Ozone Generators and Sterilization

Diagram from PrimaZone

PATHOGENS... Some dis-assembly is required.


Ozone Generators and Sterilization

Ozone (O3) is a potent toxin that works by oxidizing most anything it touches, damaging large organisms and killing smaller ones. O3 gives up one atom of 0xygen which aggressively combines with other molecules, leaving breathable O2 behind (O3 => O2 + O).

We've been using an ozone generator for several years, now, to sterilize our boat cabin and holds against various fungi including dry rot, mold and mildews. We also blow into a garbage bag to sterilize small items, now including masks, gloves and other PPE.

An advantage over UV sterilization is that it fills a space, where UV is line-of-sight and won't work in the 'shadow'.

 << Our EnerZen unit costs about $85 as I write.

A word of caution... this type of generator sterilizes the space by elevating O3 concentrations to lethal levels for a short time. No People, Plants or Pets while working and until fully aired out. Don't even want to breathe a little of it. We amateurs should probably leave the building, even if you're only doing a single room within it.

Here's a quick article that hits the main points.

There is another kind of ozone generator on the market which uses low levels of O3 to ionize particles to help purify air with people in the room. But these are not recommended by medical authorities ever, due to oxidation and irritation of airways.

If breathed in, ozone irritates, inflames and even kills cells all along the respiratory tract. This makes the cells even more susceptible to virus and bacteria, and if infected, inflammation is a serious co factor for worse outcomes. 'Safe' levels for O3 can be understood as merely 'negligible damage' for normal times.

Incidentally, ozone also clears away smells such as as smoke, decay, locker funk, diesel or gas, wet dog, bilge, etc..

Pretty handy tool in a pandemic.


NOTE: Most hospitals have ozone generators for sterilizing operating and patient rooms. PPEs can be treated for re-use in room-sized batches. Please help spread the word.