Can Ozone Improve
Air Quality?
Effects of Ozone Generators of Fingal Allergens
Hayley Wurzel
I am investigating whether or not ozone generating air cleaners are safe and/or effective in removing fungal allergens from indoor areas. Practically no product testing was conducted on these machines to ascertain whether they exceed FDA limits for indoor ozone concentrations or whether these machines are effective at killing fungi, as these companies claim. I have collected data on the ambient ozone concentrations established by these machines, and I am experimenting with various species of fungi to see if high or low concentrations of ozone can inhibit their growth. Furthermore, I am planning to conduct interviews and take peak flow measurements from several asthmatics who currently use these machines and claim that they have experienced a decrease in the frequency and severity of their asthma symptoms. By the end of the semester, I plan to have recommendations as to whether or not asthmatics as well as non-asthmatics should use these machines either in occupied or unoccupied areas.