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How Does an Ozonator Work?

An Ozonator works by creating high levels of trioxygen by either:

1. Corona discharge. A type of thunderstorm simulation that creates a high voltage arc between two dialectics.
2. UVC. A type of sunlight simulation that uses ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 254 nanometers do split oxygen.

Ozone is oxygen with a third molecule. Or O3. This extra molecule is highly reactive and oxidizes anything it comes in contact with. After it reacts,  it reverts back to oxygen. Or O2.

What Does an Ozonator Do?

An Ozonator or ozone generator as they are called more often, emits ozone into an area for the purpose of removing pollutants from the air as well as surface.

Ozone has  the capacity to destroy just about every organism in an air space including mold spores, lingering cigarette and tobacco residues, and odors.

What does ozone smell like?

It is most recognizable as the effect of a lightning storm that charges all the particles in the air as it rolls through.

And this is also why many people say that the smell of ozone reminds them of an after a thunderstorm scent.

The smell of ozone can also be compared to the smell of bleach or antiseptic.

The result of a thunderstorm is freshness. Pure air has the same effect on you as drinking a glass of water that has all the necessary minerals that you are craving.

Why are ozone generators considered dangerous?

It is because ozone is so effective at oxidizing every pollutant in the room, it will also oxidize the tissue in your lungs.

You may argue that if we were not breathing dirty air all the time that ozone would have no effect at all on your lungs. Because there would be no pollutants in your lungs to oxidize.

But obviously that’s not how it is and that’s not the world we live in, so

Ozone can be very dangerous to breathe and that is why it is not considered safe to use as the typical air purifier you leave on while you go about your daily household business.
And definitely not while you’re sleeping. 

Air purifier vs. Ozone generator

Air purifiers use filters to filter out contaminants in the air.

Ozone generators on the other hand, create high levels of ozone in a short amount of time as a means of odor abatement.

Air purifiers are considered safe because they are basically a fan pulling air through filter

Ozone shock treatments are performed only after a area is cleared of people, pets, or any plant life.
That’s worth saying again. They are not intended to be operated in the vicinity of people, of animals, or plants.

How long does it take ozone to dissipate after you use a ozone generator?

The best answer is to err on the safe side and give it a few hours to ensure your safety.

As you may guess, the answer varies with both strength of the generator and the length of time it is operated.

That being said, ozone has a short life and most experts agree that it will revert back to breathable oxygen in about 30 minutes.

Do ozone generators remove cigarette smoke odor?

Yes. Ozone will oxidize the over 4000 chemicals that make up cigarette smoke and eliminate the lingering smell.

Cigarette and cigar odors tend to travel to every nook and cranny they can find.
And because of the tar residue that that is part of tobacco smoke, it adheres to everything, especially carpets, drapes, and furniture.

That’s why cigarette and smoke odors seem so hard to get rid of and keep lingering on for years.

Ozone will travel in a similar path as cigarette  smoke and break down the the molecules that are causing the odor, even the molecules that have glued their self to your furniture.

Automobiles that have been used by smokers that smoked inside their vehicles can have a very persistent third hand smoke presence.

Detailers use ozonators to return a vehicle back to a new car smell that people love.

Does ozone kill bugs?

Yes. Ozone will kill bugs when it is used but it is a temporary solution at best.  It does not take the place of a regular exterminator or a plan to keep bugs from coming back.

Ozone is primarily used as an odor remover.

And though any bugs that get trapped in the area while the room is being treated with ozone will be killed,

Once the ozone has dissipated, the bugs will be back. Most bugs will just run away while the room is being treated, and come back when the coast is clear.

Does Ozone kill bed bugs?

It is the same with bedbugs as any other bugs, If they are trapped in the room with the ozone, they will die.

But when the ozone is dissipated they will come out of every outlet and nook and cranny.

Ozone is not a good solution for bed bugs.

Ozone Mold

A Ozone generator will kill any exposed mold or fungus in the room it is operated in. Any airborne mold spores will be a goner.

But similar to the effect you get with insects is what you get with mold.

If you have a problem with mold before you use the ozonator, you will still have a problem afterwards.

Ozone will only treat the symptoms.
It will not do any physical cleanup or identify and fix the original problem.

Nor will it travel through to the inside of the wall cavities, where a great deal of mold can be found.

