What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Home ozone machine

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• Introduction and Purpose
• What is ozone?
• How is ozone harmful?
  • Ozone Heath Effects and Standards
• Is there such a thing as "good ozone," and "bad ozone"?
• Are ozone generators effective in controlling indoor air pollution?
• If I follow manufacturers' directions, can I be harmed?
• Why is it difficult to control ozone exposure with an ozone generator?
• Can ozone be used in unoccupied spaces?
• What other methods can be used to control indoor air pollution?
• Conclusions
• Recommendation
• Additional Resources
• Publications
• Information Sources
• Bibliography

Introduction and Purpose

Ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners intentionally produce the gas ozone. Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims (Sawyer, et. al ; Salls, ; Boeniger, ; American Lung Association, ; Al-Ahmady, ). The purpose of this document is to provide accurate information regarding the use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.

Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of these claims, and because ozone can cause health problems at high concentrations, several federal government agencies have worked in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public information document.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims.

How is Ozone Harmful?

The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled, and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more damaging and recovery less certain at higher levels or from longer exposures (US EPA, a, b).

• Ozone and Your Health (pdf) (2 pp, 2.5 MB)

Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen. Several federal agencies have established health standards or recommendations to limit human exposure to ozone. These exposure limits are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Ozone Heath Effects and Standards

Health Effects Risk Factors Health Standards* Potential risk of experiencing:

Decreases in lung function

Aggravation of asthma

Throat irritation and cough

Chest pain and shortness of breath

Inflammation of lung tissue

Higher susceptibility to respiratory infection Factors expected to increase risk and severity of health effects are:

Increase in ozone air concentration

Greater duration of exposure for some health effects

Activities that raise the breathing rate (e.g., exercise)

Certain pre-existing lung diseases (e.g., asthma)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires ozone output of indoor medical devices to be no more than 0.05 ppm.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers not be exposed to an average concentration of more than 0.10 ppm for 8 hours.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an upper limit of 0.10 ppm, not to be exceeded at any time.

EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone is a maximum 8 hour average outdoor concentration of 0.08 ppm

• See - the Clean Air Act

(* ppm = parts per million)

Is There Such a Thing as "Good Ozone" and "Bad Ozone"?

The phrase "good up high - bad nearby" has been used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make the distinction between ozone in the upper and lower atmosphere. Ozone in the upper atmosphere--referred to as "stratospheric ozone"--helps filter out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Though ozone in the stratosphere is protective, ozone in the atmosphere - which is the air we breathe - can be harmful to the respiratory system. Harmful levels of ozone can be produced by the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals emitted to the environment (e.g., automobile emissions and chemical emissions of industrial plants). These harmful concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere are often accompanied by high concentrations of other pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and hydrocarbons. Whether pure or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

• "Good up High - Bad Nearby"
  • You can order the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standard's "Good Up High Bad Nearby", EPA publication number EPA-451/K-03-001, June
• and
• Ozone and Your Health (pdf) (2 pp, 2.5 MB) EPA publication number EPA-452/F-99-003, September

Are Ozone Generators Effective in Controlling Indoor Air Pollution?

Available scientific evidence shows that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants.

Some manufacturers or vendors suggest that ozone will render almost every chemical contaminant harmless by producing a chemical reaction whose only by-products are carbon dioxide, oxygen and water. This is misleading.

