The Hidden Risks of Ozone Generators in the Home
Why “Air Cleaning” with Ozone Can Cause Lasting Damage to Your Home and Health
Ozone generators are sometimes marketed as air cleaners or odor eliminators. While ozone has specific outdoor and industrial uses, introducing ozone into an occupied home can create serious indoor air quality and health concerns—especially for children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
What Is Ozone?
Ozone (O₃) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Outdoors, it is a major component of smog. Indoors, ozone reacts with building materials, furnishings, and household dust, creating new chemical byproducts rather than removing contaminants.
How Ozone Can Damage a Home
- Breakdown of carpets, padding, and soft furnishings
- Cracking or deterioration of rubber, foam, and plastics
- Persistent chemical or sharp odors absorbed into surfaces
- HVAC systems retain and redistribute ozone byproducts
- Surface residues that continue to off-gas after ozone use stops
Health Risks for Occupants
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Coughing, chest tightness, or breathing discomfort
- Headaches or dizziness
- Worsening asthma or respiratory symptoms
- Increased chemical sensitivity over time
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- Individuals with asthma, COPD, or allergies
- People with underlying heart or lung conditions
Common Misconceptions About Ozone Generators
- Ozone does not “clean” air—it reacts with materials and forms new chemicals
- Turning off the machine does not immediately remove the risk
- Higher ozone levels increase both material damage and health impacts
Key Takeaways for Homeowners
- Indoor ozone use can cause lasting damage to homes
- Health effects may persist even after ozone exposure ends
- Odor removal does not equal contamination removal
- Additional oxidizing treatments often worsen conditions
How Volunteer PPE Environmental, LLC Can Help
- Professional indoor air quality inspections
- VOC and aldehyde testing to identify ozone byproducts
- HVAC system evaluation
- Clear remediation protocols for contractors
- Documentation suitable for insurance or legal review
© Volunteer PPE Environmental, LLC
Proof You Can Trust – Science-Based for Your Health
Phone: 865-369-3575