Mold is primarily a moisture problem inside of the house or building. Until you find the source of the moisture and fix it, any type of cleaning is just going to be a temporary fix.

How to use an ozone generator at home.

Ozone generator safety precautions

1. Do not operate around people, animals, or plants.
2. Use caution tape to clearly identify the area as a “Do Not Enter” zone.
3. Let the ozone completely dissipate before re-entering the area. At least 30 minutes.
4. Outlet Timer. Use a timer to turn the unit on and off. most ozone generators come outfitted with a timer, but if yours does not have one, you can use an outlet timer
5. Remove flammable gases. Though ozone is not flammable, it can help accelerate a fire if one were to break out.
6. No smoking in the area.

Getting the best results out of an Ozonator.

1.Use the appropriate size generator for your area.

Too small of an ozonator will not accomplish much and only make the air unbreathable.

Using to large of an ozonator will increase the amount of time you will need to wait before re-entering the area.

2.  Vacuum the carpets.

Getting the smell out of the carpets will be much easier if there is not debris and dust all over them.

3. Mop floors and wipe down surfaces.

The same principle as vacuuming the floors. Ozone will have a much easier time getting rid of deep smells if it doesn’t have to get through a film of dirt or grime.

4.  Center the ozone machine in the middle of the room.

5.  Start small. It is always better to use the machine for a shorter time then check the results.
You can always run it again and turn it up a little if you need.

The problem with ozone not dissipating the way it should can linked to too much ozone being blasted for too long.

According to some experts, you can get into an arena where VOCs begin to break up and form other types of gases when exposed to heavy ozone too long.

This is not result you’re after. It is much better to start small then have to deal with a problem like that.

Ozone Generator Applications

1.  Hotel rooms.

A smoking room can be transformed into a non-smoking room.

A non-smoking room that has been smoked in can be restored.

Cooking smells. Many hotels come with kitchenettes that can produce strong lingering odors. A ozone generator can oxidize the strong odors and return the room to freshness.

Bacteria, germs, and viruses.
The amount of traffic a hotel room sees can leave all sorts of nasty germs. Ozone can sanitize everything in the room.

2.  Vehicles

Cigarette and cigar odors can permanently saturate the inside of a car or truck.
Auto detailers can use a ozone generator to completely remove the smell of third hand smoke from the inside of the cab of the vehicle.

3.  House flipping and rental remediation.

The smell left behind from a tenant or previous owner that was a inside smoker,  can leave a big imprint on a property that is being flipped or rented.

Ozone can remove the smell of smoke from walls and floors leaving the house free of smoke smells

4.Mold remediation.
Selling or renting a house with mold issues will bring down the value drastically.

Once the source of the mold is identified and fixed, an ozone generator can be used to clear out mold spores as well as the musky smell left behind.

Will Ozone Remove The Smell Of Cat Urine?

The answer is mostly no. Cat urine typically gets deep down into the carpet underneath the floorboards.

Ozone is a topical oxidizer and doesn’t get underneath the carpet or inside the walls.

There are different oxidizer solutions you can put on cat urine if the problem is not too extreme.

But you should be prepared to rip the carpet out if you have a strong stench.

How does ozone water treatment work?

Ozone or trioxygen oxidizes metal, magnesium, and sulfides in H2O to form   indissoluble metallic oxidations or fundamental sulfides. These indissoluble particulates are filtered out post ozonation. Natural particulates and vocs are removed bar clotting or being chemically oxidized.

An ozone generator is used to clean water in the same way that it cleans the air except for ozone being pumped into the air is being pumped into water.

Is primarily used in wastewater to kill bacteria and germs.

A post filtration method is needed to filter out any oxidized metals or fragments that get left behind through the process.

Treating water with ozone is powerful than chlorine for removing toxins from water and doesn’t stay in the water nearly as long as chlorine.

But regardless of its efficiency, ozone remains too expensive to be used as a primary way of creating clean water.

see also:
What Does an Ioniser Do?

The truth is most of us have to think long and hard about what we’re going to spend our money on, working people work to pay their bills, put food on the table, send their kids to college, and provide a roof over their families head.

And we don’t like to waste the extra money we do have.

There’s plenty of things around the house that you have to buy that you’re not going to get around, when something comes up, you’re going to have to lay down the cash regardless whether you having to spend or not.

Some appliances like the refrigerator or the washer and the dryer are so important that there is no question about owning one or having it fixed immediately once it breaks.

