During the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are wondering how to avoid getting infected with COVID-19. This applies to both private individuals and entrepreneurs, who often have to implement various forms of disinfection in order for their businesses to function. One of them is the use of ozone generators. Read this article and find out about how to use ozone generators in the fight against the coronavirus.
During the coronavirus pandemic, more and more people are wondering how to avoid getting infected with COVID-19. This applies to both private individuals and entrepreneurs, who often have to implement various forms of disinfection in order for their businesses to function. One of them is the use of ozone generators. Read this article and find out about how to use ozone generators in the fight against the coronavirus.
What is ozone treatment?
Before we go on to the main topic, let’s have a closer look at ozone treatment itself. This will make it easier to understand the disinfection process and the correlation between ozone and the coronavirus.
Ozone is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms, and can be both a natural and a man-made product. It makes up the ozone layer that protects our planet from harmful radiation from the sun. It can be felt right after a storm – the specific smell in the air right after a lightning strike is ozone. This is because the electrical discharge acts on oxygen, which changes into its three-particle form.
Ozone treatment, in turn, is the use of this gas for cleaning rooms, items or water from harmful microorganisms, mould spores, allergens and unpleasant odours. Special machines called ozone generators are used to generate ozone. They are equipped with special plates through which a current flows, causing oxygen transformation. The process is therefore very similar to that of a thunderstorm, but on a much smaller scale. However, it is sufficient to effectively carry out ozone treatment of cars, apartments, waiting rooms, hotel rooms or hospital rooms.
What is ozone disinfection?
So what makes ozone generators worth the fuss? First of all, ozone if a very effective gas, with very strong oxidising properties, and therefore a biocidal effect. This lets it remove microorganisms, allergens and mould spores from the air. It also works well for cleaning the air of unpleasant animal or cigarette odours.
Ozone treatment of rooms, and not only, is also a very precise cleaning method, as the gas reaches spaces that are normally difficult to disinfect. However, the greatest advantage of ozone is that its environmentally friendly, with treatment being carried out without the use of chemicals that could be harmful to the environment. It is also more effective, for example, than chlorine.
Not convinced? Read the study carried out by the National Sanitary Inspection, confirming that the ozone process carried out with an Ulsonix generator can perfectly complement traditional disinfection methods and will remove biological contaminants.
REPORT OZONE GENERATOR – HIGH EFFICIENCY – DOWNLOAD
Ozone treatment used for fighting the coronavirus. Does ozone kill viruses?
Already at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a question started to arise: does ozone kill viruses? As already mentioned, it shows very good results when it comes to fighting bacteria, fungi and more. Research is constantly being conducted on an appropriate concentration that would be helpful in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
Currently the use of ozone generators is mainly for the disinfection of rooms, which is aimed at reducing the risk of infection. Many companies or institutions use this method in their offices, and shops, offices, hospitals and even public transport or train carriages are ozone treated. It is usually recommended that the process be repeated every 3-4 weeks, provided that other means of protection are used (protective masks, disinfectants, etc.). Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from doing it more often, especially if a COVID-19 patient has been in the room.
Ozone generators could also be perfect for disinfection of apartments after quarantine of people infected with the coronavirus. After all, for the entire duration of isolation many people are confined to their houses without the possibility of properly airing them. This is especially difficult during cold days in autumn or winter. As a result, microorganisms and mould spores are constantly floating in the air. Therefore, after quarantine, ozone treatment is even advisable to avoid repeated infection.
Ozone treatment of apartments. How should it be done?
After quarantine is not the only situation in which ozone treatment of rooms could be a good idea. Since the gas effectively eliminates all odours, it is also suitable for getting rid of animal odours, mould after flooding, the burnt smell after a fire, and is also effective getting rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. However, to achieve the desired effect, you need to follow a number of recommendations, otherwise all your efforts will go to waste.
First of all you need to know which ozone generator to choose. A lot depends on the size of the room, as generators differ from each other mainly in terms of the efficiency of ozone production. If you use a generator with insufficient capacity, then the ozone concentration will also be insufficient for proper disinfection. On the other hand, too much production may lead to unnecessarily high energy consumption. You can also find ozone generators equipped with special UV lamps. They are an additional form of air sterilisation, because ultraviolet radiation also kills microbes.
You should then check that the room is completely closed. Open doors, unsealed windows or air vents can all let the ozone escape from the room. Its concentration in the air will decrease, which will in turn minimise the effectiveness of the treatment. You also need to protect anything susceptible to oxidation, such as rubber elements, pictures or electronics. It is best to take them out, or at least wrap them carefully in film. You can learn more about safe ozone treatment later in this article.
The duration of ozone treatment of a house or apartment depends, just as the choice of ozone generator, on the size of the room. It is also influenced by the concentration of the gas and the type of problem to be solved. For example, intense smells from rooms and furniture can be removed in about an hour. Ozone fumigation can take up to several hours! If possible, try to physically eliminate the cause of the odour first. This also applies to mould, which can be treated with a fungicide. Ozone inhibits its development, but the problem may be so serious that it is better to use special products to be sure.
Houses or offices are not the only spaces that can be cleaned in this way. Ozone treatment of cars is an equally popular procedure, and the process is especially useful for removing mould from the vehicle’s ventilation system. The gas will also refresh the upholstery and get rid of the unpleasant smell of cigarette smoke. Purifying a car with ozone will take hardly any time due to the smaller size of the space.
Is ozone harmful?
Ozone has a strong biocidal effect, so it should be used with precautions. Exposure to high concentrations of ozone for too long can damage eyesight and cause respiratory problems, not only in humans but also in animals. It is also harmful to plants. Therefore, for safety reasons, no living organism should be present in the room during ozone treatment.
Also keep in mind the oxidation effect of ozone, which makes it highly flammable. It should therefore not be used together with other flammable gases and explosives. You should also avoid contact with open flames, sparks and devices that generate sparks. Smoking is also prohibited.
If you have chosen an ozone generator with a UV lamp, the safety rules also apply to ultraviolet radiation. Looking directly at its source can damage your eyesight and even lead to blindness. On the other hand, skin exposure to UV light causes burns. As in the case with ozone, animals and plants should also not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
After cleaning, ventilate the room thoroughly for at least 15 minutes, and then do not enter the room for another 2 hours. After this time, the ozone should break down into standard oxygen. Do not check whether you can enter the room by trying to see if it still smells of ozone. Although ozone has a rather strong, specific smell, you get used to it quickly and it is difficult to say whether the concentration is lower or the same as it was.
Before switching on the ozone generator, read the instruction manual carefully. It contains all the necessary information about correctly using the machine. Many manufacturers also attach special door tags to inform about ongoing ozone treatment and that it is forbidden to enter the room.
Ozone treatment during the coronavirus pandemic. Does it make sense?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made ozone disinfection even more popular than it was before. It also has very good results fighting against other microorganisms, so an increasing number of companies and institutions are deciding to use this method. Coronavirus ozone treatment is designed to reduce the risk of infection in public places.
However, you should always bear in mind that you must still comply with the prevailing restrictions at all times. Wearing a mask, regularly washing your hands and social distancing are the basic steps to reduce the number of infections. Additional ozone treatment can effectively help in getting through this difficult period.
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