The Myths About Ozone and Ions

Here is a list of famous myths and misconceptions surrounding air purifiers and the technology they utilize to clean your air. 

Myth: "Ozone" and "Negative ions" refer to the same thing.
Fact: Not so. They are very different.
A negative ion is an oxygen atom with an extra electron. It is odorless.
Ozone is an oxygen molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. You can smell ozone if the concentration is high enough.

Myth: Ozone and negative ions perform exactly the same functions in purifying the air.
Fact: The functions they perform are as different as night and day. Sometimes both are needed to purify the air we breathe.
Negative ions rid the air of pollen, dust, etc.: stuff you can see under a microscope. Ozone cannot. Negative ions also can improve mood. Ozone cannot do that, either.
Ozone gets rid of odors, pollutants, etc.; stuff at the molecular level (although negative ions can get rid of some odors, too.)

Myth: Negative ions are nothing more than ordinary static electricity.
Fact: That is a falsehood. Is there static electricity near waterfalls or other areas where negative ions are naturally generated? Of course not. Although some ionizers can induce a 'static' charge on nearby objects under certain conditions, negative ions flow through the air like electricity through a semiconductor.

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Myth: Negative ions can go through walls.
Fact: No way. Neither can ozone, although ozone (if present) can go through heating and cooling ductwork. Negative ions generally cannot; they are attracted to the filter, air conditioner evaporator coil (A-coil), and very few emerge at furnace or air conditioning vents. The exception is properly designed and placed UV lamps, although they do not put as many negative ions into the room as a good room ionizer.

Myth: Too high a level of negative ions in the room is bad for you.
Fact: Negative ions have not been found to be harmful even in very high concentrations. Just the opposite has been found the case. In fact, there are patents using high-density negative ions to treat depression.

Myth: Ozone is ALWAYS a bad thing.

Fact: While ozone in extremely high concentrations is a toxic gas, if the ozone level is properly selected, the ozone and the pollutants/odors in the air CANCEL EACH OTHER. Overlooking this fact is the cause of the ozone controversy we sometimes see. What is more, a little ozone is often far preferable to the toxic gases and pollutants it can eliminate from the air we breathe.

Myth: Air pollution is a problem of outdoorsFact: It might be surprising but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate that levels of air pollution inside a home can be two to five times higher and occasionally as much as 100 times higher! than outdoor levels. ! Surprisingly, the Environmental Protection Agency studies show that levels of air pollution inside a house are two to five times higher than outdoor levels. And occasionally as much as 100 times higher! In addition to the pollution outdoors, the air inside your home or office can be much worse unless you utilize an effective air purifier.Myth:  No need to worry about air quality indoorsFact: According to statistics, people spend indoors up to 90% of their time, whether at home, in classrooms or offices. Therefore, indoor air quality is a serious issue. This becomes even more important during winter and hot summer days when windows are closed and there is very little fresh air getting inside. We can easily sense some pollutants, which cause bad odor such as smoke, dust, pet dander and paint. Other air pollutants can be impossible to sense, such as bacteria, pollen, viruses, fungi and mold spores, which can cause allergies and other health problems.Myth: Indoor air quality is what it is and is too difficult changeFact: There are two steps to be taken to eliminate indoor air pollution.

The first step is to get rid of the sources of pollutin, like smoking indoors, mold, paint storage, and dust. Depending on your situation and condition of your home, this might be a difficult task, especially if it means giving away a family pet for example. This can even turn to be impossible if people who share the house with you are not participating. Moreover, this can be unattainable if other people in your household or office will not participate. However, it is always a good idea to see what you can do.

The second step is using a state of the art air purifier, which is efficient enough to remove all the pollutants, which you might have. Honeywell HEPA air purifiers are the best choice for capturing airborne allergens. True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of common airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through it such as dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, and cat dander. In addition, it also helps reduce airborne viruses and bacteria. The Honeywell glass-fiber HEPA material helps remove airborne particles, viruses & bacteria without the use of chemicals or other treatments. It also includes an activated carbon pre-filter to help remove larger airborne particles and reduce common household odors.Myth: Air purifiers are needed only for people with allergiesFact: It is not all about allergy. Contaminated air can also lead to loss of concentration, sleepiness, headaches, health problems, and even just bad mood. Pregnant women, elderly and babies can be more sensitive, however, everybody one way or another is uncomfortable and at risk in contaminated spaces.Myth: All air purifiers work the same wayFact: There are air purifiers on the market, which are much more effective than others. Not all air purifiers have the same efficiency. In fact, of doctors who recommend a specific brand of air purifier, 70% recommend the Honeywell brand (Source: independent survey conducted at 2005 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology conference). This technology is the #1 Choice of Physicians (Source: 1998 Riter Research). These purifiers are also very convenient. For instance Honeywell 50250-n is a portable purifier, which can be easily relocated as needed. It is great for large rooms, reliable, effective and affordable.Myth: Expensive filters are required for air purifiersFact: There is no need to replace the HEPA filter, which can be vacuumed easily. The Intelli-Check electronic filter indicator reminds you when to check the HEPA filter and when to replace the carbon pre-filter, which is not expensive.