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Ozone, also known as "activated oxygen" occurs naturally during thunder storms.
The ozone concentration levels during these storms may be higher than the allowable limit
set by the FDA (0.05ppm) and EPA (0.08ppm)
Being an unstable gas, its life is about 20 minutes, depending on the temperature and it will
revert back to oxygen after completing its job of oxidizing air-borned pollutants.
How does Ozone Purifiers work?
Ozone, an reactive gas is a strong oxidizing agent. When it comes into contact with air-borned pollutants, it loses one of its atoms and thus destroy the pollutant by "oxidizing" it.
Ozone purifiers have been known to remove mildew, bateria, odors and tobacco smoke. However,
it has no affect on solid particles such as dust.
Commercial units generates ozone via electronic/electrical means. The level
of ozone produced by these devices should comply with the US FDA standard of 0.05ppm. High
levels of ozone are potential health hazards because it can cause irritation to the eyes,
nose and throat as well as potential lung irritant.
Is Ozone Safe?
There are many conflicting views on this. There are a number of publications which
advocates that ozone (regardless of level or concentration) is bad for health.
On the
other hand, supporters said ozone occurs naturally in the air - especially after a
thunder/lightning storm.
If you decide to purchase an ozone purifier, it is very important that you adhere
to the operating instructions of your unit.
Set the dials/ozone output settings
according to your room size so that the ozone concentration will not exceed the
safety limits set by FDA (0.05ppm)
Other things to note ...
Ozone generators are specific machines designed to generate ozones for the purpose of
purifying the air.
Electronic (negative) ionizers, on the other hand uses electrostatic
precipitator and negative ions to purify the air. Some of these units may release trace
amount of ozone, but the concentration is usually negligible, way below the 0.05ppm
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