The effect of built-in and portable ionizers on in-cabin ozone concentrations in light-duty vehicles

This paper investigates the effects of ionizers on the ozone concentration within vehicle cabins by using a series of measurements combined with a kinetic box model. Testing consisted of measuring ozone concentration during static tests where the ventilation of the test vehicle was turned on and off depending on the test. This testing was repeated for three different portable ionizers and two vehicles with built-in ionizers. Ionizer A produced ozone at a rate of similar to 0.04 ppb s(-1) (similar to 0.68 mg h(-1)), which increased the in-cabin O-3 concentrations of a Mitsubishi Mirage to similar to 10 ppb with the fan off and similar to 6 ppb in the recirculation mode. In the fresh air mode, in-cabin O-3 concentrations were dominated by outdoor-to-indoor transport. Ionizer B and C produced O-3 at a rate of less than 0.008 ppb s(-1) (<0.14 mg h(-1)); however, during retesting, ionizer C was shown to emit large amounts of ozone for short amounts of time while being tested up close. The same testing was completed on vehicles with built-in ionizers; these produced <0.01 ppb s(-1) (<0.32 mg h(-1) in the Buick Enclave and <0.25 mg h(-1) in the Hyundai Genesis), and in-cabin O-3 concentrations were again dominated by outdoor-to-indoor transport with fresh air ventilation. While ionizers are currently regulated, the negative impact they have on in cabin air quality is important to continue monitoring.