10 things you should know about Ozone

WILL THE ODOR COME BACK?

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

HOW DOES OZONE HANDLE TOBACCO SMOKE?

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one's eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

WILL OZONE REMOVE STAINS AND NICOTINE BUILD UP?

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

WILL OZONE AFFECT COMPUTERS, FABRICS AND PAINTINGS?

No, ozone will not affect personal computers, fabrics or paintings. The concentrations are not high enough even during shock treatments for long periods (> 30 days) of time.

IS OZONE HARMFUL AND WHAT IF ANY ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS?

Ozone has been known for almost a century, so a great deal is known about it. Several regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have stipulated that the safe allowable level of residual is 0.10-ppm (parts per million). Note that this permissible level is for continuous exposure throughout an entire 8 hour day for 5 days a week. The temporary effects of such a low exposure would range from headaches, to sore throats, irritation in the eyes, and nose. No long term effects have ever been documented from ozone exposure.

Ozone Applications

Ozone can be used in many applications, it is generated on site from oxygen, which eliminates the need to transport chemicals or other dangerous products. In many applications ozone saves money, environment & time. Ozone is much healthier & safer to use than harsh caustic chemicals & it does an excellent job.

Ozone is 51% more powerful on bacterial cell walls than chlorine
Ozone kills bacteria 3100 times faster than chlorine
Ozone is the most powerful broad spectrum microbiological control agent available
Ozone eliminates the use of hot water and conventional sanitizer
Ozone virtually eliminates all chemical usage
Ozone is chemical-free; it produces NO toxic by-products
Ozone is clean and environment-friendly, its only by-product is oxygen
Ozone is extremely effective as a disinfectant at relatively low concentrations
Ozone is generated on site eliminating the transporting, storing and handling of hazardous materials
Ozone is very inexpensive to produce and has an unlimited supply
Ozone is much safer for employees than any conventional chemicals
Ozone extends the shelf life of food products
Ozone permits recycling of wastewater
Ozone reduces Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Cold Storage

Using Ozone and UV in Cold Storage dramatically reduces the potential for spreading germs from handling foods like meats, fish, fruits and vegetables. Microorganisms such as bacteria, moulds and yeast that can grow in refrigerators, cause spoilage and decrease shelf-life. Organic or bacterial “slime” grows on produce and refrigerator coils, pans, and in drain lines that can block or restrict flow, causing cross-contamination to the other foods in the refrigerator.

Ethylene Control

Ethylene is produced from all parts of higher plants including the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, tubers, and seeds. During the life of the plant ethylene production is induced during certain stages of growth such as germination, ripening of fruits, abscission of leaves, and senescence of flowers. Plant reactions to ethylene include stimulation of the aging process in leaves & flowers, the shedding of leaves & flowers, ripening of fruit and a climacteric rise in respiration in some fruit which causes a release of additional ethylene.

Ozone & Commercial Issues

Commercial issues

Ethylene shortens the shelf life of many fruits by hastening fruit ripening and floral senescence.
Ethylene will shorten the shelf life of cut flowers and potted plants by accelerating floral senescence and floral abscission.
Flowers and plants which are subjected to stress during shipping, handling, or storage produce ethylene causing a significant reduction in floral display. Flowers affected by ethylene include carnation, geranium, petunia, rose, and many others.
Ethylene can cause significant economic losses for florists, markets, suppliers, and growers. Researchers have developed several ways to inhibit ethylene but inhibiting ethylene synthesis is less effective for reducing post-harvest losses since ethylene from other sources can still have an effect.

Using Ozone and UV in Cold Storage will increase shelf life by controlling ripening and reducing decay. Common items that benefit from Ozone or UV in Cold Storage are Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Berries, Citrus, Cucumbers, Grapes, Onions, Pears, Peppers, Potatoes, Stone Fruit and Tomatoes. Ever increasing concerns regarding extending shelf-life, control of decay, control of ripening, quality and appearance of food without depending on chemicals have driven increased demand for safe, proven food storage alternatives such as ozone.

Ultraviolet and Ozone in Cold Storage kills airborne and surface microorganisms, shuts down the sporulation process, and consumes ethylene produced by ripening. After oxidizing microorganisms, ozone immediately reverts to pure oxygen, leaving no residue and maintaining taste, texture and smell characteristics in the product’s natural state. Growers, packers, and processors are able to extend product life and marketability, as well as decrease decay losses of fresh produce naturally. Ozone can be used alone or as a complementary measure with various post-harvest preservation techniques.

Ozone Technology

Ozone is generated by a spark or as seen by lamps generating a wavelength of 185 nm. Depending on the desired effect or application, there are a few differences in the Ozone generated.

Corona Discharge modules

Corona meaning Fused are modules generating a spark or discharge. The ozone from a corona module is more aggressive and great when applying to water systems. Using corona modules although at times more effective need to have added components for long term feasibility.

Ozone Lamps

Ozone producing lamps are just as dangerous when exposed to skin and eyes. When designed or applied correctly they have fewer components required to operate with less risk of failure over time. The lamps are seen to be expensive but are more cost effective with respect maintenance or replacement.

Plasma

This industry is very specific in application and due to the special requirements it is best to contact our technical or one of recommended distribution partners for support.