SERVPRO Uses Ozone To Deodorize After Cigarette Odor
9/10/2020 (Permalink)
Actual Ozone Application on a SERVPRO Jobsite
Ozone is one of the most effective ways at neutralizing smoke odor. When we are asked to clean and deodorize after cigarette/cigar odor, or after a fire, we we will use an ozone generator.
Ozone is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3).
Ozone has existed on Earth for as long as oxygen has been here- about 500 million years. It has existed in our universe for billions of years. Wherever oxygen comes into contact with an electric arc, such as lightning and/or a particular wavelength of ultraviolet rays, like those from the sun around which the planet orbits, ozone will be created.How is ozone generated?
During an electrical storm, bolts of lightning in the atmosphere rip oxygen molecules apart, leaving single oxygen atoms in their wake. These single atoms quickly bond with surrounding O2 molecules, creating O3, or ozone.
This is why the air smells so fresh right after a lightning storm. Lightning is nature’s air purifier.
The ozone layer in the lower stratosphere is also generated by molecular fission and fusion, but by the sun’s short wave ultraviolet rays rather than by electricity. Coincidentally, it’s this ozone layer- created by short UV waves, that protects life on our planet from the longer UV waves within the spectrum.
Ozone generators manufacture ozone by applying either of these same two principles:
1. Corona Discharge
Ozone generators that utilize the electric arc method of generating ozone are referred to as corona discharge ozone generators. High voltage (2,000 volts and up) is passed through a dielectric material (material that transmits electrical force without conduction), while being fed and cooled by ambient air supplied by a fan located at the rear of the unit.
This sustained electric arc is what severs the O2 molecules, resulting in the manufacture of ozone.
2. Ultraviolet Light
Waves of ultraviolet (UV) light are what ‘slice’ O2 molecules in half in UV ozone generators. UV bulbs are mounted inside the generator which emit certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light which, in turn, separate the atoms of passing O2 molecules. This is how our sun creates and maintains the protective ozone layer between the troposphere and stratosphere.
UV is much less effective at generating ozone than corona discharge. Generators of this type typically have a much lower ozone output as a result.
How does ozone destroy odors?
Ozone reacts with odor molecules by transferring the “extra” oxygen atom of the ozone molecule to the odor molecule, changing its composition so it no longer has the same chemical makeup. This chemical reaction is called oxidation.
In a nutshell, through the oxidation process, what was formerly an odor-causing molecule is now an entirely different compound, and therefore does not possess the odor of its preceding form. A simple example of this molecular restructuring is the addition of an oxygen atom to a molecule of H2O to form H2O2 (which is the conversion of water to hydrogen peroxide).
Is Ozone Dangerous?
The most important thing to remember when generating ozone in a space is to evacuate the premises during the treatment. This includes the removal of humans, pets, fish (as there is oxygen in the water) and in the case of high levels generated over a period of several hours, removal of houseplants is suggested. It’s a good idea to post “Do Not Enter- Ozone Area” (or similar message) signs on all entrances of a space as well.
After the treatment time is complete, either enough time should pass for the ozone to revert to oxygen (O2), or the space should be circulated/vented with fresh air before people and animals are reintroduced.
And here’s one of the most beautiful things about using ozone in the restoration industry - the only residue resulting from the generation of ozone is oxygen (O2). When used properly and a few simple rules are followed, ozone can be a safe and effective tool.
In this photo, you will see an ozone generator on top of the ladder. We purposely put the generator up high because ozone is heavier than oxygen and it falls to the ground. Also, you will see 3 fans pushing air/ozone back up toward the ceiling. Because ozone is heavier than oxygen, the fans are used to re-circulate the ozone to make the deodorization process more efficient.
For all your nicotine odor and other deodorization needs, call SERVPRO of SW Waukesha County. 262-542-0900
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