Ozone Features

Physical Properties of Ozone

Ozone absorbs radiation strongly in the ultraviolet region of the atmospheric spectrum between 220-290 nm. This protects the Earth and its inhabitants from the harmful    ultraviolet radiation of the Sun. Without this protective layer, more ultraviolet radiation would reach the surface of the Earth and cause damage to plant, animal and     human life.
Pure ozone is a blue gas, with a strong irritating smell. When inhaled, it causes headache and nausea. In smaller proportions it smells pleasant.
It is about 1.5 times heavier than air and has a vapor density of 24, corresponding to the formula O3.
It is more soluble than oxygen in water, about 49% by volume at 0°C.
It gets liquefied to a deep blue colour liquid, when cooled in liquid air.
It boils at 161.2 K and solidifies to violet-black crystals, which melt at 80.6 K.
It dissolves readily in turpentine oil and acetic acid.

Chemical Properties of Ozone

Ozone Safety

Ozone is a strong oxidizer that is generally not harmful to mammals at low concentrations, but lethal to microorganisms such as bacteria. However, ozone, like any other strong oxidizing agent, can be harmful if not handled properly. Our OSHA and ozone page has specific numbers on safe ozone levels.

Potential Health Effects as listed on the Ozone Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Inhalation
Ozone causes dryness of the mouth, coughing, and irritation of the nose, throat, and chest. It may cause labored breathing, headaches, and fatigue. However, the characteristic sharp, pungent odor is readily detectable at low concentrations (0.005 to 0.02 PPM).

Corrective Measure
Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing Call medical attention if necessary. If breathing is difficult, a trained person/EMT should administer oxygen at 15 LPM via non-re- breather.

Skin
Absorption through intact skin is not expected.

Corrective Measure
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Eye Contact
Ozone can be an irritant to the eyes causing minor inflammation.

Corrective Measure
Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes while forcibly holding eyelids apart to ensure flushing of the entire eye surface. If irritation, pain, or other symptoms persist seek professional medical attention.