What is ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms that protects the earth from the sun's harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. The oxygen molecules in the air we breathe consist of two oxygen atoms (O2) firmly bound together. When O2 is subjected to certain weather conditions, like UV light, lightning or high electrical current corona discharge (CD), some of the O2 molecules disassociate. The freed oxygen atoms (O;O) then combine with existing O2 molecules to form ozone:
[O + O2 = O3]. The third oxygen atom in the ozone molecule is loosely bound to the other two atoms and turns ozone into a very potent oxidizing agent. In many respects, ozone is considered a more powerful, green alternative to chlorine. The Ecozone Blue Ozone Generator is a CD generator.
Ozone and chlorine differ, however, in many ways. Ozone is much stronger and acts more quickly, meaning reduced contact time necessary to sanitize, disinfect and deodorize. Chlorine is generally used at concentrations of about 100 to 200 parts per million (ppm), while gaseous ozone is used at 2 to 3 ppm and aqueous ozone at 0.05 to 0.1 ppm or higher, depending on the desired effect. Chlorine leaves detectable disinfection by-products (DBP's) and odours on products and is prohibited on imports into many countries. Ozone on the other hand, leaves no chemical residue or DBP's, and can thus be certified as organic. It simply reverts to pure, clean oxygen.
[O + O2 = O3]. The third oxygen atom in the ozone molecule is loosely bound to the other two atoms and turns ozone into a very potent oxidizing agent. In many respects, ozone is considered a more powerful, green alternative to chlorine. The Ecozone Blue Ozone Generator is a CD generator.
Ozone and chlorine differ, however, in many ways. Ozone is much stronger and acts more quickly, meaning reduced contact time necessary to sanitize, disinfect and deodorize. Chlorine is generally used at concentrations of about 100 to 200 parts per million (ppm), while gaseous ozone is used at 2 to 3 ppm and aqueous ozone at 0.05 to 0.1 ppm or higher, depending on the desired effect. Chlorine leaves detectable disinfection by-products (DBP's) and odours on products and is prohibited on imports into many countries. Ozone on the other hand, leaves no chemical residue or DBP's, and can thus be certified as organic. It simply reverts to pure, clean oxygen.
whAT ARE THE applications OF OZONE?
Ozone has numerous applications which varies from disinfection in a domestic setup, to bleaching of wood pulp in paper manufacturing, and to the dairy and agricultural industries. Ozone is also widely used in medicine, horticulture, aquaculture and hydroponics. Many other industries use ozone as a green alternative to chlorine and other disinfectants. Because of its high oxidation potential and its breakdown to pure oxygen and harmless by-products, ozone poses no threat of pollution to waterways or groundwater. Ozone can be used among others, to:
- Kill bacteria, viruses, moulds, protozoans, etc. that cause illness and allergies.
- Improve personal hygiene in rest homes, motels, backpackers, hotels and nursing homes.
- Decompose and eradicate toxic gases found in factories, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.
- Disinfect and keep fish and meat fresher for longer.
- Decompose agrichemical residues on fruit and vegetables.
- Eradicate the chlorine taste and smell from drinking water.
- Remove heavy metals from your drinking water.
- Deodorize kitchen, bathroom and shower surfaces and cloths.
- Improve the quality of run-off, effluent and waste water.
- Remove biofilms in waterways.
- Save cost, water and energy.
Does Ozone really kill bacteria and remove pesticides?
Most diseases are caused by pathogens carried in our drinking water, the air, the food we eat and the people we encounter, as well as our pets. Because of its high oxidation potential, ozone annihilates the lipid bilayer cell membrane of most bacteria, viruses, algae, yeasts and moulds. But remember, ozone is only effective on external surfaces. Most of the organisms we encounter are aerobic and therefore on exterior surfaces. One bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative anaerobe that grows well in cooler environments, and internally in protein products like cold meats. The effective disinfecting potential of ozone provides the best defence against this serious food safety problem. Ready-to-eat (RTE) products are particularly susceptible to Listeria contamination and ozone is an effective disinfecting agent in many areas of RTE sanitation.
Can chlorine in tap water remove pesticides?
It has been reported that tap water with a 0.5 ppm chlorine content can be used to kill bacteria and remove pesticides. However, these reports fail to mention that in order to achieve this, water temperature must be below 5 degrees Celsius. Chlorine will evaporate at higher temperatures, thus rendering chlorinated tap water unable to remove pesticides and kill bacteria effectively. It is impractical and uncomfortable to use water below 5 degrees to wash food. Food purchased from supermarkets may still contain bacteria and residual chemicals which can cause infections and allergies. Test reports by SGS show that the Ecozone Blue Ozone Generator can remove 99.99% of all bacteria in 10 seconds, and 75% of pesticides. To achieve comparable results with similar concentrations of chlorine, food would need to be washed for 15,000 seconds or about four hours!
can ozone deodorize?
