-
Apr 5, 2005 2:29 pm US/Central
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Scathing Report On Ionizing Air Purifiers
Some Models May Give Off Too Much Ozone
NEW YORK (AP) ―
Consumer Reports presents new concerns about ionizing air cleaners: among five models that did a poor job of cleaning the air, several can expose users to potentially harmful ozone levels.
Months of unbiased testing and expert investigation demonstrate why the five ionizing models with poor performance, including those with relatively high ozone generation, are "Not Recommended".
Ozone from ionizing air cleaners is a growing concern as sales increase. People with asthma or respiratory allergies are especially sensitive to indoor ozone, an irritant that can worsen asthma, deaden sense of smell, raise sensitivity to pollen and mold, and may cause permanent lung damage.
Consumer Reports tested ionizing air cleaners for ozone levels and for their ability to remove dust, cigarette smoke, and pollen from the air. According to Consumer Reports' independent test results, the following models are Not Recommended because they perform poorly and emit relatively high levels of ozone: Brookstone Pure-Ion V2; Sharper Image Professional Series Ionic Breeze Quadra S1737 SNX; Ionic Pro CL-369; IonizAir P4620; and Surround Air XJ-2000.
All five ionizers failed the industry standard sealed-room test for ozone levels replicated for this report by producing more than 50 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone near the machine. This limit is used by manufacturers who submit their air cleaners to a voluntary standard that includes a test to measure ozone levels in a sealed room.
In further Consumer Reports tests within a well ventilated open lab, the IonizAir P4620 and the Surround Air XJ 2000 emitted more than 150 and 300 ppb of ozone, respectively, near the machine. While readings were far lower three feet away, consumers could be exposed to higher ozone levels than those Consumer Reports measured at three feet if they take a cue from manufacturers. On their packaging, some manufacturers show these machines near a sleeping person, close to and facing a sofa, or on a desk near a keyboard. One manufacturer recommends putting its model near those suffering from breathing or other health problems.
If a consumer owns one of the five poor performing ionizers, Consumer Reports suggests trying to return it for a refund.
However, not all air cleaners produce significant amounts of ozone. The top-performing Friedrich C-90A, an ionizing electrostatic precipitator model, is very effective and emits little ozone. Another fine performer that emits little ozone is the Whirlpool 45030, which is a HEPA-filter model.
(© 2005 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)