Relief Restorations
What Is an Ozone Machine? How It Works and When We Use It for Odour Removal
Ozone machines produce O3 gas that neutralizes odours, bacteria, viruses, and mould spores. Used correctly as part of professional restoration, ozone treatment addresses contaminants that conventional cleaning cannot reach.
What Is an Ozone Machine?
An ozone machine is a specialized device that produces ozone gas (O3) to purify indoor air and surfaces by neutralizing odours, bacteria, and airborne contaminants. Corona discharge machines are most common in restoration, using high-voltage electrical discharge to split oxygen molecules. The resulting single oxygen atoms bond with other O2 molecules to form reactive O3 gas.
When and Why We Use Ozone Machines
Ozone treatment serves as a final remediation step after fire damage, mould removal, water intrusion events, and biohazard cleanup. It is used to eliminate persistent odours and airborne contaminants that remain after physical cleaning is complete. Ozone reaches into porous materials, HVAC systems, and hidden cavities that cannot be treated by other methods.
Safety Considerations and Limitations
Ozone machines must only be operated in completely unoccupied spaces. High concentrations irritate lungs, eyes, and throat and can pose health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. All occupants, pets, and plants must leave before treatment begins. The space must be adequately ventilated after treatment before re-entry.
Alternatives to Ozone and When to Avoid It
Activated carbon filtration, antimicrobial fogging, and hydroxyl generators offer effective alternatives for situations where ozone is not appropriate - such as when delicate materials, electronics, or rubber components are present that ozone may degrade.
How Relief Restorations Uses Ozone Safely
Our protocols include confirming the space is completely unoccupied, posting warning signage, sealing the treatment area from occupied spaces, running equipment for the appropriate duration based on volume and contamination level, and implementing post-treatment ventilation and air quality verification before authorizing re-entry. Ozone is one of the tools we use in our odour control service.
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