Issue link: http://iaqnet.uberflip.com/i/637209
Pros Ozone is effective at removing some organic odors such as smoke and decay and at killing many biological contaminants. An ozone generator can make a nearly unlimited supply. It can be targeted to specific areas or dispersed broadly. It is relatively easy to saturate HVAC ductwork with it. Cons The EPA has declared that there is evidence to show that at "concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants." 4 If a contractor elects to utilize ozone as a method to break down odor-causing organic compounds or control biological organisms, it would need to be utilized at concentrations that exceed public health standards. Used at these concentrations, ozone can be effective in the control of these problems. When ozone is used at such concentrations, occupants must evacuate the building until the ozone is at safe levels. Ozone reacts with other materials such as rubber and wiring insulation and at sufficient levels, ozone exposure can cause breakdown of these materials, releasing decomposition products. Removal of occupants and workers from the building and monitoring of ozone levels prior to re-entry requires additional time, money, and effort that may not make the use of ozone cost-effective in routine duct cleaning services. EPA requirements The EPA web site includes a great deal of information about ozone, its importance in the upper atmosphere, EPA's concerns about it as a lower atmospheric pollutant, and the use of ozone in air cleaning processes. If an ozone generator makes a pesticide claim such as use of the term "sanitizer" then it is considered to be a pesticide device. Devices are not required to be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 3. However, they must meet a number of requirements per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 part 152.500. Since the EPA does not register these devices, it does not have data to support sanitizer claims. Even though the law does not require this data to be submitted, the EPA does expect the manufacturer to have data to support the claims of the device just as is expected for a pesticide which is required to be registered. It would be prudent for users to review supporting data for sanitizing claims before using these devices.