What Ozone Generator Manufacturers Don't Tell You

What Ozone Generator Manufacturers Don’t Want You to Know

Reviewed by Dr. Yogi Goswami PhD, Co-founder and Chief Scientist

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Advertising can be incredibly persuasive. People often hear claims from manufacturers that ozone generators are "natural odor removers" that function "the way nature intended." But are these assertions merely deceptive? This article delves into ozone air purifiers, helping you determine the best choice for you and your family.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O3), in contrast to the life-sustaining oxygen in the atmosphere (O2). Its powerful nature stems from the fact that the extra oxygen atom can easily detach and bond with other substances, altering the chemical makeup of some air components and potentially impacting our health if inhaled.

When one hears the term "ozone," it often brings to mind the ozone layer, which shields all living beings from the harmful UV radiation emitted by the sun. This represents the "good" ozone found in the stratosphere. However, ozone at ground level is considered "bad" since it poses health risks and is categorized as an air pollutant by the EPA. Ground-level ozone forms when sunlight interacts with chemicals released into the environment, such as those from vehicle exhaust and industrial facilities. Lightning strikes also produce ozone, which is often detected via its distinct smell following a storm. Regardless of its state, pure or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be detrimental to health.

Is Ozone Harmful?

Yes, inhaling ozone, whether in a pure form or mixed with other chemicals, can negatively affect respiratory health.

Since the late 1900s, health experts have alerted the public about the hazards associated with ozone. Similar to how it interacts with external substances, it can also react with living tissue inside our bodies, leading to various health complications, including coughing and inflammation of the airways. Moreover, it has been shown to decrease lung function and damage lung tissue. Vulnerable populations include children, individuals with asthma, and the elderly.

The Clean Air Act mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets air quality standards to safeguard public health. Among the six regulated air pollutants, ozone is a significant concern. Given that the EPA monitors outdoor ozone levels due to its potential dangers, the possibility of ozone generators releasing high levels of ozone indoors is especially alarming.

For context, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) limits indoor medical devices to produce a maximum of 50 parts per billion (ppb) of ozone. In contrast, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that indoor ozone concentrations should not exceed 100 ppb.

What Are Ozone Generators?

Ozone generators, also known as ozone machines, are devices engineered to create ozone gas intentionally. When marketed as air purifiers for use in occupied indoor spaces, these devices are claimed to be safe and effective — although these assertions are generally false. This discussion focuses on devices designed to generate ozone consciously as opposed to those that produce it as a byproduct, such as ionizers and electrostatic precipitators.

You've likely heard of ionizers, which were once widely popular in homes for air purification and odor elimination. However, a spring issue of Consumer Reports Magazine highlighted their potential to cause more harm than good, revealing that several such devices could produce harmful ozone levels. Even though ozone is a byproduct of ionizers and is typically generated at lower levels than dedicated ozone generators, the federal government has initiated stricter regulations for any air purifier that produces ozone, regardless of intention.

Currently, no federal agency has authorized the use of ozone generators in occupied spaces, and California's Air Resources Board (CARB) imposes stringent regulations on air purifiers sold in the state, ensuring that harmful ozone levels are not generated.

How Do Ozone Generators Operate?

Ozone generators produce ozone by breaking oxygen molecules (O2) apart into individual atoms, which then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3). According to the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (InterNACHI), they achieve this through one of two methods:

• Silent Corona Discharge: These devices employ electric discharge to fragment oxygen molecules in the air into single atoms, which subsequently bond with other O2 molecules to create ozone (O3).
• Ultraviolet Radiation: This method mirrors how the sun's ultraviolet rays convert O2 into individual oxygen atoms. As per InterNACHI, this approach is deemed less efficient than the corona discharge method.

Why Are Ozone Generators Used for Air Purification?

If ozone is such a hazard, why do some people still leverage it for indoor air purification? As noted, ozone's high reactivity allows it to alter some air substances chemically, which forms the cornerstone of manufacturers' claims.

Ozone generator marketers may mislead customers by promoting ozone as "activated oxygen" or "pure air," despite it being a toxic gas distinct from clean air, contrary to manufacturers' claims. These ozone-generating devices frequently advertise themselves as effective odor removers. In the end, while they may help eliminate organic compounds from the air, given the health risks involved, it’s prudent to use an ozone generator only if the advantages are evident.

How Effective Are Ozone Generators?

Manufacturers' Claims

Producers assert that ozone's reactivity enables it to bond with pollutants, particularly odorous materials such as smoke and organic entities like viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. Nevertheless, these claims lack substantial scientific backing.

