Air Purifiers That Add Oxygen Back Into the Room

Ozone is toxic

• Ozone is a toxic gas and is chemically different from oxygen. At least three government agencies have established standards for the use of ozone in enclosed spaces because overexposure is dangerous. It causes a decrease in lung function as well as possible inflammation of the lungs. At the very least, it is a throat irritant, may cause chest pain, increase asthma symptoms and lead to lung infection.

Claims

• Although advertisers and manufacturers claim that ozone will clean and detoxify air, the EPA has established that it does not clear carbon monoxide or formaldehyde. It has no effect on dust or pollen, which are both major causes of allergies. The claims that ozone removes odors or odor-causing chemicals also have not been substantiated. Manufacturers' instructions insist that the controls on the air cleaners will prevent overexposure to ozone, but remain subject to interpretation by the user.

Shock treatment

• An often-mentioned safe use for ozone is the application of concentrated ozone to an enclosed area that has been polluted with large amounts of smoke, bacterial contamination or exposure to chemicals. In this so-called shock treatment, the space must be unoccupied and completely closed for a period of time while the ozone is dispensed. Although this deodorizing and cleaning procedure is recommended by the manufacturers, the Mayo Clinic and other medical experts say that the use of HEPA filters, plenty of fungicide and bacterial cleaners will do better.