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Ozone machine/generator


Zach5.9CTD

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Hi Zach,

 

We looked into the possibility of using an Ozone generator for our detailing service in Australia. After some research we discovered some risks to using one. I understand that this article is taken from an Australian Government health website (other links for US at the end) but there are some points to consider no matter where you're located in the world.

 

Ozone Generators
 

Ozone generators are being promoted as an effective method to clean indoor air pollution and odours. However ozone is a lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects.

Last updated: 13 May 2015
 

Introduction

 

Ozone generators are being promoted as an effective method to clean indoor air pollution and odours. However ozone is associated with adverse health effects.

Available scientific evidence shows that ozone concentrations that are safe to breathe are unlikely to be effective in controlling indoor air pollution.

Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices use a variety terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a "healthy" kind of oxygen. However, ozone is a toxic gas with very different properties to oxygen. Whether it is a pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

 

Ozone: Good up high, bad nearby

 

Ozone, O3, is composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule. The additional third atom makes ozone an unstable, highly reactive gas. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere helps filter out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but ozone in the air we breathe is irritative to the eye, nose, throat and lungs and can have a significant negative impact on health.

These proven adverse health effects have resulted in the Australian Government setting standards for ozone in outdoor air.

 

What does an ozone generator do?

 

An ozone generator is a device designed to produce the gas ozone. Ozone is used effectively in water purification, but ozone in air must reach high levels to remove air pollutants.

Health experts warn that it is important to control conditions to ensure that no person or pet becomes exposed to high levels of ozone. Ozone also masks the odour of some pollutants by impairing a person's sense of smell.

Further, ozone is not effective for killing bacteria or mould in materials such as air conditioning duct lining and ceiling tiles.

 

Risks of using ozone generators

 

Some people are more susceptible than others and may be more likely to experience adverse health effects. People at particular risk are children, the elderly and people with asthma.

Exposure to ozone
  • Can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, cough and shortness of breath.
  • May exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.
  • Is likely to increase hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory disease.
  • Can also adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings, and fabrics.

Some effective ways to control indoor air pollution

 

There are several simple and effective methods of controlling indoor air pollution and odours, including source control, ventilation and air cleaning. It is important to note that mould is a common source of odours in homes.

Source control is most effective and easy to implement:

  • Remove products and materials, which cause indoor air pollution, or replace with an alternative non-polluting product.
  • If no alternative product is available, store the polluting source elsewhere, for example paint thinners are best stored in a detached garage or shed.
  • If you can not remove the source, try to reduce its strength. For example, sometimes formaldehyde-emitting materials such as MDF can be sealed to reduce the rate of emission.
  • Do not allow people to smoke in your home.
  • Routinely clean wet or moist surfaces to prevent mould and bacterial growth.
  • Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry all items completely.
  • Separate damp areas from living areas and keep bathroom doors closed to reduce humidity in your home. For example vent clothes dryers to outside or locate the washing machine in a separate laundry.

Ventilation is also effective and commonly used:

  • Install an exhaust fan close to the source of pollutants or moisture such as the cooking stove, dishwasher and washing machine.
  • Keep the windows open as often as possible to allow air to circulate.
  • Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.

Air cleaning by itself does not adequately reduce indoor air pollution, however it can be used in combination with source control and ventilation. Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers can be used to remove airborne particles. Gas adsorbing material (eg activated charcoal) is sometimes used to remove gaseous pollutants. Air cleaners are relatively costly.

 

To be effective they require proper sizing, installation and use (according to the manufacturers directions), and maintenance, so they are more suitable for use in workplaces rather than homes. Maintenance costs, such as replacement of filters, can be significant. If you choose to use an air cleaner such as an electrostatic precipitator or ionizer in your home or work, it is important to ensure that it does not produce ozone as a by-product.

 

Further Information
Edited by Joseph@AdamsAustralia
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I have to agree with Joseph on this one. At work we have Ozone generators and we have a TON of safety precautions put in place to be able to work around them. I do realize that you will be using much smaller ones however it is still a fairly nasty creation if not handled properly. It works great as a deodorizer, de greaser, and a few other things but again it can be nasty stuff. 

 

For an idea we have air monitors in the room with the generator, an air monitor in the room we use it in (large tank dome), we have to wear personal air monitors in the area, and there are alarms and evacuation procedures if things go awry. I will say that once vented to atmosphere it does quickly dissipate and had no lingering effects once vented. 

Edited by pirahnah3
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Yeah. Well the vehicle would be unoccupied when running the machine and would be ventilated before removing the machine

 

That's fair enough. At the end of the day it would be a question of risk vs. reward, especially when running a business. 

 

Since the USA and Australia are highly litigious societies (among others) it pays to know the risks involved. Most of these OG machines are ineffective at killing mould and bacteria anyway, which is the main source of most putrid of smells. 

 

I guess I'm just cautious and can't justify using one, but that's me.

 

 

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I'd only be breaking out the machine for smokers vehicles, or any other odor complaint

That's the only time I ever use mine, smokers mostly. Change the HVAC filter as well. I only put the machine in after cleaning, steaming, extracting the interior, then I let it air out for several hours before occupying the vehicle.

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19 hours ago, Jeremy098 said:

I am down here in Crawfordville and have a Champion dual fuel two years old. No problems at all .I run on propane and marine gas , non ethanol. I have been thru many canes with generators . Just run for several hours in morn and several hours in eve . Hooking into house system has never been necessary for me as all I try to run is reffer and freezer . My pump will hold pressure for enuf to get thru the day . Shower at nite when generator is running . Another advantage to not hooking in to house is if I like my neighbors I can run their refrig for a couple hours . It is not necessary to run more than 5 or 6 hours a day .

Where's Crawfordville? 

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