We are familiar with the term ozone. Composed of 3 atoms of oxygen ozone is present in the stratosphere and it helps filter the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun preventing skin cancer and related diseases. Ozone has also disinfectant and cleaning properties with neutralizing effect of whatever it reacts with. Ozone is used in every sphere, in purifiers, generators, pools etc. But it should be kept in mind ozone is dangerous if inhaled directly and can affect human tissues and lungs causing respiratory tract problems. Ozone is useful when it exists in the stratosphere but when it comes in contact with the normal temperatures, its effects can be vulnerable. It is highly unstable and prone to dissolution.
Now the question is, whether ozone is dangerous or bliss. Ozone is a pollutant no doubt contrary to claims made by companies or brands endorsing products like ozone generators or indoor air purifiers. Indoor cleaners, indoor purifiers which are sold as air cleaner emit a huge amount of ozone. This can prove fatal for children and asthma patients who inhale the so called purified clean air. The dangerous effects of ozone can also be felt in household items and materials which get corroded.
Vendors who sell ozone generators or purifiers often claim that they certify for the safety of the customer. But that is not the case. Although they claim that their products are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but EPA doesn’t vouch for the products. In reality manufactures often use catchy phrases to sell their products and deliberately mislead the buyers or customers in believing them. But the truth is always hidden behind publicity.
Ozone generator dangers of health are immense. Continuous exposure to ozone may lead to chest pain, cough, eye, and nose and throat irritation. This may lead to asthma. One can become highly susceptible to lung infection.
Ozone is sometimes recommended for decontaminating a room, not used for a long period of time. Ozone decontamination may damage anything containing a dye or pigment. Chemical by product left after the ozone decontamination process may be hazardous to both human and pets. Moreover it is advised not to enter a room with high level of ozone. There is common notion that ozone is best for removing odors. But there is research that proves that ozone is not hundred percent effective on odors.
There are many factors that may lead to ozone concentration in a room. The amount of ozone produced by the machine, size of the indoor space, amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, outdoor ozone concentration and the number of ventilation. These factors make it difficult to control the concentration of ozone. It is mostly seen that the ozone concentration greatly exceeds the safety standards to be effective in removing indoor air contaminants. Thus in the process of reacting with chemicals inside, ozone may produce other chemicals that can be both irritating and corrosive
Ozone has always been used as a disinfectant for killing molds, odour. But it is always suggested that to abstain from ozone inhalation cleaners should be used when the house is empty and vacant. Almost all machines and devices like fax, copiers, printers, computers and much more emit more or less considerable amount of ozone. Ozone therapy is gaining popularity every passing day but whether it is safe is doubtful. Medical science uses ozone in treatments but the concentration of oxygen to ozone is greater.
Ozone therapy may help patients with increasing circulation of blood, enhancing metabolism and strengthens the immune system. Ozone therapy is extremely recommended for cancer patients to eliminate the toxins from the body. Off late ozone therapy is being used to treat ageing problems, fight dizziness, forgetfulness.
Ozone is helpful when it exists in the stratosphere but the moment it comes in contact with the atmosphere or earth’s surface it reacts with almost all the gases and becomes a pollutant. However ozone if prepared from pure oxygen will be less harmful than impure ozone created from air which is always infested with harmful particles and gases.
So it is very difficult to unite the two opinions and target ozone as good or bad. It may depend on the human psychology to test the truth.