How To Reduce Ozone Pollution In Your Home

Ozone pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health, causing respiratory issues and even contributing to the development of respiratory diseases. While ozone in the upper atmosphere shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is dangerous and primarily formed from outdoor pollution emissions. As such, it is important to consider ways to reduce ozone pollution, both in our homes and in the environment. This involves understanding the sources of indoor ozone and taking steps to limit our exposure to it.

Avoid air purifiers that emit ozone

Ozone is a harmful air pollutant and respiratory irritant that is mainly formed from outdoor pollution emissions. While ozone is beneficial in the upper atmosphere, where it protects the Earth from harmful radiation, ground-level ozone can irritate the lungs and make asthma worse.

Some air purifiers emit ozone, either as a by-product or intentionally. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends against using anything that introduces ozone into the home.

Ionizing air purifiers, for example, create ozone as a by-product of their electric charge. While some ionic air purifiers only produce small amounts of ozone, ozone generators are designed to put a lot of ozone into indoor spaces. In small spaces, ozone generators can quickly cause ozone build-ups to levels that would trigger severe smog alerts for outdoor air.

Therefore, to reduce ozone pollution in your home, it is important to avoid air purifiers that emit ozone. Instead, opt for air purifiers that use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or activated carbon filters. These filters are able to remove 99.97% of pollutants from the air without creating harmful by-products.

• Levoit's EverestAir: This air purifier has exceptional cleaning performance, comes with smart features, looks great, and emits zero ozone.
• TaoTronics TT-AP003: This unit is a budget-friendly option that offers everything you need, including ozone-free air purification.
• Mila: This air purifier is ideal for smart homes, as it covers all your smart needs and boasts a large collection of filters to choose from.

Use air purifiers with carbon filters to remove ozone

Ozone is a harmful air pollutant and respiratory irritant. It is formed from outdoor pollution emissions, but it may also be found indoors or emitted by items in the home. Some air purifiers emit ozone, either as a by-product or intentionally. The EPA recommends against using anything that introduces ozone into the home.

If you want to remove ozone from your home, you can use an air purifier with a carbon filter. Ozone is a gas, so most common air purifiers will not remove it from the air. However, ozone's reactive nature means it can be filtered out using activated carbon.

Activated carbon filters have numerous molecular spots for ozone molecules to attach to. A pilot study found that filters with carbon stages removed an estimated 60 to 70 percent of ozone from the air, compared to negligible removal by filters without activated carbon. Another study found that filters with activated carbon removed over 90% of ozone from the air in controlled settings.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one with a high concentration of activated carbon. The more carbon, the more effective the filter will be at removing ozone. Some specific examples of air purifiers with carbon filters include:

• Levoit EverestAir
• TaoTronics TT-AP003
• Mila
• Smart Air Blast Mini
• IQAir Healthpro Plus
• Levoit Vital 200S

In addition to using an air purifier with a carbon filter, you can also reduce ozone levels in your home by keeping your windows closed, especially on warm and sunny days with little to no wind.

Avoid using ozone-generating consumer products

Ozone pollution in the home can be very dangerous to people's health. It can impair lung function, making it more difficult to breathe deeply, and can lead to the development of respiratory diseases. Short-term but intense exposure to ozone is also thought to increase the possibility of death from a variety of respiratory illnesses.

Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning that it is not directly emitted. Instead, it is formed when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrous oxides, released from vehicles, power plants, industrial processes, landfills, and other biomass and fossil fuel-burning facilities, react with sunlight.

Some consumer products also produce ozone, including residential laundry water treatment systems, ozone fruit and vegetable washers, and ozone hair and facial tools.

