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National Restoration of Northern Illinois
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The Effective Use Of OzoneOzone (O3) is a powerful oxidizing gas that has been in use since the early 1800's. Ozone is sometimes called "activated Oxygen" since it contains three atoms of Oxygen rather than two. Ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact, that "fresh, clean, spring-like rain" smell that we notice after a storm most often results from nature's creation of ozone. However, we are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the "ozone layer" that circles the planet above the Earth's atmosphere. Here the ozone is created by the sun's ultraviolet rays and then serves to protect us from the ultraviolet radiation. Ozone is produced commercially by the use of ultraviolet light and corona discharge. Many ozone generators on the market today employ one if not both methods. Usually water purification employs both methods but treatment of air space is done by corona discharge. In relation to the restoration industry, ozone gas generation was initially used by the dry cleaning industry to remove odors in clothing caused by bacteria and smoke. In this case, an ozone room is created whereby all odorous clothing is hung on racks and exposed to ozone gas for 24-48 hours depending on severity. The ozone generator is left outside the room and a short connecting hose flows the ozone into the room. Ozone is slightly heavier than air and builds from the group up. It is also advisable to place a small circulating fan in the room to help the gas flow and penetrate well. Although ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life cycle. When it is faced with organic compounds or bacteria, the extra atom of Oxygen is destroyed and there is nothing left. Ozone will neutralize all the bacteria and fungus groups as well as smoke, decay, and cooking odors. Ozone is not effective on inorganic odors like ammonia, phosphates, nitrates, sulphates, chlorides, etc. Another factor for consideration is the safe use of ozone by the professional cleaning and restoration industry. Ozone is a toxic gas. However, it can be used safely when deployed by specialized generators under proper conditions. Again, the construction of the ozone room is essential for cleaning and restoration contractors to process odorous contents. Here the gas can be controlled and monitored. If employed on location (i.e. within a building), all living things should be removed. Even plants should be removed for they are sensitive to ozone levels as low as 0.03 ppm. The key factor concerning health risks using ozone deal with overexposure. The odor of ozone is detectable by most people at a level of 0.01-0.03 ppm. The general consensus is that when you can smell ozone gas it's time to evacuate the are of life forms. Ozone use is regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Agency) and it has stipulated that the safest allowable level is 0.1 ppm. That is, of course, for an 8 hour day five days a week. Other countries like Canada stipulate that the permissible level of ozone cannot exceed 0.04 ppm for the same period. Overexposure to ozone gas effects our respiratory system and can cause disorientation. Watery eyes, coughing, and stuffy nose will indicate that the gas is becoming dangerous. Thus, it is essential that this potent force be used properly by professionals. The benefits of using ozone for restoration work are fantastic. Smoke odor molecules tat infiltrate all porous surfaces can be permanently removed by ozone gas. Often only ozone will work on the most stubborn of all odor molecules, that being protein. Odors associated with dead bodies and other forms of decay (like freezer failure) have long resisted normal chemical deodorizing attempts. Ozone again has the potency to neutralize even these contaminants. One of the most positive features about ozone is that it performs work and then reverts back to normal Oxygen within 15-30 minutes. However, other safeguards must be observed other than evacuation. Due to its oxidizing nature, ozone attacks and degrades natural latex rubber, thus a protectant like silica should be applied to car and freezer door moldings. Ozone also breaks down and oxidizes faster in the presence of moisture. Even high relative humidity can increase its action. Hydrogen peroxide, a mild bleach, forms with sufficient moisture so some textiles should be removed. Another drawback for on-location use is the element of time. It is often impossible to evacuate some areas for 24 (let alone 48) hours. In this case the use of chemical deodorizers is recommended. Overall, the use of ozone gas by the Professional Restoration Industry has been an excellent weapon to neutralize the worst odors that we confront on a daily basis. More and more contractors are discovering how easily and completely it works. When used responsibly, ozone gas is an integral part of any restoration contractor's bag of tricks. |