Ozone is a word of Greek origin, which means “odorous” in translation. What is ozone? At its core, O3 ozone is a blue gas with a characteristic odor that is associated with the smell of air after a thunderstorm. It is especially felt near sources of electric current.
Scientists discover ozone
What is ozone? How was it opened? In 1785, a physicist from Holland Martin van Marum conducted several experiments aimed at studying the effect of electric current on oxygen. According to their results, the scientist investigated the appearance of specific "electrical matter". Continuing to work in this direction, in 1850 he was able to determine the ability of ozone to interact with organic compounds and its property as an oxidizing agent.
For the first time, the disinfecting properties of ozone were applied in 1898 in France. A factory was built in the town of Bon Voyage, which disinfected and disinfected water from the Vazubi River. In Russia, the first ozonation plant was launched in St. Petersburg in 1911.
Ozone received widespread use during the First World War as an antiseptic. The ozone-oxygen mixture was used to treat diseases of the intestines, pneumonia, hepatitis and was practiced for infectious lesions after surgery. They began to engage in particularly active ozonation since 1980, the impetus for this was the appearance on the market of reliable and energy-saving ozone generators. About 95% of the water in the United States and throughout Europe is currently purified with ozone.
Ozone generation technology
What is ozone? How is it formed? In the natural environment, ozone is in the atmosphere of the Earth at an altitude of 25 km. In fact, it is a gas that is formed as a result of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. On the surface, it forms a layer 19-35 km thick, which protects the Earth from the penetration of solar radiation. According to the interpretation of chemists, ozone is an active oxygen (a compound of three oxygen atoms). In the gaseous state, it is blue, in the liquid it has a hint of indigo, and in the solid it is dark blue crystals. O3 is its molecular formula.
What is the harm of ozone? It belongs to the highest hazard class - it is a very poisonous gas, the toxicity of which is equivalent to the category of chemical warfare agents. The reason for its appearance is electric discharges in the atmosphere (3O2 = 2O3). In nature, you can feel it after strong outbreaks of lightning. Ozone interacts well with other compounds and is considered one of the most powerful oxidizing agents. Therefore, it is used to destroy bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, and to purify water and air.
The negative effects of ozone
What does ozone affect? A characteristic feature of this gas is the ability to quickly interact with other substances. If in nature there is an excess of standard indicators, then as a result of its interaction with human tissues, dangerous substances and diseases can occur. Ozone is a potent oxidizing agent, upon interaction with which it is rapidly destroyed:
- polymeric materials;
- natural rubber;
- metals, with the exception of gold, platinum and iridium;
- Appliances;
- electronics.
At high concentrations of ozone in the air, a person’s health and well-being deteriorate, in particular:
- the mucous membrane of the eyes is irritated;
- disturbed functioning of the respiratory system, which will lead to paralysis of the lungs;
- general body fatigue is observed;
- headaches appear;
- allergic reactions may occur;
- burning in the throat and nausea;
- a negative effect on the nervous system occurs.
Useful properties of ozone
Does ozone purify air? Yes, despite its toxicity, this gas is very beneficial for humans. In small concentrations, it is noted for excellent disinfectant and deodorizing properties. In particular, it has a detrimental effect on harmful microorganisms and produces to destruction:
- viruses;
- various types of microbes;
- bacteria;
- fungi;
- microorganisms.
Most often, ozone is used during an influenza epidemic and outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases. With its help, water is purified from various impurities and iron compounds, while it is enriched with oxygen and minerals.
Interesting information about ozone, its scope
Excellent disinfecting properties and the absence of side effects have led to the emergence of demand for ozone and its widespread use in various sectors of the economy. Nowadays, ozone has been used successfully for:
- meeting the needs of the pharmaceutical industry;
- water purification in aquariums and fisheries;
- pool disinfection;
- medical goals;
- cosmetic procedures.
In the medical industry, ozonation is practiced for ulcers, burns, eczema, varicose veins, wounds and dermatological diseases. In cosmetology, ozone is used to combat skin aging, cellulite and excess weight.