• First, a review of scientific research shows that, for many of the chemicals commonly found in indoor environments, the reaction process with ozone may take months or years (Boeniger, ). For all practical purposes, ozone does not react at all with such chemicals. And contrary to specific claims by some vendors, ozone generators are not effective in removing carbon monoxide (Salls, ; Shaughnessy et al., ) or formaldehyde (Esswein and Boeniger, ).
• Second, for many of the chemicals with which ozone does readily react, the reaction can form a variety of harmful or irritating by-products (Weschler et al., a, b, ; Zhang and Lioy, ). For example, in a laboratory experiment that mixed ozone with chemicals from new carpet, ozone reduced many of these chemicals, including those which can produce new carpet odor. However, in the process, the reaction produced a variety of aldehydes, and the total concentration of organic chemicals in the air increased rather than decreased after the introduction of ozone (Weschler, et. al., b). In addition to aldehydes, ozone may also increase indoor concentrations of formic acid (Zhang and Lioy, ), both of which can irritate the lungs if produced in sufficient amounts. Some of the potential by-products produced by ozone’s reactions with other chemicals are themselves very reactive and capable of producing irritating and corrosive by-products (Weschler and Shields, , a, b). Given the complexity of the chemical reactions that occur, additional research is needed to more completely understand the complex interactions of indoor chemicals in the presence of ozone.
• Third, ozone does not remove particles (e.g., dust and pollen) from the air, including the particles that cause most allergies. However, some ozone generators are manufactured with an "ion generator" or "ionizer" in the same unit. An ionizer is a device that disperses negatively (and/or positively) charged ions into the air. These ions attach to particles in the air giving them a negative (or positive) charge so that the particles may attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle out of the air. In recent experiments, ionizers were found to be less effective in removing particles of dust, tobacco smoke, pollen or fungal spores than either high efficiency particle filters or electrostatic precipitators. (Shaughnessy et al., ; Pierce, et al., ). However, it is apparent from other experiments that the effectiveness of particle air cleaners, including electrostatic precipitators, ion generators, or pleated filters varies widely (U.S. EPA, ).

There is evidence to show that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is not effective at removing many odor-causing chemicals.

• In an experiment designed to produce formaldehyde concentrations representative of an embalming studio, where formaldehyde is the main odor producer, ozone showed no effect in reducing formaldehyde concentration (Esswein and Boeniger, ). Other experiments suggest that body odor may be masked by the smell of ozone but is not removed by ozone (Witheridge and Yaglou, ). Ozone is not considered useful for odor removal in building ventilation systems (ASHRAE, ).
• While there are few scientific studies to support the claim that ozone effectively removes odors, it is plausible that some odorous chemicals will react with ozone. For example, in some experiments, ozone appeared to react readily with certain chemicals, including some chemicals that contribute to the smell of new carpet (Weschler, b; Zhang and Lioy, ). Ozone is also believed to react with acrolein, one of the many odorous and irritating chemicals found in secondhand tobacco smoke (US EPA, ).

If used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants.

• Some data suggest that low levels of ozone may reduce airborne concentrations and inhibit the growth of some biological organisms while ozone is present, but ozone concentrations would have to be 5 - 10 times higher than public health standards allow before the ozone could decontaminate the air sufficiently to prevent survival and regeneration of the organisms once the ozone is removed (Dyas, et al.,; Foarde et al., ).
• Even at high concentrations, ozone may have no effect on biological contaminants embedded in porous material such as duct lining or ceiling tiles (Foarde et al, ). In other words, ozone produced by ozone generators may inhibit the growth of some biological agents while it is present, but it is unlikely to fully decontaminate the air unless concentrations are high enough to be a health concern if people are present. Even with high levels of ozone, contaminants embedded in porous material may not be affected at all.

If I Follow Manufacturers' Directions, Can I be Harmed?

Results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than these standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

There are many brands and models of ozone generators on the market. They vary in the amount of ozone they can produce. In many circumstances, the use of an ozone generator may not result in ozone concentrations that exceed public health standards. But many factors affect the indoor concentration of ozone so that under some conditions ozone concentrations may exceed public health standards.

• In one study (Shaughnessy and Oatman, ), a large ozone generator recommended by the manufacturer for spaces "up to 3,000 square feet," was placed in a 350 square foot room and run at a high setting. The ozone in the room quickly reached concentrations that were exceptionally high--0.50 to 0.80 ppm which is 5-10 times higher than public health limits (see Table 1.)
• In an EPA study, several different devices were placed in a home environment, in various rooms, with doors alternately opened and closed, and with the central ventilation system fan alternately turned on and off. The results showed that some ozone generators, when run at a high setting with interior doors closed, would frequently produce concentrations of 0.20 - 0.30 ppm. A powerful unit set on high with the interior doors opened achieved values of 0.12 to 0.20 ppm in adjacent rooms. When units were not run on high, and interior doors were open, concentrations generally did not exceed public health standards (US EPA, ).
• The concentrations reported above were adjusted to exclude that portion of the ozone concentration brought in from the outdoors. Indoor concentrations of ozone brought in from outside are typically 0.01- 0.02 ppm, but could be as high as 0.03 - 0.05 ppm (Hayes, ; U.S. EPA, b; Weschler et al., , ; Zhang and Lioy; ). If the outdoor portion of ozone were included in the indoor concentrations reported above, the concentrations inside would have been correspondingly higher, increasing the risk of excessive ozone exposure.
• None of the studies reported above involved the simultaneous use of more than one device. The simultaneous use of multiple devices increases the total ozone output and therefore greatly increases the risk of excessive ozone exposure.

