How Do Ionic Air Cleaners Create Ozone?

How Ionic Air Purifiers Work

• Ionic air purifiers work by using an electrical current to charge air molecules. These molecules then stick to particles and remove them from the air.

How Ionic Air Purifiers Make Ozone

• Because ionic air purifiers work by exposing air molecules to a current, they sometimes cause oxygen gas molecules (two oxygen atoms bound together) to break apart. Some of the free oxygen atoms then join with other oxygen gas molecules to form ozone (three oxygen atoms).

Ozone Air Purifiers

• Some air purifiers intentionally produce ozone. Ozone is a powerful chemical and it causes particles in the air to break down.

Ozone Risks

• Breathing ozone gas can cause damage to the nose and lungs. Thus, it is good to avoid ozone as much as possible, especially if you have asthma or another respiratory illness.

Alternatives

• If you have problems with air quality and wish to avoid ozone, there are alternatives. Air filters or electrostatic air purifiers work just as well as ionic or ozone air purifiers.