But other appliances like air purifiers don’t have the same importance placed on them. It understandable, but when you find out the benefits that air purifiers actually offer, is it really understandable?

Are Air Purifiers Worth the Money?

Yes, air purifiers are generally worth the investment for your home, despite the upfront cost.
High-quality HEPA air purifiers effectively reduce indoor allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores that commonly trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
They also filter out odors, chemicals, gases, smoke, and other irritants that pollute interior air. Air purifiers provide cleaner, healthier air quality, which can minimize respiratory issues, trips to the doctor, and medication needs for those with allergies.
Portable units allow you to purify problem areas as needed. While pricier, air purifiers often pay for themselves long-term in health cost savings.

Buy an appropriately sized unit for your space and follow maintenance guidelines.
Overall, air purifiers greatly improve home air quality, making them a worthwhile investment for your health.

 

Reasons Air Purifiers Are Worth the Investment	Explanation
Significant reduction in allergens	HEPA filters capture dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. Can reduce allergy symptoms.
Elimination of odors and gases	Activated carbon filters absorb VOCs, smoke, fumes that pollute indoor air.
Destruction of airborne irritants	Technologies like bipolar ionization can reduce mold, viruses, etc.
Cost savings compared to allergy treatments	Air purifiers can minimize need for medications, doctor visits for allergies.
Better indoor air quality	Filter out the many pollutants present indoors from carpets, cleaning supplies, smoke, etc.
Portability	Can be moved room-to-room to purify air where needed most.
Energy efficient models available	Units with Energy Star rating use less electricity.

 

A little further investigation

I’m going to try the lay out the case for the common air purifier. maybe introduce a couple of points that you may have not thought of when it comes to air purifiers.

1.Vastly Advanced Technologies 

Most people just do not realize how well air purifiers work these days. The technologies behind air purifiers have advanced a great deal since the days of the air cleaners that used electrically charged up plates to attract dust out of the air. Plates that basically had to be scraped everyday to work right.

Not to mention that many air purifiers brands were basically ozone generators being sold as home air purifiers.

Industry standards and consumer worries demanded that the air purifier industry come up and find better ways to clean air. Ozone has  been highly regulated and even outlawed in California. Suffice to say, the indoor air pollution cleaner industry is much safer and efficient today.

2. Air Purifier Efficiency.

When you consider what an air purifier is capable of when it comes to common allergies,  like filtering out particles such as pollen and dust mites as well as capture pet dander. 

And then you compare that to the amount of money spent on managing allergies, (seriously how much does one box of allergy tabs cost? About 20 to $25 the last time I looked).

Factor in trips to the doctor, missed work, and just the outright quality of life or lack thereof when you’re experiencing airborne allergy symptoms.

The answer to the question of whether or not buying in the air purifier is a worthy investment becomes a little clearer.

Are Air Purifiers Worth the Cost?

With all that in mind,  I would say the answer is Yes.

Yes Air purifiers are worth the money.

Breathing clean air in our homes and in our offices is as important as drinking plenty of pure water and eating the right foods.

But somehow we as of yet do not place the same importance on air quality as we do food and water.

We can read about the horrific effects of air pollution in China and hear about mesothelioma from breathing asbestos but it somehow doesn’t hit home.

So much of the misery when it comes to sneezing and coughing and itchy and watery eyes, as well as stuffy noses can be attributed to breathing polluted air.

These symptoms as well as headaches and fatigue with body aches can all come from pollen allergies and pet allergies, mold spores and dust mites.

All of which are easily absorbed and minimized greatly by using the right type of air purifier.

3. Indoor air equals polluted air.

With today’s building standards being so high, indoor air quality has become a by-product of better means of sealing up rooms and more efficient windows.

And opening the windows only means bringing in environmental air pollution indoors.

Tobacco carcinogens, smog, vocs ranging from everything from carpet adhesive to crafting products and plain old carbon monoxide from just having too many people in a small area, are all everyday toxic reasons why we need an outside source to help us keep our air healthy.

The truth is none of us really are aware of the vast amount of air pollutants around us.

Everywhere from our basement to our yard to our kitchen to our bathroom, there are multiple air polluting agents everywhere in
Basements and garages usually have an issue with radon.

Storage areas in which the garage usually double, can have all sorts of VOCs(volatile organic compounds), pesticides and solvents,  along with all types of cleaning chemicals just sitting around.

Our safe places like the living room and the bedroom typically have issues with dust mites, dander, and furniture cleaners.

Then if anyone in the house smokes you can add 500 more carcinogens to that list.

Types of Air Purifiers

HEPA

A HEPA filter has the capacity to filter out particles as small as .3 microns. Consider the point that pollen particles are about 10 times that size, you get an ideal just how good an air purifier can clean your air and provide a much better breathing space who are you and your family.

HEPA is just one technology that has an amazing ability to clean air. Activated Carbon  and charcoal filters  have a tremendous effect to gases, VOCs, and odors. Levoit and Coway are ahead of the curve in this arena.

Environmental air pollution like fumes from exhaust and factory smoke as well as cigar and cigarette smoke are all well-known air quality threats that can be absorbed using a carbon filter in your home or office.

Ionic

Other technologies like bipolar ionization(plasma cluster) and PCO ( photocatalytic oxidation) are so effective that they can actually reduce mold spores up to 99.99%. VOCs like formaldehyde can be reduced to only Trace amounts using plasma ionization.. see Air Oasis for the latest and best of these technologies.

Summary. 

Are Air Purifiers worth the money?

It’s safe to say that indoor air pollution is an issue that we all deal with everyday. whether or not an air purifier is worth the money it’s probably not the question but whether what air purifier to buy.

A couple of helpful hints when buying an air purifier are:

1.  What kind of replacements are you in for?
Unfortunately air purifiers more than any other appliance require extra love in the maintenance and replacement areas.

Looking for an air cleaner that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg every few months for a replacement filter is a good place to start.

2.  Are you primarily looking for a unit to filter out allergens or do you need something that will eradicate viruses? I can tell you that when it comes too bacteria and germs, a unit that utilizes plasmacluster ionization is the type of unit I would buy.

I hope I have made the point that air purifiers are worth the money and in my opinion they are a necessity for everyday healthy living.

Peace

What Are Some Benefits of Having an Air Purifier in the Bedroom?

Air purifiers in the bedroom can significantly improve air quality by removing airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, as it reduces exposure to allergens and irritants.

Scientific studies have shown that using air purifiers can lead to a healthier indoor environment, enhancing overall sleep quality and well-being.

Benefit	Description
Allergen Reduction	Removes common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites from the air, reducing allergy symptoms.
Improved Sleep Quality	By purifying the air, it creates a more comfortable sleeping environment, potentially enhancing sleep quality.
Odor Elimination	Eliminates unpleasant odors, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant bedroom atmosphere.
Lower Airborne Disease Risk	Reduces the spread of airborne diseases by filtering out bacteria and viruses.
Removal of Harmful Chemicals	Filters out harmful chemicals from indoor sources or outdoor pollution, improving air safety.
Humidity Control	Some air purifiers come with built-in humidifiers, helping to maintain optimal bedroom humidity levels.
Noise Reduction	Many modern air purifiers operate quietly, providing a soothing background noise that can enhance sleep.

Quality of Sleep

Getting the right amount of quality sleep is one of the cornerstones of living a healthy lifestyle.

Sleeping disorders represent a giant percentage of the population.

When you’re not sleeping well your your whole life can you get out of sync.

And vice versa if your life is out of sync then you’re probably not sleeping well.

There’s multiple reasons that you may not be sleeping right also. Your diet and digestion play a huge part and how you sleep.

The quality of your air also has an immense effect on how well you are sleeping.

Sleeping deficiencies can affect your day and your life in multiple ways.

Some ways that are fairly obvious like say not having enough energy and not remembering things well.

Other symptoms include things like learning and problem solving.

Sleeping deprivation can make it hard to control your emotions. Running on no sleep can make you feel angry or sad and depressed and cause wild shifts giving you unexpected mood swings.

Many other indications of bad sleeping habits can include symptoms that you may not think about.

Ongoing sleep problems are linked to heart and kidney disease. High blood pressure and strokes.

Another huge problem linked with poor sleeping is obesity. studies show that not getting enough sleep can actually make you feel hungrier then when you are getting good sleep.

And Obesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. Blood sugar levels can drop and Spike all based on operating on poor or no sleep.

Obesity is also related to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of fatigue during the day. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing momentarily well we are sleeping. The result is gasping for air and choking. It is a condition that can literally make you feel like you have been through a war throughout the night.

