True or False: Ozone effectively kills viruses and “bleaches” the air.

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Research COVID precaution’s validity.

We want to educate our community about ozone generators. We have recently received a lot of calls about renting out our ozone generator as a COVID precaution. While it is great that many organizations are trying to find ways to keep their members healthy and safe, there might be a misperception of what an ozone generator can do. So, does ozone effectively kill viruses and “bleach” the air?

Truth is that there’s not enough evidence to give you a definitive answer. So, MAYBE? There may be businesses selling the notion that this is what ozone generators can do for you but it’s not completely accurate.

What are Ozone Generators and their functions?

Ozone Generators is a machine that emits ozone into the air. According to the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is a molecule with three atoms of oxygen, in which “Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition.” (EPA)

SERVPRO uses an ozone generator for the main purpose of Odor Removal and Deodorization. In our experience, a smelly room or smelly contents that has been affected by a concentration of ozone has proven to be non-smelly after the fact.  We believe it’s the altering of the odor’s composition. The concentration of ozone is extremely dangerous to living things. Although scientifically, there is not enough research to prove that it “removes” odor, we have used this method for several fire, smoke, and mold loss because we have seen it, first hand, alter the smells. Now this method is used after first cleaning the content or room.

We do not use ozone generator as a means to “bleach” or remove pollutants from the air because that’s not what it does. An air cleaner or air purifier may be a better solution as a COVID precaution because its purpose is to clean air. The best solution is to practice safety measures such as quarantining, social distancing, wearing protective equipment, avoiding touching high-touch surfaces, and personal hygiene.

CLEAN HIGH TOUCH SURFACES FREQUENTLY.

We understand the importance of setting up a COVID precaution for the maintaining of your business but please research your methods to see if they are effective. We have a great Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program that may fit well for your business. The focus is to frequently clean, disinfect and sanitize high touch surfaces.

Need COVID Cleanup or Proactive Cleaning. Call 319.268.1521

Resources:

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners

https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/will-ozone-generator-protect-me-and-my-family-covid-19