To reduce ozone pollution in your home, it is recommended to avoid using consumer products that emit ozone. Here are some tips to avoid using ozone-generating consumer products:

• Read product manuals carefully: Before purchasing or using any product, carefully read the manual to check if it emits ozone. Some products that are intended to improve air quality, such as air purifiers, can actually emit ozone. Look for products that are certified as not emitting ozone, such as those with the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus logo.
• Choose alternative methods: If a product releases ozone, consider using alternative methods to control indoor air pollution. For example, instead of using an ozone-emitting air purifier, opt for source control, ventilation, or air cleaning methods. Source control refers to reducing possible sources of air pollution, such as minimizing the use of polluting products and regular cleaning to remove dust and moisture. Ventilation involves opening windows and using ventilation systems to reduce the concentration of air pollutants. Air cleaning refers to using methods like air filters and gas-absorbing materials, such as activated carbon filters, to remove pollutants from the air.
• Be cautious with high-emitting products: Some products, such as paint, glue, caulk, candles, and incense, can emit high levels of VOCs. Whenever possible, use these products outdoors or increase ventilation when using them indoors. Open windows and doors, or turn on local exhaust fans, to reduce the concentration of VOCs.
• Minimize the use of certain appliances: Some household appliances, such as laundry water treatment devices, fruit washes, and facial steamers, have been found to produce ozone concentrations above recommended levels. Minimize the use of these appliances or opt for alternative methods.
• Avoid ozone-generating air purifiers: While air purifiers are designed to improve indoor air quality, some types emit ozone as a by-product or intentionally. It is recommended to avoid using anything that introduces ozone into your home. Instead, opt for air purifiers that utilize other technologies, such as PECO air purifiers, which decompose ozone and turn it back into oxygen.

By following these tips and choosing alternative products and methods, you can effectively reduce your exposure to ozone pollution in your home and protect your health.

Use safe building materials and furnishings

Using safe building materials and furnishings is essential to reducing ozone pollution in your home. Here are some detailed tips to help you make informed choices:

Opt for Formaldehyde-Free Products: Formaldehyde is a colourless gas commonly used as a disinfectant, preservative, and in various household products and building materials. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, even leading to breathing problems and allergies, especially in children. When purchasing construction or renovation materials, choose formaldehyde-free options like solid wood, gypsum board, stainless steel, adobe, bricks, and tiles.

Choose Compliant Composite Wood Products: When selecting composite wood products such as particleboard or plywood, look for labels indicating California Phase II Compliance or TSCA Title VI Compliance. These standards ensure lower emissions and safer indoor air quality.

Select Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus Certified Products: When buying carpets, cushions, and adhesive products, look for the CRI Green Label Plus logo. This certification signifies that the products have met stringent standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality.

Prioritize Low-Emission and Water-Based Paints: Paints, varnishes, and other coatings can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Opt for water-based paints or those labelled as zero-VOC to minimize emissions. Additionally, consider using a brush instead of a sprayer to reduce paint overspray from dispersing into the air.

Choose Safe Cleaning and Household Products: Cleaning products, fragrances, and air fresheners can contain chemicals that react with ozone, forming particles and formaldehyde. Opt for safer alternatives that are environmentally friendly and human-health-focused. Check resources like SaferChoice and GreenSeal for guidance on choosing less toxic products.

Ventilate and Air Out New Furnishings: When introducing new carpets, furniture, or other items with potential emissions, air them out as long as possible before bringing them indoors. Additionally, maintain proper ventilation in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans to dilute and remove indoor air pollutants.

Remember, using safe building materials and furnishings is a crucial step in reducing ozone pollution and creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

Avoid air fresheners and scented products

Air fresheners and scented products are a common way to mask or remove unpleasant odours. However, they can negatively impact indoor air quality by adding potentially hazardous pollutants to the air. These products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as cause headaches and nausea. Even "green", organic, or natural air fresheners emit potentially hazardous compounds, and essential oils can trigger allergic reactions.

To improve indoor air quality, it is recommended to avoid using air fresheners and scented products, opting instead for increasing ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans, and regularly cleaning and vacuuming. Additionally, source control is the most effective method of reducing indoor air pollution. This involves minimising the use of products that contribute to indoor pollution, such as cleaning agents, paints, and glues, and opting for water-based or low-VOC products instead.

Frequently asked questions