Air Resource Board Recommends HEPA Filters

The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resource Board has warned against purchasing air purifiers that purposely generate ozone. These ozone generators are actually detrimental to overall health and wellbeing. Such equipment has been linked to lung disease and should not be used – especially by individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or COPD. Instead, the Board recommends that consumers purchase machines that utilize HEPA filters to clean air indoors.

HEPA air purifiers are widely considered to be the gold standard for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) by removing particulate matter. Alternatives include electrostatic precipitators (as long as they do not create too much ozone). As of October 18th 2010, all air cleaning devices sold in California must be certified by the Air Resource Board. There is a preliminary list of certified models and companies that sell them here. In addition, labeling language used to sell any air cleaning equipment will be governed by Title 17, Sections 94800-94810, of the California Code of Regulations.

This should have a dramatic positive effect on how air cleaners and purported air-purifying devices are marketed throughout the rest of the country. California is such a large market that productivity advantages apply to manufacturers and distributors across the U.S.  Large companies that sell this equipment are likely to abide by these new regulations even though these devices will also be sold outside of California. It does not make sense for them to redesign their manufacturing process to meet different regulations in each and every state. The most stringent rules usually prevail over time, especially if the regulations in question apply to a manufacturer’s largest customer base.

Mechanisms That Qualify

So far, one of the most prominent companies listed as certified for providing indoor air cleaning equipment is Honeywell. These Honeywell Air Purifiers are often recommended by physicians for patients who would benefit the most from experiencing cleaner indoor air. Most of these units are equipped with true HEPA filters. One of the models includes a UV lamp as well.

Other devices that qualify for the certified list include certain ionizers, electronic filtration, and various other new air cleaning technologies. It may seem surprising that ionizers made the list of acceptable devices. After all, the health hazards they create are one of the reasons the new regulations were created in the first place. However, the most important standard that must be met to get on the approved list is that the apparatus must not create more than 0.050 parts per million of ozone. This means that the few ionizers with very low emissions can still be sold in California.

Because the certification process is still in its early stages, many other brands may eventually be proven to meet the ARB standard. A rush for certification is expected as companies try to beat the deadline for enforcement of the new regulations. Since the list will be rapidly changing, the board has also provided plenty of general guidance on what types of products really do work. For more specific information on which equipment will target your allergy or asthma symptoms, request our free ebook.

Keywords: HEPA filters; electrostatic precipitators; HEPA air purifiers; Honeywell Air Purifiers

Link for list of ARB certified products: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/certified.htm

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