Helpful Or Harmful? If you are familiar at all with air purification products you have probably heard of an ozone air purifier. The manufacturers of this type of air purification unit claim that it produces a purer form of oxygen to breathe and that those who use it will be not only cleaning the air but also promoting better health. However, scientists and those in the medical field will tell you otherwise. They claim that the ozone air purifier actually releases harmful gas into the air which can actually cause physical harm and possibly even fatal complications. What is the truth? In order to answer that question there are some things that need to be understood first. What Is Ozone? In a normal oxygen molecule, there are 2 atoms of oxygen (O2). This is the commonly occurring element in the air that we breathe. Ozone has 3 atoms of oxygen (O3). It is found in the stratosphere (outside of earths atmosphere) and forms a protective barrier between the earth and the suns ultraviolet rays. However, when it is at ground level such as with an ozone air purifier, it is a toxic gas that can harm and kill not only humans, but animals and other life as well. The Extra Oxygen Atom Those who manufacture the ozone air purifier claim that their product produces better and cleaner air because of the extra oxygen atom. Because of the ozone molecules ability to attach to other substances in the air and remove them they say that it is good for purification purposes. This is simply not true. Science has long known the qualities of both regular oxygen and ozone and they have not shown that ozone is superior in any way to the oxygen we already breathe without an ozone air purifier. The federal government has taken very strong steps and measures to make sure that we not only protect the ozone layer in the stratosphere but also keep ozone in our living spaces at safe and non harmful levels. Even with the precautions that ozone air purifier manufacturers recommend it is still a risk that many are not willing to take to be exposed to too much ozone especially those with respiratory issues that would be candidates for air purification would be vulnerable to increased levels of ozone. What Is It Good For? But, an ozone air purifier does have its uses. It has been shown to effectively remove potentially harmful mold from the air and the environment. This could be useful when cleaning up an uninhabited area that has damaging mold to make it fit for use by people at a later time once the ozone has been removed. Do Your Own Research If you still are curious about the ozone air purifier, you should do a check on the internet. You will find a large number of articles and other information that will be useful in your decision process. While you are at it, take the time to look at alternative air purification methods to the ozone air purifier. These include HEPA Filters, ionic air filters, and even the filters that you put in your central air conditioning system. Cleaning the air that we breathe is important-and especially important to those who suffer respiratory ailments such as asthma or allergies. We want to find ways that are efficient, safe, and cost-effective. But, in our enthusiasm and urgency to find solutions, we need to exercise caution and get the purification system that will work the best and not be harmful in any way. |
