Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can cause serious health issues when inhaled. It can lead to chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation, and can worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. It can also reduce the body's ability to fight off respiratory infections. The effects of ozone on the body vary greatly between individuals.
Healthy people and those with breathing difficulties can both experience respiratory problems when exposed to ozone. Exercising during exposure to ozone increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from adverse effects may occur after brief exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may be more severe and recovery may be less safe at higher levels or after prolonged exposures. Ionizers and electrostatic precipitators are other types of air filters that can produce ozone as a result of their design and function.
Many people buy air filters to eliminate odors and improve air quality inside their homes, but they may not be aware that they are worsening the situation by using air filters that generate ozone.
