An ultraviolet (UV) air purifier uses the UV light rays to destroy the indoor air pollutants.  This type of air purifier is referred to as an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) air purifier and photo-catalytic oxidation (PCO) air purifier.  Both of these ultraviolet air purifiers are designed for special situations and attack different types of air pollutants than the mechanical or filter air purifiers.

The UVGI purifiers use ultraviolet radiation created by UV lights that are targeted to destroy biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, allergens, and molds that are found in the indoor air or grow on air conditioning  cooling coils, drain pans, and/or ductwork). The UVG air purifiers are normally used in conjunction with and not as a replacement for filtration air purification systems.

The PCO air purifier uses a UV light lamp in conjunction with a substance catalyst that will react with the UV light and destroy gaseous pollutants.  The PSD accomplishes this task by converting the gaseous pollutants into harmless air particles.  The PSD air purifier cleanses the indoor air but is not designed to remove pollutant particles from the indoor air.  Again, this type of air purifier is used in conjunction with a mechanical filter type air purifier and not as a replacement.

Several companies market ozone generators as air purifiers.  These ozone generators use UV light or an electrical discharge to produce ozone. Unfortunately, a little known fact is that ozone is a lung irritant that itself amy be harmful and cause adverse health effects. Rather than help the situation, an ozone generator marketed as an air purifier could cause more harm than good,  Ozone has little effect in removing indoor air pollutants when the level of ozone is maintained at or below the level deemed to safe by published public heath standards.  Rather than use an ozone generator or air purifier, the use of methods proven to be both safe and effective to reduce air pollutant is recommended.  These methods include the elimination or control of pollutant sources and the increase of outdoor air ventilation.

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