Players in the food industry know that the demand for safe and disinfected food and ingredients is a new concern in a post-pandemic world. The use of ozonated water is on the rise, and it would be a waste not to cash in on this opportunity. However, as is often the case with new market offerings, there are some myths about ozonated water that must first be dispelled. Our job is to remove misconceptions and share facts about the uses of ozonated water.

Ozone as A Disinfectant Is Older Than You Think

Ozonated water has been used as a disinfectant for over 100 years ago, starting in Europe. It was officially introduced into the United States in the 1900s, where it was used for disinfecting drinking water, cleaning surfaces, and purifying air. This miraculous gas has been in our atmosphere ever since the planet began rotating on its axis. It has only been a few hundred years since the world has adapted to using this gas and water mixture for disinfecting demands.

Debunking Myths – Ozonated Water and Its Miraculous Powers

Myth 1: Ozonated Water Is an Ineffective Sanitizer

People often find it strange to think that water could act as a disinfectant and kill 99.99% of bacteria. This is because most of our lives we have used disinfectants such as chlorine and soap. However, ozonated water is not your average glass of water. Its molecular structure is based on three Oxygen molecules, making it highly reactive.

Ozone’s reactive nature is a blessing. Its ability to clean is supported by strong scientific evidence for ozone water being 3,000 times more powerful than chlorine and bleach. Its reaction time is robust, and it kills even water-based pathogens.  

Myth 2: Ozone Contaminates the Room After Disinfecting

 Creating ozonated water by the corona discharge method releases a toxic by-product called NOx that can irritate the eyes and skin of those in proximity. The corona discharge method is often wrongly associated with ozonated water treatments.

However, this is not true. In fact, treating food and water with chlorine becomes the epitome of disaster. This is because chlorine leaves behind a chemical residue after disinfection. In contrast, aqueous ozone is prone to break into water and oxygen rapidly, leaving the environment safer than before. This reactive nature is because three oxygen molecules cannot maintain their bond at room temperatures or a low atmospheric pressure.

Myth 3: Ozone is Dangerous

If this were true then all of us would be in danger, as ozone is all around us. The earth’s atmosphere is surrounded by ozone. It forms naturally when sunlight or lightning strikes the atmosphere and creates vagabond oxygen molecules. These molecules bind with other oxygen molecules and form ozone (O3).

Contrary to popular belief, ozone is keeping us alive. If there was no layer of ozone in the atmosphere, we would have been obliterated by the sun’s harmful UV rays and billions of bacteria in space. When ozone is created artificially through ozone generators,  it is easier for us to use it in aqueous form instead of gas. When aqueous ozone is produced from BES’s advanced electrolytic ozone generation technology, the  potent solution becomes commercially and residentially usable. While this gas does nothing but good in the atmosphere, its aqueous form does the same, i.e., protect us from viruses like COVID-19.

Many well known companies worldwide have realized the potential of ozonated water. These industry giants are making innovations every day through adaptation,  while breaking myths about ozonated water.

1. Five-Star Hotel Chain Uses Ozone in Bar and Kitchen

Major five-star hotel chains are expected to provide superior service and must adhere to strict hygiene standards. To achieve this, they usually use harsh chemicals to disinfect the kitchen and bar areas. Manual disinfection using chemicals can be dangerous as it leaves the opportunity for human error. To maintain food safety standards, the hotel chain introduced the complete BioSure professional kitchen integration program into their disinfection process, meeting requirements of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), replacing their reliance on chemical disinfectants.

2. Ozone for Pet Grooming 

Ozone technologies such as the Ozone Spray Bottle (OSB) and the Space Sanitizer System Plus (SSS+) are being used for pet grooming. The system is easily integrated into grooming parlors to reduce unwanted odors, fight infection, and freshen the air. Ozone water is pet-friendly and does not use any harmful chemicals, making it a suitable alternative to traditional, more expensive cleaning products.

3. Dental Clinics Use Ozone to Improve Infection Control

Disinfecting the mouth by rinsing before surgery helps prevent the risk of open wound infections. Some alcohol-based mouth rinses can dry out oral tissue, causing further issues such as dehydration or even irritation of the gums. Ozone water in mouth wash is suitable for use as a pre-rinse to disinfect the surgical field before dental work takes place. Furthermore, ozone water can be used to clean surgical instruments and the dental surgery before and after patients are seen. Ozone water is safe to use and does not leave behind any residue like common cleaners such as chlorine do, and any residual ozone will be converted back to oxygen within a short time.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a time to make a change and replace sanitation systems to improve and quicken the workflow, it’s now. With the world moving towards easier and more cost-effective solutions, there won’t be much room left for traditional disinfectants.  BioSure and Biolux are using BES’s EOG technology to offer ozonated water solutions for commercial and residential purposes. If you are interested in adopting this globally accepted change and moving to ozonated water, click here now.