The Dangers of Ozone Fume Inhalation

While ozone in the atmosphere protects us from the sun's ultraviolet rays, at ground level, it becomes a harmful pollutant with far-reaching effects on public health and the environment. This blog will explore the sources and dangers of ground-level ozone, its impact on human health and workplace safety, and how technological advancements, such as the iFume 400i ozone fume extractor, are critical in mitigating these risks.

What are Ozone Fumes?

Ozone, or O₃, is a faint blue to colourless gas that gives off a strong odour when released. Ozone is used across many industries, from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage sectors, and can be used for the following:

• To sterilise and disinfect surfaces
• To purify water and air
• To clean and store food products
• In industrial waste treatments
• In waxes, oils, and bleaches

Often, Ozone generators are sold as air cleaners, which then intentionally produce the gas Ozone. They do so by passing an electrical current through the air that enters the generator and separates the oxygen (O₂) into single molecules, which are then bonded with two other single molecules to create Ozone (O₃).

Are Ozone Fumes Toxic?

Yes, although Ozone generators are marketed as air cleaners that produce pure air or energised oxygen, Ozone is, in fact, a toxic gas with extremely different properties from oxygen. When inhaled, the fumes can cause a variety of health issues, including, but not limited to:

• Chest pain
• Throat irritation
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Inflamed lungs
• Respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis

In addition to these symptoms, exposure to ozone fumes can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and can aggravate existing chronic diseases. Those most likely to suffer the adverse side effects of ground-level ozone inhalation are professionals who work with ozone applications. Therefore, it’s imperative that such workers have safety measures in place that will protect them from the dangers of ozone fumes.

Fume Extractors vs. Ozone Generators

Despite being marketed as ‘air cleaners’, ozone generators cannot remove airborne contaminants. Instead, they use ionizers intended to neutralise these pollutants by releasing negative ions. However, this process is considered significantly less effective than a fume extraction system, which actively removes harmful pollutants from the air. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that those looking for clean air solutions should invest in a fume extraction system.

At Purex, our machines are designed to cater for a variety of industries and applications. So, no matter the pollutant or particle size, our products can create a safe working environment for your employees.

Fume Extractors for Ozone Applications

For the industries and applications in which ozone plays a key role, Purex has created a fume extraction system specifically designed to combat ozone exposure.

Featuring the highest grade HEPA and carbon technology, our iFume 400i Ozone fume extractor effectively combats ozone emissions through a stringent filtration process. With automatic electronic flow control and sensors to warn operators when gas or particle levels get too high, the iFume 400i Ozone fume extractor is engineered to keep your employees safe at all times.

What are the Benefits of an Ozone Fume Extractor?

In addition to extracting hazardous gases from the air, there are further benefits to investing in an ozone fume extractor. Some of these include:

Complying with health and safety regulations – the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazard to Health) refers to the exposure of harmful gases and fumes in the workplace and outlines the legal requirements that employers must follow to control hazardous substances to health. By investing in an ozone fume extractor, employers can abide by this legislation whilst providing safe working conditions.

Employee well-being – by removing ground-level ozone fumes from your working environment, you can reduce the risk of your employees developing serious health issues. In turn, you can also minimise the risk of absenteeism due to symptoms of ozone inhalation.

Low running costs – the long filter life of the iFume 400i Ozone fume extractor ensures both minimal downtime and low running costs.

Easy Installation – the iFume 400i Ozone fume extractor is easy to install and relocate should it be required. Plus, our system produces little to no noise when in operation, which helps it seamlessly integrate into your space.

Combat Ozone Fumes with Purex

Here at Purex, we provide an unparalleled level of service and support. With our 24-hour technical support service, end-to-end solutions, fast response times and global reach, you can trust us to provide quality, clean air solutions. Get in touch with our expert team today to find out more about our Ozone fume extractor and the wider iFume series.