The Pros & Cons of Using Ozone Machines

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When disaster strikes—whether it’s a flood, fire, or a crime and/or trauma scene cleanup—restoration professionals often rely on specialized equipment to bring buildings back to safe, habitable conditions. One of the tools used in disaster restoration is the ozone machine, a device that releases ozone gas (O₃) into the air to help eliminate odors, kill mold spores, and neutralize airborne contaminants. While effective, ozone machines come with both benefits and potential drawbacks. Here’s an in-depth look at how they function in disaster restoration and the pros and cons to consider before using them.

What Is an Ozone Machine, and How Does It Work?

An ozone machine generates ozone gas by splitting oxygen molecules (O₂) into individual oxygen atoms that then bind with other oxygen molecules to create ozone (O₃). This third oxygen atom is highly reactive, allowing ozone to attach to and break down odor-causing particles, bacteria, and mold spores. This powerful oxidizing effect can make ozone machines useful in disaster restoration work, but it also means they must be used carefully and correctly.

Pros of Using an Ozone Machine in Disaster Restoration

1. Effective Odor Removal

  • Benefit: Ozone machines are well-regarded for their ability to neutralize strong, persistent odors caused by smoke, mold, mildew, water damage and the odors related to crime and trauma scene cleanup. In cases of fire or smoke damage, for example, these machines can help eliminate the burnt smell, leaving the space fresh.
  • How It Works: Ozone gas interacts with odor-causing particles on a molecular level, oxidizing them and breaking them down, which effectively removes the smell rather than merely masking it.

2. Mold and Mildew Control

  • Benefit: Ozone gas is known for its ability to kill mold spores in the air, making it a useful tool in mold remediation. Mold can release spores that not only spread further but can also affect indoor air quality.
  • How It Works: The ozone penetrates into small crevices where mold spores can hide, helping to sanitize areas that may be difficult to reach with other mold removal methods.

3. Reduction of Bacteria and Viruses

  • Benefit: Ozone machines can help reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses in an affected space. In restoration after floods or water damage, for instance, bacteria can often flourish, creating sanitation issues.
  • How It Works: The oxidation process involved in ozone treatment can damage the cell walls of microorganisms, effectively neutralizing bacteria and viruses

4. Non-Toxic Residue

  • Benefit: Once ozone breaks down, it reverts back to oxygen, leaving no toxic residue. This contrasts with some chemical disinfectants that may leave residues requiring additional cleanup.
  • How It Works: Because ozone is a gas that naturally breaks down over time, it dissipates quickly once the machine is turned off and the space is ventilated, reducing chemical impact on the environment.

Cons of Using an Ozone Machine in Disaster Restoration

1. Health Risks for Humans and Pets

  • Drawback: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent, which can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort, and throat irritation. It is also harmful to pets, plants, and other living organisms.
  • Consideration: Rooms need to be fully vacated when an ozone machine is in use, and treated areas must be thoroughly aired out before re-entry. Restoration professionals should follow all safety guidelines to avoid prolonged exposure.

2. Potential Damage to Materials

  • Drawback: Ozone is known to accelerate the degradation of certain materials, such as rubber, electrical wiring, and some plastics. Overuse in a building can lead to deterioration of items such as carpet backings, insulation, and rubber seals.
  • Consideration: Restoration professionals should limit ozone exposure on sensitive materials and be cautious about where and how often they use ozone in enclosed areas with delicate items.

3. Limited Effectiveness on Certain Types of Mold

  • Drawback: While ozone can kill mold spores in the air, it may not penetrate surfaces deeply enough to eradicate mold colonies growing in porous materials, such as drywall, carpet, or wood. This limits its effectiveness in comprehensive mold remediation, and is basically an additional tool, but not required or to be used as the primary method of mold remediation.
  • Consideration: Ozone treatment should be seen as part of a larger remediation strategy and may be best used as a supplement to other mold removal methods, especially for mold that has already established itself in porous materials.

4. Regulatory and Safety Concerns

  • Drawback: Some regulatory bodies and organizations advise against the use of ozone generators in occupied spaces due to the health risks involved. Ozone’s safety threshold is low, meaning that even minimal exposure can be harmful, and its production is regulated in certain areas.
  • Consideration: Professionals should always check local regulations and ensure they are complying with any guidelines set forth by organizations such as OSHA and the EPA.

5. Temporary Results in Some Cases

  • Drawback: Ozone machines may eliminate odors temporarily, but if the underlying cause of the odor remains—such as water damage that continues to harbor mold—odors may return.
  • Consideration: Ozone treatment is often most effective when combined with comprehensive remediation techniques. For example, water-damaged areas need to be dried and repaired to prevent mold from recurring.

In the realm of disaster restoration, ozone machines can play a valuable role in addressing odors. However, their use should be balanced with caution and awareness of potential drawbacks. While ozone is effective for odor control and surface sterilization, its limitations with deeply embedded mold and its potential impact on health and materials must be carefully managed. When used correctly and in conjunction with other remediation methods, ozone machines can enhance disaster restoration efforts, helping to restore safe, fresh, and habitable spaces after fires, floods, and other disasters.

Why Blood Cleanup is Dangerous

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Many people find themselves in a horrid situation of discovering a loved one or even a tenant who may have committed suicide in a fashion where a room or multiple rooms are covered in blood. Exposure to blood may not seem to be a big deal, but on contrary, blood itself can be very hazardous to ones health and the risks involved in proper cleanup shouldn’t be overlooked. Human blood can expose individuals to MRSA, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and many other transmittable diseases. It is vital to understand not only the dangers involved in blood cleanup, but also why there are cleanup companies specifically trained to handle such situations. The proper cleanup and disposal of blood should and only be done by professionals certified, insured and also those who carry specific workers compensation packages in case an employee is exposed to blood. Hiring just anyone to handle a blood cleanup could result in a lawsuit costing you tens of thousands of dollars or more, so ensuring you do you due diligence will protect you and your home from potential lawsuits.

What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. In blood cleanup, an open wound or a function in the skin and then exposure to blood could result in an infection, so properly trained workers are aware and prepared to limit their exposure by using the proper personal protective equipment, PPE.

Consult the Professionals.

When you are faced with the terrible situation of having blood cleanup, there are companies who can help. Certified Crime & Trauma Scene Cleanup companies are specifically trained to help you get through the most difficult time with as little stress as possible, also while showing compassion and discretion. If you do need a cleanup from any type of loss which results in the spread of bodily fluid and thusly creating a potential risk of disease, you will be better suited to call a professional rather than trying to do the cleaning yourself. And most insurance carriers do have coverage for these types of losses, which can be costly depending on the scope of work needed.

10 Steps to Cleanup Blood Properly

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OSHA regulations with regard to cleaning up biohazardous substances are a guideline that should be followed. These mandated conditions, which include employee blood borne pathogen training, must be met to comply with government regulations to avoid shut downs and/or fines.  Human blood is a biohazard because it can expose you to a number of pathogens such as HIV, MRSA, Hepatitis B and C, and a plethora of others. Therefore, it is essential to be as thorough and precise as possible with bloodborne pathogen cleanup.

Here are the 10 Steps to Blood Cleanup:

  1. Cleaning Equipment: Being equipped with PPE. Gloves, a gown and protective eye gear can avoid exposure from even splashing, and all gear should be free from holes and tightly fit.
  2. Remove Dangers: Shards of broken glass can cause skin puncture so make sure to pick it up with forceps or by brushing it with a dustpan. Avoid picking up foreign materials with your hand to prevent skin puncture. Place it inside a container before proceeding to clean up the blood spill.
  3. Cleaning Round 1: Cover the spill in durable cloth towels to soak up as much blood as possible. The registered disinfectant product with a broad spectrum kill claim  will not properly disinfect if the surface is still covered in blood. Discard the used towels into a biohazard bag.
  4. Cleaning Round 2: Next, remove the towels and apply EPA registered disinfectant over the spill. Leave this on for at least ten minutes. Once the time has elapsed, scrub the area with a towel working from the outside, inwards towards the center
  5. Final Round: This time, soak a fresh cloth with the disinfectant and work on the affected areas from the outside in once more. This will effectively kill all bacteria and pathogens. Make sure to dispose the cloth inside a biohazard bag to prevent contamination from other items.
  6. Dispose Equipment: Once the cleaning process is completed, now you have to properly dispose of your equipment. All PPE and tools which can not be cleaned should be placed in a labeled biohazard bag for disposal.
  7. Decontaminate: Even if no visible blood splatters are in sight, it’s always important to decontaminate the area around the spillage. Use a disinfectant and clean any reusable equipment for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse the area with clean, fresh water.
  8. Mandatory Check: Once you’re finished with the procedure, double-check your clothes, skin, and furniture around you for any contamination. If you happen to notice any blood, especially on your body, wash it off with the disinfectant and take a shower after that. It’s strongly recommended that you have a friend or a neighbor by your side for this particular step, just so they can lend you a hand and help you identify contaminated spots if there are any left.
  9. Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands and arms vigorously with a disinfectant soap and warm water twice. Even after that, the use of wet wipes is a recommended next measure to ensure you are clean.
  10. Disposal of Waste: The last step is now the disposal of the contaminated waste.This requires a certified infectious disposal company to pickup your waste unless you’re dropping it off. Proper disposal of materials is a must and hefty fines could be issued if you illegally dispose of blood in regular trash.

Hiring the right company can not only avoid potential health risks, but also expedite the blood cleanup process with minimal effort or worry on your behalf. The risk isn’t worth the reward for attempting to cleanup potentially infectious materials on your own, and that’s why our team at, at MSI is at the ready to assist you in your time of need.