Most domestic and commercial chemical deodorants mask or cover up bad smells. Odours are created by the metabolic processes of bacteria, yeasts and mould. Ozone releases oxygen atoms that attack and destroy odour-causing molecules, bacteria, yeasts and moulds and render them impotent. Ozone is a highly reactive molecule and is very quick to react with particles that it encounters in the air, on surfaces and in water. The extra oxygen atom in the ozone attaches itself to the offending molecules, chemically decompose their structure which result in non-offensive molecules and pure oxygen.
Is Ozone bad for our health?
At very high levels, ozone is an respiratory and eye irritant. The average person can smell ozone at 0.01 - 0.04 ppm. At 0.06 ppm some may experience minor throat irritation or coughing. Higher concentrations of ozone can have adverse effects on those suffering from asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and the flu. Gaseous ozone in high concentrations can be harmful to plants, pets and humans, however, aqueous ozone is not. The Ecozone Blue Ozone Generator has been proven to limit dispersion to under 0.01 ppm, well below the OSHA tolerance level of 0.05 ppm. Furthermore, the ozone generator has a built-in timer to automatically turn off the unit after twenty minutes to prevents the release of excess ozone into the air. In test results, ozone is proven safe as a sanitizer by multinational testing company SGS. It is advised that people, pets and plants be evacuated from areas prior to fumigation with gaseous ozone, and not re-enter after approximately one hour.
Does ozone cause environmental pollution?
The answer is an emphatic no. Bad ozone forms near ground level when air pollutants (emitted by combustion engines, power plants and chemical plants) react chemically in the presence of sunlight. Ozone pollution is more likely to form during warmer months. Ozone is an extremely safe and effective oxidizing sterilizer. The Ecozone Blue Ozone Generator has an auto-off function for your peace of mind, and a blue LED indicator will show you when ozone is flowing. The Ecozone Blue Micro-bubbles Aerator (Venturi Injector) ensures that all the ozone is infused into the water. Also, the ozone output is much lower than the recommended concentration (150 mg/h). Ozone leaves no chemical residue and it does not cause environmental pollution. Unlike other chemical cleaning agents, ozone breaks down to pure breathable oxygen and other non-offensive molecules very quickly and does not cause a threat to our environment. In high concentrations, gaseous ozone can be harmful to plants, people and pets. It is advised that you evacuate people, pets and plants from any area that needs to be fumigated with gaseous ozone.
How does Ozone enriched water keep things fresh?
Fresh fruit and vegetables release a ripening agent (ethylene) which enhances the growth of moulds and yeasts, which cause food decay. Dissolved ozone oxidizes and destroys the ethylene molecules, making fruits and vegetables stay fresher for longer. Fresh seafood can also be stored in ice made from ozonated water, which naturally contains no pathogens. In cold storage, gaseous ozone will destroy all airborne and sedentary pathogens, thus increasing the quality and storage time of fresh products.
Because of its quick action, ozonated water reduces cleaning and disinfection time significantly, compared to hours with conventional cleaning. The beverage industry, dairy farms and the bottle washing industry can save millions of liters of water, because no rinsing is needed after washing with ozonated water. Instead of being disposed of, waste water can be reused. Run-off from cleaning with ozonated water also poses no threat to natural water ways, and will not encourage eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.
Because of its quick action, ozonated water reduces cleaning and disinfection time significantly, compared to hours with conventional cleaning. The beverage industry, dairy farms and the bottle washing industry can save millions of liters of water, because no rinsing is needed after washing with ozonated water. Instead of being disposed of, waste water can be reused. Run-off from cleaning with ozonated water also poses no threat to natural water ways, and will not encourage eutrophication and harmful algal blooms.
can Ozone enriched water improve Your skin?
Although ozonated water has many beneficial uses, it is not recommended as a treatment or a cure for any medical condition, disease or ailment. Bathing in ozonated water will keep the skin refreshed and supple, remove body odours from infants, the elderly or bedridden people, and remove make-up residue from your skin pores. The micro-bubbles penetrate deep into the pores of your skin where the blood vessels can absorb oxygen and speed up your metabolism. This relaxing and rejuvenating ozone therapy is widely applied in many countries. Ozone or ozonated water is not a cure or treatment for any illness, disease or medical condition. Let ozonated water stand for a few minutes before drinking it.
For more information, please contact us.
For more information, please contact us.