The two most common electronic air purifies are negative ion generators and ozone air purifiers. Simply put, the former produces negative ions that attach themselves to the pollutants in the air thus removing them from the air that we breathe. Ozone air purifiers let out ozone in the air, which as an oxidizing agent, neutralizes pollutants like bacteria, virus, mold and mildew. Negative Ionizers Often referred to as the thunderstorm effect, negative ion generation is achieved as air passes through the purifier, and the resultant air is intentionally negatively ionized and released. When these negatively charged ions collide with positive ions, which usually tend to be pollutants such as dust, bacteria, pollen and chemicals floating freely in the air that we breathe, they bond together and fall to the ground. Older ion generators used this principle of static charge. In the more modern electronic air purifiers, like electrostatic precipitators, the charge takes place within the air purifier itself rather than in the room, and the dust and particulates are captured on metal filters that can be removed and cleaned or replaced, getting rid of the need to vacuum and dust after ionization. In charged- media filters the air-borne pollutants and particles are collected on the negatively charged fibers filter. While electrostatic precipitators are the preferred method for air purification using negative ions, most units, popularly called negative ionizers or air ionizers, emit negative ions in the air for health purposes. Experts feel that the addition of negative ions to the air, restores the natural balance of ions and consequently people in these environments should feel healthier, more energetic and experience an improved sense of well-being. Air ionizers are steadily gaining popularity as they are reasonably priced, practical and effective in enhancing the air quality. Besides they are easy and economical to maintain, noise free, and compact in size. Ozone Air Purifiers Natural phenomenon, like lightening or waterfalls, generates negative ions and ozone. This is the "fresh" smell you might encounter in an electrical storm or white rapids. Ozone is also known as active oxygen, and is natures mechanism for purifying the air. An ozone purifier mimics this natural process by doing the same function of purification for indoor air. Ozone air purifiers generate ozone via electronic means. Ozone, being an unstable and reactive gas reacts with any particle it comes in contact with, and is thus a very strong oxidizing agent. It is composed of three oxygen atoms, as opposed to the air we breathe, which has two atoms. Being unstable, one of the oxygen atoms breaks off to find another molecule, to bond with. In an ozone air purifier electricity is used to generate ozone molecules which, when they come into contact with an air-borne pollutant it destroy it, by oxidizing it. Ozone air purifiers are usually known to overcome odor, mildew and tobacco smoke and destroy germs in the air. However, it is unable to affect solid particles such as dust. It should be noted that the level of ozone produced by these devices should comply with the U.S. FDA standard of 0.05ppm as higher levels of ozone are considered potential health hazards. |