Why is it Difficult to Control Ozone Exposure with an Ozone Generator?

The actual concentration of ozone produced by an ozone generator depends on many factors. Concentrations will be higher if a more powerful device or more than one device is used, if a device is placed in a small space rather than a large space, if interior doors are closed rather than open and, if the room has fewer rather than more materials and furnishings that adsorb or react with ozone and, provided that outdoor concentrations of ozone are low, if there is less rather than more outdoor air ventilation.

The proximity of a person to the ozone generating device can also affect one’s exposure. The concentration is highest at the point where the ozone exits from the device, and generally decreases as one moves further away.

Manufacturers and vendors advise users to size the device properly to the space or spaces in which it is used. Unfortunately, some manufacturers’ recommendations about appropriate sizes for particular spaces have not been sufficiently precise to guarantee that ozone concentrations will not exceed public health limits. Further, some literature distributed by vendors suggests that users err on the side of operating a more powerful machine than would normally be appropriate for the intended space, the rationale being that the user may move in the future, or may want to use the machine in a larger space later on. Using a more powerful machine increases the risk of excessive ozone exposure.

Ozone generators typically provide a control setting by which the ozone output can be adjusted. The ozone output of these devices is usually not proportional to the control setting. That is, a setting at medium does not necessarily generate an ozone level that is halfway between the levels at low and high. The relationship between the control setting and the output varies considerably among devices, although most appear to elevate the ozone output much more than one would expect as the control setting is increased from low to high. In experiments to date, the high setting in some devices generated 10 times the level obtained at the medium setting (US EPA, ). Manufacturer’s instructions on some devices link the control setting to room size and thus indicate what setting is appropriate for different room sizes. However, room size is only one factor affecting ozone levels in the room.

In addition to adjusting the control setting to the size of the room, users have sometimes been advised to lower the ozone setting if they can smell the ozone. Unfortunately, the ability to detect ozone by smell varies considerably from person to person, and one’s ability to smell ozone rapidly deteriorates in the presence of ozone. While the smell of ozone may indicate that the concentration is too high, lack of odor does not guarantee that levels are safe.

At least one manufacturer is offering units with an ozone sensor that turns the ozone generator on and off with the intent of maintaining ozone concentrations in the space below health standards. EPA is currently evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of these sensors, and plans to conduct further research to improve society’s understanding of ozone chemistry indoors. EPA will report its findings as the results of this research become available.

Can Ozone be Used in Unoccupied Spaces?

Ozone has been extensively used for water purification, but ozone chemistry in water is not the same as ozone chemistry in air. High concentrations of ozone in air, when people are not present, are sometimes used to help decontaminate an unoccupied space from certain chemical or biological contaminants or odors (e.g., fire restoration). However, little is known about the chemical by-products left behind by these processes (Dunston and Spivak, ). While high concentrations of ozone in air may sometimes be appropriate in these circumstances, conditions should be sufficiently controlled to insure that no person or pet becomes exposed. Ozone can adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings and fabrics and art work containing susceptible dyes and pigments (U.S. EPA, a).

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Home ozone machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Additional reading:
Heavy-cut pyrolysis oil from post-consumer plastic waste

What Other Methods Can Be Used to Control Indoor Air Pollution?

The three most common approaches to reducing indoor air pollution, in order of effectiveness, are:

1. Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution;
2. Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation and
3. Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods.

Of the three, the first approach — source control — is the most effective. This involves minimizing the use of products and materials that cause indoor pollution, employing good hygiene practices to minimize biological contaminants (including the control of humidity and moisture, and occasional cleaning and disinfection of wet or moist surfaces), and using good housekeeping practices to control particles.

The second approach — outdoor air ventilation — is also effective and commonly employed. Ventilation methods include installing an exhaust fan close to the source of contaminants, increasing outdoor air flows in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows, especially when pollutant sources are in use.

