The Safety of Ozonators
Ozonators are appliances that generate ozone gas (O3) for purifying water and air in the home and in industrial settings. Most units operate simply by drawing air inside where it is exposed to the radiation of an ultraviolet bulb, then discharging it into room air or into water.
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Properties of Ozone
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Ozone is chemically unstable and has a powerful oxidizing potential. In sufficient concentration it has a distinct pungent odor. It is produced naturally by high-energy atmospheric phenomena, , such as lightning, and in fact plays the vital role of blocking dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Harmful Health Effects of Ozone
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Ozone is essentially a poisonous gas. It is harmless at normal ground concentration, but becomes dangerous to health at elevated concentrations.
Potential harmful effects include damage to lung tissue and respiratory airways, decrease in lung function, worsening of chronic respiratory diseases, reduced resistance to respiratory infections, and eye and throat irritation.
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Ozonator Safety Considerations
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Contrary to the claims of manufacturers, ozonators designed for home air purification are likely unsafe. The available scientific evidence indicates that at concentrations within public health standards, ozone does not remove indoor air contaminants, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Therefore use of these devices in occupied spaces can only endanger health.
Ozonators designed for treatment of water (pools, spas, drinking water) operate by forcing absorption of the gas into water, where it converts to breathable oxygen. These devices are safe when operated according to instructions.
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