Ozone is a gas naturally present in the stratosphere and serves as our natural protection against harmful UV rays. At high concentrations, it has a bluish color and a pungent odor, with an atmospheric concentration of about 0.04 ppm (parts per million – 1 ppm = 2 mg/m³). In nature, ozone can be generated by the strong electrical discharge of a lightning strike, and its odor can be detected after a thunderstorm.

The electrical discharge acts on oxygen molecules (O₂), transforming them into a new molecule, ozone (O₃). Due to its high reactivity, ozone tends to dissociate into O₂ + O, with the latter being responsible for its strong oxidizing power. Therefore, ozone gradually disappears and reduces to oxygen over time, leaving no trace. Ozone can also be artificially generated through a process called “Corona Effect” from the oxygen naturally present in the air, using a machine called an ozone generator, which produces electrical discharges within it. Its high oxidizing power was discovered by Christian Friedrich Schönbein in 1840; it is so effective that it can perform disinfection in shorter contact times and at lower concentrations compared to other disinfectants like chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and monochloramine.

Today, ozone helps address many aspects related to air and water pollution, and its use is increasingly widespread, ranging from professional environments (hospitals, food industries, communities, gyms, beauty centers, swimming pools…) to more domestic settings, such as our homes and cars.

The use of ozone generates an oxidation process in the air of the environment where the treatment is performed. This process, within minutes, attacks and inactivates the cellular components of bacteria, viruses, mold, mites, and small pests present in the environment.

Even at low concentrations and high humidity, ozone has strong disinfectant and virucidal effects in the air (ISS COVID-19 Report No. 25 /2020).

Ozonation

The effectiveness of inactivating bacteria, viruses, mold, etc., depends on its concentration in the air and exposure time. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, the concentrations and timing can be deduced from the following table:

Table 2 Inactivation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and insects following ozonation

(Sources: Edelstein et al., 1982; Joret et al., 1982; Farooq and Akhlaque, 1983; Harakeh and Butle, 1985; Kawamura et al. 1986)

Ozone has been recognized by the Ministry of Health (protocol no. 24482 of July 31, 1996) as a natural agent for sterilizing environments contaminated with bacteria, viruses, spores, etc., and infested with mites, insects, etc.

Applications

• Improves air quality in schools, hospitals, offices, homes, and businesses.
• Purifies water from odors and bacteria.
• Another useful application is the sterilization of tools, equipment, utensils, and work clothing (Certificate of Analysis from the University of Udine).

Placement

• The device should be positioned in a location where air can circulate freely around it. Avoid placing it in niches or against walls. It is recommended to place it at a height of 1.5 meters.
• Select the treatment duration according to the instructions in the manual. Adhere to the timings specified in the manual before re-entering the room.
• Under real conditions, the natural decay time needed to make rooms accessible is at least 2 hours. If possible, it is preferable to perform treatments during nighttime so that ozone levels are within safe health limits by the time work resumes (ISS COVID-19 Report No. 25 /2020).
• The product should never be used in the presence of people or animals.

Maintenance

• Simply clean the product periodically with a damp cloth. Do not use chemical agents or detergents on the product. The product contains no liquids.

Notes:

1. Use the ozone generator in a clean environment. Do not use it when temperatures are very high, above 40°C.
2. Do not open the product’s casing.
3. Disconnect the product if it is not used for a long time.
4. Keep the external surfaces of the product clean.