Warning
1999-62
April 13, 1999
Health Canada warns the public about air cleaners designed to intentionally generate ozone (Ozone generators)
OTTAWA - Further to the ozone generator advisory that Health Canada issued on February 5, 1999, we are now issuing this updated warning and the attached list of affected ozone generator brands and models. This list will be updated as new information becomes available. Health Canada warns the public not to use air cleaners designed to intentionally generate ozone (ozone generators) in their homes.
Health Canada is concerned with the adverse health effects that may result from the deliberate exposure of the public to ozone from air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone gas. Ozone is an irritant that can cause coughs, chest discomfort, and irritation of the nose and throat. A risk evaluation by Health Canada concluded that the direct and purposeful generation of ozone in indoor occupied spaces should be avoided. Health Canada has received complaints from consumers of respiratory problems when using ozone generators. Persons with pre-existing lung diseases, such as asthma, are especially at risk and are warned not to use ozone generators in their homes.
Following a review of current information and in consultation with Health Canada and others, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) recently made the decision not to certify these products for household use and issued new interim requirements for commercial units.
Products affected include portable, bread-box sized units that plug into the wall, and some smaller units that may be battery-powered. The units have one or more control knobs or switches on the front face and may have an ozone detector built-in. Most devices of this kind have been sold door-to-door and not in retail outlets.
Health Canada advises owners of commercial ozone generators to discontinue use in indoor occupied spaces. Commercial ozone generators should never be used in homes.
This warning does not apply to ozone generators designed for use in industrial applications such as fire damage restoration and water purification where occupants are not normally present. Any beneficial application using ozone requires extremely high levels of ozone to be effective and this is not safe for human exposure. This warning also does not apply to any other type of air cleaners such as mechanical filter-type air cleaners or electrostatic precipitators.
For more information, consumers should contact the nearest regional Product Safety office of Health Canada listed below:
- Burnaby (604) 666-5003
- Edmonton (403) 495-2626
- Calgary (403) 292-4677
- Saskatoon (306) 975-4502
- Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
- Scarborough (416) 973-4705
- Hamilton (905) 572-2845
- Montreal (514) 283-5488
- Sillery (418) 648-4327
- Moncton (506) 851-6638
- Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
- St. John's (709) 772-4050
Media inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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