Just to clarify a prior question, I had; I've heard that ionized air can be potentially harmful (i.e. free radicals) so I want to avoid air cleaners that ionize air. The 3M Filtrete electrostatic polyolefin-based filters (very common in furnace filters, and now as part of a standalone air purifier) are pre-charged with a static charge to attract dirt, dust, and particles of inflowing air.
My question is, as non-ionized (regular) air travels through the filter (via a simple fan, there is no ionizer involved) is there any way that it could pick up any of the charge on the electrostatic filter, or that the air can become somewhat ionized in any way or form after it leaves the filter? Now, AFAIK, air doesn't conduct charges well, so my guess would be no, but I'd like to have an expert opinion.
2007-09-25 03:51:36 · 3 answers · asked by Joe Jevers 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Wow you must really be short of things to worry about if you are concerned about ionization from those kind of filters.
No is the answer to your question.
You should have a talk with my aunt. She was worried about getting a shock from eating toast after it was made in an electric toaster. You two could share your concerns.
2007-09-25 04:06:23 · answer #1 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its' a fair question, for it to work something has to happen right? That's exactly right, but lets examine why it works. Air is dirty because of particle suspended in the air. The 'Ionized air' has been polarized by a large electrical charge, then the air crosses a plate which is of the opposite charge, the plate removes the particles by attracting them to stick to the plate. The biggest set back to this is the plate will hardly come clean again and the efficiency suffers after the first three months or so. But they are perfectly safe.
The polarized filter accomplishes the same task but can be washed several times before needing to be replaced. There is no large potential to worry about, and efficiency losses can be corrected with a new filter. There is no transaction with the air so it is also safe.
Free radicals from the air (or actually the toasted dust) is a good theory, but it would take a substantial amount of air and dust to create anything un healthy, burnt toast is probably more dangerous.
Check consumer reports, and ASHRAE for indoor air testing and quality research.
2007-09-25 09:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by mavis b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2016-05-18 01:15:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