How To Control Mold Using An Ozone Generator

Controlling mold with the use of an ozone generator is considered one of the industrial applications of ozone. But what is ozone and why does it help control mold?

An ozone generator is basically a machine that functions to produce ozone on-site in a room affected by the growth of mold on its ceiling, walls, and floor. Mold is known to be an occupational health hazard that may cause skin infections and incidents of asthma attacks in susceptible people. Large amounts of ozone, when introduced into residential rooms, is known to destroy airborne pathogens (such as airborne mold spores); however, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration have set standards for safe ozone exposure. Ozone generators are known to exceed this safe level when used to control mold. So reputable ozone generator manufactures always recommend using their ozone machines while the space is unoccupied

An ozone generator may be able to deodorize the air in the room as well, while ridding contact surfaces of unwanted bacteria. Food processing plants and hospital operating rooms are known to use ozone generators to control mold and yeast spore populations in their indoor air. The hospital operating rooms usually employ the ozone generators prior to and after a surgical operation.

Other places where it is necessary to control mold are woodsheds, boats; vehicles for ground transportation, ductwork, and other areas that can be completely enclosed for an ozone blasting session. The ozone generators now known to be in use may rely on either the Corona discharge method, ultraviolet light, or cold plasma systems to function.

Ozone occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere. It forms a protective layer in the stratosphere helping to block harmful u-v rays emanating from the sun. It is produced by lightning during a thunder storm and has been the source of much concern as the protective ozone layer has been disappearing due to VOC s. Luckily the global community has banned harmful arasol sprays which is allowing the ozone layer to slowly rejuvenate.

There is also conclusive proof that ozone can harm the respiratory system, particularly human lungs, when ozone is inhaled in high concentrations. Ozone has been traced to the development of smog, which is known to be very harmful to human health when inhaled.