The air around us is constantly being polluted and contaminated by what we do and how we live our lives. Man’s carbon footprint continues to grow. Whilst you may think you are doing your share to keep the air clean, let’s be honest, we are still a long way from a global understanding that we need to keep the air clean.
In the meantime, what do you do to clean the air in your space and avoid smells and allergic reactions that can be fatal? Air purifiers are some of the most effective ways of doing this. Ozone generators have been cited as a way to decontaminate spaces. There is a lot of conversation around ozone and just how safe it is to use, or if it is worth the risk. In this article, we take a look at ozone generators and safety precautions about how long to run an ozone generator. Let’s dive in, shall we?
What is an ozone generator and how do they work?
An ozone generator does just as its name suggests. It produces ozone. It does this to purify the air, disinfect it, and kill germs. They use different ways to create ozone. Ozone breaks down the targeted material because it is an oxidant. It is a molecule made up of 3 oxygen atoms.
When it is used on bad odors, it oxidizes them and makes them less present in the air. Ozone generators will use electrical charges to get rid of smells. They are mostly known as air purifiers that will get rid of bad odor in the air.
How long does it take for ozone to dissipate into oxygen?
The amount of time that it takes for ozone to dissipate into oxygen, depends on the concentration. High levels of ozone require more time. Once ozone is released into the air, it will take anything between 30 minutes and 4 hours, to dissipate entirely. Stronger concentrations will take between 3 and 4 hours.
After you have had an ozone generator in a room, it is advisable that you stay out of the room for at least 4 hours, since it stays in the air for up to 4 hours.
How long should you run an ozone generator before you turn it off?
The length of time that you run an ozone generator, depends on how big the room is. Ozone generators can be run for up to 10 hours. For instance, a whole house will need about 30 hours for it to be properly disinfected. It is important to make sure that pets and people are out of the room that is being disinfected.
What are the risks of being exposed to ozone?
Ozone generator manufacturers will not like this, however, it is true. The reason there is a lot of talk surrounding the safety of using ozone generators is that exposure to ozone has some serious side effects. When it is breathed in, ozone can damage your lungs. The extent of side effects will depend on the amount of ozone in the air.
In smaller doses, ozone can cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and coughing. If you have a pre-existing respiratory issue, ozone can trigger it. However, reactions to it are not set in stone. Different strokes for different folks. Ozone exposure can also cause an eye or nose irritation. Also, it can cause plants to wither and also have an adverse reaction on different materials such as plastic.
How do I use an ozone generator in my house?
Ozone generators can be used for decontamination, but you will have to take certain precautions. Firstly, you can not turn it on when there are people or animals in the space, it can be harmful to them, therefore vacate the space. The next thing to do is to set a shutdown timer. This way, you will not need to walk into the room to manually turn it off.
Make sure that your valuables are covered and protected. Ozone can react with them and have an adverse effect. Ensure that you are not running the generator in humid conditions. Make sure that you give it at least 4hours after it has shut off, and stopped emitting ozone, for you to go back in the room. Last but not least, make sure that the generator is serviced on time so there are no mishaps when you use it.
How else can I clean the air in my house?
Setting an ozone generator aside, the first thing that you want to do is look for the source of pollution. If you can locate it get rid of it. You can also adopt a culture of cleaning more around the home, and avoid any potential pollution sources. For instance, remove shoes when you walk in the door and avoid carrying in dust from outside.
Also, you can make sure that there is no smoking allowed in the house. If you burn something perhaps cooking, open the windows, and aerate the room. You want to ventilate the space as much as you can. When you dust, use a damp (but not wet) cloth, to avoid the dust simply rising and settling back down again. Make sure to wipe all excess wetness away so that you don’t give mold a chance to grow
The other option is to use an air purifier with filters that can trap even some of the smallest particles in the air. In addition to this, you can also use an ionizer that negatively charged particles in the air, causing them to cluster and cling to the nearest surface. Using products such as an ionizer means that you have to be careful about whether or not it produces ozone.
Conclusion
Ozone generators are not a means that is recommended for use especially in your home. According to EPA, there are more risks in using an ozone generator than it is worth. We recommend that you find alternate ways to clean the air and get rid of smells in the air.