The EPA and OSHA regulate the existed ozone concentration in the air, while NIOSH provides recommendations. And it is important to be familiar with the fundamental regulations established by each agency. The following are the brief summary of ozone regulations from them.

ozone regulation

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

In the United States, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is responsible for measuring, tracking, reporting, and regulating ground level ozone levels in major cities.

  • Good Up High, Bad Nearby
  • The EPA considers ozone near the ground level to be a form of pollution and regulates it accordingly.
  • The EPA does not regulate or endorse ozone generators that are marketed as air cleaners. It does provide safety information related to the use of ozone generators.
  • Ozone Air Quality Standards
  • Primary standards are established to set limits that protect public health, including the health of “sensitive” populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma.
  • Secondary standards are established to set limits that protect public welfare, including protection against visibility impairment, harm to animals, crops, vegetation, and buildings.
  • EPA Standards: 0.08 ppm for an 8-hour limit, 0.12 ppm for a 1-hour limit.
ozone regulation

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The workplace guidelines established by OSHA for O3 rely on time-weighted averages, specifying that exposure to 0.1 ppm should not exceed 8 hours per day.

  • As per OSHA regulations, if you are producing ozone, it is mandatory to measure the level of ozone for safety when you are producing ozone.
  • Several guidelines for ozone use in workplace have been cited by the OSHA website.
  • Exposure to 0.3 ppm of ozone should not exceed 15 minutes.
  • Exposure to 0.2 ppm of ozone should not exceed 2 hours.
  • Exposure to 0.1 ppm of ozone should not exceed 8 hours ppm for a people doing light work.
  • Exposure to 0.08 ppm of ozone should not exceed 8 hours ppm for a people doing moderate work.
  • Exposure to 0.05 ppm of ozone should not exceed 8 hours ppm for a people doing heavy work.

You can also check OSHA website to learn more information.

ozone regulation

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

NIOSH safety and health standards are not legally enforceable in the United States. However, NIOSH does play an important role in occupational safety and health by developing recommendations for health and safety standards. These recommendations can inform and influence future laws and regulations established by OSHA.

  • Maximum ozone exposure limit: 0.1 ppm
  • Exposure to ozone levels of 5 ppm or higher is considered immediately dangerous to life or health.
  • Recommended to use respirator when ozone concentration is up to 1 ppm.
  • Any respirator with an ozone-rated cartridge or a supplied air respirator is recommended when ozone level is up to 2.5 ppm.
  • When ozone levels are up to 5 ppm, any supplied air respirator operated in continuous flow mode or a powered air purifying respirator is recommended.
  • A full face mask is recommended for a self-contained breathing apparatus.