The third approach — air cleaning — is not generally regarded as sufficient in itself, but is sometimes used to supplement source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers are often used to remove airborne particles, and gas adsorbing material is sometimes used to remove gaseous contaminants when source control and ventilation are inadequate.

See Additional Resources section below for more detailed information about these methods.

Conclusions

Whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.

Some studies show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can exceed health standards even when one follows manufacturer’s instructions.

Many factors affect ozone concentrations including the amount of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor space, the amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone concentration, and the amount of ventilation. These factors make it difficult to control the ozone concentration in all circumstances.

Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.

The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive.

Recommendation

The public is advised to use proven methods of controlling indoor air pollution. These methods include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources, increasing outdoor air ventilation and using proven methods of air cleaning.

Additional Resources

See Indoor Air Quality Publications

Publications

• The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air, EPA Document Number EPA 402-K-93-007. U.S. EPA, U.S. CPSC. April .
• Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home (Second Edition) This brochure replaces "Residential Air Cleaners - Indoor Air Facts No. 7, EPA 20A-, February .", EPA 402-F-08-004, May
• Residential Air Cleaners (Third Edition) A Summary of Available Information
• Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, EPA Document Number EPA 402-R-94-007. American Lung Association, EPA, CPSC, American Medical Association.

Information Sources

California Department of Health Services, Indoor Air Quality Program, DHS-IAQ Program Assistance Line: (510) 620-, Fax: (510) 620-

Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, (202) 326-.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,or call Consumer Hotline, English/Spanish: (800) 638-, Hearing/Speech Impaired: (800) .

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has developed an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved standard for portable air cleaners (ANSI/AHAM Standard AC-1-). This standard may be useful in estimating the effectiveness of portable air cleaners. Under this standard, room air cleaner effectiveness is rated by a clean air delivery rate (CADR) for each of three particle types in indoor air: tobacco smoke, dust and pollen. Only a limited number of air cleaners had been certified under this program when this document was written.

A listing of AHAM-certified room air cleaners and their CADRs can be obtained from Aham Verified.

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
(202) 872-

Bibliography

Air Purifiers And Ozone Generators: What You Need To Know

Ozone generators are one of the most common ways to quickly remove airborne contaminants and odors from homes, offices, and even cars.

While these machines can “shock” the air and deliver fast results, they can also be dangerous to our health, especially our lungs.

The same molecular process that makes ozone generators so effective is also what makes them dangerous. If you are considering the use of an ozone air purification to remove a strong odor or eliminate mold, you need to be fully informed on their history and proper use, as well as the alternatives to ozone generators.
But first, you need to understand what ozone is and why it’s so effective yet so harmful.

What Is Ozone?

We know you didn’t come here for a chemistry lecture, but if you want to understand ozone, you’re going to have to bear with us while we get into the details a little. Don’t worry, it’s really not that complicated, and there’s no test afterwards!

Ozone is made of oxygen molecules. The type of oxygen we are most familiar with, the kind we breathe every day, is actually dioxygen, or “02,” which is made of two oxygen molecules. (Technically speaking, we don’t actually breathe individual oxygen molecules, we breathe dioxygen.)

Ozone is simply three oxygen molecules, or “O3.” In the science world, ozone is referred to as “trioxygen”. This third oxygen molecule is unstable and only shares a loose connection with the other two molecules.

Therefore, it will easily attach itself to pollution, especially high-odor pollutants like smoke. It can also attach itself to viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and organic matter. After it attaches to pollutants, the substance is destroyed. The ability to attach to other molecules, such as smoke and odor, gives ozone it’s ability to clean and deodorize indoor areas quickly.

What Is An Ozone Air Purifier?

One of the most common ways to “clean” air and remove strong odors is through the use of an ozone air generator, also known as ozone machines or ozone air purifiers. These machines are designed to create ozone through a simple process that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. However, like many things, just because it’s “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

Because ozone is highly reactive, it is nearly impossible, at least with today’s technology and knowledge, to store it for any prolonged time. Therefore, it needs to be generated onsite through the use of high-tech machines.

Ozone air purifiers essentially take in oxygen from the air (O2) and give it a strong electrical charge. This electrical charge allows the oxygen molecules to rearrange themselves and form O3, our famous ozone. (Did you know that because of electrical charges, ground-level ozone is often present in higher levels after a lighting storm?)

