WHAT IS OZONE?
ANSWER: Ozone, sometimes called "activated oxygen", o3, contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breath. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world and its function is to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors in nature. Interestingly ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact that "fresh, clean, spring rain" smell that we notice after a storm most often results from natures creation of ozone. Ozone is also created by water falls. However, we are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the "ozone layer" that circles the planet above the earth atmosphere. Here ozone is created by the sun's ultra-violet rays. This serves to protect us from the ultra-violet radiation. Additionally, each of us is exposed to high levels of ozone sometimes daily for short periods of time. This happens in heavy traffic conditions or during times when the weather forces ozone to remain lower to the ground than is otherwise normal. The combination of these two factors can result in ozone readings as high as 4 or 5 times the "regulatory" levels for continuous exposure with absolutely no adverse affects as our exposure is for such short periods, and the ozone itself decays back to normal oxygen so rapidly.
QUESTION: HOW DOES OZONE WORK?
ANSWER: While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life cycle. When it is faced with odors, bacteria or viruses the extra atom of oxygen destroys them completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is destroyed and there is nothing left...no odor...no bacteria...no extra atom, only oxygen. In addition to the effectiveness of ozone, we also know that it is safe to use. We know this from our own safe exposures daily to ozone, weather, as noted earlier, resulting from being locked in traffic, or passing through industrial areas. These exposures have no effect on us. beyond our acknowledging the smell associated with ozone. It is the strength of this smell that provides ozone with it's "built in" safety mechanism. Ozone is safe because we notice it's smell at very residual levels. By residual we mean, the amount of ozone that is produced in excess of the required amount to eliminate whatever contamination that may be present in the room. This equipment, when used correctly will not exceed government guidelines for continuous safe exposure. Even if used incorrectly, ozone provides its own protection, as ozone warns us in a manner similar to smoke in a room. Ozone does this by becoming so offensive (a strong bleach-like smell) at 1.5 parts per million that we would not be able to stay in the environment for any more than a short period. This is much like what would happen if we entered a smoke filled room. However, while smoke might harm us, research has proven that a limited exposure to a low level of ozone would have no serious long term affect on us just as it does not affect us when caught in a traffic jam during rush hour
WILL THE ODOUR COME BACK?
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.
ANSWER: APPLICATIONS AND USES FOR OZONE
Remove or Control Household Odors:
Ozone is very possibly the most powerful and effective eliminator of smoke and odors. Ozone Eliminates tobacco smoke, its impurities or Phenol gasses, and odors from cooking, pets, mold, mildew and often the sources of household odors. Disinfecting and purifying with ozone provides a much healthier home, atmosphere and environment.
Remove Indoor Air Pollution
Indoor air pollution, or "sick building syndrome," is now a foremost health concern for even newer buildings today. For newer buildings, the condition is created by the application of energy efficiency in the construction of buildings, and work places. Many of these buildings are sealed better than before and do not have enough ventilation to provide enough fresh air exchange. With an ozone generator, this condition and contamination can be reduced or eliminated which creates a safer, healthy indoor atmosphere. Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, Bars, lobbies, beauty shops, dry cleaners, and all enclosed public areas can be decontaminated from odors by destroying the odor source with ozone. Customers enjoy a healthier, odor free environment when in an establishment that uses ozone.
Hotel / Motel / Bed & Breakfast, Room Odor Removal
Clean-up time for a problem room is shortened with the use of an ozone generator. Turn a room with a bad odor into a fresh new smelling odor free room often in less than 20-30 minutes using the right machine! This will allow rooms to be in service much faster. Rooms will stay fresher and customers will appreciate the fresh odor-free room that ozone creates. Also, use of an ozone generator, will disinfect the air and surfaces, reducing the risk of bacterial, viral and other infections. Ozone is proven to be an effective way to reduce room cancellations from odor complaints.
