Ozone Generators

[resinator]

If we want to deodorize the air in our grow rooms, eradicate air and water borne diseases caused by humidity, bacteria, viruses and organochlorines in our nutrient reservoirs, ozone generation, both air and water, seems like an excellent option. Has many of you out there used ozone to good effect? I'm considering forking out the cash 'cos I reckon it'll save me some down the track and increase yield.

[need4weed3]

I think there is all ready

a post on this topic

anyways ozone is not good for you

use a fogger or mist maker

they deodorize and humidify

[resinator]

Yeah I had a look around for a post on this but I've missed it. That's what was making me wonder, 'cos I read such good things about it and haven't seen much talk on the forums. I imagine it would have some negative aspects to it, but I've heard some crazy stuff, like air generators curing different bacterial fungi, even gangrene in humans. Weird shit... although I'm a sucker for a good marketing campaign. Can anybody tell me some of the negative aspects to air ozone generators and minimal water ozone generation?

[need4weed3]

Ozone generators are being promoted as an effective method to clean indoor air pollution and odours. However ozone is associated with adverse health effects.

 

Available scientific evidence shows that ozone concentrations that are safe to breathe are unlikely to be effective in controlling indoor air pollution.

 

Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices use a variety terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a "healthy" kind of oxygen. However, ozone is a toxic gas with very different properties to oxygen. Whether it is a pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

 

Ozone: Good up High, Bad Nearby

 

Ozone, O3, is composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule. The additional third atom makes ozone an unstable, highly reactive gas. The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere helps filter out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but ozone in the air we breathe is irritative to the eye, nose, throat and lungs and can have a significant negative impact on health.

 

These proven adverse health effects have resulted in the Australian Government setting standards for ozone in outdoor air.

 

What does an ozone generator do?

 

An ozone generator is a device designed to produce the gas ozone. Ozone is used effectively in water purification, but ozone in air must reach high levels to remove air pollutants. Health experts warn that it is important to control conditions to ensure that no person or pet becomes exposed to high levels of ozone. Ozone also masks the odour of some pollutants by impairing a person's sense of smell.

 

Further, ozone is not effective for killing bacteria or mould in materials such as air conditioning duct lining and ceiling tiles.

 

Risks of using ozone generators

 

Some people are more susceptible than others and may be more likely to experience adverse health effects. People at particular risk are children, the elderly and people with asthma.

 

Exposure to ozone:

 

can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, cough and shortness of breath

may exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma

is likely to increase hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory disease

can also adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings, and fabrics.

Studies have found that while some indoor air pollutant concentrations decline in the presence of ozone, other pollutants such as formaldehyde may increase.

 

Some effective ways to control indoor air pollution

 

There are several simple and effective methods of controlling indoor air pollution and odours, including source control, ventilation and air cleaning. It is important to note that mould is a common source of odours in homes.

 

Source control is most effective and easy to implement

 

Remove products and materials, which cause indoor air pollution, or replace with an alternative non-polluting product.

If no alternative product is available, store the polluting source elsewhere, for example paint thinners are best stored in a detached garage or shed.

If you can not remove the source, try to reduce its strength. For example, sometimes formaldehyde-emitting materials such as MDF can be sealed to reduce the rate of emission.

Do not allow people to smoke in your home.

Routinely clean wet or moist surfaces to prevent mould and bacterial growth.

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry all items completely.

Separate damp areas from living areas and keep bathroom doors closed to reduce humidity in your home. For example vent clothes dryers to outside or locate the washing machine in a separate laundry.

Ventilation is also effective and commonly used.

 

Install an exhaust fan close to the source of pollutants or moisture such as the cooking stove, dishwasher and washing machine.

Keep the windows open as often as possible to allow air to circulate.

Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.

Air cleaning by itself does not adequately reduce indoor air pollution, however it can be used in combination with source control and ventilation.

 

Air filters, electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers can be used to remove airborne particles. Gas adsorbing material (eg activated charcoal) is sometimes used to remove gaseous pollutants. Air cleaners are relatively costly. To be effective they require proper sizing, installation and use (according to the manufacturers directions), and maintenance, so they are more suitable for use in workplaces rather than homes. Maintenance costs, such as replacement of filters, can be significant.

 

Importantly, electronic air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators and ionizers can produce ozone as a by-product.

 

Further Information

 

American Lung Association of Washington: Ozone Generators http://www.alaw.org/air_quality/indoor_air...eneratiors.html

Department of the California Environmental Protection Agency http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/asdsumm.htm

Health Canada: Public warning http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advis.../1999_62_e.html

National Environment Protection Measure and Revised Impact Statement for Ambient Air Quality http://www.ephc.gov.au/

Public Works and Government Services Canada: Indoor air quality - An assessment of ozone generators http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/realproperty/text/p...aq/ozone-e.html

US Environmental Protection Agency: Ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

US Environmental Protection Agency: Ozone-generating air cleaners and indoor air chemistry http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/iemb/ozone.htm

US Environmental Protection Agency: Sources of indoor air pollution - Improving indoor air quality http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-imprv.html

[nouseforaname]

hey,

I use a uv light ozone and needforweed pretty much nailed it... It is good to remove the pungent smell of the room in flower but it has its own smell and if people know that smell(usually around fishmarkets etc) they will wonder what its from... The ozone im using i only run on a timer 15mins a hour and vent into an unused area to disperse... A carbon filter will usually solve your problems alot easier than ozone... although u might have requirements to why u need to use the ozone...

[resinator]

Great feedback. Thanks

[elbhar]

I just bought one. Not delivered yet. Its only a 50w. I also use a carbon filter but its been so damm cold that I need to put a heater in grow room and the filter sucks it all out. So I thought I would use an ozone on a timer when the lights are off and not use filter. Also they supposed to get rid of mould/mildew. I also have heard bad reports but also good reports.

[chuffer]

Save your money. If you have a smell problem look at your carbon filter and your venting systems first.

Mildew wont be a problem if you have good air circulation and correct humidity. i.e. if you have a mildew problem then that is a sign that humidity or ventilation are not right.

If you must use an ozone generator make sure you vent to outside, not to somewhere else in your house. As has been said here already, ozone is a poisonous gas, although it does break down quite readily.

If you really have a need to add a gadget, you may be safer playing with a negative ion generator instead. These are safer and can help aerosols to drop out of the air, thus helping to reduce odour.

[resinator]

Thanks for your help peeps. I'm now leaning towards a good carbon system. I've read on other forums about people saying they use minimal ozone (usually no more than 1-2 minutes a day) in their recirculating watering systems. Any opinions on the perceived benefits of doing that? Cheers. Rez.