November 14 , 2006

Contact:
- Andrew Weisser, (818) 703-6444, aweisser@earthlink.net
www.californialung.org
or your local American Lung Association at (800) LUNG-USA

Consumer Product Alert:
Take Ozone-Emitting Air Cleaning Devices Off Your Gift List

Editor/Reporter Note: Related public service ad, “You May Be Creating a Smog Alert Inside Your Home or Office with ‘Air Purifiers’” is available at: http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/aircleaningdevices_ads.html

(OAKLAND, CA, November 14, 2006) With the holiday season just around the corner, and colder weather headed our way, many people will be spending more time indoors. Breathe easier this holiday season by avoiding ozone-emitting “air cleaning” devices and air fresheners, which foul up indoor air.

A growing number of Californians are purchasing air cleaning devices due to concerns about indoor air quality. Unfortunately, some people are unknowingly purchasing devices that generate harmful levels of the air pollutant ozone, which prompted the American Lung Association of California to sponsor AB 2276 (Pavley, D-Agoura Hills). The legislation protects consumers from the dangers posed by “air cleaning” devices that generate ozone either intentionally or as a byproduct.

Under AB 2276, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will soon develop regulations to limit harmful ozone emissions from air cleaning devices and ban the sale of the worst offenders – devices that intentionally generate high ozone levels.

A recent CARB study of four different ozone-generating models found that these devices emitted ozone at levels that exceed health-based standards for ozone in outdoor air, posing a serious risk to lung health. One model produced room concentrations more than 4.5 times the health-based ambient air quality standard for ozone within a few hours, enough to trigger a stage 1 smog alert if outdoors. CARB also found that a compound in slow-dissolving air fresheners poses a health risk because it releases a dangerous chemical into the air over time.

Air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators and ionizers do not generate ozone intentionally, but produce it as a byproduct. Consumers need to make sure these products emit acceptable levels of ozone, less than 50 parts per billion according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Ozone air pollution is a powerful respiratory irritant that can actually cause chemical burns on lung tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, wheezing and coughing. Ozone can also exacerbate lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term exposure to ozone can lead to significant reductions in lung function and may even cause asthma in otherwise healthy children.

‘Ignore the Marketing Hype’

The truth is ozone-generating devices are neither safe nor extremely effective.

Ozone-generating “air cleaners” use an electrical charge to generate ozone and are marketed as “air purifiers” designed to remove indoor air pollutants such as allergens, gases, viruses, mold and bacteria. They are often described as emitting “activated oxygen” or “mountain-fresh air.” Several manufacturers of these air cleaning devices have stepped up efforts to market their products in California in recent years, taking out full-page ads in major newspapers and developing extensive “informational” websites.

“Unfortunately, air cleaners are often marketed to those most at risk – people with lung disease,” says Myron Liebhaber, MD, who treats people with asthma and volunteers for the American Lung Association of California. “At least one patient a day asks me about air cleaners and I always tell them the same thing. Stick with air cleaners that use a HEPA filter. They are the safest and most effective. Ignore the marketing hype.”

The HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter is a type of mechanical filter used to remove fine particles that can be breathed deep into the lungs. It is the most efficient mechanical filter for removing small particles.

Source control and ventilation are the most effective ways to reduce indoor air pollutants. Control or limit pollution by stopping or reducing the use of toxic chemicals and cleaning agents. Clean surfaces regularly and keep areas dry to reduce dust and mold. Make sure indoor area is well ventilated by using exhaust fans and opening windows, especially when pollutant sources such as solvents and cleaners are in use.

Visit

http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/06fw_OzoneAirCleaners.html

for more on air cleaning devices and to download a free ad/poster to display at workplaces, community centers, and other organizations about the issue.

More information about air cleaning devices, call 1.800.LUNG.USA to automatically reach your nearest American Lung Association or to speak with registered nurses and respiratory therapists at its free HelpLine. For a complete list of ozone generators, visit www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/ozone.htm

For 100 years, the American Lung Association has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.” For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1.800.LUNG.USA (1.800.586.4872) or visit www.californialung.org or www.lungusa.org.call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.californialung.org.