There are two types of pollutants; Particulate and Gases.  Therefore both ions and ozone are necessary in order to reduce each of them and to improve the indoor air quality. 

Ionization is the process of emitting electrical energy into the air which then energizes particles in the air.  The particle(s) will then attach to grounded objects or combine with other particles, until they become heavy enough, to drop from the air by gravitational forces.  This process effectively reduces solid particulate matter from the ambient air.  

The second process is oxidation, using activated oxygen (Ozone).  Ozone is three atoms of oxygen combined.  Ozone is extremely reactive with hundreds of chemicals and gasses, and breaks the majority of them into carbon dioxide and water vapor.  Ozone is also very effective in reducing microbiological substances such as bacteria, mold, mildew, etc.  Ozone will alter and decompose certain gasses, chemicals, mold, bacteria and odors.

What is the difference between the Ozone coming out of our machine and Ozone in smog?

Ozone is three atoms of oxygen whether it is alone or mixed in with the many gasses and particles which make up smog.  The most common misconception is that any amount of ozone is bad.  Ozone can oxidize chemicals and odors at normal healthy outdoor levels without being an irritant even to sensitive groups such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.   It is a matter of looking at the concentration levels that are being discussed.

Which unit should I choose for my needs?

Individual Unit Specifications reflect effective square footage coverage based on a relatively unpolluted environment; a theoretical coverage if you will.  The actual square foot coverage will be dependent on many factors such as type of pollution, amount of pollution, the rate the pollutant(s) are being reintroduced into the environment, air flow conditions, and the specific layout of the environment.  These factors will determine the number and size of units needed for a given area.   

The unit size can usually be determined by the total area and nature of the environment, pollutants being addressed, as well as air flow conditions within the environment.  Find out what size the environment or room that needs to be addressed.  Then compare that figure with the product specification listed on the product page.

In general, place the unit in a position that will allow the natural airflow within the environment to assist in distributing what the unit is producing.  You also need to place the unit as close to the ceiling as possible or at a minimum, five feet off the floor, to maximize the unit’s effectiveness.  Most find that placing the units in the area(s) that are most populated & most polluted are going to give a more noticeable difference.  For most households, this would be in the living room, kitchen and dining room areas.  You will find further product information in the Owner’s Manual for each of the units.  

One of the largest complications is the lack of air circulation.  Without ample air circulation, the Ions and the Ozone cannot disburse throughout an area and perform their separate functions.  Place the unit in the stream of air circulation, preferably near a cold air return. 

Ozone plays a significant role in dust mite control.  Ozone has an indirect effect on the Dust populations.  The ecological niche for the dust mites is the consumption of skin scales from humans and other animals.  These skin scales cannot be “fresh” but must be defatted.  The skin scales that serve as the food source for the dust mites are defatted or decomposed by the common mold known as Aspergillus anastelodami.

Mold is a significant cause of common allergic and asthmatic reactions.  The most common of these molds are Penicillin, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria.  

Higher mold counts are directly related to higher ambient temperatures and humidity.  Elevated moisture levels due to building activities or water damage, geographic location, and use of misting humidifiers contribute greatly to these increases in mold counts.  

It is also important to note that when a significant humidity increase occurs (greater than 70%), the quantity of airborne mold (spores) will diminish temporarily as the mold will grow but not spore.  Eventually and equilibrium ration of mold to spores will occur.  

Conversely, a drop in the humidity will trigger increased sport release.  This release can be a time of high allergy and asthmatic complaints.  Again an equilibrium ration of mold to spores will occur.