Ozone Shock Treatments

Ozone is one of the most powerful disinfectants. It is 50 times more effective at disinfection compared to the most popular disinfectants – chlorine, and the effects of its action are visible 3,000 times faster.

The main advantage from the utilization of ozone for disinfection is the fact that ozone is generated on-site and only when needed. There is also no need to store or use costly hazardous chemicals.

Shock treatments raise the ozone levels inside the treated area to a level that will destroy all virus, bacteria, mold and fungus in the confined area. Ozone shock will disinfect any sized area, from a shoe box to an indoor stadium.

Prior to Ozone Generator Treatment

  • Odor can be an indicator of the level of pollutants in an area.

  • Identifying and eliminating the source of the problem is necessary before treatment, or the problem, can re-occur:

    • Identify and eliminate the source of moisture in mold / mildew situations.

    • Identify and eliminate the source of the VOCs causing an odor.

    • Identify and remove decomposing organic material

  • Repeat ozone machine treatments may be necessary to fully address an issue.

Ozone Generator Treatment Protocols

  • Ozone Generators are designed for indoor use only, operate in a dry environment only.

  • Close off and secure the area being treated, shutting all doors and windows. The gas will concentrate and build potency. Remember, the ozone machine will take the oxygen from the space and turn it into ozone.

  • Post signage warning outsiders from entering the area while the ozone generator is in use.

  • ALL People, Pets, and Plants must be vacated from the area during the treatment.

  • The gas must have unobstructed access to every surface, therefore, it is recommended that all internal doors, cabinets, drawers, etc. are left open, so the gas will flow freely.

  • The output of the ozone generator improves in lower humidity environments. Drying out the space prior to treatment, will extend the life of the ozone.

  • Because ozone is heavier than air, it may be necessary to elevate the ozone machine to ensure adequate gas distribution.

  • In larger areas, treatments can be enhanced by utilizing fans to help circulate the gas. In buildings, central HVAC systems on “fan mode” will also aid in the distribution of the gas, while sanitizing the system ducts.

    • DO NOT run the ozone generator constantly, instead, using the timer, cycle the ozone machine on and off (see the guidelines below) to allow for the most effective treatment. Stronger odors require more treatment time however, every situation is different*:

    The above chart is only a guideline, and every situation is unique. More treatment time may be required, and there’s no danger in conducting multiple treatments on the same area.

    After Ozone Generator Treatment

    • When you return to an area after an ozone shock treatment, you’ll detect the aroma of “ultra fresh” air, free from any odors.

    • Many have described this “ultra fresh” smell as the fragrance of cloths that have just come off an outdoor clothes line. Others have described it as the smell of the ocean, or the air after a thunderstorm.

    • Ozone is created during lightening strikes in a thunderstorm and the waves of the ocean and is nature’s way of cleaning the environment. Ozone Generators create the same result by bringing the power of Mother Nature to bear on indoor air pollution.

    • The fresh air aroma, a pleasant benefit of an ozone shock treatment, will usually dissipate within a few days. What remains are the odors of the natural wood, slate, stone or other building materials. The treatment safely eliminates the unpleasant odors, allergens, biological pollutants and VOCs.

    • Oils from the skin can leave a residue on hard surfaces (such as a kitchen table). These oils will be attacked by the ozone, which will oxidize them, and leave the surface “tacky.” The same can be said for TV remotes, or cabinet handles, literally any high contact items. They can be cleaned with warm soapy water to remove this tack.

    • Though ozone is a gas that is up to 3,000 times more powerful than Chlorine bleach, it is a green technology that leaves no chemical residues behind.

    The effect of ozone below a certain critical concentration value is small or zero. Above this level all pathogens are eventually destroyed. This effect is called all-or-none response and the critical level the “threshold value”.

    Other studies and links:

    REFERENCES

    CDC, COVID-19, Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility, Page last reviewed March 27, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/disinfecting-building-facility.html