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  Ozone (O3) is a gas that is essentially an oxygen molecule (O2) that has been energized and has an extra Oxygen atom attached to it. In nature, this occurs high in the atmosphere when the ultraviolet energy from the sun converts oxygen to Ozone. Ozone is also created closer to earth when sunlight passes through smog. This is a good thing, as Ozone, often referred to as nature’s cleaner, will help break down pollutants such as car exhaust into less noxious compounds. Energy from lightening and waterfalls also results in the creation of Ozone. The fresh, clean smell you experience after a thunderstorm is actually the smell of Ozone that has been generated by the lightening. Ozone is relatively unstable and will naturally revert back to oxygen, leaving no residues. It is this lack of a residue, combined with it’s ability to disinfect and eliminate odours that makes Ozone attractive for many applications. Ozone is replacing chlorine in many commercial applications given it is very effective and does not leave any dangerous residue as does chlorine. Many municipalities, including Montreal and Los Angeles, use Ozone to treat drinking water. Ozone is used in pools and spas as a better and safer alternative to chlorine. Ozone is also used in food preparation as it kills bacteria and odours, and any excess Ozone reverts back to oxygen. The next time you are drinking bottled water, examine the label as it will likely say ‘With Ozone’, ‘Ozonized’, or ‘Ozonated”. Ozone is so effective in eliminating odours that in 15 minutes, hockey equipment can be rid of odours and any bacteria or fungus in the gear. DupliSkate, a Montreal based company is marketing the Sani Sport, a cabinet that uses Ozone to specifically eliminate odours and microorganisms in hockey equipment. This link will take you their website and display information on the Sani Sport. www.dupliskate.com/SkateSharpeningProductsSaniSport.htm Ozone is unstable because the third oxygen atom wants to leave the Ozone molecule and join a natural carbon or sulfur based compound, breaking it down to harmless base compounds in the process. These harmless compounds include carbon dioxide and water. When the third oxygen atom leaves the Ozone molecule, this also results in the re-creation of the original oxygen molecule. If the third oxygen cannot find an organic molecule to break down, it will leave the Ozone molecule, reverting back to oxygen. Indoor pollutants are carbon or sulfur based, so this oxidation, or breaking down of the organic compound or odour molecules results in the elimination of the odour. It is clear the odour is removed from the environment, it is not masked or covered by other scents. As all living beings are carbon based, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and mould die when the carbon bonds are broken. It is clear to see how this oxidation capability of Ozone results in the purification of an environment. It should be pointed out that during the Ozone Plus process, people and pets are removed from the area during the Ozone Shock Treatment. Please see the section entitle ‘Our Process’ to better understand our treatment program and the safety precautions we take. The following diagram illustrates the creation of Ozone and the oxidation of a natural compound.
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