Final answer:
Ozone is the pollutant that can be generated by some indoor air electronic air cleaners, which may pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. It is important to select devices that do not produce ozone or to carefully follow manufacturer guidelines to minimize exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pollutant that can be generated by some indoor air electronic air cleaners is ozone. While these devices are designed to clean the air, certain types produce ozone as a byproduct. Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant because of its effects on people and the environment, and it is a main ingredient of urban smog. Indoor air cleaning devices that intentionally emit ozone are often called ozone generators and may expose individuals to potentially harmful levels of ozone.
Ozone can irritate the airways, exacerbate respiratory conditions, and decrease lung function. It is especially concerning for those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Therefore, when choosing an electronic air cleaner, it is important to select one that does not produce ozone as a byproduct or to rigorously follow manufacturer guidelines to limit ozone production.
Other indoor pollutants include combustion pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radon, which can originate from building materials, tobacco products, household cleaning products, and heating systems.