Ozone Update - Calif Air Resources Board

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Just released by the California Air Resources Board at:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm

(Lines preceeded by " > " indicate links on the web page)

Intro page:

Not all air-cleaning devices are appropriate for home use -- some can

be harmful to human health. The ARB recommends that ozone generators,

air cleaners that intentionally produce ozone, not be used in the

home. Ozone is a gas that can cause health problems, including

respiratory tract irritation and breathing difficulty (Ozone and

Health). A staff report on tests conducted on several models of ozone

generators is now available (see below). A fact sheet on ozone-

generating devices and a current list of ozone generator brands and

models that should not be used in occupied indoor spaces also are

linked below.

> Evaluation of Ozone Emissions From Portable Indoor " Air Cleaners " That

Intentionally Generate Ozone NEW REPORT!

>List of Ozone Generators Sold as Air Purifiers (05-05-06) UPDATED!

>Fact Sheet: Beware of Ozone-Generating Indoor " Air Purifiers "

The most effective way to reduce exposure to indoor pollutants is to

first remove sources of pollution or reduce pollutant emissions. A

second important action is to provide adequate ventilation. If these

actions do not resolve indoor air quality problems, sensitive

individuals may benefit from using a central air filter or a good air

cleaner in one or more rooms of the house. Air filters and air

cleaners can only be effective if they are properly maintained. For

more information on how to select appropriate air cleaners

>click here.

In January 2005, staff of the Air Resources Board presented

information to our Board on ozone generators and their potential

harmful health impacts. The Board presentation and an ARB news

release on ozone generators are linked below:

>Ozone Generators Sold as Air Purifiers: Health Update Presentation

to the Board 01-20-05

>ARB Warns, Danger from Popular " Air Purifying " Machines, Press

Release Issued 01-20-05

Other Sources of Ozone Generator Information

>US Environmental Protection Agency Ozone Generator Website

>Consumers Union " New Concerns About Ionizing Air Cleaners, "

Consumer Reports, May 2005, Vol. 70, Issue 5, p 22. Posted with

permission from the May 2005 issue of Consumer Reports® for

educational purposes only.

>California Department of Health Services Issues Warnings About Ozone

Air Cleaning Devices

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC