- What is Ozone?
Ozone, sometimes called “activated oxygen” or “triatomic oxygen”, contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breathe. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant and oxidant in the world and its function is to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors in nature. Interestingly ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often because 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 nature’s creation of ozone. Ozone is also created by waterfalls. However, we are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the “ozone layer” that circles the planet above the earth atmosphere. Here the sun’s ultra-violet rays create ozone. This serves to protect us from the ultra-violet radiation. Additionally, each of us is exposed to high levels of ozone daily for short periods. This happens in heavy traffic conditions or during times when the weather forces the industrial gases 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 effects as our exposure is for such short periods. Ozone is a gas at ambient temperatures and pressures with a strong odor. Ozone can be produced as a gas from oxygen in air, or concentrated oxygen. This ozone gas can be dissolved into water, or used in the gas phase for a variety of applications. - What are the main advantages of Ozone?
Highly effective cleaning agent with breathable Oxygen as only byproduct. - Does ozone eliminate odors?
Ideal for cigarette smoke, urine problems from pets, skunk and hundreds of various odors. - Is ozone natural or chemical?
100% Pure, 100% Natural — Ozone is made by mother nature in every electrical storm. - Is ozone as strong as bleach?
Ozone works over 3,125 times faster and effective than chlorine. - Does ozone mask or hide the odors?
Ozone breaks down toxic vapours and other pollutants on a molecular level and does not mask or hide the odors and effects like deodorizers. - Are our Services eco-friendly?
We only offer responsible services which are 100% natural, 100% pure, and have only simple and natural byproduct of Oxygen. - Are our Services safe?
Ozone is safe with professional handling. It is not breathable, although it does naturally decay to breathable Oxygen. Ozone Shock Treatment does require your space to be vacated during treatment. - How long does a Treatment take?
While every situation is different, a vehicle may be ozonated in as little as hour. - Indoor space such as Apartments and Offices do take longer depending on their size, number of rooms, and other factors such as the concentration and type of odors?
Yes, it depends on the size, number of rooms, and other factors such as the concentration and type of odours of the area. This volume affects the cost. - Is ozone therapy safe during pregnancy?
If a pregnant woman had been exposed to excessive high levels of ozone during pregnancy, the answer is YES. The babies born to women who had been exposed to high levels of ozone during pregnancy are at a greater risk for being born underweight. - How does ozone work?
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 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 unpleasant odor associated with this “filthy air”. It is the very unpleasantness of this air that provides ozone with its “built in” safety mechanism. Ozone is safe because we notice its unpleasant odor at residual levels. By residual we mean, the amount of ozone that is produced in excess of the required amount to eliminate whatever contamination may be present in the room. This equipment, when installed correctly will not exceed government guidelines for continuous safe exposure. Even if installed 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 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 such a limited exposure to such a low level of ozone would have no serious long-term effect on us just as it does not affect us when caught in a traffic jam during rush hour. Carrying that example one step further, this equipment is incapable of producing ozone in sufficient quantities even if installed incorrectly and left running continuously, to cause any long term risks to your health even assuming that you could stand there and be exposed to it (remember the smoke example). - How is ozone produced?
Ozone differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). We can say ozone is a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen. There are two methods of producing ozone: electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. Which means ozone (O3) is formed by lightnings or sunlight in the nature itself. - How long does the ozone last?
As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room some of it decays back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: Natural decay (or revision to oxygen) due to ozone chemical instability. Speeding up of the above process by the presence of such as walls, carpets etc. stimulating the decay process. Oxidation reaction with odor causing organic material, which removes ozone. 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 unneeded ozone) will return to oxygen within at most 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, bacterial, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone while very powerful doesn’t last long…just does its job and disappears. - Will the odor 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. - How does ozone handle tobacco smoke?
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 some of the visible particles like an “electronic air cleaner”. - Will ozone remove stains and nicotine build up?
No, ozone will not remove the stains or nicotine build up. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance. - What is the right level of ozone?
The right level is when all the generated ozone is being used up accomplishing its job. However, this is difficult to obtain 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 after a while then more residual ozone will be in the air. If there is a heavy smell of ozone, then there is more ozone present than is required to do the job. Simply turn the rheostat (output level control) down. This is a case where more is not considered better. Sales successes result when the dealer ensures that the results are what the customer expects. The most successful dealers usually install equipment on a trial basis and return to the trial location 24 hours later to ensure that residual ozone levels are not too high and that the customer knows how and when to regulate the machine to avoid a strong ozone smell. - Is ozone harmful and what if any are the long term effects?
