What Does
Ozone Mean?
Ozone is a blue, pungent gas consisting of three molecules of oxygen. As such, it is less stable than oxygen (O2). It’s instability can lead to explosive decomposition. Ozone is a highly oxidative compound and as such, poses a risk of tissue damage to humans, animals and plants when it is present at concentrations exceeding 100ppb. Although Ozone at high altitudes in the atmosphere is beneficial to life on earth, it’s presence at lower altitudes can pose health risks.
Safeopedia Explains Ozone
Since ozone has several industrial applications in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, agricultural and chemical manufacturing industries, ozonation equipment must comply with strict parameters in terms of emissions during operation. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration specifies that exposure to Ozone should not exceed 0.10 parts per million for a period of longer than 8 hours per day in order to safeguard respiratory health in workers exposed to the gas. Workplace ozone levels should therefore be measured and monitored regularly and specific training programs regarding ozone safety should be offered to employees who may be exposed to ozone.