FAQs

Testing in third-party labs and real-world results demonstrate that, when properly installed and operated, GPS’ Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology helps reduce particles, including certain viruses and bacteria.

Ionization technologies are not all the same. Some technologies use high-voltage applications that produce harmful levels of ozone and do not meet regulatory standards or guidance. However, GPS’ Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology uses a lower-voltage application that is effective in helping deliver cleaner air and does not produce harmful levels of ozone or other byproducts.  GPS products are certified to UL 2998, UL’s stringent zero ozone emissions standard. Prior to UL 2998 certification, all GPS products complied with UL’s earlier 867 certification, which also ensures that indoor air cleaning devices do not produce harmful levels of ozone. Currently, the California Air Resources Board recognizes UL 867 and its 50 parts per billion ozone threshold as a safety standard.

All current GPS products are certified to UL 2998 not to introduce more than five parts per billion of ozone — which is considered the threshold for zero ozone emissions. GPS has proactively embraced this newer standard following CDC, EPA* and ASHRAE** guidance. According to ASHRAE, the CDC position on Bipolar Ionization is, “…While bipolar ionization has been around for decades, the technology has matured and many of the earlier potential safety concerns are reportedly now resolved.”

*The EPA states, “If you decide to use a device that incorporates bipolar ionization technology, EPA recommends using a device that meets UL 2998 standard certification Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emissions from Air Cleaners.”

**According to ASHRAE, “If you are considering the acquisition of bipolar ionization equipment, you will want to be sure that the equipment meets UL 2998 standard certification (Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Zero Ozone Emissions from Air Cleaners) which is intended to validate that no harmful levels of ozone are produced.”

We are proud that every product on our website is certified to UL 2998. To the best of our knowledge, we are one of the only indoor air technology manufacturers that has taken this important step.

GPS is part of the air cleaning infrastructure in some of the world’s most sensitive locations including airports, healthcare facilities, research labs and schools. Many of these locations routinely monitor their indoor air quality.

GPS has invested more than $2 million in testing in just the past year. We work closely with some of the country’s most trusted independent research labs to review and confirm the performance of our technology.  We also have advanced testing centers in Charlotte, NC and Oak Ridge, TN, and we share test results to help ensure that customers can make careful, informed decisions about any purchases.

Testing in an independent lab has shown that GPS products do not produce harmful levels of measured byproducts.

GPS was founded in 2008 to help deliver the indoor air quality benefits of ionization without introducing the harmful levels of ozone sometimes associated with other ionization technologies.  We believe schools should pick products that are UL certified and do not produce harmful levels of ozone. All of the products featured on the GPS website meet that criteria.

A recent report from researchers at Illinois Tech, Colorado State University and Portland State University was based on inconsistent testing methodologies and the incorrect installation and operation of a GPS product. It also failed to meet basic scientific methods. We hope that more people will look closely at how the research was conducted to see why its results varied from other findings in significant ways.

GPS engaged in initial SARS-CoV-2 testing in June 2020. That testing was done in a small enclosure due to strict COVID-19 safety protocols and requirements. Beginning in July 2020, subsequent testing has been conducted in a much larger, room-sized enclosure [20’x8’x8’] to better emulate real-world conditions. Efficacy results from the larger chamber were consistent with those from initial testing. For details, please request test reports.

GPS actively embraces the call for common standards and expanded accountability for safety and efficacy. We believe that common standards for installation, energy levels and testing are needed – now more than ever – to ensure that consumers can keep depending confidently on Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization and other technologies to help create cleaner indoor air. We stand ready to engage with industry partners and others to help establish these standards.