Travel and Vacation Uses
Just as Hotels and Motels use ozone, you can bring your own to suit your needs. If the room you are in is desired, and there is an odor issue - then no more having to change rooms from an odor problem!
Cigarette & Cigar Smoke Removal / Elimination
OZONE 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 some of the visible particles like an electronic air cleaner or air filter system. For restaurant, bar, or pool hall owners, these units have proven to be invaluable and help keep clientele coming back! Ozone Generators work better than "smoke eaters", ionizers or air filters for removing smoke & smoke odors.
Mold Decontamination - Control & Removal
Mold is a problem in today's damp or wet environments. Molds & mildew are the number one causes of allergic symptoms. Many harmful types of mold & fungus can be found worldwide. they grow in high-cellulose material, such as wood straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpets, wall papers, fiber-boards, some ceiling tiles, insulation, and more. This types are wet and may be slimy to the touch. This dangerous mold grows in medium to high humidity (55 % +). Even when dry, this type of mold can causes respiratory problems. Using an ozone generator, you can help reduce, control and many times eliminate mold growth in your business and home.
Vehicle Restoration companies / USES
Trucks, Automobiles, vans, busses, and work vehicles are being disinfected & deodorized by professionals all across the country using ozone generators. Ozone proves to be invaluable for use in auto sales and restorations. With ozone shock treatments, vehicles smell fresh and clean. A fresh and clean smelling vehicle will sell faster and bring more profits after an ozone shock treatment.
Boat / Ship / Cruise line Odor
Boats often develop strong fish odors, bacterial, mold, and other odors. Ozone is excellent for removing and controlling these odors. Cruise ship companies can use ozone generators for room decontamination and odor removal just as hotels and motels.
Fire Restoration Companies
Professional Fire restoration companies regularly use ozone generators for the removal of fire & flood odors Fire and flood damage odors are the most difficult odors to remove. With a powerful ozone generator, these odors can be removed. Shock treating with high levels of ozone will remove the odor and allow the room to be habitable.
Pet and Animal odors, Kennels
In homes, veterinary Hospitals / clinics, offices and kennels, ozone can take care of odorous surfaces and make the presence of animals hardly noticeable. Using "shock treatments" ozone can remove offensive pet odors. Disinfecting pet areas with ozone kills mold & bacteria and this creates a healthier environment for pets, their owners, Hospitals, and Kennels. (Note that ozone shock treatments should not be done with pets or people in the room)
Control Insects and Vermin
Insects and vermin are stay away from high levels of ozone. Ozone helps to remove their odors and keeps them from returning. Ozone is also used in attics to help keep rodents, birds, squirrels and other insects out.
For example, a cockroach finds food and their home by the sense of smell. An ozone shock treatment can kill the odors of not only the food location, but of the cockroach's home. It is known that cockroaches will not leave their home if they cannot smell their way back. Also, if they smell no food, they're not interested!
MOLD
MOLD REMOVAL INFORMATION by Clean-fax Magazine
By use of a mold redemption plan, and an ozone generator, mold growth can be inhibited. Removing the visible mold, disinfecting of surfaces with ozone, and the reduction of moisture are just about the only way to remediate a mold problem.
Ozone curbs the ability for exposed mold, mildew or fungus to reproduce.
Ozone purifies the air and can reduce respiratory distress!
Ozone works 3187 times quicker than chlorine as a germicide; superior to chlorine!
Ozone is the most powerful oxidant available for commercial air, & water treatment.
Ozone controls odors by killing the mold and fungus.
Many believe that if the mold is dried and removed the danger is over. Mold usually harbors in crevices and in materials that are porous where they can re-grow. Dried mold particles become airborne and can be breathed in from basements through ventilation systems and inside walls. Breathing in these spores can cause respiratory damage that may be permanent. Ozone, at shock treatment levels will kill mold spores and obstruct future growth. If you can smell mold, usually there is mold, or air-borne mold spores. Negative Ion generators are not capable of killing or eliminate mold spores or germs.