Now, the ozone is released from the machine into the air. When it hits molecules like mold or smoke, the third oxygen molecule attaches itself to molecules of the pollutant and basically eliminates it.

The O3 attaches itself to bacteria, fungus, germs, odors, and other contaminants and, at the molecular level, destroys the cell wall. This process eliminates the contaminant while reverting the ozone back to oxygen.

Through this process, ozone generators can be extremely useful for cleaning pungent odors, removing the smell of smoke, and eliminating mold. They are used in hospitals, hotels, and even homes, but, as we’ll learn, they can be dangerous and must be used only by trained, qualified professionals.

Here's a vide of Oransi CEO, Peter Mann, explaining the dangers of ozone and ozone air purifiers. 

Knocking The Lid Off Ozone Generators

Before , “ionizing” air purifiers, which were essentially ozone generators, were used in homes to clean air and remove odors. For a while this seemed like a perfectly acceptable practice, but in the spring of , Consumer Reports released a study that essentially condemned the use of ionizing air purifiers for every day residential purposes.

Their study found that five popular models not only did “a poor job of cleaning the air,” several of the units exposed users to “potentially harmful ozone levels.” This report brought to the public attention a serious issue with this type of air cleaning and caused the federal government to severely regulate and restrict the use of ioniser air cleaners (ionic air purifiers) and ozone generators.

Ionizers in an air cleaner most often work by releasing negative ions. A by-product of the negative ion generators is ozone although the ozone output tends to be at a much lower level than an ozone air cleaner.

Consumer Reports is operated by the Consumers Union, a non-profit organization dedicated to influencing policy and providing unbiased information for consumers.

This organization recommended that the federal government set indoor ozone standards for air cleaners and require the use of pre-market testing, as well as labels displaying test results.

This report prompted the government to play a larger role in the oversight and regulations of ozone generators (and air purifiers in general), and is often cited as an important part of the development and use of ozone products.

Ozone: Part Of The EPA’s Monitoring

The Environmental Protection Agency takes comprehensive measures to monitor outdoor air pollution. While there are hundreds of potential contaminants in the air, they have emphasized six specific pollutants that present the largest danger.

These pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and (you guessed it) ozone. (In this case, they are referring to ground-level ozone, as ozone in the upper atmosphere is good because it helps block harmful UV rays.)

The EPA constantly monitors the quality of air all throughout the country. By using advanced sensory machines, they review the amount of certain pollutants and relay this information to news sources and the public. The hope is that when pollution levels are high, people can avoid the outdoors or take safety measures to protect their health.

But we’re talking about indoor cleaning. Why does it matter that EPA monitors outdoor ozone?

Think of it this way: ozone generators produce a chemical that is officially designated as a “pollutant” by the EPA. Ozone is dangerous enough for the EPA to monitor it, yet ozone generators literally release this substance into your home. That, by itself, should be enough to warn you of the dangers of ozone air purification.

Why Is Ozone Unsafe?

So why is ozone so unsafe in the first place?

Why is a chemical that is found naturally in the atmosphere and produced even more during lighting storms a concern for our health and well being?

It occurs naturally, so it can’t be that big of a problem right?

Well, radon occurs naturally, as does UV light, and for that matter so do floods, blizzards, and hurricanes. And as we all know, these can all be dangerous too!

Ozone is a highly reactive chemical. Because of its ability to react with the molecules in the air, it has an uncanny ability to remove strong odors and pollutants.

But ozone doesn’t magically lose its reactive abilities when inhaled. On the contrary, when ozone is inhaled by humans, it remains just as reactive. This reactive nature is what makes ozone dangerous to humans and other forms of life.

When inhaled, ozone can create a reaction in the lungs. Even at low levels, this can create a wide range of health problems, particularly with the lungs. They can inflame and damage airways and make the lungs more susceptible to infection.

First, ozone can be a contributor to chest pain and coughing. It can cause shortness of breath, and irritation to the windpipes. These problems can inflict anyone who breathes in ozone contaminants, but they are especially potent for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

Ozone makes it more difficult to breathe deeply, causing someone to struggle with getting enough pure oxygen for normal activity and daily function.

