Ozone Air Purifiers: A Review Of Problems And Concerns

By Manuel Vintagoli

Mechanical devices known as ozone air purifiers have been around for decades. They are patterned after the concept of the fresh outdoor smell that follows a thunderstorm. The smell you get is ozone. It is formed by the presence of a pale blue unstable gas. If you begin with an oxygen molecule, that has two oxygen atoms and add a third atom of oxygen, you get ozone.

When ozone is created in a home air purifier, the unstable molecules of ozone attache to nearby surfaces and settle out of the air. This removes foul odors, kills mold and destroys mold in homes and businesses. The action of ozone molecules also affects the soft tissue of the body in the same way. Exposure to ozone will damage health and will cause death in some instances.

When using ozone purifiers for sites of flooding, chemical spills, sewage backup and similar accidents, professionals are often called in to operate the equipment. These professionals know how to operate the equipment safely. People are animals are removed from the vicinity until the clean up is completed. The workers will take care to avoid breathing the ozone so as to eliminate ozone exposure.

Human beings are protected from ozone in air purifiers by improved technology that captures the ionized particles and filters them to remove the extra atoms of oxygen. It is important that the filter be installed correctly and clean so that it will do its job. If you can detect the smell of ozone, you probably have too much in lungs for continued presence in the vicinity. Even a low level of ozone over an extended period can cause breathing problems such as asthma.

Standards have been set that describe acceptable levels for the presence of ozone indoors and outdoors. When these levels are exceeded in the workplace, employers must provide protection or face penalties and fines. Home medical equipment that exceeds acceptable levels over a period of time should be avoided if possible.

Ozone damage to human lung tissue can come from high levels of ozone for a brief period. It can also be caused by lower levels of ozone encountered over a long period. The body can heal itself from the effects of ozone in some circumstances, but it is best to avoid exposure as much as possible.

Outdoors, an ozone level of fifty to eighty parts per billion (ppb) is deemed to be the maximum acceptable amount. Indoors, top levels are set at 50 ppb. Even a high level of ozone decreases as you distance yourself from the source. Beyond a distance of 10 fee3t, there is less likelihood of danger from exposure. If you must use a unit, place it where it is at a safe distance, or leave the area until the unit has done its work.

When you select ozone air purifiers, make certain to reduce the amount of free ozone in the room to a minimum. Look for labels and reviews to tell you the level released into the area. Ozone in the upper atmosphere prevents the inhabitants of Earth from high levels of ultraviolet rays. Ozone helps to reduce the level of air pollution. In the upper atmosphere, ozone can't hurt your lungs as it can when it is breathed by people and animals. - 32378

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