OZONE AIR SANITIZER
One of the most common ways to “clean” air and remove strong odors is through the use of an ozone air generator, also known as ozone machines or ozone air purifiers. These machines are designed to create ozone through a simple process that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. However, like many things, just because it’s “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Ozone air purifiers, essentially take in oxygen from the air (O2) and give it a strong electrical charge. This electrical charge allows the oxygen molecules to rearrange themselves and form O3, our famous ozone. (Did you know that because of electrical charges, ground-level ozone is often present in higher levels after a lighting storm?)
Now, the ozone is released from the machine into the air. When it hits molecules like mold or smoke, the third oxygen molecule attaches itself to molecules of the pollutant and basically eliminates it. The O3 attaches itself to bacteria, fungus, germs, odors, and other contaminants and, at the molecular level, destroys the cell wall. This process eliminates the contaminant while reverting the ozone back to oxygen.
Through this process, ozone generators can be extremely useful for cleaning pungent odors, removing the smell of smoke, and eliminating mold. They are used in hospitals, hotels, and even homes, but, as we’ll learn, they can be dangerous and must be used only by trained, qualified professionals.