it can be downright miserable.
And the first line of defense is usually  to get an allergy medication.

Medications like antihistamines are expensive and most people experience side effects like fogginess and feeling drowsy when using them.

A high quality air purifier can work to filter as much as 97% airborne dust, pollen and pet dander, mold spores and bacteria before they have a chance to turn into an allergy problem.

5. Reduce Asthma Tiggers

Many of the same household allergens like dust mites and pollen, mold spores and pet dander can result in much worse symptoms for an asthma sufferer.

Airborne pollutants that otherwise may be the norm can result in narrowed airways and not being able to your catch your breath for an  asthmatic.

Reducing triggers that can cause an attack is essential for an asthma sufferer.

A good air purifier can go a long way to help reduce airborne asthma triggers.

6. Help Control Pet Dander

How many people have to alter their lives because they can’t exist in the same house as a cat?

Pet dander can produce awful symptoms in people that are allergic to it.

Uncontrollable sneezing and swollen eyes are typical for people allergic to dander.

What a lot of people do not know though, is that airborne pet dander can be controlled.

Dander is actually the bacteria left on a Pet’s fur after they lick and groom themselves.

Once it dries, it becomes airborne.

An air purifier with a true HEPA filter can work wonders when it comes to capturing pet dander out of the air.

7.  Germs and Bacteria Reduction

Controlling germs and viruses in the home is usually delegated to using antiseptic sprays and bleach wipes.

But according to the National Library of Medicine, there are air cleaning technologies that can leave viruses and bacteria inactive.

Bi polar ionization is a technology that when used in concert with a HEPA filter can effectively reduce germs and viruses in a room.

Adding an air purifier equipped with these technologies to your sanitizing arsenal can make a real difference when it comes to germs and viruses in your home.

8.  Mold Spores

A great deal of the population is allergic to mold spores.

Many of the problems that people have with mold or due to leaky pipes. Finding the area where the moisture is getting in and fixing it is the first step to control mold allergies.

But there are also many other areas that mold grow that are practically impossible to eliminate.

Though the use of an air purifier will not clean mold off of your walls, it can be very effective at reducing the populations of mold spores in your air.

One type of air purifier that is highly rated for reducing mold in the air is Photocatalytic Oxidation. Photocatalytic oxidation or PCO for short oxidizes mold spores and removes their ability to cause an allergic reaction.

9. Odors

Foul odors or not only annoying and off-putting, they can be symptomatic gases and fumes lingering in the area.

Activated carbon is a type of air cleaning technology that is able to adsorb the the VOCs and gases that are at the root of the odor and leave your house feeling fresh again.

Do Air Purifiers Work? Yes, The Right Air Purifiers Really Work For Odors.

10. Help With Headaches

Dust in air can give you a headache. But it’s not just the dirt being kicked up in the air that’s the problem.

It’s what the dust is made up of.

Some of the ingredients that you can find in your average dust ball are dead skin cells, cockroach feces, dust mites, pollen and spores, and carcinogens from smoke.

No wonder you have a headache.

Intense smells can also give you a headache. Many people can develop an oversensitive sense of smell they can make even the smells like cologne and candles too strong.

An air purifier that uses a true HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing airborne contaminants that cause headaches.

11. Help Manage COPD

Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a lung disease that causes obstructed airflow to the lungs.

An air purifier is not a replacement for inhalers and other equipment for people with COPD but keeping the air as clean as possible is a must when everyday household allergens can interfere with catching your breathe.

Keeping quality air purifiers equipped with true HEPA and activated oxygen filters running throughout the home will help remove airborne irritants before they have a chance to be breathed in.

12. Chemicals and VOCs

VOCs are usually considered air pollution created by chemicals.

Many household products including hair spray, aerosol cleaners, nail polish remover, and crafting items like paint and glue can be toxic to breathe.

Other VOCs occur through off gassing, exhaust fumes, and cigarette smoke.

Symptoms of VOC exposure range from allergy type issues like sneezing and runny noses all the through sharp headaches and memory loss.

Air purifiers that contain a large weight of activated Carbon are what’s needed to combat Chemicals in the air.

Other technologies like PCO reduce VOCs as well. Be aware though that air purifiers that rely on creating a ionic reaction should be viewed more as a air cleaning treatment rather than a 24/7 filtering machine.

Summary

Do air purifiers work? No doubt. Yes they work.

We have listed 12 ways and air purifier can work for you here but there are many more ways an purifier can enhance your life.

Sufferers of sleep apnea and snoring can you get a better night’s rest when there or less pollutants to breathe in you were are sleeping.

Also air purifiers are useful all year long.