Allergies can also aggravate sleep apnea sufferers. Couple apnea with strong allergies and you have a recipe for sleeplessness.

Suffice to say, sleep is very important to the quality of your life.

Have you ever thought about how much you actually sleep over the course of your life?

Roughly one-third of your entire life is spent sleeping.

The environment you’re sleeping in is also important. Having a comfortable quiet place to sleep is part of our basic instinct.

  Proper bedding and pillows go without saying.

Keeping your bedding clean is also a big issue when it comes to sleep.

“Bad air quality can affect your whole life and the quality of your day.”

Since so much of your life is spent sleeping, having clean air just breathe while you’re sleeping is very important.

Most of us are not aware of the amount of indoor air pollution we are exposed to everyday. And a great deal of that pollution can be found on right in your bed.

One suggestion for helping you breathe better while sleeping is investing in an air purifier.

7 Benefits of Having an Air Purifier in the Bedroom?

• • 1. Allergen Reduction

       Removes common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites from the air, reducing allergy symptoms.
       
       
       

    2. Improved Sleep Quality

       By purifying the air, it creates a more comfortable sleeping environment, potentially enhancing sleep quality.
       
       
       

    3. Odor Elimination

       Eliminates unpleasant odors, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant bedroom atmosphere.
       
       

    4. Lower Airborne Disease Risk

       Reduces the spread of airborne diseases by filtering out bacteria and viruses.
       
       
       

    5. Removal of Harmful Chemicals

       Filters out harmful chemicals from indoor sources or outdoor pollution, improving air safety.
       
       
       

    6. Humidity Control

       Some air purifiers come with built-in humidifiers, helping to maintain optimal bedroom humidity levels.
       
       
       

    7. Noise Reduction

       Many modern air purifiers operate quietly, providing a soothing background noise that can enhance sleep.
       
       
       
       

Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

1.  Much of the breathing problems but exist throughout our day come from being trapped indoors where there is no proper ventilation. Multiple studies prove that indoor air quality can be much worse then outdoor.

2.  Breathing problem triggers can be found enMass in your bedroom. Dust mites, pet dander, as well as cockroach droppings, dead skin, and chemical pollutants what furniture cleaners and carpet adhesives can all exasperate and trigger asthma attacks and shortness of breath.
  Using a HEPA air purifier near your bed can greatly reduce the exposure you have to these troublesome particulates.

3.  Air purifiers, especially filtering air purifiers can double as white noise machines.

White noise can help you sleep and provide excellent benefits like:

a. Keeping your bedroom quieter
b. Helping you stay asleep longer
c. Help you sleep more sound
d. Help you calm your busy thoughts
e. Help you establish a routine for sleeping

Do Air Purifiers Help with Sleep Apnea?

Yes. A Hepa air purifier will filter the pollen and bacteria in the room that can aggravate the problem of sleep apnea even further giving people who suffer from sleep apnea a better chance of a good nights sleep.

People with sleep apnea can tend to be more susceptible to airborne allergens.

When you already have a condition causes you to stop breathing while you are sleeping then you add poor indoor air quality to the mix.

It makes getting a good night sleep becomes near impossible.

Using an air purifier to keep clean air present while you are sleeping will definitely help with sleep apnea and snoring.

Can air purifiers be left on all the time?

Yes. As long as you are using a air purifier that uses HEPA and carbon filtering there is absolutely no safety issues in leaving the air purifier on 24/7.

You will not damage the air purifier or cause any unwanted side effects leaving a HEPA air purifier on continuously but you do have to remember that HEPA filters only last so long before they have to be replaced.

Fortunately, and I might add, there is a much better way then leaving your air purifier on all the time.

What I am talking about is the many air purifiers on the market that come with air quality monitors built in.

These are cleaners can monitor the air and decide how long the purifier needs to run to clean the area.

Once the area is clean, the air purifier will shut off on its own.

This lengthens the life of the air purifier and the filters plus uses less energy.

note: If you are using a unit that creates ozone as a by-product, you need to remember the ozone can build up and become unsafe to breathe.

Ozone is not meant to be used in the same room as the people who are occupying it.

My recommendation is to only use ozone as an air cleaner when you can do so without people or pets around.

Which is better a Humidifier or air Purifier?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air and an air purifier filters out contaminants from the air.

