Mold a serious problem in homes and businesses. Mold exposure has been linked to health issues including respiratory problems, allergies, asthma attacks, and more. When mold invades a building, it spreads quickly and is difficult to fully eliminate.
What is ozone treatment?
Ozone (O3) is an unstable gas made up of three oxygen atoms. It occurs naturally in the earth’s upper atmosphere, where it absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone generators artificially produce ozone by using high voltage to split apart oxygen molecules. The free oxygen atoms then recombine into ozone. When introduced into an environment, ozone acts as a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down organic material. Mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants are oxidized through reactions with the ozone gas. Over time, this destroys the mold. Ozone quickly reverts to regular oxygen, leaving no chemical residues.
Advantages of ozone treatment
Proponents of ozone treatment point to several potential advantages over traditional mold removal techniques:
- Ozone penetrates porous materials – DamageControl in Orlando ozone gas spreads throughout a treated area, permeating deep into porous surfaces like wood, drywall, and insulation where mold may be embedded. Bleach or other liquids may not reach these areas as effectively.
- Whole-room treatment – Specialized ozone generators be used to flood an entire room with ozone, reaching mold in the air ducts, beneath floors, and behind walls. It allows for a broad treatment approach.
- No hazardous byproducts – Ozone naturally decomposes into plain oxygen shortly after use. There are no chemical residues left behind like with other antimicrobials.
- Cost-effective – Ozone treatment may provide an affordable alternative to throwing out moldy materials or extensive reconstruction. The treatment itself requires little labor.
- Short treatment time – Ozone acts quickly against mold, so treatment times are shorter than alternatives like HEPA air scrubbing. A typical treatment may only take a few hours.
- No moisture or breeding ground needed – Unlike other disinfectants, ozone destroys mold in a dry state without moisture or spores present. This prevents regrowth or recurring mold issues.
Best practices for ozone mold treatment
Mold experts suggest these guidelines for those who do choose ozone treatment:
- Test mold species – Identify the types of mold present and test their ozone resistance. Certain molds like Aspergillus Niger are more resistant.
- Evaluate humidity – Ozone works best on mold in dry environments. Ensure the relative humidity is below 50 percent before starting.
- Monitor ozone levels – Ozone should be maintained at 0.05 to 0.16 parts per million (ppm) for mold treatment. Higher levels increase health risks.
- Remove occupants – Ensure all people and pets are removed before beginning ozone fumigation. Plants should also be taken outside.
- Dry out surfaces – Eliminate any pools or puddles of water and dry out porous materials as much as possible beforehand.
- Seal off HVAC – Turn off and seal any HVAC system with plastic sheeting to prevent ozone distribution. Remove aerators from faucets as well.
- Increase air circulation – Use fans to better circulate ozone through the treatment space. Stirring the air helps the ozone penetrate.
- Follow up with cleaning – After treatment, dry brush or wet wash all surfaces to remove dead mold. HEPA vacuuming helps remove spores.
- Fix moisture problems – Repair plumbing leaks, reduce humidity, and improve ventilation to make the area inhospitable to recurring mold.