Other appliances like air conditioners and heaters are only useful for about 3 to 5 months out of the year.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers, same thing. About a 3-5 month period where they are useful.

Good air quality is something you need every day of the year.

Do Air Purifiers Work? Really Work?
Yes.

Air ionizers/ionic air purifiers are popular appliances for indoor air quality.

But they do come with a few side effects that have put them under scrutiny and have given a few people misgivings about them.

What are the Side Effects of an Air Purifier with Ionizer?

Air ionizers, a key technology in modern air purifiers, offer significant benefits for indoor air quality by electrically charging air molecules to attract and neutralize pollutants.

They excel in removing fine particulates, neutralizing airborne bacteria and viruses, and operate quietly without the need for filters.

However, a notable side effect is the production of trace amounts of ozone, a lung irritant that can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma.

While innovations in air purification technology continue to evolve, addressing these concerns, the balance between benefits and side effects of ionizers remains a crucial consideration.

Discover more about how these technologies work and their implications for your indoor environment in the following sections.

Introduction

Indoor air quality has become a growing concern in recent decades.

As modern buildings are constructed to be more airtight and energy efficient, indoor air pollution, as some have argued, has become a bigger issue than ever before.

Additionally, we spend more time indoors engaged in activities like watching TV, staring at the phone, and working on our laptops.

So it is no mystery that air purifiers have surged in popularity for home and business use.

One type of air purifying technology that has seen widespread adoption are air ionizers, also known as ionic air purifiers.

Ionic air purifiers work by electrically charging and emitting ions. The ions because of polarity attach and cluster together, bonding around whatever pollutants happen to be in the air.

And then because of the weight of the newly clustered particles, they fall out of the air.

Ionic air purifiers do have several advantages:

1. They do not require Filters.
   Not a small detail. Air purifiers probably more than any other require a back end investment of buying and replacing filters.
2. Quiet.
   Don’t overlook this one either. Hepa filter air purifiers can be compared to running a loud fan. Ionizers usually have a fan about the size of a computer fan it at all.
3. Effective at removing fine particulates and neutralizing airborne bacteria and viruses. Ionic air purifiers that use advance technologies like Plasma wave and PCO(more about these later) actually destroy germs other than just filtering them.
   

   Ionic Air Purifier Negative Side Effects

However, ionic air purifiers have also faced scrutiny for their potential downsides.

Mainly, the ionization process that is used produces trace amounts of ozone, which can irritate lungs and worsen respiratory illnesses like asthma.

Used improperly in confined indoor spaces, ionic purifiers can generate unsafe ozone levels.

As a result, The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed restrictions on air purifiers that manufacture ozone.

The federal limit for ozone emissions from air purifiers, as of April 2023, requires that indoor air cleaning devices emit no more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) of ozone.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) bans the sale of ozone generators for use in indoor environments.

And just a cheeky gander around Amazon’s search results for air purifiers, you can see that ionic air purifiers are not nearly as popular as they once were.

Air Purifier Ozone Emission Levels

Understanding Ozone Emission Levels in Context

The table above illustrates the ozone emission levels for various types of air purifiers, underscoring the importance of using an appropriately sized unit for your space.

It’s crucial to remember that these figures assume the air purifier is correctly matched to the room size. For instance, a PCO air purifier designed for a 1000 square feet area would be excessive and potentially problematic in a small 100 square feet room.

Oversizing can lead to unnecessarily high ozone levels, defeating the purpose of safe and effective air purification.

Therefore, selecting an air purifier that is appropriate for your room size not only optimizes performance but also ensures adherence to safety guidelines regarding ozone emissions.

Air Purifier Technologies Comparison

Air Oasis iAdapt
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Combination Technology Air purifiers

Though you may not see as many straight up air ionizers and ionic air purifiers, you can find quite a few combination devices that seek to offer you the best of both worlds.

HEPA filter air purifiers are known for their capacity to capture air particles as small as .03 microns. HEPA 13 can’t even capture particulates as small as .01 microns.

You can argue that with those kinds of results why would you even want to mess with an ionizer, since there is the potential danger of ozone building up.

But actually, HEPA filters and ion generators make a good marriage.

How so?

The ionic side of the air purifier clusters the particles in the air together which makes them easier to be captured by the HEPA filter.

And since you’re not relying on the ions themselves as the main source of air purification, you can get the same clumping together effect by running the ionizer on low, which will lower the risk of ozone building up immensely.

Additionally, pairing ionizers with other filtration technologies like activated carbon can broaden the range of pollutants removed. Activated carbon adsorbs gases and odors that ionizers do not capture.