Both devices can help you sleep better.

There are certain times of the year that a humidifier is needed more because of dry conditions.

Where as an air purifier is needed more throughout the year even though there are times of the year that they are needed even more.

When pollen counts are high for example.

Are certainly benefits to having both in your bedroom but an air purifier would be my choice if I could only pick one.



In conclusion,

the integration of an air purifier in the bedroom offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance the indoor environment and overall well-being.

From reducing allergens and airborne diseases to improving sleep quality and controlling humidity, the advantages are diverse and impactful.

The removal of harmful chemicals and unpleasant odors further contributes to creating a safer and more pleasant living space.

Additionally, the subtle noise reduction feature of modern air purifiers can further promote a peaceful and restful sleep environment.

Overall, the use of an air purifier in the bedroom is a simple yet effective way to ensure a healthier and more comfortable indoor atmosphere, contributing positively to both physical health and overall quality of life.

Also this: What Does Ozone Smell Like In An Air Purifier?

A good air purifier in your house,

One that can actually get rid of airborne allergens, dander, and mites, or plain old run-of-the-mill pollen and spores, not to mention dust,

Is a good thing.

But selecting the right air purifier from the huge selection of air purifiers on the market can be tough.

Many people searching for an air purifier, are looking at air ionizers specifically because of the obvious benefit of price,

Since they do not require the usual HEPA replacement filters necessary to clean air.

But is an Air Ionizer all it’s cracked up to be?

What are some if the Pros and Cons of an Ionizer Air Purifier?

 Ionizer Air Purifier – Pros Cons

Pros

1. 1. 1. Cleans the Ambient Air
      2. Inexpensive to Run
      3. No Filters to Replace
      4. Can Provide a Feeling of Well-Being

Cons

1. 1. 1. Only Temporarily Cleans the Ambient Air.
      2. Makes the Walls and the Surfaces Around the Air Ionizer Dusty.
      3. Ozone by-product.
         
         

 

What is the Difference between an Air Purifier and an Air
Ionizer?

1. Air purifier is a broad term that covers all types of air cleaning technologies including ionizing.

2. Air ionizer is a term that describes a air purifier that uses ionizing as its primary air cleaning technology.

3.  Most air purifiers use HEPA filters to filter out indoor air pollution so the term air purifier is most of the time considered synonymous with HEPA filter.

 

 

Can Air Ionizers Actually Change Your Mood?

Yes. Believe it or not, Research indicates that in areas where there is an over abundance of negative ions, like the beach, people tend to feel more light-hearted and joyful.

Some studies show that negative ions have a positive result on human emotion.

You may have never thought about it, but an ionizer may have a real effect on productivity in the workplace.

People tend to get a lot more done when they’re feeling positive about things.

Happier employees can affect the  bottom line.

So instead of Hawaiian shirt day or casual Fridays , maybe installing air ionizers is just what  the doctor ordered.





But apart from the theory of negative ion Bliss, are ionizers have their problems.

1.Because of the short life of ions, an air ionizer fan can only cover a small square footage at best.

2.Plus they are only a temporary solution and do nothing to completely kill airborne contaminants.

Ionizer purifiers or negative ion generators as there often called work by generating and emitting negative ions into the ambient air.

Because of polarity, the negative particle of the ion connects with the positive ions in the room.  
(Positive ions are considered to be the contaminants that are polluting your air).

The newly-formed clusters of all ions become too heavy to float and fall to the surface.

One of the biggest problems is that walls tend to be the nearest surface.

What is black wall effect?

“black wall effect” is the phrase coined to describe the grey /black dusty film that negative ionizers leave on walls.

  Another surface that tend to get extra dusty in the presence of ionizers are TV screens. Static electricity from the TV is  a magnet for ionized dust.

The same can be said for the air cleaner itself. You’ll probably find the device extra dusty when you are using it.

Another problem with this technology is that is that any kind of movement, just walking for instance, will kick the pollution back into the air.

Also just think of what that can mean if you’re eating in the vicinity of the air ionizer.

Which leads back to the main issue.

Negative Ionizers do absolutely nothing to kill or disinfect allergens.

Another downside is the way that the typical ionizer produces ions is through an electrical Spark.

A small amount of ozone is created with that spark.

Not a big deal until you get into the fact that it’s going to take mIllions and millions of ions to do the job.

