I was trying to respond to the post about the Sharper Image air cleaners but can't for some reason, so I hope you read this info.
The main goal in using a portable air cleaner is to reduce the number of particulates/allergens in the air. Thus one equipped with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Some portable units also have additional filters, such as carbon filters, which will help absorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Most ionizers produce ozone. While ozone can be useful for odor removal (smoke damage, etc.) in certain situations, it should never be used in an OCCUPIED space, as ozone is a known lung irritant.
Also make sure you buy a unit that is correctly sized for the space.
The EPA has a good document on ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
Also see: www.cadr.org to research air cleaners.
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Thanks for the reply
That explains why the ionizer works so well on the cat odor in the bathroom, but if I'm trading a nose irritant for a lung irritant, that can't be good. Maybe getting the boyfriend to clean out the cat box more often is a better solution....
Ionizer
You're right about the odor, you're right about the trade-off not being worth it (for you, the boyfriend AND the cat), and you're right about having your boyfriend clean out the litter box more often! Also remember to tell any pregnant girlfriends or those with compromised immune systems that they should never clean the litter box themselves as cat feces may contain a parasite known to cause toxoplasmosis.
My partner got in such the habit that it's now his full-time duty, even though our daughter is 6 months old!
Stacey Champion, CIE
Owner/Consultant
Champion Indoors, LLC/Champion Indoor Env. Services, LLC
"Dedicated to the mission of assisting in the creation of healthier indoor environments."