Ozone Generator Hazards

Chemical Reactions

• An ozone generator creates ozone, which is oxygen made out of three oxygen atoms. Because the oxygen wants to be two atoms instead of three, one oxygen atom often detaches and merges with other substances, altering these substances' properties, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. This can cause the substances to degrade and change their properties.

Loss of Smell

• Ozone can dull a person's ability to smell. This has caused many to think that the ozone acts as a deodorizer, but this is not the case---odors are still present in the home. Also, given the deodorizing properties, homeowners might not smell things they should smell, such as smoke that can indicate a fire.

Health Hazards

• Ozone reacts with materials within the human lungs. Breathing in the ozone can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, throat irritation, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and respiratory infections. Ozone can also cause permanent lung damage, according to Inspectopedia. Those exposed to short-term, low-level ozone gases can recover, but those exposed to long-term ozone gases might not recover, according to California Green Solutions. Those who exercise can experience even more adverse health effects because ozone gases are breathed in with more frequency and the human body needs more real oxygen when exercising.

False Claims

• Many ozone generator manufacturers claim that the ozone can fight carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Unfortunately, the ozone does not bond with these chemicals and these chemicals remain in the air, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. However, the ozone can react with chemicals in the home and create harmful chemicals that can irritate the lungs such as aldehydes and formic acid.

Plant Damage

• Ozone can be very destructive to plants, causing them to redden, develop pigmented areas, tan spots or even tissue death, which can kill the entire plant, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Plants need oxygen in order to bring nutrients into their roots, but the ozone oxygen can break down many important chemicals in the plant.

Material Damage

• Ozone can damage synthetic carpets, carpet padding, foam cushions, plastic, rubber, electrical wire coatings and certain dyes, causing these materials to deteriorate, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.