BACKGROUND:

On May 25, 2006, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) received a health update on indoor ozone generators which are sold as air purifiers.  Current law allows ARB only to conduct testing and research on this health issue.  The ARB currently does not have regulatory power over ozone emitting indoor air purifiers.  On March 28, 2006, Assemblymember Pavley introduced Assembly Bill 2276. 

This bill would require the ARB to develop and adopt regulations to reduce emissions of ozone from non-commercial, indoor air cleaning devices by January 1, 2008.

Some devices sold as indoor air cleaners or purifiers purposely emit ozone, purportedly to clean the air. Manufacturers of such "ozone generators" often falsely claim that these devices eliminate bacteria, mold, and chemical contaminants from the air, and can help allergies, asthma, and other health conditions. The research undertaken by the ARB shows that ozone is emitted from these devices at levels harmful to health.

While some air cleaning devices are designed to emit ozone as a method of cleaning the air, they do not collect or trap particles or gases.  In some devices, ozone is emitted at levels that can damage the lungs and respiratory airways.  Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to elevated ozone levels, especially those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases.

This bill would allow the ARB to:

1. 1.      Set emission standards for ozone produced by indoor air cleaners.
2. 2.      Create test procedures for manufacturers to determine ozone emissions from such devices.
3. 3.      Create certification procedures.
4. 4.      Ban the sale of devices that exceed the ARB’s emission standards.
5. 5.      Create product labeling requirements.

I urge your support.

Respectfully submitted,

RON ROBERTS

Vice-Chairman

Supervisor, Fourth District