Pollution is at a rise at an everyday basis and our environment is depleting along with it. Due to this, the air around us consists of the most deplorable particles. But as human beings, it is our fundamental right to breathe in clean air. For a healthy way of living and avoiding suffering from allergies, many new ‘air purifiers’ have emerged.

The Ionic breeze air purifier is one type of these devices. In this, a high voltage is used to ionize air molecules. Ionizers use electrostatic charged plates to produce positively or negatively charged gas ions that particulate matter sticks to (in an effect similar to static electricity). Airborne particles are attracted to the electrode in an effect similar to static electricity. These ions are de-ionized by seeking earthed conductors, such as walls and ceilings. The ionic breeze air purifier works efficiently in cleansing the air from impurities and is thus, a capable device. Also, these devices do not use any filters that need to be replaced and they use very minimal voltage.

Although air purifiers of any kind are extremely beneficial to own, ionic breeze air purifiers have numerous clauses.  The biggest un-ecological factor that these purifiers have is that they generate ozone. Ozone may be useful in the stratosphere, but it is not good to have it in the atmosphere around us. Ozone causes shortness of breath, pain in chest, coughing, irritation in throat, etc. A prolonged exposure to ozone can cause severe damage to the lungs. Hence people who use these purifiers in small rooms with no ventilation are at a higher risk, as the ozone build-up will be much higher than normal levels.

Along with this, there is a constant debate on whether ionic breeze air purifiers actually perform what their companies promise. According to many medical reports and by Consumer Ratings, they are not effective in removing the dust particles more than a few feet away, and only 30% of the unwanted particles were removed. Even if small particles of dust enter the machines, the metal plates quickly lose their power to attract more particles.

Consumer Reports continue to attack Sharper Image’s Ionic Breeze line of air purifiers. Sharper Image sued the magazine because of a negative review on its prized product. However, the magazine won the lawsuit and stated that the device released unhealthy amounts ozone.

It was due to these reasons that the California Air Resources recently banned such devices which created ozone.