Do Ozone Machines Get Rid of Smoke Odor?

Ozone machines may not be an effective way to get rid of smoke odor.

Ozone machines, also known as ozone generators, have been on the retail market for several years. Many claim to be air cleaners and to be a safe, effective way to control indoor air pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the use of ozone at concentrations that do not exceed public standards has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants, such as smoke odor.

Functions

Ozone machine manufacturers may claim that the third oxygen molecule that makes up ozone detaches and reattaches to the molecules of other matter, thus changing the chemical makeup of that material. According to the EPA, manufacturers claim the ozone's ability to react with other substances and alter the chemical makeup is what makes it effective. The use of ozone machines has minor ability to remove indoor air pollutants, such as smoke odor. The EPA says claims suggesting ozone makes most chemical contaminants harmless is misleading.

The Facts

Chemicals found in indoor environments, such as smoke odor, may take months or years to react with ozone. Some chemicals don't react with ozone at all. Ozone does not remove particles from the air, according to the EPA, including particles that cause most allergies. Ozone machines that include an ionizer device were found through experiments to be less effective removing particles of tobacco smoke.

Prevention

Although ozone machines may not be the most effective method of getting rid of smoke odor, there are other options to clear the smoke. Eliminate or control the source of the smoke odor. Suggest a tobacco smoker smoke outside instead of inside. Create ventilation to clear the smoke odor, such as opening windows.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners