When you hear the word ozone, you probably think of the layer in the sky above us that helps filter out ultraviolet radiation from the sun. But it is also a molecule used in some air purifiers because it effectively reacts with and eliminates strong odors and airborne chemicals. The ozone can naturally turn a bad smell into a good one. But before you buy an air purifier or generator that uses ozone technology – you should understand what you’re considering and know the dangers.
Better Smelling Air with Ozone – But is it Safe?
Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. It is an unstable molecule that reacts with anything it bumps into. The chemical effectively removes odors and kills mold and mildew because it can react with and break down anything it comes in contact with. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes ozone so effective at removing odors also makes it dangerous. If it is present in high enough concentrations to eliminate bad smells, then it is also reacting with your skin, eyes, lungs, and other exposed areas and causing harm. It has a pleasant smell, but if you can smell it, it reacts with you and can cause long-term damage to your respiratory system.
What are the Side Effects of Ozone Exposure?
If it’s inhaled, ozone reacts with compounds in your body and can harm your lungs. Even small amounts of ozone can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains, and throat irritation. Ozone can inflame and damage your airway, make your lungs more susceptible to infection and aggravate existing breathing and lung conditions. It can even increase asthma attacks and cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. Everyone is at risk, but anyone with asthma or certain vitamin deficiencies, children or older adults has a greater chance of exposure problems. The longer you are exposed to ozone, the worse the damage to your respiratory system will be.
When Buying an Air Purifier, What do I Need to Look Out for to Avoid Ozone?
Air purifiers are great ways to rid your home of all kinds of airborne particles – everything from mold to pet dander to pollen. You should always look for an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter. HEPA filters take the smallest of particles out of the air and keep them from reproducing. A high-performing purifier can help improve the air quality in your home for you, your family, and your pets.
When looking for an air purifier for your home or office, steer clear of HEPA/ionic air purifiers with built-in ozone-generating devices. These purifiers use electrostatic plates as their primary means of filtration and incorporate ozone to remove odors and freshen the air. If the purifier uses ozone technology, it will often be displayed prominently on the box or in the description. Still, it’s essential to read as much information as you can about the product to ensure you aren’t getting one that uses ozone. Manufacturers will sometimes use words or phrases like “activated oxygen,” “super oxygenated,” or “energized oxygen” in their description to imply healthy oxygen. Still, they are, in essence, just other ways to describe ozone technology.
Alcohol sprayers are a type of automated equipment pioneered in the field of hand disinfection. This smart alcohol sprayer is used most in hospitals where there are the most bacteria and pathogens. In addition, alcohol sprayers are also equipped in places such as schools, food processing facilities, restaurants, etc. The smart alcohol nebulizer is considered an assistive device for the Healthcare industry. Not only that, but they also help us prevent infectious diseases caused by cross-contamination.
Our initial point of contact with germs is often from the hands. Unfortunately, not many people wash or maintain basic hygiene of their hands. Over the time people have started emphasising more and more on maintaining personal cleanliness and hygiene. And the best way to keep viruses and bacteria at bay is, of course, by frequent hand washing. Using an automatic dispenser for this reduces your chances of getting sick in your inevitable daily interactions with people and germs. Hand sanitizer dispenser also is handy in water-scarce areas.
Our spiral ear cleaner is a fat-handled four-inch plastic pick that comes in a handy carrying case with 16 removable spiral tips. Unlike swabs, these detachable grooved heads are made of soft, bendy silicone. They’re designed to slip seamlessly into the ear (up to a point!) and grip the earwax in its place, instead of pushing it deeper into the canal.