California Air Resources Board

Indoor air cleaning devices may generate unsafe levels of ozone which is harmful to human health and the environment. To be sold in California, indoor air cleaning devices must be tested and CARB certified. CARB defines an indoor air cleaning device as “an energy-using product whose stated function is to reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants, including but not limited to, allergens, microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms), dusts, particles, smoke, fumes, gases or vapors, and odorous chemicals, from the air entering or inside an enclosed space, (including but not limited to, rooms, houses, apartments, stores, offices, vehicles), and the air surrounding a person. Such devices include, but are not necessarily limited to, devices of any size intended for cleaning the air nearest a person, in a room of any size, in a whole house or building, or in a vehicle; and devices designed to be attached to or inserted into a window, wall, ceiling, post, duct, or other indoor surface; and personal air cleaning devices” (17 CCR § 94801) (a) (17).

The Indoor Air Cleaner Regulation applies to any person who manufactures, sells, supplies, offers for sale, or introduces into commerce in the state of California indoor air cleaning devices. CARB Enforcement staff works to verify certification status, proper marketing, and labeling of indoor air cleaners sold in California by performing inspections online and in stores. CARB takes enforcement action against entities who have not complied with the requirements of the regulation. This includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of uncertified indoor air cleaning devices.