From Queenaire Technologies: Advice On Ozone And Hydroxyl Use In Relation To COVID-19

The use of ozone for eliminating foul odors is well established. Ozone generation can rid properly treated areas of smoke, mildew and a wide assortment of other offending gases. The same is true when using hydroxyl technology. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, interest has intensified on whether products used to produce ozone and/or hydroxyl radicals can also kill this particular virus — and to do so safely.

Ozone, in high enough levels, and hydroxyl technologies are known to eliminate various types of bacteria and viruses in certain situations. The main question is, what about COVID-19?

“There have been recent articles published suggesting ozone — when used in very high levels — and/or hydroxyl technology may be effective in removing the COVID-19 virus,” Queenaire Technologies President Susan Duffy said. “To date, however, I am not aware of any actual studies, using ozone or hydroxyl technologies against COVID-19.

“It is imperative that distributors avoid recommending the use of high levels of ozone while people are present in the space being treated. To safely use ozone in high levels, all humans and animals must be vacated from the treated area. After application, it’s important to wait an equal amount of time before re-entering that area.”

As for hydroxyl technology, although it’s safe to use in occupied spaces to remove certain pathogens from the air, unlike ozone, this technology has no effect on surfaces, according to Duffy.

Very high levels of ozone are used for sterilization purposes, such as with medical and dental equipment. Ozone chambers, consisting of a container with a sealed top, also work well when sanitizing such items as fruits and vegetables. They are used as well by restoration companies to eliminate smoke and mildew odors.

The Rainbowair Activator 1000 Series II Ozone Generator (5401-II), from Queenaire Technologies, can create such an ozone chamber, when used with a hose kit.

“As a company, it’s our greatest desire that the nationwide quarantine will help slow the spread of COVID-19,” Duffy said. “For those who do use ozone and hydroxyl technologies for any purpose following all manufacturer guidelines is imperative to ensure safe use of the technology.”

With established brands Newaire, Rainbowair and Queenaire in place, and a management team with over 30 years of air quality and odor control experience, Queenaire Technologies, Inc., provides various products that incorporate up-to-date ozone generating technology, as well as hydroxyl air treatment, to an expanding marketplace.

“The main purpose of our products is to get rid of bad odors. That is what we are known for, and we have enjoyed much success due to our expertise and products in odor control,” Duffy said. “As far as treating open areas for bacteria or viruses, it’s hard to know how high a level of ozone would be effective, if at all. Our position is, if you are going to use ozone for any reason, you should use it responsibly.

“Distributors should ask for research and testing results from any company claiming to have an ozone product that specifically kills the COVID-19 virus before making specific claims to their customers.”

POPULAR PRODUCTS FROM

QUEENAIRE TECHNOLOGIES

Queenaire Technologies continues to receive a lot of interest — and success — with such items as its Newaire™ HO3 – 2500 Hydroxyl and Ozone Generator Air and Surface Treatment System, as well as its Newaire™ Plugin Air Purifier.

Helping Queenaire Technologies serve as a “one stop shop” for solving odor and air quality issues, the Newaire™ HO3 – 2500 provides the benefits of both hydroxyl air treatment and ozone generation.

“We took the best characteristics of each type of air and surface treatment when designing that product,” Duffy said. “It can be used as a hydroxyl generator, in areas where people are present, to rid of odors, bacteria and viruses. It can also be used to generate ozone in the same location, with the use of a timer, while people are not present, for a more in-depth odor treatment and cleaning.”

Duffy explained that hydroxyl radicals are formed in nature. They are diatomic molecules that are highly reactive and very short-lived. Discovered in 1963, hydroxyl radicals are often referred to as the “detergent” of the troposphere (the lowest part of the atmosphere), because they help destroy many pollutants.

Atmospheric hydroxyl radicals should not be confused with free radicals that are produced inside living organisms. Atmospheric hydroxyl radicals are so reactive that they are instantly neutralized when making contact with any substance, and would be impossible to ingest as a complete ion. That makes using hydroxyl radicals, which are found in the outside air at all times during the day, one of the safest processes for deodorizing an occupied area.

Ozone, meanwhile, is often referred to as nature’s own purifier. It’s most evident at the seashore, near a waterfall, in a rain forest and after a thunderstorm. Ozone makes up approximately 20 percent of the air being breathed everyday, and has been used over the past century to purify water and eliminate odors.

Ozone is not used as a reodorant, but rather totally destroys offending gases, reacting with contaminates in air, water, and on fabrics, walls and ceilings. And ozone is green.

“What can be greener than Mother Nature’s very own air cleaner?” Duffy asked. “We can all relate to the idea of freshening our home, office and vehicle by opening the windows and letting fresh air blow through. That leaves the area smelling fresher and cleaner. What many people don’t realize is that the ozone being generated naturally in the air outdoors, is what provides the deodorizing effect when the breeze blows through.”

She added that ozone generation is a simple and clean technology that helps naturally eliminate odors, without the use of harsh chemicals. With an ozone machine, basically all that is being done is manipulating indoor air by splitting oxygen molecules. The process eliminates odors.

“A good ozone generator is, and always will be, the best way to deodorize air, surfaces and to reach cracks and crevices. However, limitations to this process occur in areas where people are present,” Duffy said. “A hydroxyl generator can be used to fill that void for superior air quality. With the Newaire™ HO3 – 2500, Queenaire Technologies offers two types of odor elimination — ozone and hydroxyl — within the same machine. Those technologies complement one another.”

Another popular product from Queenaire Technologies is the Newaire™ Plugin Air Purifier. It’s designed to naturally deodorize rooms up to 500 square feet, eliminating odors caused by smoke, mold and mildew, pets, chemicals, garbage, cooking, etc.

The Newaire™ Plugin incorporates a patented ion wind technology that allows ozone to be circulated from the machine without the use of fans or moving parts, ensuring silent operation. The product features a compact design and there are no parts or chemicals to replace. End-users just plug the product into a wall socket for years of silent and uninterrupted springtime fresh air.

It’s perfect for continually removing odors in kitchens, hotel rooms, restrooms, laun­dry rooms, hallways, pet areas, offices, classrooms, hospitals, nursing homes, recreation vehicles, fitness centers and day care centers.

“The Newaire™ Plugin crosses all lines and markets related to odor control. It can be used in occupied spaces and runs continously,” Duffy said. “Due to its smaller size, the Newaire™ Plugin is also great for distributor sales rep demonstrations.”

Call 1-866-676-9663 or visit ozoneexperts.com for more information.