The Pros and Cons
of an Ozone Generator

At present, a number of vendors are promoting the ozone generator as an effective indoor air purifier. These ozone devices are also marketed as tools that will provide consumers “energized oxygen” or “pure air.”

Before explaining how an ozone generator works, it is important to discuss what ozone is. Ozone is basically a triatomic molecule that has three oxygen atoms. Two of these oxygen atoms make it comparable to an ordinary oxygen molecule. The third oxygen molecule is considered to be the culprit and the reason why ozone is a highly reactive gas. The layer in the atmosphere that is called “ozone layer” is filled with this type of gas.

Through the ozone layer, the ultraviolet rays of the sun are filtered out. Ozone in the stratosphere is extremely beneficial. However, this is not the case for ozone in the atmosphere or in the air we breathe. When high levels of ozone interact with environmental chemicals like automobile emissions and high concentration of pollutants, chemicals harmful to public health are produced. In addition, the reactive property of this gas will react with some of the organic materials that compose a human body.

Ozone devices or generators can be used by residential and commercial establishments. They are generally used for controlling and removing odor in enclosed spaces. They are also proven to be effective in reducing airborne mold usually found in basements.

Despite being marketed as a tool that can improve the quality of indoor air, certain sectors have expressed concern that this ozone device is detrimental to the health of human beings. These people contend that when exposed to ozone gas, human beings may suffer from throat, lung, eye and nose irritations, as well as shortness of breath. Aside from this, ozone gas can also exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. Indoor plants may also be affected in an adverse way with ozone exposure. Materials made of rubber, fabrics, and electrical wire coatings may also be damaged because of this gas.

Because of the detrimental effects caused by ozone, it is recommended that ozone devices be used with extreme caution. There are various models and brands of ozone devices that are distributed in the market. These devices vary with the amount of ozone that they are capable of producing. Moreover, consumers are advised to purchase only those models that conform to the strict standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Information furnished by manufacturers of ozone generating devices should also be closely scrutinized. Marketing literature should be supported by scientifically accurate findings and reliable conclusions.

Aside from the use of ozone generating devices, there are other ways to limit indoor air pollution. Some of the most common methods used to achieve this are air cleaning, ventilation, and source control. Air cleaning involves the use of effective air cleaning methods, like use of ionizers, air filters, and electronic particle air cleansers. Outdoor air ventilation can also be used to exhaust and dilute pollutants. Lastly, source control is done by controlling and removing sources of air pollution.