Question : Does air travelling via a simple fan through an electrostatic filter (like Filtrete) get ionized?
Just to clarify a prior question, I had; I’ve heard that ionized air can be potentially harmful (i.e. free radicals) so I want to avoid air cleaners that ionize air. The 3M Filtrete electrostatic polyolefin-based filters (very common in furnace filters, and now as part of a standalone air purifier) are pre-charged with a static charge to attract dirt, dust, and particles of inflowing air.

My question is, as non-ionized (regular) air travels through the filter (via a simple fan, there is no ionizer involved) is there any way that it could pick up any of the charge on the electrostatic filter, or that the air can become somewhat ionized in any way or form after it leaves the filter? Now, AFAIK, air doesn’t conduct charges well, so my guess would be no, but I’d like to have an expert opinion.
air purifier fan

Best answer:

Answer by Brian A
No, this isn’t possible. The static charge is basically “fixed”. If it were possible, it would discharge pretty quickly in the bag, well before you purchased and installed it.