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Ozone, the strongest oxidizing agent occurring
naturally in our clean outdoor environment, has the capacity
to break down most of the organic chemicals that foul our
outdoor environment.
Ozone (O3) contains one additional atom, versus
pure oxygen (O2). The third atom is actually quite unstable,
which causes ozone to decompose fairly quickly, or mutate
(for instance, during hydrocarbon interactions) into a relatively
harmless compound, such as water vapor or carbon dioxide.
With respect to byproducts created by mold,
mildew, bacteria, or fungus — allergens that often lead
to odors and respiratory infections in humans — purification
occurs when the third, unstable atom attaches itself to the
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pollutant, causing permanent oxidation.
Oxidized organic matter has a variety
of uses, such as bactericides and algaecides. Low-level
ozone is also an excellent method for eliminating unpleasant
odors in the air, destroying pollen and dust particles,
and even killing airborne bacteria.
The leftover atoms form pure oxygen. Because
of this reactivity, ozone must be replenished on a continuous
basis. If no pollutant is present, oxidation takes place
within the ozone molecule itself (the third atom that
makes the molecule unstable) causing the ozone to revert
to pure oxygen within a period of 20 to 50 minutes.
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| Ozone
Applications and Myths » |
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