MADISON, Wis. -- Consumer Protection officials said some air cleaner companies are preying on people worried about indoor mold.

MOLD Resources Story Archive City of Madison Web site Toxic Mold Attorneys EPA Mold Information Center For Disease Control: Mold Fact Sheet

The state says 250 people have filed complaints about so-called "ozone generating" air cleaners.

Officials are warning consumers that cleaners that produce the ozone gas do not remove mold -- and could actually make your health problems worse.

"We're all familiar with ozone alerts that we have for air pollution -- what we don't want to have is people generating that same gas indoors causing respiratory problems," Dr. Henry Anderson, chief medical officer for the Wisconsin's Division of Public Health.

Those with asthma, the old and the very young are most vulnerable to the gas, which all ionizers produce.

Experts said consumers should also watch out for sales people posing as "government certified" air specialists. There is no such certification.

If you think you've been ripped off, you can file a complaint with the state.