Air Cleaners: Filtering Through The Hype (NAPSA)—It may be time to clear the air about certain air cleaners. Recent reports have implied that all air cleaners produce unhealthy levels of ozone, but this is not true. In fact, the most popular type of portable room air cleaners, those that use only a fan and highefficiency filter to draw in and trap airborne particulates, emits no more ozone than any typ- ical household electrical device. Some air cleaners use processes called ionization and/or electrostatic precipitation to charge the particulates passing through the machine and collect charged particles on metal plates. This type of technology functions similar to “static cling.” While products employing this process create a low level of ozone as a byproduct of ionization, the devices are not considered to be “ozone generators.” Consumers may check with the manufacturers of these devices for specific ozone levels and to ensure that the unit has been tested according to the applicable safety standard, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) test for ozone. Another category of devices called ozone generators purposefully emit ozone. This type of product has received the most N NEUROUUIUIAIK OYdS4 Ua Air cleaners are not all the same. Research the type of air cleaner before you purchase. attention in the media for the potential adverse health effects on some people. Becauseof these concerns, somestates have eventried to ban the sale of the ozone-emitting devices. More information on air cleaner technologies and on Room Air Cleaner Certification is available at www.cadr.org. This site includes a list of manufacturers who have had their products’ Clean Air Delivery Rate performance verified through a third party laboratory. These products bear the CADR-certified seal on the front of their packaging. Consumers can also call (800) 267-3188 to receive information on the benefits of certified air cleaners.
