ASH Asks Indoor Air Purifier Makers to Stop Claims That Products Rid Indoor Air of Tobacco Smoke

Action on Smoking & Health has joined with other tobacco control organizations to ask the makers of indoor air purifiers to stop making misleading claims about their products.  Advertisements for The Sharper Image's “Ionic Breeze” and Frontgate's “PlasmaCluster” air purifiers contend that the products eliminate tobacco smoke from the air, and imply that any health risks associated with secondhand smoke are also eliminated. ASH sent letters to both companies asking them to cease these misleading claims.

There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.  This fact has even been accepted by the tobacco industry itself.  ASHRAE – the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers – no longer includes recommended specifications for purifying indoor areas exposed to tobacco smoke.  This is because they know that it is impossible to clean such air to a healthy level, and do not want to incur liability.

The purifiers no doubt freshen the air and reduce particulates.  However, people who are susceptible to tobacco smoke, or anyone who wants to avoid the health risks of exposure to known carcinogens, should demand proof that the devices live up to their promise to eliminate 100% of the elements of tobacco smoke before relying on them.  The safer alternative is to demand a smokefree environment.

Click here to view letter sent to the CEO of Frontgate

Click here to view letter sent to the CEO of The Sharper Image

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Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
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Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wells