Will an Ozone Machine Kill Coronavirus?

The effectiveness of ozone machines in killing the coronavirus depends on various factors. While some ozone generators can help eliminate the virus, they aren't typically practical for everyday use due to the quantities required and the potential for damage to personal items.

Is an Ozone Machine Effective?

Yes, if the ozone generator is of the right quality, it can indeed help kill the coronavirus. Companies like Jenesco Inc. sell ozone generators that are designed for this purpose. However, the effectiveness of these machines can vary, and they may not be suitable for regular use or for personal items such as phones, wallets, and keys.

Using an Ozone Generator Safely

For more specific applications, consider using a small plastic ziplock bag with a small rechargeable ozone generator for 30 minutes. This method can clean CPAPs effectively and kill all bacteria, though it might not be as effective against viruses. It's essential to take precautions, as ozone can react with almost any material you carry on your person, and prolonged exposure can cause damage. Daily use of ozone in this manner is not advised.

Alternatives to ozone include ultraviolet (UV) light, which is more practical for reducing viral contamination on surfaces. UV light works by breaking down DNA and RNA of microorganisms, making them non-viable. However, it's important to note that UV light is not effective when it does not reach the virus directly, such as on the skin or inside the body. Therefore, it's best suited for surface disinfection rather than treating infected individuals.

How Ultraviolet Light Disinfects

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, part of the electromagnetic spectrum, have wavelengths ranging from 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The energy in UV light is so high that it can ionize atoms and disrupt the DNA or RNA of viruses, preventing their replication. This is why UV light is commonly used as a disinfectant in rooms and for objects, such as baby bottles. However, it is not suitable for exposure to humans, as it can cause skin damage and eye damage.

Practical Applications of UV Light

UV light can effectively inactivate viruses on surfaces. For instance, UV sanitizers designed for baby bottles can do an excellent job at eliminating viruses from these objects. However, it is essential to use UV light with caution and to ensure that the light can reach the entire surface of the object. Placing the object in a warm oven for a short period (20-30 minutes) can also achieve a similar effect to UV treatment without the need for specialized equipment.

Precautions and Recommendations

When using ozone or UV light, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines. Personal items such as phones and wallets can be damaged by these methods. For regular disinfection of areas or surfaces, UV light is a practical and safe option. However, for personal items, it's better to use common disinfectants like isopropyl alcohol or other approved sanitizers.

An ozone machine can be an effective tool in certain settings, but it's important to use them correctly to avoid damaging personal items and to ensure safety. For practical daily applications, UV light is a safer and more effective choice for surface disinfection.

Conclusion

In summary, while ozone machines and UV light can be effective in killing the coronavirus, their practical application and safety should be carefully considered. For regular disinfection, UV light and commonly available disinfectants are safer and more practical options.