Is Ozone a Poison?
Yes, ozone can be a poison. While ozone in the stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant. Exposure to ozone, even at relatively low levels, can cause various health problems.
Several sources confirm ozone's toxic nature:
- The EPA (https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners) states that ozone is a toxic gas with different properties than oxygen.
- The American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air-unhealthy/ozone) highlights that ozone exposure can contribute to premature death and worsen respiratory issues.
- StatPearls (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430751/) indicates that ozone toxicity can occur even at environmental levels and affect the heart, lungs, and nervous system.
- The California Air Resources Board (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/air-cleaners-ozone-products/hazardous-ozone-generating-air-purifiers) emphasizes that inhaling ozone poses serious health risks.
- The New York State Department of Health (https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/ozone_generating_air_cleaners.htm) points out that ozone worsens asthma and heart disease symptoms.
Specific Health Impacts:
- Respiratory irritation
- Worsening of asthma
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems
- Premature death (in combination with other risk factors)
Ozone's Dual Nature:
It's crucial to understand that ozone's toxicity depends heavily on concentration and location. Stratospheric ozone is beneficial, shielding us from UV radiation. However, ground-level ozone is a significant air pollutant and a respiratory irritant.
While some research explores ozone's potential therapeutic uses (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ozone-therapy), these applications are highly specialized and require strict control over ozone concentration and exposure. Misuse or uncontrolled exposure is extremely dangerous.
