SACRAMENTO -- State health officials today alerted consumers that not all indoor air cleaning devices are alike and certain types could cause health problems for some people.

"People should avoid using indoor air cleaning devices that produce ozone, sometimes referred to by marketers as activated oxygen," said Jim Stratton, M.D., M.P.H., State Health Officer. "These devices can quickly produce enough ozone in a confined space to exceed the California Stage 2 and 3 smog alert levels as well as worker health and safety standards."

Ozone is the primary chemical that makes up smog and can produce a variety of health problems. Long term exposure to high levels of ozone may result in permanent lung damage. Ozone can also cause eye, throat and nose irritation and increased sensitivity to airborne irritants.

"The elderly, people with respiratory disease and families with children--the people most likely to be interested in using an air cleaner--are also the most susceptible to the toxic effects of ozone," Stratton said. "People seeking cleaner indoor air should look at air cleaning devices that utilize other technology such as filters, ionizers and electrostatic precipitators."

Although ozone generating machines are promoted as air cleaners, independent studies have shown that the machines do not effectively destroy microbes, remove odor sources or reduce indoor pollutants sufficiently to provide any health benefits. The Federal Trade Commission has recently taken action against some manufacturers of ozone generating machines for making unsupported claims about the ability of the machines to clean air.

The most effective way to avoid indoor air pollution problems is to remove the sources of pollution or prevent emissions from occurring. For many people, the most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to stop smoking. People concerned with indoor air pollution in their homes should consult a heating, ventilation and air conditioning professional.