Frequently asked questions About Ozone

Q&A about Ozone Q: "What is the difference between negative ions and ozone?" A: Negative Ions Ozone Has an odor NO YES Toxic in large amounts NO YES Reduces particulates such as dust YES NO Eliminates Odors SOME BETTER* Freshens air YES YES Lifts mood YES NO Counteracts positive ions YES NO Deteriorates rubber, etc. NO YES Requires constant adjusting NO YES* Composition A normal oxygen molecule with an extra electron A molecule of oxygen consisting of three oxygen atoms *  If you are using ozone, the amount of ozone generated should exactly match the amount of odors or pollution entering the living area, for best results. That way, they destroy each other and neither ozone nor pollution is present. The ozone generator should be turned down or off when the odors or pollution source is no longer present.   Q: "Why do some people say ozone air purifiers are bad, but others say using ozone is just fine?" A: The simple answer is that they're both right.    You can take two ozone generators (same make and model) and put them in two different locations (same square footage, etc.) In one location, the ozone may be nearly zero five feet from the ozone generator. But in the other location, the ozone smell may be overpowering. Why the difference? The air in the room where no ozone can be detected had higher levels of pollution and/or odors, which are both destroying the ozone and being destroyed by the ozone. The air in the room where ozone can be detected had very little pollution and/or odors. Nothing to destroy the ozone. (And no need for ozone in a room like that!)  And that is why we offer some products that also generate safe levels of ozone for tougher odor reduction problems. Too much ozone is certainly bad for you. Having said that, there are machines available that intentionally generate very large quantities of ozone (we sometimes use one here in our shop to eliminate occasional manufacturing odors), but if the level of ozone produced even from those machines is properly adjusted, the ozone and the odors in the air cancel each other out and little, if any, ozone remains. Those ozone generators probably put out millions or billions of times the amount of that our negative ion generators do. Popup information about ozone misconceptions    We actually sell very few ozone generators. And we will only sell ozone-only units to people who actually need them (they must be ordered by phone), so the ozone will be destroyed by the odors they need to get rid of, and so will not build up. Our main products are non-ozone-producing, such as negative ion generators and the Air Probe Sanitizer. Q: "What is ozone good for?" A: Ozone is unsurpassed for neutralizing stronger odors and pollutants. Even strong chemical odors, for people with multiple chemical sensitivities (also called multiple chemical intolerance, MCS or MCI). Around people, though, the level of ozone has to be controlled; see the note at the bottom of chart above. Ozone can be used to purify and sterilize water. It is replacing chlorine to disinfect water in wastewater treatment plants in many cities throughout the USA. Ozone can permanently remove tobacco smoke and mildew smell from cars. Ozone is used to sterilize items and areas. One thing people overlook about ozone 'pollution' in big cities: it is only present at harmful levels when man-made pollutants are there first. It is a scientifically proven and  accepted fact that the ozone "pollution" in big cities is a product of hydrocarbon emissions (from cars and industrial pollution) and ultraviolet light from the sun.    Although high levels of ozone are certainly not good for you to breathe, it is our firm belief that if sunlight did not produce ozone, then pollutants would built up until they killed many people (until they made cars and smokestack emissions illegal). In other words, the ozone destroys the pollution. Remember, you read it here first.

The XJ-2000 we offer generates a small amount of ozone, but less negative ions than our IG-133- series models. The XJ-3000C and XJ-3000D are a better choice than the XJ-2000 if you need ozone and ions.

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