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Ion generators & electrostatic-precipitator air cleaners

May 18, 2004

I was unable to find recommendations for ionic or electrostatic type air cleaners from medical leaders in the allergy field. I was particularly troubled by government reports that ion generators and electronic air cleaners can produce dangerous ozone levels (see footnotes). Because I know they are always researching new products, and select only the highest quality merchandise, I asked Sondra at National Allergy Supply for help with this question. Here is her reply:

It appears that you have purchased a fanless electronic-precipitator model that has a lot of popularity in the market place right now. These units can benefit the owner but we are strong believers in the need to circulate the air in a room in order to properly clean it. Dirty air from all sides of the room has to be brought to the machine for cleaning and that usually requires a fan/blower in the unit.

A couple of these fanless units were recently reviewed and tested by a leading consumer magazine but the results did not impress them. The main appeal for these type of units is that they are passive and silent since they have no fan. They will capture particles, but only those several feet around the machine.

Air cleaners that have powerful fans are able to draw air and clean it much quicker, most provide 6 to 8 air exchanges per hour in a properly sized room. Most physicians we work with recommend air cleaners with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters work well combined with a high speed motor to pull air to the unit from around the room and through the filter for cleaning.

The task for consumers becomes finding a cleaner that is quiet, efficient and cost effective. Manufacturers like Whirlpool know this and have designed HEPA air cleaners to deliver all three. To learn more and compare HEPA cleaners click here.

For more about ionic air cleaners, see:
Fumes and odors - personal air cleaners

Sondra Cooley
Training and Education Manager
National Allergy Supply

AllergyNursing.com recommends: True Hepa Air Cleaners & More I'm proud to recommend these quality products from National Allergy Supply. Read my comments about this advertiser here .