Couple that with the fact that it will take multiple ionizers to actually clean a large space,

and since ozone can actually build up, it can start to be a problem.

So with all that in mind,

A negative air ionizer may not be the best air purifier and a temporary solution at best.

But before we throw the baby out with the bathwater,

It is fair to say that there are different types of Technology that utilize ions with good results and without the drawbacks.

1.  Bipolar ionization

This technology is also called cold plasma it works by emitting both positive and negative ions into the air. Its also called Plasmawave.

Since negative ions have one too many electrons and positive ions have one too few, when they are introduced into the air they immediately attract to one another and in the process combine around the pollutants in the air.

This technology is used in HVAC systems with high success.

It is also used in combination with HEPA and carbon filters.

The ideal being, the clustered ions will be captured in the HEPA filter.

This technology also neutralizes air pollution which makes air pollutants like bacteria and viruses, even vocs like formaldehyde inactive.

2.  PCO

PCO or photocatalytic oxidation is the process of combining ultraviolet light with a catalyst like titanium oxide.

This technology creates super ions and hydroxide ions. Which effectively disinfect the air much the way hydro peroxide disinfects a scrape or abrasion.

PCO is very effective at reducing germs and viruses. And is one of the best technologies for reducing airborne mold spores.

The biggest downside of PCO is the production of ozone.

The effectiveness of photocatalytic oxidation technology almost out weighs the problems with using ozone as an air purifier.

This technology works well as in in duct HVAC air purifier because ability to destruct mold.

Also because of the placement, the production of ozone does not pose a problem because it will dissipate long before it reaches the ambient air.

Why does an Ionizer Air Purifier Smell?

Ionizers create a low level of ozone.
Ozone has been marketed as a “fresh after a thunderstorm smell”
Is also described as being a antiseptic type smell.

The concern with ozone is that it will oxidize any pollution around it.
That’s including the pollution in your lungs and the lung tissue itself.

Even though a small ionizer may not produce enough ozone to be harmful, you cannot regulate how a person will use hey machine or where they will use it.

So the problem with ionizers becomes,  even though a machine might manufacturer very little ozone for a given square space, that same machine could just as easily be used in a smaller square space, introducing much too much ozone into the area.

Summary

Like any appliance, negative ionizers have there good and bad, their pros and cons.

The pros of a ionizer air purifier include clean breathing air, less expense for replacement parts, and a general feeling of well-being.

The cons are they do nothing to neutralize germs, produce ozone as a by-product, and can leave your surfaces extra dusty.

My opinion is that a small ionizer on your desk is a great way to breathe cleaner air while you work but just remember to turn it off when you’re eating at your desk and remember to get the right one for your room size because bigger is not better in this situation.

Air Ionizer

Air Purifier for Cat Allergy? 

I am a cat person.
I definitely show all the signs.
I talk to my cats.
I enjoy watching cat videos for an extended amount of time.
I buy catnip and the occasional toy for my cats,
And I have at least one cat in my lap or sitting next to me all the time I’m at home.
(A brief list to be sure)

Two cats is my limit though.

My family has always had cats around since I can remember.

I’ve never been allergic to a cat in my life, until recently.

Can you be allergic to one cat but not another?

Yes you can. Some cats just shed more than others. And since the bacteria known as dander is attached to the shedded fur, you can experience more allergy symptoms around the cat that sheds more.

Can you develop an allergy to cats later on in life?

Yes,  It’s possible but it’s more likely that something has changed in the environment around you that is causing the allergic reaction. Like say a cat that is shedding more than usual and spreading a lot more dander than usual.

And that is my situation

Though I may think of myself as a cat person, I would not categorize myself as someone that is good at choosing a cat.

More like the opposite.

The truth is, I have never actually chosen a cat.

They always just seem to end up around me in the house somehow. They are usually brought in by one of my sisters or one of my daughters.

That to say,

Now I know,
there is such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat and if I knew I was going to have a constant wheezing and sneezing issue with one of my cats,

  I would have look a lot harder to find one (or at all) that was hypoallergenic.

But what I got is a fat lovable Calico that leaves a trail of hair everywhere she goes.

Especially on my couch and clothes.

So now I’ve got an allergy that is centered around that one cat.

My other cat is a short-haired rescue that doesn’t seem to bother me at all when it comes to allergies.

But I’ve had to make some adjustments and learn to deal with living in the same house as a cat I’m allergic to.

And that is really what this article is about.

It was not hard to realize that what I was allergic to was related to the amount of shedding the cat is doing.

The cat hair and more specifically the cat dander that is covering the hair  was getting out of control so here’s my list:

1.House Cleaning/ Vacuuming

I went into hyper vacuuming and sweeping mode.

Cleaning the house is essential to keeping cat allergies down.

The amount of cat hair in the dump canister on the vacuum should have been a clue.

The amount of hair in the lint filter of the dryer after washing the blankets on the couch should have been a clue also.

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I decided to step up the vacuuming to twice a week which seemed like getting a second job at first but hasn’t been that bad.

The one thing to point out is that if your vacuum does not have a HEPA filter, it is not going to vacuum the bacteria (that is what the dander actually is) as well.

Also related to vacuuming is air-purifying.

Vacuuming itself will actually kick up the dust and the dander into the air that you breathe and since dander is so small he can remain there for quite a while.
The truth is it doesn’t even take vacuuming to kick up dander into the air, simply walking through the house at any time is causing dust to enter the airstream.

2. Air Purifier for Cat Allergy?

An air purifier equipped with a true HEPA filter and a pre-filter is a must for keeping the air around me breathable while I’m sitting watching the TV or sleeping.

Keeping the air clean around you while you’re sleeping is also actually a big deal because you tend to breathe much deeper when you are sleeping.

  Having cleaner air when you’re sleeping will actually keep you from waking up as much and even help with snoring and sleep apnea.

If your cat sleeps with you or like mine, pounces all over you in the middle of the night, an air purifier maybe what you need to help you get a good night sleep.

What’s the difference between HEPA and true HEPA?

As for the meaning of “true HEPA”. It simply means that it’s a actual HEPA filter and not a imitation knock off.
HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as .3 microns. Buying a “ like hepa” filter won’t give you the same protection as a true hepa filter.

3. Grooming

For grooming I purchased a cat brush that removes an insane amount of hair in one pass. I also bought a glove that does about the same thing. Both were impulse purchases on Facebook.
I like the brush better than the glove.

My cat is super sensitive on her lower back. She cannot stand to be touched in that area.
I’ve yet to figure out why.

There’s a lot of people on the internet with the same problem but I’ve yet to see an answer for it. Maybe leave a comment if you know.

  It can make brushing the cat a lot more of a challenge. But if I keep in the right spots, I can get most of the hair without making her too crazy.

I also wiped the cat down with some baby wipes which doesn’t really seem to bother her. I’ve heard they have actual Kitty wipes but I’ve yet to try them.

4. Hygiene

Remembering to wash my hands after I pick up the cat or pet her is a simple thing that does a whole lot to keep myself from getting that allergic feeling.

If I don’t Remember to wash my hands and face, I’ll end up rubbing my eyes.

Rubbing your eyes and face with cat all over your hands is the worst thing to do to avoid itchy swollen eyes and sneezing.
There is an actual name for it. It’s called “itchy eye syndrome”

Keeping some hand sanitizer on the counter helps remember to wash my hands after I mess with the animals.

Really it comes down to common sense dealing with cat allergies but it is hard to do anything about dander without some outside help.

I’ve listed here the air purifier and the vacuum I was just taking a look at.

Air purifiers come in a whole array of sizes complete with different air cleaning Technologies.

My take on Air purification is that it is going to be very expensive to keep the air in the whole house clean. The amount of energy and keeping up with replacement filters is what I’m talkin about. That’s why I suggest just keeping a small air purifier in the areas of the house that you are in the most.

But there is always a exceptions to the rule.

There are air purifiers that go right into your HVAC unit that will keep the are in the whole house clean and actually neutralize pet dander. The cost to run one is considerably lower too.

But also these types of air purifiers do nothing to get rid of cat or dog hair.
You’ll have to get a separate air cleaner for that.

But at least it won’t have to be the most expensive true Hepa they carry.

There is even quite a few do it yourself HEPA air purifiers that you can throw together with box fan and a filter.

Probably a good idea for the garage but I don’t think my wife wants one in the living room. lol.

The vacuum we got is the….. Like I said before, it is insane, the amount of pet hair it picks up. We bought it at Walmart. But you can check it out here on Amazon and see the current price and reviews for yourself.

Peace.