Q. If ozone is good outdoors, then is it also good to have in your home?
A. This is a very common misconception. There are actually two layers of ozone outdoors, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) distinguishes between these layers with the phrase "good up high, bad nearby". The ozone layer that is referred to as "good up high" is very high in the stratosphere and protects us from the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. The second "bad near by" ozone layer is much lower than the protective ozone, and this layer is commonly called smog. Ground level ozone forms during a reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are mainly released by industrial processes and motor vehicles, in the presence of sunlight. This ozone is obviously not good for people or the environment. Ozone can enter your home from the outdoors, or it can be made indoors through the use of ion/ozone generators. Ozone has been shown to cause/worsen several respiratory-related health issues, especially for young children, persons with respiratory problems such as asthma, the elderly, and persons with heightened sensitivity to chemicals.
Q. If my house is clean and smells good, does that mean it is healthy?
A. Not necessarily. Many common cleaning agents contain chemicals that are not good for your health, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Candles, especially fragerenced paraffin wax candles, can generate large amounts of particles (PM), which may cause or worsen certain respiratory diseases. Ion generators, which are marketed as "air cleaners", generate ozone, a know respiratory irritant, and ozone can in turn react and form many other by-products, including particles (PM), in the air.
Q. If a household product contains a chemical that was suspected to be harmful, would the company have to label that product?
A. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many products such as plastics, building materials, and flooring, lack the 'ingredient list' found on food products. Although cosmetics and personal hygiene products do list the ingredients, certain chemicals may be abreviated or not listed because they are a component of another ingredient.