What is ozone? Its properties and influence on human life

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:48

Ozone is a word of Greek origin, which means “odorous” in translation. What is ozone? At its core, O3 ozone is a blue gas with a characteristic odor that is associated with the smell of air after a thunderstorm. Especially felt near sources of electric current.

History of ozone discovery by scientists

What is ozone? How was it opened? In 1785, the Dutch physicist Martin van Marum carried out several experiments aimed at studying the effect of electric current on oxygen. According to their results, the scientist investigated the appearance of a specific "electric matter". Continuing to work in this direction, in 1850 he was able to determine the ability of ozone to interact with organic compounds and its property as an oxidizing agent.

The first disinfectant properties of ozone were applied in 1898 in France. In the town of Bon Voyage, a plant was built that disinfected and disinfected water from the Vasyubi River. In Russia, the first ozonation plant was launched inPetersburg in 1911.

Ozone was widely used during the First World War as an antiseptic. The ozone-oxygen mixture was used to treat intestinal diseases, pneumonia, hepatitis, and was practiced for infectious lesions after surgery. Especially active in ozonation began in 1980, the impetus for this was the appearance on the market of reliable and energy-saving ozone generators. Currently, ozone is used to purify about 95% of water in the US and throughout Europe.

Ozone Generation Technology

What is ozone? How is it formed? In the natural environment, ozone is found in the Earth's atmosphere at an altitude of 25 km. In fact, it is a gas that is formed as a result of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. On the surface, it forms a layer 19-35 km thick, which protects the Earth from the penetration of solar radiation. According to the interpretation of chemists, ozone is active oxygen (a compound of three oxygen atoms). In the gaseous state, it is blue, in the liquid state it has an indigo hue, and in the solid state it is dark blue crystals. O3 is its molecular formula.

What is the harm of ozone? It belongs to the highest hazard class - it is a very poisonous gas, the toxicity of which is equated to the category of chemical warfare agents. The reason for its appearance is electrical discharges in the atmosphere (3O2=2O3). In nature, you can feel it after strong lightning flashes. Ozone interacts well with other compounds and is considered one of the strongest oxidizers. Therefore, it is used to destroy bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, to purify water and air.

The negative impact of ozone

What does ozone do? A characteristic feature of this gas is the ability to quickly interact with other substances. If in nature there is an excess of normative indicators, then as a result of its interaction with human tissues, hazardous substances and diseases can occur. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent, upon interaction with which they quickly decompose:

• polymer materials;
• natural rubber;
• metals except gold, platinum and iridium;
• household appliances;
• electronics.

At high concentrations of ozone in the air, a deterioration in human he alth and well-being occurs, in particular:

• irritates the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• impaired functioning of the respiratory system, which will lead to paralysis of the lungs;
• there is a general fatigue of the body;
• headaches appear;
• may cause allergic reactions;
• burning throat and nausea;
• there is a negative effect on the nervous system.

Useful properties of ozone

Does ozone purify the air? Yes, despite its toxicity, this gas is very useful for humans. In small concentrations, it is noted for its excellent disinfectant and deodorizing properties. In particular, it has a detrimental effect on harmfulmicroorganisms and produces for destruction:

• viruses;
• different types of microbes;
• bacteria;
• fungi;
• microorganisms.

Most often, ozone is used during an influenza epidemic and outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases. With its help, water is purified from various kinds of impurities and iron compounds, while enriching it with oxygen and minerals.

Interesting information about ozone, its scope

Excellent disinfectant properties and lack of side effects have led to the emergence of demand for ozone and its widespread use in various sectors of the economy. Today, ozone has been successfully used for:

• meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry;
• water treatment in aquariums and fish farms;
• pool disinfection;
• medical purposes;
• beauty treatments.

In the medical industry, ozonation is practiced for ulcers, burns, eczema, varicose veins, wounds and dermatological diseases. In cosmetology, ozone is used to combat skin aging, cellulite and excess weight.

The effect of ozone on the life of living beings

What is ozone? How does it affect life on Earth? According to scientists, 10% of ozone is in the troposphere. This ozone is an integral component of smog and acts as a pollutant. It adversely affects the respiratory organs of people, animals and slows down the growth of plants. However, its amount is very small to significantly harm he alth. A significant part of the harmful ozone in smog is the products of the functioning of cars and power plants.

Significantly more ozone (about 90%) is in the stratosphere. This ozone layer absorbs biologically harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, thereby protecting people, flora and fauna from negative effects.