Reme Halo Induct Air Purifier
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Induct Ionic Air Purifiers

Installing the ionizer in the HVAC system treats air throughout the entire building while keeping ozone safely contained and rapidly dissipated.

Using Ionizers In the ductwork also helps avoid the high pressure drop caused by dense HEPA filters.

Using ionizers in the ductwork is a much more effective way of cleaning the air than using a dense HEPA filter in the HVAC, which can result in a high pressure drop.

Smart Multi-Tech Air Purifiers

Smart multi-technology air purifiers use sensors that can adjust ionizer settings automatically based on air quality conditions to minimize ozone production.

This smart integration points to the future of air cleaning technology.

Winix 5500-2 with Plazmawave – Click Here to View

Advanced Ionic Technologies:

Plasma Wave Technology

Plasma Wave technology is an innovative air purification method that employs bipolar ionization.

This process generates both positive and negative ions, which are dispersed into the air and effectively neutralize a wide range of airborne pollutants, including viruses, bacteria, mold, and allergens.

What makes Plasma Wave particularly appealing is its ability to purify the air without producing harmful ozone, making it a safer choice for indoor environments.

Winix is using Plasma Wave across a whole range of their products. Their 5500-2 model remains one of the most popular air purifiers sold on Amazon.

Air Oasis is another brand that is integrating plasma wave into their air purifiers smartly.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

Photocatalytic Oxidation, using a titanium dioxide-coated filter activated by UV light, creates hydroxyl radicals to decompose organic pollutants in the air.

This technology, notably developed and employed by NASA for air purification in space shuttles and the International Space Station, effectively reduces harmful airborne chemicals, odors, bacteria, and viruses.

It’s now widely used in various industries, including healthcare, food processing, and commercial buildings, for its ability to transform contaminants into harmless substances, enhancing indoor air quality.

Photocatalytic oxidation was one of the most popular types of air purification only a few years ago. Unfortunately, the technology lost a lot of steam due to California’s ban on ozone generating devices.

But it still remains one of the best air purification technologies.

You can find it being used by RGF, Guardian Technologies, and AirPura to name a few.

Diverse Industrial Applications

Another point that adds to the validity of ionic technologies in air purification, is the extensive way it is being used in other industries.

You can find Plasma Wave and PCO (photo catalytic oxidation) being utilized in:

• Healthcare Facilities: Ensuring sterile environments in hospitals and clinics.
• Food Processing and Storage: Preserving food freshness and preventing spoilage.
• Commercial Buildings: Improving indoor air quality in offices, malls, and hotels.
• Manufacturing and Industrial Sites: Controlling pollutants and chemical emissions.
• Transportation: Enhancing air quality in vehicles, aircraft, and marine vessels.
• HVAC Systems: Integrated into larger systems for improved air quality in buildings.
• Agricultural Applications: Managing air quality in greenhouses and animal rearing facilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air ionizers and ionic air purifiers represent a significant step forward in our quest for cleaner indoor air.

While they offer numerous benefits such as filterless operation, quietness, and efficiency in removing fine particulates and neutralizing airborne pathogens, it’s crucial to weigh these advantages against the potential side effects, particularly the production of ozone.

Advances in air purification technology, including combination devices and smart multi-tech purifiers, are continuously evolving to mitigate these concerns and enhance indoor air quality.

As we move forward, understanding and leveraging these technologies in a safe and effective manner will remain paramount for healthier indoor environments.

FAQ

1. What are air ionizers?

Air ionizers are devices that use electrical charging to produce ions, which attach to and neutralize airborne pollutants.

2. How do air ionizers purify the air?

They electrically charge air molecules, causing pollutants to cluster and fall out of the air due to increased weight.

3. What are the benefits of using an air ionizer?

They are effective at removing fine particulates, neutralizing airborne bacteria and viruses, and operate quietly without filters.

4. What is a significant side effect of air ionizers?

They can produce trace amounts of ozone, a lung irritant that may worsen respiratory conditions like asthma.

5. What are the federal limits for ozone emissions from air purifiers?

As of April 2023, the limit is no more than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) of ozone.

6. How do combination air purifiers work?

They combine ionizers with other technologies like HEPA filters and activated carbon to enhance air purification.

7. Can ionizers be used in HVAC systems?

Yes, they can be installed in HVAC systems to treat air throughout a building while containing ozone.

8. What is smart multi-tech air purification?

It involves purifiers using sensors to adjust ionizer settings based on air quality, minimizing ozone production.

9. What is Plasma Wave technology?

Plasma Wave employs bipolar ionization to generate ions that neutralize pollutants without producing harmful ozone.

10. What is Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)?

PCO uses a titanium dioxide-coated filter and UV light to create radicals that decompose organic pollutants in the air.