Ozone (O3) is an 'active oxygen', an unstable molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. In nature, ozone is formed when oxygen in the air is exposed to the sun's UV rays. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer. Because of this effect, the gas has the ability to break down many substances and acts as a natural purifier. Ozone is the most powerful oxidizer that is safe to use.
 
These properties allow ozone to kill bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, cysts and yeasts. It oxidizes iron, magnesium, hydrogen sulphate and sulphur. When ozone comes into contact with chemicals, it oxidises or converts the target chemical into a harmless by-product. Ozone has a clear, fresh smell, like that of a thunderstorm.
 
The use of ozone has many advantages compared to other cleaning agents.
 
No resistance to ozone develops as with other disinfection methods. Ozone is far more effective than chlorine at killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. The reaction time of ozone is short and requires much less contact time than chemical substances. Ozone also has a short lifespan. In volatile form, ozone lasts for 10 to 20 minutes before it changes back to normal oxygen. Transport, production, storage, handling and emissions of chemicals can thus be reduced. This provides environmental and health benefits.
 
Ozone can only be produced on site with ozone generators, from air and electricity. The correct ozone level can be maintained electronically, no manual measurement procedures are required.
 
Ozone for purification has been used for a long time, but in Europe it is only in the last twenty to thirty years that its use has become more extensive. At the same time, research has shown that chlorine can be harmful, and scientific circles have recommended that chlorine be eliminated from the purification of drinking water, but also from other industrial activities.