What is the effect of ozone sterilization equipment? Excellent sterilization solution that combines 99.9% virus kill rate and various benefits

Did you know that ozone is extremely effective in sterilization and deodorization? Ozone (O3), known as the ozone layer, has a high sterilizing effect on spaces and substances, and devices that generate ozone can be used to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in medical facilities. This article introduces the high effectiveness and safety of ozone, which is still not well known for sterilization applications. We hope that medical professionals and those in charge of quarantine at public offices will take a look at this article.

Infection Risk and Ozone Sterilization in Medical Practices and Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers, especially those who deal with areas related to infectious diseases, must always be aware of the risk of infection when performing their duties. They are required to take measures not only in the area of contact but also in the entire space against invisible threats such as droplet and airborne infections, not to mention contact infections. In addition to being highly effective, sanitization must be safe and must be visually confirmed to be complete. In addition, when the system is used in hospitals and other medical facilities, running costs must be kept down. Furthermore, in the event of a pandemic, the sterilization process must be completed in a short period of time, especially when the site is extremely busy and time is of the essence.

• sterilizing properties
• safety
• certainty
• low cost
• short time

It is ozone that makes these things possible, and it is the sterilization equipment that generates ozone.

What is "ozone" with its strong sterilizing effect?

Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen consisting of three oxygen atoms. Its molecular formula is O3 and it has a linear structure. It is a highly corrosive, toxic gas with a characteristic fishy, pungent odor. It is present in very low concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere.”
> >Citation: “wikipedia Ozone “ Ozone, commonly known as the ozone layer, is actually an extremely powerful sanitizer. It has a strong oxidizing effect second only to fluorine, and is used in the fields of medicine, food, and agriculture for sterilization, inactivation of viruses, deodorization of chemical and dead odors, and removal of organic matter. In addition to its superior sterilizing power, it is so safe that it is approved as a food additive in Japan and the U.S. Furthermore, since it does not produce organochlorine compounds, it does not remain in the water after treatment. As of 2020, its effectiveness against new coronaviruses has also been verified.
＞＞Reference: “Expected Effectiveness of Ozone Water against New Type of Coronavirus” announced by the Japanese Society for Medical and Environmental Ozone Research.

Ozone sterilization equipment that generates ozone gas and its 5 advantages

To use ozone in the medical field, ozone gas is generated to sterilize spaces and substances. The “ozone sterilization equipment” generates this ozone gas.

Compared to other means, ozone sanitizers offer the following five advantages

Advantage 1: Strong oxidative degradation capability

As mentioned above, it demonstrates a strong removal effect against viruses, bacteria, and odors. When the CT value (*see below) is 60, more than 99.9% sterilization effectiveness has been confirmed.

 

Advantage 2: No need to stockpile raw materials

The ozone sterilizer uses oxygen in the air to generate ozone gas, so no chemicals or other raw materials are needed.

 

Advantage 3: Can be powered only by household power supply

The device can be used by connecting it to a 100 V household power supply. No dedicated equipment is required other than the device.

 

Advantage 4: Easy to operate

Operation is started simply by turning on the switch, and the process is automatically controlled, placing no burden on the site of use.

 

Advantage 5: No emission measures required

Ozone does not produce chlorinated organic compounds, so there is no need to take measures for emissions after sterilization or deodorization treatment.

Effectiveness of "Ozone Sterilization Tent System" and virus kill rate based on "CT value

Because ozone cannot fully demonstrate its effects when exposed to air, it is necessary to generate ozone gas in an enclosed space to maximize its sterilizing effect. Therefore, the ozone sterilization system should ideally be used in combination with a tent. A system that combines an ozone sterilization system and a tent is called an “ozone sterilization tent system.

By using this ozone sterilization tent system, it is possible to increase the “CT value” inside the tent. The CT (Concentration Time) value is an internationally recognized indicator of the sterilizing and inactivating effects of ozone gas, and is calculated as the product of ozone gas concentration and contact time (concentration “ppm” x time “min”). The higher the CT value, the greater the effect, and the rates of virus and bacteria destruction according to the CT value are shown in the table below.

Sterilization data by ozone gas

The verification organizations for each item in the table are as follows.

• (1), (2), (4), (5) … Microbiology Laboratory, Showa Pharmaceutical University
• 6)…Department of Virology, Kitasato University
• (7) … Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Fire and Disaster Management Agency
• 8)…Vision Bio Inc.
• (3), (9), (10)…Japan Food Research and Analytical Center, Inc.
• (11) … Okayama Industrial Technology Center
• ⑫…Wakayama City Fire Department

By using the ozone sterilization tent system, a virus kill rate of 99.99% or higher can be achieved.

Examples of deployment of ozone sterilization tent systems and ozone sterilization equipment

The ozone sterilization tent system can be used in a variety of settings, not limited to medical institutions. Since no chemicals are required, the system can be used with a household power supply, and no post-treatment of emissions is needed, it can be deployed flexibly as follows.

• Hospitals and other medical facilities
• Temporary installation outside the facility (e.g., parking lot) in the event of a pandemic, etc.
• During transport by emergency vehicle
• In offices and medical facilities with precision equipment

Effects and safety of ozone sterilization equipment on the human body

Because of its strong oxidative sterilization effect, ozone can be harmful to the human body if used incorrectly. However, this is true for all substances, and if used correctly, the sterilization effect can be obtained very safely. When using the ozone sterilization tent system, please wear an “ozone-resistant mask” and understand the following points before using it correctly.

How to prevent nosocomial infection with “Ozone Sterilization Tent System

Ozone has a limited exposure time allowed to the human body depending on its concentration.

• Long-term limit: 0.1 ppm / up to 8 hours per day
• Short time limit: 0.3 ppm / up to 15 minutes per day

Figures are from the Japan Society for Occupational Health.

 

Carcinogenicity of ozone

Ozone is not listed on the “List of Carcinogens” compiled by IARC, the WHO’s specialized cancer research organization, nor has it been confirmed as a carcinogen by an agency affiliated with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

 

Skin Effects of Ozone Exposure

According to a paper by the Japanese Dermatological Association, no effect on skin collagen content and tissue was observed in a 24-hour x 10-week continuous exposure test at a 1.0 ppm concentration.

 

Mechanism of Ozone Action on the Human Body

The main effect of ozone on the human body is damage to the respiratory system. Ozone gas entering the respiratory system can cause bronchitis and other problems.

summary

We have introduced the sterilizing effects of ozone. Although awareness of the sterilizing effect of ozone is still low, we hope that this article will encourage medical facilities and government agencies to consider the possibility of using ozone for sterilization.

For more information on ozone sterilization equipment and ozone sterilization tent systems, please contact the following

 

Taiyo Kogyo Corporation: Inquiries about the ozone sterilization tent system.