By the EPA
If used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air
does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants.
•
Some data suggest that low levels of ozone may reduce airborne concentrations and inhibit the
growth of some biological organisms while ozone is present, but ozone concentrations would
have to be 5 - 10 times higher than public health standards allow before the ozone could
decontaminate the air sufficiently to prevent survival and regeneration of the organisms once the
ozone is removed (Dyas, et al.,1983; Foarde et al., 1997).
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Even at high concentrations, ozone may have no effect on biological contaminants embedded in
porous material such as duct lining or ceiling tiles (Foarde et al, 1997). In other words, ozone
produced by ozone generators may inhibit the growth of some biological agents while it is
present, but it is unlikely to fully decontaminate the air unless concentrations are high enough to
be a health concern if people are present. Even with high levels of ozone, contaminants
embedded in porous material may not be affected at all
Conclusions
Whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health
.
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain,
coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such
as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
Some studies show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can exceed health
standards even when one follows manufacturer’s instructions.
Many factors affect ozone concentrations including the amount of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor space, the amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone concentration, and the amount of ventilation. These factors make
it difficult to control the ozone concentration in all circumstances.
Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health
standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.
The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing
most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce
other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive
http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/ozone_generator.pdf
