Ozone naturally kills unpleasant odors that are caused by bacteria and other germs. Ozone can be used in large and small rooms to eliminate unpleasant and potential harmful mold and other air born contaminants.
Natural ozone has a sweet smell like sweet hay or fresh rain. This form of ozone is harmless and should not cause unpleasant feelings in the body. Ozone that has come in contact with certain organisms can smell like bleach or something else unpleasant. Thus, if a lot of disinfecting is expected, it would be wise and advisable to leave the room while ozonating a highly toxic room
The oxygen we breathe is made up of only two atoms of oxygen, O2. Ozone or O3 is a molecule made up of three atoms of oxygen. It is a naturally-occurring, colorless gas which naturally breaks back down into oxygen (O2) after 20-30 minutes.
The extra atom in ozone is what makes ozone unique and useful. The 3rd atom in ozone is readily attracted to particles or germs which it comes near. As this 3rd atom pulls away from the ozone molecule, it attaches to the germ and "oxidizes" the particle. Now the germ is no longer toxic or harmful and is unable to reproduce. After the oxidizing energy is used up, that single O atom is immediately attracted to another single O atom. The singles join together to again form O2… oxygen. Additionally, when the 3rd atom broke away from the O3, left behind was O2—which is simply breathable oxygen.
Ozone is the second most powerful oxidant in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and odors. This ozone gas can be dissolved into water or used in the gas phase for a variety of applications. Ozone was tested via the air for effectiveness against many different types of bacteria. Those tested were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Arthrobacter citreus, Bacillus subtilis (veg.), Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens,Pseudomonas fluorescens and Candida albicans. Strong concentrations of ozone proved to be most effective at reducing the colony counts. The longer the ozone was used, the more effective the kill rate.
A low emitting ozone generator is generally safe for humans and animals as long as the room is large enough for the specific generator. Some people will be more sensitive than others and allergic reactions are always possible. In adequate-sized rooms, low-emitting ozone generators would not be able to produce an unsafe concentration since ozone cannot accumulate beyond 30 minutes. Low concentrations of ozone can be used for indoor odors, germs, and pet smells.
High concentrations of ozone in the air should be avoided by humans and animals. A high emitting ozone generator would first give off a strong, unpleasant smell. It can cause headache, coughing, trouble breathing and dizziness. The smell would be the first warning of a generator emitting a high concentration of ozone. High concentration of ozone can be useful for eliminating viruses, germs, odors, mold, etc. However, no human or pet should be present while the ozonation of high concentrations is taking place. Allow adequate ventilation before permitting the return of humans and pets. |
