When it comes to air purification, ionizers and purifiers are two of the most popular options. But which one is better? To answer this question, it's important to understand how each device works and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. Ionizers work by charging particles in a room so that they are attracted to walls, floors, tables, curtains, occupants, etc. This process is known as abrasion and can cause these particles to be resuspended in the air.
In some cases, these devices contain a collector to attract charged particles back to the unit. While ionizers can remove small particles, no controlled study has confirmed this effect. Ozone, a lung irritant, is produced indirectly by ionizers and some other electronic air purifiers and directly by ozone generators. While the indirect production of ozone is a cause for concern, the direct and intentional introduction of a lung irritant into indoor air is of even greater concern.
Despite what some marketers say, there is no difference between the ozone present in outdoor smog and the ozone produced by these devices. Under certain conditions of use, ionizers and other air filters that generate ozone can produce levels of this lung irritant well above levels considered harmful to human health. Purifiers work by filtering out particles from the air. They are designed to capture particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, and other allergens. Purifiers are often used in homes or offices where people suffer from allergies or asthma.
They can also be used to reduce odors in unoccupied spaces. When it comes to choosing between an ionizer and a purifier, it's important to consider your specific needs. Ionizers may be better at removing smaller molecules such as bacteria and viruses, but they don't remove particles from circulation. On the other hand, purifiers are better at capturing larger particles such as dust and pollen. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, a purifier may be the better option. It's also important to note that some air purifiers that claim to have health benefits are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices.
The FDA has set a limit of 0.05 parts per million of ozone for medical devices. While ozone can be used to reduce odors and pollutants in unoccupied spaces (for example, to remove the smell of smoke from homes affected by fire), the levels needed to achieve this are above what is generally considered safe for humans. In conclusion, when it comes to selecting an air purification system for your home or office, it's important to consider your specific needs. Ionizers may be better at removing smaller molecules such as bacteria and viruses but don't remove particles from circulation. Purifiers are better at capturing larger particles such as dust and pollen and may be the better option if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
