Re: Newbie with questions (Ozone)

[Guest guest]

Dali,

Are you a salesperson for Ecoquest? Because this link is basically a

sales pitch for them. Alphine, Ecoquest and LivingAir are all the

same company. This air purifiers emit ozone and has been proven to

cause permanent lung damage and/or respiratory disorders.

We have been through this discussion on this about a dozen times. The

owner and myself have requested members to cease posting any claims

of the " wonders " of ozone generators. If anyone is already dealing

with respiratory distress I would not recommend anyone to use any of

these machines, until proven otherwise. There is no sense on taking a

chance on further damage.

KC,

Moderator

http://www.lungusa.org/pub/cleaners/air_clean_chap4.html

" Problems with Ozone Generators

Ozone is a potent lung irritant and exposure to elevated levels is a

contributor to the exacerbation of lung disease; it is especially

dangerous for persons with asthma and other chronic lung diseases,

children, and the elderly. Residential indoor ozone is produced

directly by ozone generators and indirectly by ion generators and

some other electronic air cleaners. There is no difference, despite

some manufacturers' claims, between outdoor ozone and ozone produced

by these devices.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action in 1995 against two

manufacturers of ozone generating devices. The FTC charged that they

made unsubstantiated claims about the ability of their products to

clean air of various indoor air pollutants and to prevent or relieve

allergies, asthma and other conditions. Under the FTC's settlement,

the manufacturers are prohibited from making marketing claims that

ozone is effective in cleaning indoor air, that their products do not

create harmful by-products, and that they prevent or provide relief

from allergies, asthma, and other specified conditions, unless the

claims are supported by reliable and adequate substantiation (FTC,

1995).

Consumer Reports (1992), the National Institute of Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH) (Boeniger, 1995), and the U.S. EPA (1995)

concluded that tabletop and room unit ozone generators are not

effective in improving indoor air quality. Studies have found that

while some indoor air pollutant concentrations decline in the

presence of ozone, other pollutants increase. In fact, upon reaction

with ozone, some previously undetected, toxic chemicals emerge in

indoor air, including formaldehyde and other aldehydes (Boeniger,

1995). There is a lack of evidence in the scientific literature that

would support the effectiveness of ozone at low concentrations in

removing organic contaminants from indoor air (Boeniger, 1995). A

recent study by the U.S. EPA demonstrates that ozone is not effective

for killing airborne molds and fungi even at high concentrations (6-9

ppm) (U.S. EPA, 1995). At higher concentrations, especially above

0.08 ppm, ozone is a potent irritant that can bring about diminished

lung function, cough, inflammation associated with biochemical

changes, and increased responsiveness to allergens. (Horstman, et

al., 1990). Current evidence of the health effects of ozone suggests

that there is no " safe " threshold concentration for the onset of

health responses due to exposure above background ozone

concentrations (Burnett, et al., 1994; U.S. EPA CASAC letter, 1995).

Also, simultaneous exposure to ozone and other compounds may produce

additive or synergistic effects (Last, et al, 1984). In addition,

persons with asthma have increased susceptibility to ozone and

exposure to low concentrations results in increased symptoms,

medications use and hospitalizations.

The FDA has set a limit of 0.05 ppm of ozone for medical devices. A

small percentage of air cleaners that claim a health benefit are

listed by the FDA and these devices conform to FDA regulations.

However, ozone generators, negative ion generators, and certain other

electronic air cleaners that are not listed by the FDA, or cannot

otherwise prove that their ozone emission levels are lower than 0.05

ppm, may produce levels of ozone recognized as unsafe for humans and

are not recommended for use in occupied spaces because of the risk of

generation of ozone. For similar reasons, the American Lung

Association does not suggest the use of these products " .

> > Hi There, So glad to find this group!

> >

> > I have two children aged 8 and 12 who have both attended the

same

> > school system. The oldest- girl- first attended kindergarten in

an

> > old, known to have poor air quality school. She developed a tic

> with

> > vocalizations.

>

> I am a Special Ed teacher who has suffered permanent damage to

lungs

> and brain, with hypersensitivities and sinusitus from toxic

exposures

> in several schools. I recommend homeschooling your children or

> changing schools. Your school may have a serious mold or noxious

> allergen problem. Yes, there are test kits - the mold-help.org

site

> will provide lots of info. Know this: many school districts are

> completely ignorant of and defensive about the dangers of mold.

This

> ignorance can harm kids and teachers. You might try the

homeschooling

> and see if the symptoms decrease. Or observe during the summer.

But

> chances are there is something bothering them there at school.

Could

> be the carpeting, the building materials outgassing, the carpet

> mastik, etc. You might have them see an allergist, too. You also

> might insist on a room change with a doctor note.

>

> I used to live in the Brunswick area. I am familiar with the fact

> that there may not be lots of choices.

>

> Please read this:

>

> http://www.mold-help.org/pages/submenus/mold_and_schools/index.htm

>

>

>

>

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>

>

>