California Air Resources Board

SACRAMENTO - The Air Resources Board has fined Envion LLC $120,000 for air quality violations relating to two indoor air cleaner models manufactured and sold by the company.

An investigation by the ARB showed that the Sherman Oaks-based company manufactured, sold, supplied and offered for sale in California indoor air cleaners that did not comply with the state’s ‘Regulation for Limiting Ozone Emissions from Indoor Air Cleaning Devices.’ These models — an air purifier for the home, Ionic Pro Turbo, and a vehicle air purifier, Ionic Pro Car Ionizer — were sold in California from October 2010 to November 2012.

ARB requires that air cleaner products be certified because of their potential to exceed the health-based ozone emission limit set for them. Ozone is a well-documented air pollutant that can be harmful to public health and individual users. In addition, any indoor air cleaning device not certified by ARB that is advertised or sold via the Internet must display an advisory stating that the product “Does not meet California requirements; cannot be shipped to California.” 

“When purchasing air cleaners in California, consumers can look for an ‘ARB certified’ label,” ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden said. “This label informs consumers that the product meets California’s air quality requirements and can be sold in the state. Our underlying goal is to protect public health.”

The settlement agreement, signed by ARB and Envion this spring, indicates that Envion will pay $120,000 into the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which provides funding for projects and research to improve California’s air quality.

Envion cooperated fully with the investigation. Envion took the required steps to obtain certification and both models were certified. The company also has taken steps to ensure future compliance with California regulations.

For more information about California certified air cleaners, including tips for how to find a safe and effective air cleaner, go to http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/consumers.htm