The Harmful Effects of Ozone

The Harmful Effects of Ozone - Air Sniper - Industrial Air Purifiers - Featured Image

For many people, it may have been a long time since they heard about ozone. During the 90s and 00s, there were several campaigns aimed at saving the ozone layer, identifying holes in said space and identifying potential solutions for the changes brought on by global climate change. These were important campaigns, but saving the ozone layer does not mean that interacting with ozone is a good idea for living beings, like humans.

Who is Vulnerable?

Those most susceptible to inhaling ozone-laden air include individuals with asthma, children, the elderly, and individuals who engage in outdoor activities, particularly outdoor workers.

Additionally, individuals with specific genetic predispositions and those with inadequate intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, face heightened risks from ozone exposure.

How Surface Ozone Interacts with Life

Indeed, the exact opposite is true. Ozone can have many negative effects on people, plants and animals. Although it is necessary to have it in the upper atmosphere, cumulative amounts in the troposphere, or where we as humans live, can cause significant issues. These issues include breathing trouble, vegetation damage and much more.

First, it is important to state that not all ozone is bad. When it reaches the upper atmosphere and stratosphere, it reacts with UV rays and reduces their volatility. This is essential for life on Earth, as the Sun produces UV light that can damage, destroy and alter organic life. Therefore, the requirement for our ozone layer is real and essential, but it is when it reaches down to the planet’s surface that we begin to see an issue.

As a relatively new technology, ozone generators occasionally see use in commercial or industrial green housing operations. There, they are marketed to provide effective air purification for growing plants. However, according to the FDA, “Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy.” Additionally, they go on to state that, “… to be effective as a germicide, it must be present in a concentration far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man and animals.”

These are very strong statements for a regulatory body like the FDA to make and should be taken seriously. As a result of these findings, some manufacturers and producers are looking for a suitable replacement to purify their air and prevent harmful microbes and bacteria from negatively affecting their crops. It just so happens they are in luck.

What are the Best Methods to Use For Indoor Air Pollution Control?

There are three primary strategies for reducing indoor air pollution:

  1. Source control. Eliminating or regulating pollution sources.
  2. Ventilation. Diluting and expelling pollutants through outdoor air circulation.
  3. Air cleaning. Removal of pollutants through installed special air purifiers.

Among these, source control is the most potent. This involves minimizing the use of pollution-causing products, practicing proper hygiene to limit biological contaminants, and employing effective housekeeping to manage particles.

Ventilation, the second strategy, is also effective and widely used. Methods include installing exhaust fans near pollution sources, enhancing outdoor airflow in mechanical ventilation systems, and opening windows when pollutants are present.

Air cleaning, while not typically relied upon as the sole solution, can complement source control and ventilation efforts. Techniques like air filters, electronic particle cleaners, ionizers, and gas adsorption materials are employed to eliminate airborne particles and gaseous contaminants, especially when source control and ventilation are insufficient.

Can Ozone Air Purifiers Be Harmful?

Many studies and tests prove that ozone air purifiers can be harmful. While ozone is effective at removing odors and killing some bacteria and viruses, it also poses health risks to humans.

Ozone can react with other chemicals present in a room (e.g., apartment, office), producing harmful byproducts such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles. Therefore, it is important to use ozone-generating air purifiers with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize potential health risks.

A More Effective Solution

Ordinarily, bulbs that produce UV light also produce ozone. However, when that occurs, there can also be a harmful reaction for humans. This reason is why Air Sniper spent time researching and developing UVC bulbs that do not emit ANY ozone. Our proprietary technology utilizes the best parts of ultraviolet germicidal radiation and omits the problems that can come with rudimentary systems.

Ozone-Free UV Lamps in Canada

Knowing the harmful effects of ozone, it is advisable to favor ozone-free UV lamps. Air Sniper offers ozone-free UV lamps with a plethora of benefits:

  • Effective air purification. Air Sniper’s ozone-free UV lamps utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms present in the air.
  • Ozone-free operation. Unlike ozone-generating air purifiers, Air Sniper’s UV lamps operate without producing ozone. This eliminates the risk of respiratory irritation and other health concerns associated with ozone exposure, providing a safer and more comfortable environment.
  • Environmentally friendly. By opting for ozone-free UV lamps, you contribute to a healthier environment. These lamps do not emit ozone, a greenhouse gas that can harm the Earth’s ozone layer and contribute to air pollution.
  • Versatile applications. Air Sniper’s UV lamps can be used in various settings, including homes, offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. They are versatile and adaptable to different indoor environments, providing reliable air purification wherever needed.
  • Long-term cost savings. Investing in ozone-free UV lamps from Air Sniper can lead to long-term cost savings. By eliminating the need for costly filter replacements and minimizing energy consumption, these lamps offer an economical solution for maintaining clean indoor air.
  • Canadian quality and reliability. Air Sniper prides itself on delivering high-quality products that meet rigorous standards. With a focus on durability and reliability, Air Sniper’s ozone-free UV lamps are built to last, ensuring years of efficient air purification.

To learn more about how our products are changing the face of the air purification industry by offering sanitization solutions, consider contacting us today. Our offerings are effective for very small spaces, like restaurants and office buildings as well as large spaces like cannabis cultivation operations and manufacturing facilities.

Plus, we have worked hard to create a system that doesn’t offer mediocre protection. Indeed, our testing efforts have yielded big results that show 99.9% effectiveness in pathogen eradication, including for mould spores and harmful bacteria like Influenza A. Experience clean air today with Air Sniper!