What is Ozone?

Most people have heard of ozone in the context of the ozone layer - the layer of our atmosphere that protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays. Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms and is naturally generated when atmospheric oxygen rises to the stratosphere, and is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

 

Ozone has been shown by extensive laboratory trials to be effective at reducing bacteria and odour when used at levels no higher than 0.05ppm. These levels are considered safe to breathe 24 hours per day. By accurately controlling the amount of ozone generated it can be used safely and effectively to destroy unpleasant odours and control bacteria.

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Ozone is a chemically reactive gas. This simply means that it ‘attacks’ other chemicals. Ozone kills any bacteria, viruses and other organic matter it comes into contact with by rupturing its cell walls. This occurs when the extra oxygen atom breaks free, destroying the offending organism through oxidation. The very nature of Ozone’s killing action means that contaminants are incapable of developing a resistance to it over time. Although Ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life cycle, so when the extra atom breaks free and Oxidisation occurs – Ozone (O3) automatically reverts back to Oxygen (O2).

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Ozone Sanitisation

Ozone’s sterilising properties have been utilised for many years in the water industry, and more recently in the laundry industry - the future of cleaning fabrics. New pioneering technology has now enabled the safe utilisation of Ozone in gaseous form as a sanitising agent, opening up a world of possibilities for an innovative new approach to sanitisation.

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By raising indoor atmospheric Ozone concentration, it is possible to completely sanitise any given area, as the additional Oxygen atom in the generated Ozone oxidises and will eventually kill all of the following: Odours, Bacteria, Viruses, Allergens, Mould – Fungus and Insect infestations.

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Is Ozone Sanitisation Safe?

The simple answer is yes – when performed by a trained operator, Ozone sanitisation is completely safe. The sanitisation process requires that the area for treatment is unoccupied and any potential leakage points are identified and adequately sealed. It is completely safe to use Ozone in an unoccupied sealed area, as long as you wait until the ozone changes back to Oxygen prior to reoccupation.

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Ozone will naturally revert back to Oxygen once the sanitisation process is completed. Therefore while high levels of Ozone are toxic, within a short time all of the Ozone will have literally disappeared. The sanitisation process leaves behind no chemical residue, just fresh clean air. 

 

When compared to chemical germicides, pesticides, bactericides, fungicides or even simple air fresheners – Ozone is a much cleaner, safer option.

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How long does Ozone remain in an area after it as stopped being generated?

As soon as Ozone is generated and dispersed in a room it begins to change back into Oxygen. This occurs automatically due to Ozone’s natural chemical instability. Ozone has a very short life, which means that it will revert to Oxygen within a short timescale, in amounts equal to half its level. The exact timing is highly dependant upon a number of factors, but is especially affected by temperature (the higher the temperature the faster Ozone decomposes to Oxygen).

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The natural reversion process is accelerated further by the presence of any contaminants, pests, allergens and even by general items within a room (furniture, fabrics etc), as the Oxidation reaction consumes the extra atom within Ozone.

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The level of ozone is dependant upon the size of the room, the output of the generator, the number of reaction surfaces, the number of air changes and the contaminant load. At high concentrations Ozone has a sharp smell similar to bleach that tingles the nose. This tells you immediately that the level is too high and likely to be above the occupational exposure limit.

 

At lower levels it has a slightly metallic odour. At this level you are above the natural occurring levels but likely to be below the occupational exposure limit. Ozone at 0.05 and below has a fresh open air smell.

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In many cases, Ozones ability to naturally degrade means that it can be utilised safely and efficiently as a sanitising or odour remediating agent without any further measures being employed. This is possible wherever time is not a constraint, and the area being treated can be safely left unoccupied with no risk of people inadvertently entering the area.

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Can Ozone reduce allergens?

An allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction. The majority of indoor allergens contain a protein - that is, the part of a living organism that includes hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. From our perspective this is very important, as this protein (and hence the allergen) can be destroyed by Ozone oxidisation.

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Indoor air quality is often as much as 20 times more polluted than the air outside. Common indoor allergens are dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, pollen, and tobacco smoke. The prevalence of these allergens in indoor environments has increased dramatically in western society due to advances in the way we build and insulate our properties. With our advanced equipment, it is possible to eliminate any protein based allergen that comes into contact with Ozone. When used at scheduled regular intervals, Ozone sanitisation can allay the accumulation of allergens in any indoor environment - providing a significant improvement to the quality of life of those affected by indoor allergies.

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