Over the past few years, there has been a worrying trend of people using Ozone Generators as a form of air purification. In this article we will explore exactly what they are, why they are used, and why they are bad for your health.
Ozone Generators are fairly self-descriptive, they are a machine that generates gaseous ozone particles, otherwise known as O3.
These machines utilise a method known as “silent corona discharge”, an electrical current which zaps the oxygen molecules in the air that passes through the machine and splits them into single atoms, which are then connected to other O2 atoms to create O3.
What is “Ozone”, or O3?
Ozone, or O3, is much more reactive than O2, the oxygen we breathe. The spare molecule causes an electronegative imbalance in the molecules, meaning that the gas will react with almost everything it comes into contact with.
Because of it’s reactive nature, O3 is a highly effective cleaner, the spare molecules can grip on to mold, viruses and bacteria destroying them almost instantly. As a gaseous element, O3 is also able to reach every nook and cranny in a room, making sanitizing a large area much simpler.
Then why is it bad? Isn’t the “Ozone” what protects our planet from the effects of the sun and other elements?
The answer to that is yes, but it only does this when it’s high up in the atmosphere, this is called “Stratospheric Ozone”. Ozone at ground level is a pollutant, sometimes referred to as “Smog” and can have a severe impact on your physical health.
When using ozone generators, it’s important to evacuate an area. No human or animal should be present, and any effected rooms should be fully aired out before people can re-enter.
What are the health hazards?
Ground level ozone that these generators can produce can cause significant irritation to the respiratory system including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. Any pre-existing health conditions connected to the respiratory system like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema can be exacerbated. The damage can be permanent; repeated or prolonged exposure can inflame the lining of the lungs and cause scars to form which will lower your overall lung function for the rest of your life. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to ground level ozone is likely to cause an early death. The United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted studies across the U.S, Europe, and Asia which showed that the risk of premature death is higher in areas with greater quantities of ground-level ozone in the air. [1]
So, what else should you use to clean the air?
So, while ozone generators are highly effective cleaners, they can and will have a significant impact on human health, and it should be strongly advised that they are not used to clean areas of high traffic such as schools, hospitals, supermarkets, or areas people work. Instead, using a high-powered air filtration unit will sufficiently cleanse the air in these areas.
The Zona series from Zonitise are designed specifically to do this, and have machines designed to work to your needs. You can see our full range of Zona Air Filtration machines here. The Zona machines use HEPA filtration, so there are no added pollutants to the air you are breathing. They are quiet enough to remain on during your working day. All of the Zona machines have at least grade 13 HEPA filtration systems, which is the gold standard for indoor air purification.
They are available in a range of sizes to ensure you can maximize the efficiency of air purification in your rooms. Their efficiency is demonstrated through a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) statistic, which shows you the volume of air that is purified every hour.
The cost to operate these machines is minimal, the filters only need to be replaced approximately every 12 months, and you can choose from different energy star rated products that use automatic fan speeds dependent on pollution levels, helping you to only use the electricity you need to.
The Zona range also comes in a variety of models to suit your area, whether you want your machine ceiling mounted, fixed, or portable, Zona have a machine to fit.
REFERENCES
[1] U.S EPA, 2013, Section 6.2
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