Air purifiers and gear damage

[WAHMof2]

The hubby and I were discussing this the other night, but can't really find any info online. We have a finished basement, and the laundry room is also our gear room. Adjacent to that room is our bar, in which we have an ultraviolet air purifier (large commercial unit). These units produce Ozone, and supposedly Ozone is harmful to rubber products. I wonder if there's any danger of damaging any of our gear? Rubber fin straps, silicone? BC bladders? Does anyone here have any knowledge of such?

[hoobascooba]

the ozone is detrimental to everything... just the same as everything is detrimental to the ozone.

just a thought...

[MicahEW]

they actually sell something that purposly produces ozone?

[WAHMof2]

Originally Posted by MicahEW

they actually sell something that purposly produces ozone?

Um, yes, and for more things besides just air cleaners. Ozone is a natural oxidizer (hence the possible problem with rubber, etc). Ozone kills bacteria, and breaks down other organic and non-organic substances in the air. They even make units for aquariums (have for years) to aid in the break down of dissolved organics. The newest thing I've read about is ozone/oxygen therapy in saunas. I guess it has many uses.

[Osprey]

Ozone (from ionizers) is one of the leading causes of asthma triggers in the home (which I have), and they kill parrots (which I have as well) by ruining their respiratory systems

It's really not as safe as they make it seem, think "teflon" (which, bless them, also kills parrots)

[WAHMof2]

So our gear will be safe, but just don't get a parrot?

(sorry, I hope your Parrot didn't die or I'll feel terrible!)

[MicahEW]

kinda along the same lines I though ozone was a bad thing.

[mitchy]

I put an ozonator on my hottub to kill bacteria and reduce chemical usage. I was told it afterwards that it will ruin my cover. When I asked a couple of engineers who use ozone, they told me it wouldn't. They said that at this elevation, that ozone is highly unstable, and whatever ozone didn't attach itself the bacteria wouldn't be ozone by the time it escaped the water. My understanding of ozone air purifiers is the the ozone has broken down pretty much right away and doesn't leave the unit, only killing bacteria in the air in the unit. It is more of a gimmic that effective bacterial killer.

That being said, I'm no expert on ozone.

[Osprey]

Originally Posted by WAHMof2

So our gear will be safe, but just don't get a parrot?

(sorry, I hope your Parrot didn't die or I'll feel terrible!)

No, all 3 of my parrots are fine.. but only because I knew prior to buy a hepa filter with NO ionizer on it! We just needed some mechanical help to snatch their TEN TONS of fluff floating around the house.. ACHOO!!

[WAHMof2]

Originally Posted by Osprey

No, all 3 of my parrots are fine.. but only because I knew prior to buy a hepa filter with NO ionizer on it! We just needed some mechanical help to snatch their TEN TONS of fluff floating around the house.. ACHOO!!

Ahhhh.....I feel much better now! I love animals!