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While
Sharper Image goes to some length to try and convince
the public that their product is not an "Ozone
Generator", the product does in fact produce ozone,
and DOES NOT HAVE THE APPROVAL
OF THE EPA.
"20. What is the fresh scent
the Ionic Breeze sometimes produces?
That faint scent is ozone (O3), a molecule consisting of
three oxygen atoms. It is a common component of outdoor
air. The U.S. government has set safe standards for
ozone and the Ionic Breeze GP complies with those
standards."
"Ionic Breeze® complies with
U.S. safety requirements for low ozone emission (less
than 50 parts per billion) as tested by Underwriters
Laboratories under their UL867 standard for consumer
products."
"Because this amount is so small
and incidental, Ionic Breeze Silent Air Purifiers are
considered not to be ozone generators." this is a
quote from their site.
Even small amounts may be hazardless
to certain individuals. Sharper Image even states the
WARNING on their web site;
"The Ionic Breeze complies with
U.S. safety standards for low ozone emission (less than
50 parts per billion). We recommend that individuals
with a history of respiratory disease consult their
doctor about possible heightened sensitivity to very low
ozone."
Quote from the EPA regarding
Ozone generators and Ozone generally;
"Ozone generators that are
sold as air cleaners intentionally produce the gas
ozone. Often the vendors of ozone generators make
statements and distribute material that lead the
public to believe that these devices are always safe
and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For
almost a century, health professionals have refuted
these claims (Sawyer, et. al 1913; Salls, 1927;
Boeniger, 1995; American Lung Association, 1997; Al-Ahmady,
1997). The purpose of this document is to provide
accurate information regarding the use of
ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces.
This information is based on the most credible
scientific evidence currently available.
Some vendors suggest that these
devices have been approved by the federal government
for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO
agency of the federal government has approved these
devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of these
claims, and because ozone can cause health problems at
high concentrations, several federal government
agencies have worked in consultation with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public
information document."
Whether in its pure form or
mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to
health.
When inhaled, ozone can damage
the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can
cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath
and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic
respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as
compromise the ability of the body to fight
respiratory infections.
Some studies show that
ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators
can exceed health standards even when one follows
manufacturer’s instructions.
Many factors affect ozone
concentrations including the amount of ozone
produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor
space, the amount of material in the room with
which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone
concentration, and the amount of ventilation.
These factors make it difficult to control
the ozone concentration in all circumstances.
Available scientific
evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not
exceed public health standards, ozone is generally
ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.
The concentration of ozone
would have to greatly exceed health standards to
be effective in removing most indoor air
contaminants. In the process of reacting with
chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other
chemicals that themselves can be irritating and
corrosive."
IAQ Publications
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