What is Ozone?

Ozone (O3) is a colorless gas which consists of molecules made up of three oxygen atoms. It is extremely unstable and active, and converts back to regular oxygen within a period of twenty minutes. It is the safest and one of the strongest oxidants known to man, and is the strongest natural algaecide, bactericide, viricide, fungicide, protozoazcide and parasiticide know to man. As an oxidant, it neutralizes contaminants or chemically alters them so they can be more easily eliminated. When it encounters a bacteria, virus or fungi, it ruptures the cell of the microorganism. When faced with odors and pesticides, the extra atom of oxygen eradicates it through oxidation. Instead of masking the effect of unpleasant odors, ozone destroys the odor causing compounds chemically. The remaining two oxygen atoms simply revert to being a normal oxygen molecule. Ozone itself has an odor simlilar to fresh grass.

How is Ozone Formed ?

Ozone is a naturally occurring product. It is formed by either a photochemical reaction or a bio-electrical reaction. In a photochemical reaction, oxygen molecules are split with an ultraviolet light. The split oxygen atoms (O1) then join normal oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone molecules (O3). Our ozone layer is formed by the creation of ozone in the Earth's upper atmosphere by UV rays from the sun. In a bio-electrical reaction, ozone is created through an electrical discharge, whose function is similarly to UV light for splitting oxygen molecules. Ozone created in this fashion can be found as a byproduct of lightning and electrical storms. The RedOzone sterilizer also generates ozone using this method. The reactivity of ozone is because of the third atom of oxygen. Held together in a semi-stable bond with the other two oxygen atoms, this atom easily reacts with any oxidizable compound (organic or inorganic).

Is Ozone Safe?

Ozone automatically reverts to oxygen molecules within a period of twenty minutes, making this form of oxidant very safe and environmentally friendly. It is non-carcinogenic, non-polluting, and does not leave any toxic residues after usage. It poses less of a danger than many common household products, such as bleach and cleaning solutions.

Ozone has been used for more than a century in Europe as a method for purifying public water systems and in food processing. Currently, ozone can be found in the United States, Japan, Australia, as well as in major cities worldwide. It is used in such applications such as water purifying, food processing, storage preservation, agriculture, aquaculture, swimming pools and spas, waste-water treatment, and medical therapy. Presently, ozone is treated as the most effective way of sterilization in countries such as US, German, England, France, and Japan. In 1998, FDA has certified the usage of ozone to sterilize food.