Ozone can also cause issues with the throat. This can come in the form of mild to serious coughing and, depending on the exposure levels and overall health of the patient, can disrupt normal daily functions.

One of the unfortunate natures of ozone exposure is that exercise can become bad for you. Under normal conditions, when you exercise you take in lots of healthy oxygen for your body, helping you continue your workout, get in shape, and live a healthy lifestyle.

However, when ozone concentration levels are high, physical exertion means more ozone in your lungs. In this case, working out can increase your overall exposure to ozone.

This is somewhat ironic; after all, you’re exercising to increase health, yet ozone can, in some form, make exercise bad for you. (Or at the very least, not as good for you.) Therefore, people who are more active often experience the worst effects from ozone.

Ozone May Reduce Immune System As Well

As if directly causing long-term health issues wasn’t enough, there is now mounting evidence that ozone exposure may also reduce the strength of our immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable to disease and infection.

One of the hazards of ozone exposure is a decrease in the body’s ability to fight respiratory disease. There is strong evidence that indicates people with prolonged ozone exposure are less physically-equipped to deal with health conditions in the lungs caused by bacteria or viruses.

A study from the Duke University Medical Center showed that breathing ozone inhibited the early immune systems in lab mice. They exposed mice to approximate levels of ozone that would be considered unhealthy for humans. Essentially, researchers found that mice exposed to ozone were more susceptible to bacterial toxins.

Ozone's Affect On Allergies And Asthma

While ozone can have harmful effects on many people, it appears that people with asthma and allergies can be particularly at risk.

People who suffer from asthma have problems with restricting airways, which are aggravated by outside contaminants. Asthma can cause swelling inside the airways, a restricting motion from muscles surrounding the airways, or by a buildup of mucus in the pipes. Ozone is a problem for people with asthma for two important reasons.

First, smaller levels of ozone will affect their lungs. Levels that may seem inconsequential to the rest of us can cause breathing problems for people with asthma.

Second, the harmful effects of ozone can be more severe for asthma sufferers, causing more coughing, breathing problems, discomfort, or even pain.

Allergy sufferers may also experience more problems because of ozone. When combined with pollen, pet dander, or other airborne allergens, ozone can increase symptoms like lung or throat irritation and make the allergies even worse.

Ozone by itself can be bad for our lungs and overall health, but when combined with hay fever or other allergic reactions, it can make people more ill. Allergy sufferers who live in large cities or high-pollen regions can be particularly vulnerable to the effects of ozone.

Common Uses For Ozone Generators

We know that ozone generators can be harmful to our health. So why do we still use them?

Because despite the risks, they have a strong ability for cleaning, sanitizing, and removing offensive odors. Unlike a home air purifier, you can’t operate an ozone air cleaner on a continual basis, but that doesn’t mean they should never be used. It simply means they need to be used cautiously. 

A Few Uses For Ozone Generators Include:

• Killing Mold and Mildew: Using ozone air purification to “blast” or “shock” mold and mildew is a common commercial practice. Airborne mold spores can be harmful to health, especially the lungs and respiratory system. Mold and mildew can trigger asthma and allergies, so removing them is always a top priority. However, mold removal often requires the removal and demolition of building materials, including wood framing, sheet rock, carpet, and ceiling panels. With ozone generators, mold can be removed in a relatively quick and affordable fashion.
  
  
• Removing Bacteria, Germs, and Viruses: Disease-causing substances like bacteria, germs, and viruses are often hiding in plain sight. Places like the kitchen sink, bathroom floor, TV remote, and even the salt and pepper shakers can all hold bacteria and germs, increasing the likelihood of sickness in your home. Ozone generators, however, have proven abilities to remove many disease-causing substances by attacking the contaminants at the molecular level.
  
  
• Removing Odors: One of the most common uses for ozone generators is the removal of odors. In the same way that it attacks mold or bacteria cells, ozone gas will also attack the physical airborne cells that make odors. This can be useful for many different purposes, including hotel rooms that have lingering smells from tobacco smoke. Another potential use is by landlords who need to remove the smell of pets from their properties, or by average homeowners who simply want to remove a foul odor in their home. Using ozone gas is often a last-ditch effort to remove an odor. When other techniques, such as cleaning solutions and scented air fresheners fail, having ozone concentrations can be used to “shock” the room.
  
