Description

Ozone (O₃)

Introduction of Ozone (O₃)

Ozone is a chemical compound formed of three Oxygen atoms (O) presenting in the form of a blueish (sometimes colourless) gas at ambient temperature with a similar smell to bleach; Ozone also liquefies at -111.9 degrees and solidifies at -192.5 degrees to a purple solid. Ozone is a normal constituent of the atmosphere; it forms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere known as the Ozone layer, that is to say a concentration of Ozone filtering UV rays. It is also produced by electrical discharge in Di-Oxygen, by the reaction of unburned Hydrocarbons and Nitrogen Oxides from exhausts or forest fires.

Professional use of Ozone

Ozone is a chemical compound commonly used in the water treatment sector: disinfection of sewage, treatment of drinking water, bottled waters, wastewater from industrial environments or water used to produce drinks and beers. In the industrial sector, ozone is also used for its oxidising properties (whitening of textiles and paper pulp, sterilisation of surgical instruments, preservation of foodstuffs, etc).

Risks of Ozone (O₃)

In its gaseous state, Ozone is a flameproof chemical compound which can, however, present fire risks due to its significant oxidising power. It is also a gas that is extremely toxic to the respiratory system, brain, kidneys and eyes able to cause genetic anomalies and severe and irreversible effects for organs.

Effects on the body

• Irritating lesions of the respiratory mucous membranes ranging from temporary simple olfactory anaesthesia to severe pulmonary lesions
• Kidney and neurological damage (headaches, vertigo, asthenia, coordination and speech issues) in case of prolonged exposure
• Ocular lesions