Raysco Inc. is very proud to now offer Ozone Odor Elimination to our vast array of services. Ozone is the only method that completely removes odors at the atomic level.
We have provided some technical explanation here; please give us a call for pricing, and to see how this remarkable procedure can benefit your home, listing or business.
WHAT IS OZONE?
You are here, so you probably have questions about ozone and ozone purification. Ozone, commonly known as O3,sometimes called “activated oxygen”, and contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breathe. This simple but powerful molecule is naturally used by the earth to clean the atmosphere. Ozone is chemical-free, non-combustible and converts back into oxygen shortly after use (approx 30 min). Ozone is food safe, FDA and USDA approved and certified as organic. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors. Interestingly ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact the “fresh, clean, spring rain” smell that we notice after a storm most often results from nature’s creation of ozone. However, we are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the “ozone layer” that circles the planet above the earth’s atmosphere. Here ozone is created by the sun’s ultra-violet rays. This serves to protect us from the ultra-violet radiation.
HOW DOES OZONE WORK?
While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life-cycle. When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left – no odor, no bacteria, no extra atom, only oxygen. Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.
HOW IS OZONE PRODUCED?
There are basically two methods of producing ozone…ultra-violet and corona discharge. Corona discharge creates ozone by applying high voltage to a metallic grid sandwiched between two dielectrics. The high voltage jumps through the dielectric to a grounded screen and in the process, creates ozone from oxygen present in the chamber. Ultra-violet (UV) light creates ozone when a wavelength at 254 nm (nanometers) hits an oxygen atom. The molecule (O2) splits into two atoms (O), which combine with another oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3).
HOW LONG DOES THE OZONE LAST?
As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room, some of it reverts back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: Oxidation reaction with an organic material such as odors or smoke. Reactions with bacteria etc., which again consumes ozone by oxidation reactions. Additionally ozone itself has a half life which means that “residual” ozone created (extra ozone) will return to oxygen usually within 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. What this means is that after each subsequent 30 minute period there would be half as much residual ozone left at the end of the period as was present at the beginning of the period. This is similar to a geometric progression of 16;8;4;2;1. In practice the half life is usually less than 30 minutes due to temperature, dust, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone, while very powerful, doesn’t last long. It does its job and then disappears.
WILL THE ODOR COME BACK?
No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, the original source of the odor MUST be eliminated, whether it is a pet issue, smoke, mildew or other existing contaminant. The initial odor source should be addressed prior to considering utilizing an Ozone treatment.
HOW DOES OZONE HANDLE TOBACCO SMOKE?
It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one’s eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.
WILL OZONE REMOVE STAINS AND NICOTINE BUILD UP?
No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.
WILL OZONE AFFECT COMPUTERS, FABRICS AND PAINTINGS?
No, ozone will not affect personal computers, fabrics or paintings. The concentrations are not high enough even during shock treatments for long periods ( over 30 days) of time.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT LEVEL OF OZONE?
The right level is when all the generated ozone is being consumed. This only applies to continuous ozone use in occupied environments – not for shock treating. However, this is difficult to attain because it becomes a balancing act. Initially the machine’s output is set high to get rid of the problem odor as quickly as possible. As this is being accomplished less ozone is required for the diminishing odor etc., thereby leaving some residual ozone in the air. If the machine output is not turned down, then more residual ozone will remain. If a strong smell of ozone is noticed, then there is more ozone present than is required. Simply turn the rheostat (output level control) down. With ozone, more is not considered better.
NOTE: It is not necessary that ozone be detected by humans for it to be effective. Ozone can work even when humans are not able to smell it.
IS OZONE HARMFUL AND WHAT IF ANY ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS?
Ozone has been known for almost a century, so a great deal is known about it. Several regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have stipulated that the safe allowable level of residual is 0.10-ppm (parts per million). Note that this permissible level is for continuous exposure throughout an entire 8 hour day for 5 days a week. The temporary affects of such a low exposure would range from headaches, to sore throats, irritation in the eyes, and nose. No long term effects have ever been documented from ozone exposure. Ask Raysco Inc. for MSDS sheets if desired.