Efficacy Against Mold and Bacteria

Research indicates that ozone generators are ineffective in preventing mold and bacteria growth within standard hospital environments, requiring dangerous ozone levels for functionality (Dyas, Boughton, & Das, ). Public health officials advise against utilizing ozone generators for mold remediation, asserting that ozone cannot effectively control mold growth even at elevated levels.

For further insights, feel free to explore our site on commercial ozone generator.

Efficacy Against VOCs

You might wonder: if ozone gas is effective, shouldn’t it tackle other gaseous pollutants (especially volatile organic compounds or VOCs)? The answer is no, unless you're prepared to wait years. A study (Boeniger, ) examined the time required to reduce 14 prevalent air organic compounds to half their initial concentrations (half-lives). The findings showed that at ozone levels of 100 ppb, six of the pollutants would take over 880 years to reach half of their original concentration. Formaldehyde, on the other hand, would require more than 4,400 years to achieve this! Only one pollutant, styrene, demonstrated a half-life of around four hours.

Efficacy Against Particulates

It is crucial to remember that ozone generators do not eliminate particulate matter, including dust or pollen (common allergens) from the air.

The EPA’s Conclusion Regarding Effectiveness

The EPA, after reviewing scientific data, concludes that at safe public health levels, ozone is not highly effective at removing indoor air contaminants.

Can Ozone Generators Effectively Remove Odors?

The pressing question for many is whether ozone generators can indeed eliminate odors from indoor air. This is reportedly the primary application touted by manufacturers for home use.

However, evidence regarding the efficacy of ozone generators in odor removal is inconclusive. As mentioned previously, they may struggle to work sufficiently against gaseous pollutants like VOCs, which could take centuries to degrade.

Some studies conducted by Britigan, Alshawa, and Nizkorodov () reveal that ozone might work for specific types of VOCs containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds, typically found in cooking oils, air fresheners, and cleaning agents. However, a significant drawback is the potential release of hazardous byproducts, such as formaldehyde, when ozone reacts with these substances.

Furthermore, the perception of a cleaner smell may simply be an illusion. The odors within a space might just be cloaked by the scent of ozone itself. Many users enjoy the fragrance produced by ozone, likening it to a "fresh sheets" smell or freshly laundered clothes smell (EPA, ).

What Safety Precautions Should You Take with Ozone Generators?

It is essential to understand that no federal agency has sanctioned the deployment of ozone generators in spaces occupied by humans. If you find yourself in a situation requiring their use, it is crucial to take every conceivable precaution to ensure they are not operated in the presence of people or pets. Even plants should be kept outside the vicinity.

Often, ozone generators are used for commercial cleaning purposes in establishments like hotels or vehicles. Many hotels employ these devices just before a new guest checks in, which can be hazardous due to lingering ozone levels. Manufacturers of ozone generators advise they should only be utilized by trained experts for odor elimination and emphasize that preliminary cleaning and source removal must take place beforehand.

What Are Some Safer Alternatives?

Much safer and more effective solutions exist compared to any device that might contribute to ozone accumulation. The recommended first steps are the most cost-effective methods for enhancing air quality. To begin with, always strive to eliminate odor sources or pollutants as much as possible. Secondly, ensure proper ventilation in your living space for improved air circulation—unless you reside near sources of significant outdoor pollution, in which case this step may need reconsideration.

Subsequently, utilizing an air purifier that does not generate ozone could be a worthwhile option. Various types of air purifiers are available, including mechanical filters (such as HEPA) that focus on particulate removal and gas-phase filters like carbon filters, designed for VOC exhaustion. For a comprehensive solution to air quality improvement, you might explore Molekule technology, which effectively targets mold, VOCs, allergens, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike traditional air purifiers like HEPA that capture particles, Molekule actively destroys VOCs and biological contaminants.

Additionally, if odor removal is a concern, explore numerous safer methods to achieve that fresh ambiance in your space.

Conclusion

The downsides associated with ozone generators far surpass any potential benefits. It's wise to consider safer, more effective alternatives for enhancing indoor air quality, such as ozone-free air purifiers. Manufacturers often make exaggerated claims regarding their devices’ effectiveness in odor elimination. Overall, ozone generators face strict federal regulations, and the EPA, along with other agencies like the Air Resources Board (ARB), caution against their health risks.

In summary, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of ozone generators unless they are delivering unacceptable ozone levels. There are significantly more effective and safer solutions to address indoor air quality issues, allowing you to create a safe environment with clean, fresh air for both you and your family by employing source control, ventilation, and alternative air purifier solutions.

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