Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition.
The same properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing 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 from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more damaging and recovery less certain at higher levels or from longer exposures.
Ozone does not remove particles (e.g., dust and pollen) from the air including the particles that cause most allergies, but can kill airborne air and surface microorganisms.
Can Ozone be used in occupied spaces?High concentrations of ozone in the air when people are not present, can sometimes be used to decontaminate the unoccupied area from certain chemical or biological contaminates or odors (e.g., fire restoration). While high concentrations of ozone in the air sometimes is appropriate in these circumstances, conditions should be sufficiently controlled to insure that no person or pet becomes exposed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers not to be exposed to an average concentration of more than 0.10 ppm for 8 hours.
