Finding mold growth in your home can be concerning. Left unchecked, mold can damage materials, emit allergens, and create health issues. That’s why effective mold remediation is so important. Ozone (O3) is an unstable gas made of three oxygen atoms. It readily reacts with other compounds. Ozone naturally forms in the upper atmosphere when UV rays split O2 molecules. At ground level, ozone is produced artificially by ozone generators. These devices use ultraviolet radiation or electrical discharge to convert standard oxygen into antimicrobial ozone. The strong odor associates ozone with cleanliness. Concentrated ozone is used for industrial processes like water treatment. In smaller amounts, ozone can treat mold in homes.
Ozone destroys mold in two primary ways:
- Oxidative damage
The extra oxygen atom makes ozone a powerful oxidizer. When ozone contacts mold spores, it breaks down their cell walls and internal structures through oxidation. Ozone essentially damages the organic matter that comprises mold damagecontrol-911.com read full info here for this website.
- Byproduct neutralization
Some toxic molds release mycotoxins, inflammatory substances linked to health issues. Ozone degrades many mycotoxins and reduces their harmful effects. Ozone also eliminates musty odors by oxidizing the smelly VOC particles emitted by molds.
Factors that impact mold killing ability
Several factors influence ozone’s potency against mold:
- Concentration – The higher the levels of ozone, the more oxidative damage it inflicts. Generators produce varying concentrations.
- Exposure time – Longer exposure to ozone increases the likelihood of cell damage. Minimum times are required.
- Circulation – Fans improve circulation so ozone penetrates mold in hard-to-reach areas. Stagnant air reduces effectiveness.
- Humidity – Ozone works best at lower humidity levels below 50%. High humidity impairs ozone reactions.
- Porosity – Non-porous surfaces like metals, tiles, and sealed wood maximize damage to surface mold. Porous materials absorb ozone.
- Mold types – Some mold species have more cellular resistance to oxidation. Testing identifies types present.
Overall, ozone yields the best mold-killing results when present at high concentrations, allowed long exposure times, and used in contained, dry, circulated spaces against non-porous surface mold.
When Does Ozone Work Best Against Mold?
Ozone mold treatment achieves the best success under these conditions:
– Smaller affected areas like basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, attics, garages, or individual rooms. Ozone concentrates more in contained spaces.
– Smooth non-porous building materials like concrete, tiles, metals, glass, and sealed woods. Porous absorbent materials dissipate ozone.
– Dry conditions below 50% humidity maintained with dehumidifiers. Ozone reacts slower at high humidity.
– Active air circulation using fans allows better penetration into all mold colonies. Stagnant air reduces effectiveness.
– Recent water damage or early-stage mold growth before extensive colonies develop. Easier to eradicate than heavy infestations.
– Mold with thinner cell walls or greater oxidative sensitivity including Cladosporium and Aspergillus species. Testing provides species ID.
– Pre-treating new construction or renovations to prevent initial mold growth. Ozone preempts mold’s spread.
– Musty odors from smoke, pets, dirty carpets, or other challenging smells. Ozone neutralizes odor particles.
Ozone generators make an excellent addition to any mold remediation toolkit when used properly. By exploiting ozone’s oxidative powers, mold growth be halted in its tracks.
