While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life-cycle. When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left…no odor…no bacteria…no extra atom, only oxygen. Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.

There are basically two methods of producing ozone…ultra-violet and corona discharge.
Corona discharge creates ozone by applying high voltage to a metallic grid sandwiched between two dielectrics. The high voltage jumps through the dielectric to a grounded screen and in the process, creates ozone from oxygen present in the chamber. Ultra-violet (UV) light creates ozone when a wavelength at 254 nm (nanometers) hits an oxygen atom. The molecule (O2) splits into two atoms (O), which combine with another oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3).

As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room, some of it reverts back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: Oxidation reaction with an organic material such as odors or smoke. Reactions with bacteria etc., which again consumes ozone by oxidation reactions. Additionally ozone itself has a half life which means that “residual” ozone created (extra ozone) will return to oxygen usually within 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. What this means is that after each subsequent 30 minute period there would be half as much residual ozone left at the end of the period as was present at the beginning of the period. This is similar to a geometric progression of 16;8;4;2;1. In practice the half life is usually less than 30 minutes due to temperature, dust, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone, while very powerful, doesn’t last long. It does its job and then disappears.

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one’s eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

No, ozone will not affect personal computers, fabrics or paintings. The concentrations are not high enough even during shock treatments for long periods (> 30 days) of time.

The right level is when all the generated ozone is being consumed. This only applies to continuous ozone use in occupied environments – not for shock treating. However, this is difficult to attain because it becomes a balancing act. Initially the machine’s output is set high to get rid of the problem odor as quickly as possible. As this is being accomplished less ozone is required for the diminishing odor etc., thereby leaving some residual ozone in the air. If the machine output is not turned down, then more residual ozone will remain. If a strong smell of ozone is noticed, then there is more ozone present than is required. Simply turn the rheostat (output level control) down. With ozone, more is not considered better.
NOTE: It is not necessary that ozone be detected by humans for it to be effective.
Ozone can work even when humans are not able to smell it.

Ozone has been known for almost a century, so a great deal is known about it. Several regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have stipulated that the safe allowable level of residual is 0.10-ppm (parts per million). Note that this permissible level is for continuous exposure throughout an entire 8 hour day for 5 days a week. The temporary affects of such a low exposure would range from headaches, to sore throats, irritation in the eyes, and nose. No long term effects have ever been documented from ozone exposure.
Ask Ozone Solutions for MSDS sheets if desired.

There are a number of methods available, the most common being the Draeger tube. Residual ozone becomes apparent to sensitive humans in the range of 0.01 – 0.03-ppm, or well below the permissible levels for continuous exposure. As noted previously, this residual smell is ozone that has not been consumed by the odors and is now remaining in the air. Ozone Solutions also carries portable & wall-mount ozone sensors to measure the ozone level inside a room or home.
These sensors are portable and light and can easily detect the ozone levels emitted by the entire line of ozone generators.

In the states, OSHA regulates two levels for ozone exposure. They are 0.10-ppm time weighted average (TWA) for an 8-hour day, and 0.30-ppm for 15 minutes. In Canada, guidelines vary by province. The best concentrations for continuous use are in the range of 0.01 – 0.03-ppm, which is well within the guidelines.

Under heavy duty use, or severely polluted areas, ozone generators should be inspected every 2 to 3 weeks for fine dust or oily residue collecting on surfaces of generator unit or plates. Light duty use requires cleaning every 2 to 6 months depending on severity of pollution.

NOTE: If a fine dust or oily residue appears or the output has significantly decreased since first used, it is time to follow the recommended cleaning procedures.

TO SET OZONE:
1. Set ozone to a setting where you can barely detect ozone after an hour of operation.
2. If ozone is still detected in 15 minutes reduce ozone setting, if the disagreeable odor is still prevalent, increase ozone setting. Properly adjusted, neither ozone or the objectionable odor should be detected.

CIRCULATION: Air circulation is an important factor in how effective ozone works. An oscillating fan can be placed next to generator for proper circulation. MOUNTING: The generator can be mounted anywhere in the room. It does not necessarily have to be in a high location to evenly dissipate the ozone.