Ozone Disinfection FAQ

Ozone disinfection is a method of using the ozonation reaction of ozone gas to sterilise bacteria, viruses and moulds both on surface and airborne. It is the use of specific concentrations of Ozone (O³) gas produced by a powerful ozone generator in an enclosed space. When ozone reaches specific concentrations in the enclosed space (room, office space, shop, treatment rooms etc.), the gas kills bacteria and neutralises viruses on any surface that comes into contact with the gas. This includes all hard surfaces as well as carpets, curtains, fabrics, chairs, wall etc. Ozone is produced in the Ozone generator by combining oxygen and electricity. At the end of the process, the Ozone (O³) gas simply reverts back to Oxygen (O²) and because the process does not use any chemical additives, ozonation does not leave toxic residues on surfaces or in the air. 

The antipathogenic effects of ozone have been substantiated for several decades. Its killing action upon bacteria, viruses, fungi, and in many species of protozoa, serve as the basis for its increasing use in disinfecting municipal water supplies in cities worldwide. Typically, viruses are small, independent particles, built of crystals and macromolecules. Unlike bacteria, they multiply only within the host cell. Ozone destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the nucleic acid core, resulting in damage of the viral RNA. At higher concentrations, ozone destroys the capsid or exterior protein shell by oxidation. Numerous families of viruses including poliovirus I and 2, human rotaviruses, Norwalk virus, Parvoviruses, and Hepatitis A, B and non-A non-B are among many others that are susceptible to the virucidal actions of ozone. Most research efforts on ozone’s virucidal effects have centred upon ozone’s propensity to break apart lipid molecules at sites of multiple bond configuration. Indeed, once the lipid envelope of the virus is fragmented, its DNA or RNA core cannot survive. Non-enveloped viruses (Adenoviridae, Picornaviridae, namely poliovirus, Coxsachie, Echovirus, Rhinovirus, Hepatitis A and E, and Reoviridae (Rotavirus), have also begun to be studied. Viruses that do not have an envelope are called “naked viruses.” They are constituted of a nucleic acid core (made of DNA or RNA) and a nucleic acid coat, or capsid, made of protein. Ozone, however, aside from its well-recognized action upon unsaturated lipids, can also interact with certain proteins and their constituents, namely amino acids. Indeed, when ozone comes in contact with capsid proteins, protein hydroxides and protein hydroxides and protein hydroperoxides are formed. Viruses have no protections against oxidative stress. The enveloped viruses are usually more sensitive to physico-chemical challenges than are naked virions. Although ozone’s effects upon unsaturated lipids is one of its best documented biochemical action, ozone is known to interact with proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. The new coronavirus is an enveloped virus and therefore can be effectively treated using Ozone.

Ozone is one of the most powerful disinfectants. It is 50 times more effective at disinfection compared to the most popular disinfectant – chlorine, and the effects of its action are visible 3,000 times faster. Being in a gas form, it can penetrate almost all the corners of the space and therefore thoroughly disinfect the room. And experiments and tests show that the sterilising rate of ozone on various bacteria and viruses is 99.9%. Using ozone to disinfect has the advantage that the ozone generated on-site reverts back to oxygen when the treatment cycle is completed.

Generally speaking it takes 15min of ozonation to kill most of the bacteria and viruses, and 30mins to kill all viruses and bacteria that have a presence in habitable area. Ozone generators produce high volumes of Ozone gas to rapidly fill the space we are wanting to treat, however the space size effects how long it takes to disinfect an area. The disinfection cycle can last from a few minutes (for smaller spaces) to 2.5 hours for larger areas.

The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. For our full service customers, our Ozone disinfection cycles are strictly conducted in closed off spaces where our trained operators have ensured there are no people, pets or plants present during treatment. For our rental customers, the disinfection cycles are designed for each individual client and application. This ensures the space is properly disinfected and that sufficient time is allocated so that the ozone gas can dissipate and revert back to oxygen thus ensuring no harmful exposure when people re-enter the space. Unlike traditional chemical cleaning procedures, once the cycle is complete, ozone does not leave any toxic air borne or surface residues. Due to the instability of ozone, theoretically there should be zero presence of ozone gas 60min after the machine ceases it’s cycle.

Disinfection using Ozone gas is faster and far more efficient than traditional surface cleaning. The Ozone gas, just like oxygen, can completely fill the treatment space and covers all surfaces in the space. This includes inside keyboards, under desks, under arm rests on chairs, door handles, on walls, pens, and other objects in the space. Ozone also disinfects carpets, curtains and even seating fabrics. Most importantly ozone disinfection is achieved by using ozone gas (O³) which then reverts back to oxygen (O²) when the disinfection cycle is completed. This means so cleaning cloths, chemical sprays, plastic waste or toxic residues. Additionally ozone leaves no residue.

There are many airborne bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to human body and cause disease. Disinfecting the air can significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory disease and the common cold. Our high output ozone generators disinfect the air as well as all the other surfaces and objects in the treatment area, thus resulting in a more complete disinfection cycle.

Yes, Ozone Disinfection kills mould spores, fungi and yeast.  If mould spores are disturbed, they can become airborne and, if inhaled, they can cause health problems.  That is why it is important to use Ozone to kill the mould before you attempt to clean up and remove the mould spores from surfaces.