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Ozone Ozone (O 3 ) is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is much less stable than the more common oxygen molecule, O 2 . Ozone in the lower atmosphere will burn sensitive plants and is an air pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory systems of animals; however, the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere is beneficial, preventing potentially damaging electromagnetic radiation from reaching the earth's surface. Application method For treatment purposes, ozone is created by an ozone generator, a machine that converts oxygen in the air to the O 3 form. The ozone generator has a fan that disperses ozone into a room, HVAC system, air handler, or any other contained area that is being treated. Typical Use The most common uses of ozone are in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, synthetic lubricants, and many other commercially useful compounds. It is also used commercially for bleaching substances and for killing microorganisms on surfaces and in air and water. Many municipal drinking water systems kill bacteria with ozone instead of the more common chlorine. Devices generating high levels of ozone are used to sanitize and deodorize uninhabited buildings, rooms, ductwork, woodsheds, and boats and other vehicles. In the U.S., air purifiers emitting low levels of ozone have been sold. This kind of air purifier is sometimes claimed to imitate nature's way of purifying the air without filters and to sanitize both it and household surfaces. The EPA reports that "results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than these [human safety] standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer's operating instructions." 1 Toxicity At elevated levels, sometimes at levels found in outdoor and indoor air, ozone is a potential health hazard. One U.S. study of 450,000 people found that residents in cities with high ozone levels had a more than 30% increased risk of dying from lung disease. 2 Additionally, ozone can react with paint and other chemicals in a building to create chemical byproducts that may contribute to health concerns. 3 Potential health hazards must be considered when using ozone.