Ozone generators can come in handy when you need to get a room or surface smelling clean and fresh again, but it’s important to follow some safety tips when using these devices. In this post, we’ll go over how ozone generators work, the dangers of gaseous ozone, and some tips for staying safe when using them. Keep reading for more!

Health Effects of Gaseous Ozone

  • Shortness of breath
  • Harsh breathing
  • Headache
  • Severe pain in lungs (at levels above 1.0 ppm)

Ozone in the air can be harmful at high levels. When handled properly, ozone can be harmless at low concentrations, but can be deadly to microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. But, just like any other strong oxidizing agent, ozone can be harmful if you don’t handle it properly.

Ozone generators are devices that emit ozone, a gas that is effective at killing bacteria and other organisms. For this reason, ozone generators are often used for air treatment, sterilization, and water purification. However, ozone can also be harmful to human health at high levels. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ozone can damage the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

Additionally, ozone can react with other chemicals in the air, which can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma. For these reasons, it is important to take precautions when using an ozone generator. The device should be operated in a well-ventilated area, and people should avoid breathing in the ozone gas directly. By taking these simple precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with ozone exposure.

Preventing Health Effects of Gaseous Ozone

ozone-generator-safety-measures
  • If ozone is entered into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water, lifting your eyelids occasionally. See a doctor right away if any symptoms occur.
  • Breathing – If a person breathes in large amounts of ozone, immediately move the individual into uncontaminated warm air. If the individual stops breathing, perform artificial respiration. Ensure the affected person remains warm and at rest. Must seek immediate medical attention.
  • If the victim is unconscious, give someone else notice and carry out the established procedures. Move the affected person to safety. As the guidelines for ozone in the workplace are based on time-weighted averages, do not go into affected areas without assistance or without following safety procedures recommended for your facility.
  • OSHA has set official exposure limits for ozone at no more than 0.1 ppm average over an 8-hour period. OSHA does provide guidelines for exposure limits that may vary from that standard, based on exposure time. For more information, please visit the OSHA website.

Unlike OSHA, NIOSH does not implement safety and health standards under federal law. However, the organization does develop health and safety recommendations that could influence law and OSHA regulations. According to NIOSH, levels of Ozone at or above 5 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and health. Ozone levels above this level are considered a fire hazard.

Bottom Line

If you are considering purchasing an ozone generator, please be aware of the health risks associated with using this device. However, you don’t have to worry. All you need to do is follow the manufactures instructions and avoid going to the treatment area while the ozone generator is working.