Ultraviolet (UV) light is a powerful tool for disinfecting surfaces and air, but it can also produce ozone. Ozone is a gas that has a distinct smell and can be harmful to human health if inhaled in large quantities. In this article, we'll explore the potential risks of ozone produced by UV light and how to minimize them. UV sterilizers emit a small amount of ozone after each use.
This is what causes the smell.
If a baby is exposed to ozone in the air
, it's not harmful. However, if a baby is exposed to ozone from the surface of the water, it can cause eye irritation. The UVC light that UV ozone generators emit can kill mold and mildew that are the source of some odors. Especially in areas damaged by water, the extra moisture becomes a breeding ground for harmful pathogens.Ultraviolet germicidal bulbs emit light that is lethal to these microbes and eliminate some of the odor. The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material found outside the body give it the ability to react with organic materials similar to those that make up the body, which can cause harmful health consequences.
What Are The Health Risks Of Ozone?
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.Ozone can also worsen chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, and compromise the body's ability to fight respiratory infections. People's susceptibility to ozone varies widely.
How Can I Minimize The Risk Of Ozone Exposure?
Healthy people, as well as those with breathing difficulties, can experience respiratory problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes more ozone to be inhaled and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects.Recovery from harmful effects may occur after brief exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may be more harmful and recovery less certain with higher levels or with longer exposures (U. S. EPA). U.
S., 1996a, 1996b). Whether in its pure state or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.
Are UV Lights Safe To Use In My Home?
I have installed short-wave ultraviolet (UV-C) lights in my heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, the coil box to be exact. However, some of the same manufacturers of conventional UVC equipment offer UV devices that emit germicidal light and generate ozone.In short, the use of these lights is not hazardous within the system and any metallic odor that is perceived may be the result of the production of ozone gas by UV-C lights. When UV-C light hits metals, the light has enough energy to eject electrons from many metals, especially aluminum. Consequently, the actual level obtained after UV disinfection is negligible and, therefore, it is concluded that the VOCs responsible for the residual odor after UV disinfection do not pose a danger to human health.
Conclusion
UV light is an effective tool for disinfecting surfaces and air but it can also produce ozone which can be hazardous if inhaled in large quantities.To minimize risk of exposure to ozone produced by UV light, it's important to ensure proper ventilation in areas where UV lights are used and avoid exercise during exposure. Additionally, it's important to check if any UV devices you're using emit germicidal light and generate ozone so you can take steps to reduce your risk of exposure.
