RAMP Advocating for Policies to Improve Respiratory Safety of Air Cleaners in California

RAMP was proud to sponsor of SB 1308, The Ozone Safe Air Cleaners Bill, which would have directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to update California’s air cleaner regulation to align with current scientific evidence by setting a new ozone limit of 5 ppb, protecting the respiratory health of Californians. Unfortunately, the bill’s author, Senator Gonzalez made the difficult decision to hold off on advancing the bill. She stated, “My primary focus is to prioritize public safety while evaluating the essential regulations for technology designed to protect people’s health and well-being. At present, I have decided to hold off on advancing Senate Bill 1308 to address specific intricacies within the proposed legislation to ensure that goal is met.” 

We at RAMP will continue to work toward our goal of ensuring safe and effective air cleaners. As more Californians use portable air cleaners to reduce their exposure to air pollution including wildfire smoke, we need to ensure that those air cleaners are safe. Unfortunately, not all air cleaners are the same. Mechanical air cleaners that filter air using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or similar filters are safe and effective. However, electronic air cleaners using technologies such as ionizers, electrostatic precipitators, PCOs, hydroxyl generators, and UV lights can produce ozone or other byproducts harmful to health.

We encourage you to select only mechanical HEPA air cleaners for your clients and families. Check out our resources on how to select, use, and maintain air cleaners.

Air Cleaners for Asthma Programs

Learn more about RAMP’s resources on air cleaners.