A Dirty Secret Revealed

Filtration systems and other indoor air quality products are supposed to make your home's air cleaner and healthier. Fact is, many such products on the market today end up making the air worse. That's because they emit ozone, a toxic gas.

The Problem with Ozone

Ozone is a form of oxygen. But there's good ozone, and there's bad ozone. In the earth's stratosphere, it helps to block potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the ground. However, at lower levels in the atmosphere – the air we breathe – it's a product of pollution and can be dangerous.

  • The Harmful Effects of Ozone – Long-term repeated exposure to high levels of ozone can reduce lung function or aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis.* Even relatively low amounts of ozone may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and throat irritation.**
  • Who's at Risk – Ozone can be harmful to everyone. Healthy people, as well as those with existing respiratory difficulties, can all experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone.**

Ozone is Bad News

Although ozone in the stratosphere occurs naturally, ground-level ozone is man-made – and your sure don't want that in your home.

Many electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers produce ozone. Concentrations of ozone can build up, depending on how powerful the air cleaner is, whether it's placed in a small space and how many interior doors are closed.

The Ozone-Free Solution

Healthy Climate® products from Lennox, essential components of your home's comfort system, are designed to dramatically improve indoor air quality. And, unlike many competitors' systems, they won't release harmful ozone into your home in the process. That's good to know, because it means your family really can breathe a little easier.

*American Lung Association, 2006
**U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences," August 2006