Ozone generators

Rosalie Scott <rosalie_scott [at] gov__nt__ca> writes

>An individual has contacted me who has had a house fire and is
>dealing with a disaster recovery company. The company is pushing the
>use of an ozone generator to eliminate the smoke smell. She is
>particularly concerned about her antique furniture

I can't answer to the effects on furniture or finishes, but I can
confirm that in my experience, ozone can be quite effective in
removing odours (though some residual smell may still remain).
However, there are a few important caveats:

    1.  Ozone should be used as the last step in removing residual
        odors, after physical or chemical removal methods are
        exhausted

    2.  Ozone is effective in concentrations far below those usually
        used. Most users figure that if a just-noticeable
        slightly-acidy odor is supposed to be effective, then a
        honking-big, overpowering, eye-watering whack of ozone will
        be even better

    3.  Ozone works best when there is excellent air circulation and
        elevated temperatures

    4.  Give it time

Could you suggest a compromise, and have any furniture or objects
that might suffer damage removed or isolated before the house is
"fumigated".

Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Systems
800-683-4696
Microclimate Technologies International
416-703-4696


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:17
                 Distributed: Thursday, October 7, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-17-005
                                  ***