  
• There are other uses, but these are the main reasons that people choose to release ozone chemicals into their homes, businesses, and property.

How To Use An Ozone Generator Properly

If you decide to use an ozone generator to remove mold, bacteria, or odor, how should it be done?

As we’ve already established, when you use ozone, you are releasing a dangerous pollutant into your home, so you need to make sure everything is done right.

In almost all cases, it is best to use a professional cleaning and odor-removal company that offers ozone generators as part of their business. These experienced professionals are properly trained, so they have the knowledge and skills to complete the ozone process in a safe, efficient manner.

First, if you are using ozone to remove an odor, start by removing the source of the odor and cleaning as thoroughly as possible. This should include the use of safe liquid cleaners, vacuuming carpets, wiping surfaces, and dusting.

All of these measures will help make the odor removal more effective, and quite frankly, you may discover that after a good hard cleaning, ozone treatment is no longer needed.

Renting an ozone generator is usually preferred, but you can purchase one for personal use however you never want to be in the room when it is operating.

If you own a hotel, multiple rental properties, or a business that has strong odors (such as a restaurant or pet-related service), then purchasing an ozone generator may be a smart choice. However, if you are a homeowner, it’s probably wise to just rent, as you won’t need it on a regular basis and definitely would want to use as little as possible.

Every ozone generator will be different, so if you are using it yourself, be sure to follow, in every detail, the instructions for that machine. Make sure the windows in the home are closed and start the ozone generator by following the instructions.

You will then need to leave the area and allow the ozone to do its work. Many units run on a timer, so they will turn off after a preset period. Once the period is over, allow the ozone to dissipate completely before entering the home or room. This can take a couple hours, so be patient and give yourself plenty of time. This is like treating your home for pests with chemicals. Avoid contact.

Here’s a few tips to make the cleaning process more effective:

• Use a fan on low or keep your A/C fan running to allow for better circulation of ozone.
• Running the A/C can also help sanitize the ductwork of mold and mildew.
• Instead of doing a 12-hour marathon of ozone removal, try doing a few short periods to gradually erode the smell or mold.
• Make sure EVERYONE is removed from the home during treatment, including pets.

With these tips, you can more safely use an ozone generator in your home. However, there are safer, more reliable options that clean the air without the added risk to your health and wellbeing.

While ozone generators have their place, room air purifiers can often be used to safely reach the same goals.

How Are Ozone Air Purifiers Different From Other Purifiers?

All of this begs a serious question. How are ozone generators different from other air purifiers?

The differences, in fact, are immense. In most cases, air purifiers generally do not release pollution into the air. While ozone generators release a gas that is considered a pollutant to clean and sanitize, air purifiers simply filter the air.

For example, an air purifier that uses a charcoal filter will suck in air and move it across the filtering surface. The filter then traps pollutants, allergens, and other substances before the air is moved back out to the room.

This is a fundamental difference between air purifiers and ozone generators. One releases a cleaning chemical, while the other simply filters pollutants from the air.

Another important difference is this: with an ozone generator, the actual cleaning happens outside of the machine, when ozone touches another substance. With air purifiers, the cleaning happens inside the machine, when pollutants are trapped by the filter.

Safe Home Alternatives To Ozone Air Purifiers

Ozone generators are often used for the purpose of removing strong odors in a room or removing mold and mildew. As stated above, the problem is ozone gas can cause long-term health issues.

However, if you choose the right air purifier, you can accomplish these goals without the harmful effects of ozone gas.

Oransi uses mechanical air filtration only –  high efficiency air filters and a strong motor. These air cleaners do not have air ionizers or ozone output and remove a wide range of indoor air pollution including ozone gas and airborne particles.

Best Ozone Alternative - Oransi Air Purifiers

Oransi offers safe air purifiers for home that common household concerns like cigarette smoke and remove odors.

Learn more about the best air purifier for pets, including safe air cleaners that target pet odors and pet dander like feather dust from birds. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Ozone Generator for Washing Machine.

Heavy duty carbon filtration is the best air purifier choice if your main concern is smoke, gasses, VOCs, or odors. We offer different sizes of our TrueCarbon™ air purifiers to meet your needs. 

If your main concern is fine particles like dust, pollen, virus particles, and pet dander then the AirMend™ air purifiers are your best choice.