What’s in your Air Purifier?

Air purifiers utilizing negative ionization technology have gained significant popularity in the past few years, but many families remain unaware of its presence and function, lacking the necessary information to make informed decisions.
The complex topic of ionization often obfuscates understanding, even for health & wellness influencers, biohackers and root-cause oriented practitioners that are promoting the technology.
As a Holistic Mold Consultant and Building Health Professional my goal is to demystify the world of air purification and empower families with the knowledge needed to choose the best solutions for their home, especially in light of the uncertainties surrounding negative ionization.

The Heated Debate is Muted on Instagram:

Though our holistic Instagram community hasn't fully caught up to the simmering public debate, the controversy surrounding negative ionization in air purification rages on. This tension erupted at a Montclair, NJ school board meeting, where concerns about efficacy and potential health risks clashed with the administration's decision to install ionizers based solely on information from company affiliates.

One parent's apt analogy – "It’s like asking Philip Morris about the safety of smoking" – a comparison that effectively resonated with the concerns of many parents whose children would be exposed to this technology.

Adding fuel to the fire, the NYS DOEH (New York State Department of Education & Health) issued a statement in 2021, expressing:

"Concerns for the potential of these devices to generate harmful byproducts such as fine particles & reactive chemicals that could worsen indoor air quality and pose health risks to students & staff." Additionally, the DOE highlighted there was “Inadequate documentation to demonstrate the safety, effectiveness, and validity of manufacturer claims."

Understanding Negative Ionization Technology: What is it & Why Would We Want It?

Understanding the technology itself is crucial for informed decision-making.

Negative Ion Air Purifiers release negative air ions, which are basically molecules with an additional electron. In short, these are essentially charged particles. Once dispersed, these NAIs (negative air ions) act like microscopic magnets, attracting and attaching themselves to airborne pollutants like dust, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. This causes the particle pollutants to clump together and adhere to various surfaces, facilitating their capture.

but what does THat do?

The idea is, since the particle pollutants clump together, this makes ***particle*** pollution easier to remove. (This tech does not however work on gases or VOCs.)
Advocates & manufacturers of negative ion air purifiers highlight its agglutinating property (kind of like coagulating or clumping), which enables it to trap airborne pathogens, and potentially prevent the spread of infectious fungi and bacteria in healthcare settings and sterile environments like hospitals. *(Fletcher et al. 2007; S. Jiang et al. 2018; S. Comini et al. 2021)*
Additionally, ionization can boost CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) numbers, further enhancing an air purifier's performance ratings.
This can be nominal in some cases overall but most people have no idea CADR numbers are normally calculated when all added features are ON.
*If the noise of an air purifier operating on its highest setting is too much for you, keep in mind that this higher setting is typically linked to its advertised benefits like stronger filtration and higher CADR

Potential Cons: Separating Fact from Fiction

While some research sheds light on its potential benefits, it also raises red flags that cannot be ignored, particularly regarding ozone. In controlled medical settings, ozone can be a valuable tool, employed in therapies like ozone IVs and insufflation. However, this therapeutic tool becomes a potentially harmful guest within the confines of our homes.

*“Don’t worry Though, It’s the Same Level as your Environment”*

Proponents of negative ionization often draw misleading comparisons between indoor and outdoor environments when discussing ozone. They claim that since ozone exists naturally in small amounts in the open air, its presence in our homes shouldn't be cause for further discussion or analysis.
Comparing indoor and outdoor environments when discussing ozone (or mold) exposure **misses a critical point:** it neglects the fundamental difference in their very structure. *Unlike* the vast, open-air expanses of the outdoors, our homes are meticulously designed and **sealed ecosystems**, built to retain energy and regulate temperature.
This deliberate design creates a distinct reality, one where every building material, cleaning product, and personal care item contributes to a unique and, frankly, unpredictable chemical cocktail. When ozone enters this confined space, it interacts with this volatile mix in ways rarely seen in nature, potentially amplifying its harmful effects far beyond fleeting outdoor exposures.
**For holistic homeowners** who appreciate their distinct indoor microbiome and ever-evolving chemical fingerprint within their homes, this distinction is crucial. Comparing indoor and outdoor ozone simply doesn't account for the intricate web of environmental factors that play out within our four walls. While the desire for fresh, clean air resonates deeply, understanding the realities of our sealed sanctuaries is essential for making informed choices about the technologies we invite into them.

