It’s understandable that people are sometimes a little bit unsure about the science and safety of ozone, but that’s a real shame. We are in the middle of a high level of general COVID infections, and we are also potentially due a norovirus problem. Ozone may well be able to help.
Ozofresh products, such as our Eclipse Pro generators, are devices designed to produce ozone (O₃), a powerful oxidant known for its ability to neutralise a wide range of pathogens, including viruses. We supply and maintain these generators across the UK, where they are utilised in various settings. Elderly and other care environments in particular use them to help maintain a clean and safe atmosphere. In addition to virus protection, they are also used as part of the constant fight against odours, in fact, this is how many of our clients initially hear about ozone. However, during the pandemic, care homes across the UK began to use ozone to minimise the risk of virus and other infections in resident rooms.
An Eclipse Pro for example, can be used to sanitise and deodorise a vacant resident room before reintroducing the person in need of care. At that stage the room has a significant, if not almost total, reduction in viruses and other pathogens… and any odours have also been destroyed. In both cases, unless they are re-introduced, the room is how clean smelling and sanitised to a high degree of efficiency.
We simply take the air from the room and pass it over a conversion cell where its structure is changed. This process literally splits the oxygen molecules into individual atoms. These atoms then recombine with oxygen molecules to form ozone.
Once produced, ozone is released into the air, where it begins to interact with organic materials. However, not only does it attract viruses and other nasties, but it is also unstable. Ozone's strong oxidative properties allow it to react with pollutants, bacteria, and viruses, rendering them harmless. Ozone is heavier than oxygen so it gradually settles on surfaces as well as attracting airborne pathogens during the process. As the ozone succumbs to its instability, rather than releasing the pathogens, it collapses them, and they are destroyed. Our larger machines contain an ozone destruct function which helps to speed up the process and often a resident room will be refreshed and back in service within an hour.
The ozone cycle: OXYGEN > OZONE > Attracts Pathogens > Self Destructs > OXYGEN.
Proven and effective
Ozone's ability to neutralise viruses is well-documented. It works by disrupting the lipid and protein structure of the virus, effectively deactivating it. This effectiveness of ozone in disinfecting and purifying air and surfaces is what makes it particularly useful in environments that require stringent hygiene standards. There have been various studies that have demonstrated how, when used correctly, ozone reduces the viral load on surfaces and in the air, thus lowering the risk of transmission (Hudson et al., 2009).
So, that was the science, what’s the practical application?
Care residents, as we all know, are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their weakened immune systems. In care environments, the risk of virus transmission is also heightened due to the close quarters and frequent interactions between residents and staff. Implementing ozone generators in these settings can offer several benefits:
Our ozone generators are valuable tools when it comes to enhancing hygiene and controlling virus spread in elderly and care environments.
The safety question.
One further question that came up at a recent care forum was the suitability of ozone for populated areas. The answer is yes it can be used in populated areas but not in large quantities. Large quantities of ozone are not good for us because, as with any high level of gas it is replacing the available oxygen in the room. While it is not poisonous or dangerous as such, any gas in large quantities is to be avoided for safety reasons. So, the Eclipse range can only be used in empty, enclosed spaces. The process is to remove the resident, start the ozone generator, and then leave and lock or otherwise prevent access to the room. The timer will release, circulate, and then destruct the ozone. Once it is finished, the room is safe for use. Any residual ozone will naturally dissipate, and the room will now be at safe levels.
Is there a device for populated areas?
Yes! In smaller quantities, Ozone is perfectly safe so we have smaller devices such as the PlugIn and Aura that will release a background level of ozone for odour control. The main difference is that the amount of ozone released by these machines is intended for continuous odour control. It is very effective, but it will not have a ‘shock treatment’ effect on a room.
Most care environments we supply use the Eclipse Pro in empty during a monthly deep clean or for specific spot needs. Then complete the process by installing our Aura device for corridors and other populated areas where smells linger and adding a PlugIn in resident rooms with odour problems. These will combine to provide continuous protection process against pathogens and, of course, exceptional ongoing odour control.
As a final point on safety, we have seen examples of other kinds of alleged ozone based technology that simply does not meet our rigorous standards. All our equipment meets the appropriate benchmarks and is designed and constructed to UK expectations of quality. Ozone is a powerful and effective substance but, as with any similar product, it should be generated and controlled effectively.
So, in summary, the effectiveness of ozone in inactivating viruses, as supported by scientific research, highlights its potential as a critical component of infection control strategies in settings where vulnerable populations reside. Coupled with its ability to eradicate odours and other pathogens, it can be a highly useful tool in the ongoing support for a safe, odour free, care environment.
