Health Considerations
Unfortunately, the same chemical properties that allow ozone to alter organic material in household air also give it the ability to react with organic material inside the human body. Even low levels of ozone exposure can cause the following conditions:
- coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and throat irritation;
- worsened chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma;
- increased risk of developing bronchitis or pneumonia; and
- compromised ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
People's susceptibility to ozone varies widely. An ozone generator should never be operated in occupied spaces, and the area should be adequately vented before people or animals are allowed to re-enter.
According to a report produced by the EPA, ozone generators are ineffective at reducing levels of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, despite claims by manufacturers. Also, from the toxins with which ozone does react, there is a potential for the creation of new, potentially more dangerous toxins. For example, ozone mixed with chemicals from new carpet can create aldehydes, which can irritate the lungs. Other reactions may create formic acid, another irritant. The potential for chemical reactions in the average house is difficult to predict.
EPA Branding
A number of brands of ozone generators place EPA establishment numbers on their products. This number helps the EPA identify the facility that produced the product. The number does not mean that the EPA has found the device to be safe, as the EPA does not certify any air-cleaning devices.
Other Potential Damage Caused by Ozone in Homes
Plants
Environmental ozone causes more damage to plants than all other air pollutants combined. Similarly, ozone generators can damage plants in indoor environments. High levels of ozone will inhibit the ability of plants to open the microscopic pores on their foliage and breathe. Specifically, ozone can cause the following conditions in plants:
- chlorosis, a condition in which the plant cannot produce sufficient chlorophyll to manufacture carbohydrates;
- necrosis, or the premature death of living cells, which may lead to the death of the plant as a whole;
- flecks or small light tan irregular spots;
- stipples, which are small, darkly pigmented areas; and
- reddening.