You might have heard about air purifiers with ionisers or negative ion generators claiming to purify the air by releasing negative ions. But have you ever wondered, can these negative ions be harmful? The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Despite the apparent benefits, there's a dark side to these ion-generating purifiers which is often overlooked. In this blog, we dive deep into the unseen hazards associated with negative ion air purification.
Key Points Summary:
- Negative ion air purifiers claim to clean the air by releasing negative ions which cause particles to fall to the ground.
- These ions can produce ozone, which is harmful to respiratory health.
- The Ministry of Education in NZ specifically requested air purifiers without ionisers due to the potential risks.
- Our range of air purifiers avoids negative ions completely, opting for safer, more reliable purification methods.
- Many air purifiers sold in NZ contain ionisers, sometimes labeled as plasma generators or other names.
The Allure of Negative Ions
Negative ions are often touted for their apparent ability to improve air quality. They adhere to airborne particles, causing them to become heavy and fall to the ground. This is also used to artificially inflate CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) values of some air purifiers. However, the truth behind these claims is more complex and potentially harmful.
The Hidden Dangers: Ozone Production
Negative ions can lead to the production of ozone. While ozone is certainly helpful up in the atmosphere for the planet, it's also harmful to human health, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. The Ministry of Education in NZ also expressed concerns about this technology, specifically requesting schools do not purchase air purifiers with ionisers for classrooms.
The Reality of Negative Ions
While there might be potential benefits associated with negative ions, the concentration produced by these purifiers is typically too low to provide any significant advantage. Moreover, the idea of particles falling onto your furniture, bed, or even yourself is quite unsettling. Because of this if you operate the ioniser function, you need to make sure to regularly wipe down and vacuum any surfaces in the area.
Instead, it’s far more hygienic and efficient for these particles to be trapped in a HEPA filter.
Misleading Marketing Tactics
Many air purifiers in NZ carry ionisers, sometimes referred to as plasma generators or by other names. Keep an eye out for any 'special technology' in air purifiers, especially relating to ions. The misleading naming used can lead to unaware consumers purchasing products that might be harmful in the long run.
Our Stand on Negative Ion Purification
We are firm believers in providing safe, effective air purification solutions. Our range of air purifiers completely avoids the use of negative ions, ensuring a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.
Thankfully Smart Air also share the same belief, so nothing in their range includes negative ions.
If you already have an air purifier which generates negative ions, we recommend where possible ensuring this feature is turned off at all times.
Wrapping Up:
When it comes to ensuring clean, safe air, it's essential to choose a purifier that does not pose additional risks. We aim to provide reliable information to help you make an informed decision for the betterment of your indoor air quality.