Risk #1. Ionization can create byproducts, UFP’s & pollutants

Ionization can generate ozone as a by-product:
Negative ionization carries the risk of generating ozone as a byproduct (Waring et al. 2008; Jakober and Phillips 2008). Ozone, which is a lung irritant, can react with ubiquitous indoor organic compounds like terpenes, d-limonene or α-pinene (found in essential oils, cleaning products, skincare, cannabis, etc.) to form byproducts of oxygenated gases e.g., aldehydes and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the ultrafine and fine range (Waring et al., 2008). Studies on mice suggest that the health effects due to secondary organic aerosols (SOA) may be more deleterious than those from primary aerosols (Rohr et al., 2002).
Ionization can generate UFP’s (ultrafine particles) & increase pollutants like formaldehyde:
One of the same study’s (Waring et al., 2008) found that using ionizer air purifiers alongside plug-in air fresheners led to substantial increases in both harmful particles and formaldehyde, even at relatively low ozone levels. This is concerning, considering the current 50 ppb ozone limit set by some regulatory bodies, which the study suggests may not be enough to protect consumers.
The study (Waring et al., 2008) revealed that the air fresheners, containing terpenes, reacted with ozone produced by the ionizers, creating a cocktail of harmful pollutants. These included fine particles in the size range that can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory irritation and other health problems. Additionally, formaldehyde levels—a known carcinogen—significantly increased, raising further concerns about the potential health risks of using these air purifiers with air fresheners.
This concern becomes even more pronounced considering the complex myriad of other chemicals present in our homes from building materials, adhesives, cleaning products, pesticides, and countless other substances. These additional chemicals could potentially exacerbate the issue, altering the overall indoor chemistry in unpredictable ways. Meaning, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that you could be making your indoor air worse.

Argument #1. But My Purifier Company States It’s “Ozone Free”…

Ionization can create ozone, this is a fact.

While some widely available negative ionizing air purifiers (NIAPs) emit ozone under the regulatory limit of less than 50 ppb, (allowing companies and affiliates to market their products as "ozone-free,") certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in homes can act as catalysts, significantly increasing ozone production (Weshler and Shields 1999).

This means that some everyday things in your home, like cleaning products or furniture finishes, can actually make those air purifiers crank out even more ozone. So, even if the purifier itself stays under the legal limit, your home environment might be pumping out more than you bargained for. This could turn your seemingly safe air purifier into a mini ozone factory, potentially irritating your lungs and making it harder to breathe, especially for people with allergies or asthma.

Argument #2: Every home is biologically and chemically unique…

The amount of ozone produced by NAIs (negative air ions) depends on various factors, including the intensity of the ionization process, the concentration of oxygen in the air, the presence of other pollutants that can act as catalysts, and environmental temperature and humidity.

Higher temperatures and lower humidity can favor ozone formation.

Every home is biologically and chemically unique, so there is no way to determine or predict the realistic outcomes of these chemical reactions. Some studies have shown that certain ESPs (Electrostatic Precipitators) and Ionizers can even increase indoor ozone concentrations to levels exceeding public health standards (Morrison et al. 2014).

Risk #2. Limited Removal of Particles:

Another significant drawback of negative ionization is its inability to remove particles effectively. These particles can easily be resuspended back into the air (Ferro et al. 2004). While some devices may contain a collector plate to attract charged particles back to the unit, many lack this feature. This often leads to the "black wall effect," where the purifier negatively charges the surrounding air, causing airborne particles to adhere to nearby surfaces, particularly the wall behind the device, resulting in a buildup of dirt and bacteria.

Risk #3. Particles Can Adhere to the Lungs:

Research suggests that negatively charged particles can not only stick to surfaces but also adhere to the lungs, particularly surfaces inside the airways, such as the windpipe and alveoli, the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen uptake (C. Melandri et al. 1983; F.J. Offermann et al. 1967).

As stated by the US EPA in 2018, "the effect of charge on very fine particles results in their higher deposition rate in the lungs compared to that of uncharged particles."

Lack of Transparency is Irresponsible

The scientific uncertainty surrounding negative ions isn't the only cloud hanging over this technology.

An even more worrying shadow lies in the opaque practices of many air purifier companies. Often, the presence of negative ionization technology is shrouded in confusing marketing jargon, hidden specs, and website omissions leaving consumers – and even affiliates – in the dark about potential health risks. This lack of transparency is irresponsible, bordering on negligence in a health-focused industry.

Secrecy breeds misinformation and mistrust. Consumers deserve clear, accessible facts about the pros and cons of any technology they bring home. Without transparency, informed choices become impossible. Air purifier companies have a fundamental duty: open communication. Everyone deserves the knowledge to prioritize their health and well-being.

**Empowering Consumers:**
**Knowledge from Reliable Sources is Key**

Navigating the uncertainties surrounding negative ionization can feel like stepping into a debate about what "safe and effective" even means.
Different people prioritize different aspects of their health and environment, leading to diverse perspectives. There is no one size fits all. But within this complex landscape, knowledge is your compass.
By actively seeking information from reliable sources like research publications, established air quality professionals, & building health experts, you can equip yourself to make informed choices that align with your own priorities.
Ultimately, the decision to use negative ion air purifiers **rests with you**. By applying critical thinking, prioritizing evidence-based information, & **seeking out transparent practices**, you can ensure this emerging technology serves you and your loved ones in the best possible way.

A Final Perspective on Negative Ionization Tech

Negative ion air purifiers lure consumers with the promise of cleaner air, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over their long-term effects, particularly in real-world homes.

Controlled lab studies, while valuable, fail to capture the dynamic interplay of temperature, humidity, and chemical interactions that make up our living spaces. This knowledge gap raises serious concerns, especially for health professionals and parents.

Beyond the research void lies a more fundamental question: Is sterility even our goal?

While eliminating bacteria and fungi might seem appealing, it raises a critical point – is a sterile environment truly healthy for us and our families? Nature thrives on diversity, and our own microbiomes, the intricate ecosystems within us, are a testament to this principle.

Yes, specific applications for negative ion technology may exist. However, the potential consequences of disrupting this delicate balance cannot be ignored. Instead of chasing sterility, which negative ion technology arguably nudges us towards, a more holistic approach is key.

**House of Harlow**

In the Harlow House, we prioritize building environments that nurture the intricate ecosystem within and around us.
We recognize that a balanced microbial community, not sterile isolation, is the foundation for optimal health.
Our approach goes beyond simply eliminating harmful organisms; we advocate for co-existence with the diverse microbial life that plays a vital role in our well-being. This necessitates a shift in perspective, moving from the pursuit of sterility to embracing the interconnectedness of life.
**We question whether technologies focused solely on eradication truly align with our vision of holistic health for all.**
Perhaps the answer lies not in complete control, but in fostering a harmonious equilibrium where both our homes and the communities within them flourish in the richness of diverse life.

This critical evaluation of negative ionization technology serves not only to raise awareness of potential risks but also to encourage a deeper reflection on the true meaning of health and well-being. It invites us to move beyond the allure of technological solutions and embrace the wisdom of nature.

What’s Hiding in Your Air Purifier? A Guide to Negative Ionization.