Negative ions are naturally occurring particles that can be found in the air near waterfalls or after a rainstorm. These negative ions can have a positive effect on humans, animals, and the environment, as they create an oasis of pure air. However, ionic air filters are not always so benign. When released into indoor air and inhaled, ozone can be a potent lung irritant that aggravates allergies and asthma.Ionic air purifiers not only produce ozone as an unwanted by-product, but they are also not particularly effective at removing other pollutants from the air.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified ozone as toxic and states that it can cause lung damage and other respiratory problems. In some cases, it can even lead to death.Most ionic air purifiers (ionizers) are safe and do not pose a health risk. They emit negative ions into the air as a way to clean it, which is harmless to humans. It is important to remember that ionizers are often mistaken for ozone generators, which emit high levels of ozone that can be dangerous to health.