Ozone has been known for almost a century now, so quite a lot is known about it. Several regulatory agencies, including OSHA – Occupational safety and health agency – have stipulated that the safe allowable level of residual is .08 ppm. Based upon the historical safety of ozone. Note that this permissible level is for continuous exposure throughout an entire 8-hour day for 5 days a week. If anyone is exposed to that concentration of ozone, it is usually as the byproduct of an industrial process like arc welding. The temporary effects of such a low exposure would range from headaches, to sore throats, irritation in the eyes, nose and the like, similar again to what we would experience in a traffic jam. - How can you tell the level of ozone?
There are a number of mechanical methods available, the most common and effective being the Draeger tube. Residual ozone becomes apparent to sensitive humans in the range of .01 – .03 ppm. Alternatively, well below the permissible levels for continuous exposure. As noted previously, this residual ozone is extra ozone that is not required to eliminate the contamination. Adjustment of the rheostat is all that is required. - What are the applicable regulations regarding ozone?
In Canada, the Worker’s Compensation Board of B.C. guidelines stipulate that continuous exposure 8 hours a day for 5 days per week in an environment containing .08 ppm. of ozone is safe. The normal concentrations that we will be using will be in the range of .01 – .03 ppm. well within the guidelines. - How often do they require maintenance?
Under heavy-duty use, or severely polluted areas ADEOX ozone generator 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. If a fine dust or oily residue appears, it is time to follow the recommended cleaning procedures. - What are the benefits of ozone?
The benefits of ozone on the body include strengthening the immune system, stimulating white blood cells, preventing infections and immune system deficiencies by destroying fungi, bacteria and viruses. It also helps to counteract cell mutations, thereby preventing some types of cancer. - Does ozone kill fungus?
An ozone level of 0.4 ppm for 4 minutes has been shown to kill any bacteria, virus, mold and fungus. - How long does it take ozone to kill bed bugs?
100% mortality was achieved when bed bugs were exposed to 1800 ppm ozone for 150 min. 100% mortality was observed when insects were exposed to ozone for 48 hours. - Do hospitals use ozone generators?
Yes. Ozone generators can be extremely useful for destroying bacteria, fungus, virus and microbes overall the area, destroying pungent odors, removing the smell of smoke, and eliminating mold. They are used in hospitals, hotels, and even homes, but, they can be must be used only in unoccupied areas. - Can you be in a house with an ozone machine?
An ozone machine is a mobile unit that can be used in the home or inside the car to remove indoor pollutants and odor. The ozone machine is usually turned on and left to operate for some time without anyone in the room. The room has to be opened and the air allowed to escape after the ozone has done its job. - How long should I run an ozone machine?
Generally, the ozone generator should be running for at least 3 to 10 hours depending on the room size. For an entire home, at least 25-30 hours of continuous operation to kill off most pollutants. Avoid staying in the room or find a place to stay while an ozone generator is still active. - Do hotels use ozone machines?
Ozone purifying units are increasingly being used in hotel and motel rooms to “purify” the air and remove stale odors caused by food and beverages, tobacco smoke, mold, mildew and other elements. About the size of a lunch pail, the units are small enough to be carried on a maid’s cart. - Will an ozone machine kill bugs?
Yes, ozone will kill roaches and bugs, but it is not intended for pest control. It is likely, however, that roaches, spiders, and such will die off during a serious ozone treatment. It is also probable that they will return unless further steps are taken to deal with pests - Will ozone generator kill mice?
Ozone is a deterrent for bugs and mice as they do not like the smell, but it will not kill them. Ozone is a powerful odor eliminator that is used where most air purifiers would fail to remove stubborn, strong, or hard to reach odors. For pests, we recommend a professional exterminator. - Is ozone therapy illegal in the US?
Only MEDICAL USES prohibited. In April 2003, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited all MEDICAL uses of ozone.. - How big of an ozone generator do I need?
Buy a properly sized ozone generator. For most cases, a 5,000 mg/hr unit will treat most apartment issue, for homes 10,000 mg/hr if you use prooperly.