OT: Ionize setting on an air filter...

[rdouglass]

Slick said:
Sometimes these ionizers can create ozone (O3) out of the normal oxygen (O2) in the air.

That's exactly what they're supposed to do. Just as mentioned, it's supposed to be in small quantites. Ozone can and will kill many / most molds and mildews so that's why its beneficial to many alergy sufferers.

Also, ionization aids particulates (smoke, dust, dander, etc.) to collect with each other and fall out of suspension in the air. (You may and should notice dusty areas in front of the ionizer itself.)

I have one that uses UV light to kill bacteria as well. Hopefully your's has adjustments 'cause too much ozone can leave you with headaches, dry nose, etc. and is generally not healthy. However, I have found that I play with the adjustments until it smells faintly (very faintly) like after a thunderstorm (as previously mentioned) that seems to be the optimal setting for me.

My wife has numerous alergies (and my 6 year old seems to be developing them as well - are they hereditary?) but that combination (ionizer and UV) seems to work wonders for them. I am quite satisfied that most if not all of their (air filter people) claims are quite true.

[Slick]

Not all ionizers are intended to create ozone. The well-publicized "Ionic Breeze" from Sharper Image uses the process I described to clean the air. It creates small amounts of ozone as a byproduct; which is either negligible or a health hazard, depending on which review you read.

[narf poit chez BOOM]

It's only got off and on for the ionizer.