Air purifiers not so pure

Californians in search of healthy air might actually make themselves sick. The California Air Resources Board reviewed a damaging assessment of certain brands of air purifiers that can generate unhealthy amounts of ozone – a major component of outdoor pollution. They’re creating a smog alert in your living room, said by the American Lung Association of California. The study provides more ammunition for state regulators as they step up a campaign to warn consumers by working with local officials, doctors and veterinarians. But for now, that’s about all regulators can do. The board has no authority to impose standard on indoor air cleaners. Consumers take it for granted that someone has reviewed the safety of the product said by an Assemblywoman, who is carrying legislation to grant the board oversight powers. If it is signed into law, California would become the first state in the United States to regulate ozone-generating air purifiers. Not all air cleaners are problematic, but the number of them needed to be tested. The market for portable air cleaners is driven by Californians seeking relief from the daily doses of smog and allergy-triggering molds and pollens, state regulators say. Consumers are looking for a quick fix said by a state air pollution specialist. In response, manufacturers are selling an array of models, mostly over the Internet, that claim to clear away dust, smoke, pet dander and other irritants. The appliances are touted as "activated oxygen" or "energized oxygen," suggesting a healthy dose of air. Size varies, from large floor models to compact devices that can sit unobtrusively on a desk, on a car dashboard or even in shoes. Some come with a lemon fragrance. Designs are made to appeal, such as replicas of a computer mouse or space capsule. Price tags can be as low as $29.95 or as high as $500, officials say.

We expect these devices will continue to proliferate unless changes are made. State and industry officials, however, also point out that not all brands carry and added health risk. They recommend that consumers invest in appliances that use filters to trap pollutants and emit little ozone. Californians also should first work to control the source of indoor pollutants and properly ventilate homes and offices. Manufacturers say the ozone, which can react with other airborne molecules, can help purify the air and remove particles, odors and mold. A state report counters: "Ozone is not effective at cleaning the air except at extremely high, unsafe ozone levels and then it is only partially effective. State regulators tested four brands of air purifiers marketed as ozone generators, finding most produce ozone in amounts far exceeding healthy levels shortly after being turned on. Indoors, those ozone levels are highly concentrated, worsening the potential health effects. At elevated levels, ozone can cause difficulty breathing, exacerbate asthma and damage the lungs of individuals, according to the analysis. A vice-president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers said his members are mostly concerned with being unfairly tainted. Many use different technologies that do not generate ozone. Most air cleaners do not produce ozone in excess of federal guidelines and carry safety certifications. Our members have always complied with this level and will continue to do so.