Are air ionizers really effective at purifying the air in your home? This is a question that has been asked by many people who are looking for a way to improve the air quality in their homes. The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. Air ionizers emit negative ions that cause particles to adhere to surfaces. While they can be effective at removing small particles, such as cigarette smoke and other toxins, from the air, they are not always the best option for purifying the air.
Most ionizers are too weak to produce a significant effect, and ion generators can produce harmful ozone. In addition, the particles they attract to walls, floors, tables, curtains, and occupants can be re-suspended in the air due to abrasion. Some have suggested that ionizers provide an advantage in correcting an alleged ion imbalance, but no controlled study has confirmed this effect. Ionizers use electrostatically charged plates that produce negatively charged ions.
These ions attach to small airborne particles as they move through the air. However, ionization decreases dramatically with distance, so air ionization is rarely used for this purpose and only for elements immediately adjacent to the ionizer itself. In conclusion, while air ionizers can be effective at removing small particles from the air, they should not be relied upon as a primary source of air purification. Air ionizers are not always strong enough to produce a significant effect and can even produce harmful ozone. Furthermore, no controlled study has confirmed any benefit from correcting an alleged ion imbalance.
