Ozone Generators Sold As Air Filters

There is a large amount of written material about ozone and indoor ozone use. However, much of this material makes affirmations or draws conclusions without foundation and solid science. In making ozone generators sold as air filters, EPA reviewed a great variety of this literature, comprising information offered by a leading manufacturer of ozone generating devices. In accordance with EPA policy to ensure that the information it provides is based on sound science, only the findings and conclusions reviewed by experts and with scientific support to develop this document were relied upon.
Several brands of ozone generators have the EPA establishment number on their packaging. This number helps EPA identify the specific facility that produces the product. The showcasing of this number does not imply EPA approval or suggest in any way that EPA has found the product to be safe or effective.
Introduction and Purpose
Ozone generators sold as air filters intentionally produce gaseous ozone. Often, sellers of ozone generators establish statements and distribute material leading to the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted such claims (Sawyer, et. Al. 1913; Salls, 1927; Boeniger, 1995; American Lung Association, 1997; Al-Ahmady, 1997). The purpose of this document is to provide accurate information on the use of ozone generating devices in occupied interior spaces. This information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.
Some providers suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. By contrast, no federal government agency has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of such claims and as ozone can cause health problems in high concentrations, numerous federal government agencies have worked in consultation with the US Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public information document.
What is ozone?
Ozone is a molecule contributed of three oxygen atoms. Two oxygen atoms form the basic oxygen molecule: the oxygen we breathe that is essential for life. The third oxygen atom can be released from the ozone molecule and reattached to the molecules of other substances, thus altering its chemical composition. This ability to react with other substances is the basis of the manufacturers' claims.
How is ozone harmful?
The same chemical properties which allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that forms the body and can potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone can also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the body's ability to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulties, may experience respiratory problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery of harmful effects may occur after short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more harmful and recovery is less safe at higher levels or longer exposures (US EPA, 1996a, 1996b).
Manufacturers and sellers of ozone devices often use deceptive terms to describe ozone. Terms like "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy type of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with chemical and toxicological properties very different from oxygen. Numerous federal agencies have established health standards or recommendations to limit human exposure to ozone. These exposure limits are summarized in Table 1.
Is there such a thing like "good ozone" and "bad ozone"?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency UU (EPA) has used the phrase "good, tall, bad near" to distinguish between ozone in the upper and lower atmosphere. Ozone in the upper atmosphere, called "stratospheric ozone," helps filter the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Although ozone in the stratosphere is protective, ozone in the atmosphere, which is the air we breathe, can be harmful to the respiratory system. Harmful levels of ozone are produced by the interaction of sunlight with many chemicals emitted into the environment (for example, car emissions and chemical emissions from industrial plants). These harmful concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere are often accompanied by high concentrations of other pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and hydrocarbons. Whether pure or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

By: Preeti Narula
Content: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners