• Pollutants are everywhere
  
  

The Facts

• Molecules are charged
  
  An air ionizer creates negative ions when a controlled electrical charge is created from the ionizer's coils or wires, which builds up as it travels down the coil and negatively charged ions are released in the air. When the negative ions enter the environment, they usually attach to pet dander, dust, smoke and pollen. These particles are positively charged and with the ionizer sending out negative ions, these particles are transformed. Their overall charge is not only changed, they also grow in size. The transformed particles are then either collected on a plate in the ionizer or drop to the floor where they can be vacuumed.
  
  

Testing

• Air quality is scrutinized
  
  The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has a Home Air Cleaner certification program where air purifiers are tested. This certification process conducts testing on dust, tobacco smoke and pollen clean air delivery rates or CADR. The higher the rate, the faster the air is filtered. CADR has been accepted by the scientific and public health communities and all air purifier units passing this certification process will have the AHAM seal.
  
  

The Best

• Star ionizer
  
  There are hundreds of ionizers available that claim to improve indoor air quality. Based on clean air delivery rates and AHAM, the Airgle 750 Air Purifier is the best ionizer available. It has a dust clean air delivery rate slightly below 400 particulates. The tobacco smoke and pollen clean air delivery rate is slightly below 450 particulates. This unit cleans up 99 percent of air particles and covers 698 square feet. The Airgle retails for around $799.
  
  

Life is Mostly Indoors

• We breath deep while sleeping
  
  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that most people spend close to 90 percent of their time indoors and that indoor air quality is a huge environmental concern. They also state that air purifiers may help increase the quality of indoor air.
  
  

Further Considerations

• Before purchasing an ionic air cleaner, measure the area where the unit will be located to avoid purchasing an item that doesn't fit. Even though it's portable most consumers prefer to put in one place and leave it to do its job.