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OZONE (Gaseous)
Section I - General
Description: Occurs in the atmosphere from UV light action on oxygen at high altitudes where it acts as an
atmospheric shield against UV light penetration. Derived by passage of air or oxygen between electrodes
across which is maintained an alternating high voltage potential, or by heating silver difluoride in a dilute
aqueous acid. It may also be found as a by-product in welding areas, in corona discharges by ultraviolet
radiation and around high voltage equipment. Ozone's primary use is as an oxidizing agent. Also used as a
disinfectant for air and water, in bleaching textiles, paper pulp, waxes, starch, and sugar. It is used in organic
synthesis, processing certain perfumes, vanillin and camphor, peroxide production, rapid drying of varnish and
printing inks. It is also used for mold and bacteria control in cold storage rooms, and refining mineral oils and
their derivatives. Considered for deodorizing and disinfecting certain premises and purifying air. It is present in
air at up to about 0.05 ppm at sea level (variable).
Cautions: A powerful oxidizing agent, ozone generally exists as a gas and is highly chemically reactive.
Inhalation produces various degrees of respiratory effects from irritation to pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs) as
well as affecting the eyes, blood, and central nervous system. Ozone can exist as a liquid and will cause
severe burns when in contact with skin or mucous membranes.
3
15-min STEL :0.3 ppm vol. (0.6mg/m ) to Occupational Exposure to Ozone"
for additional information
Appearance and Odor: Colorless to blue gas (greater than 169 F) with a pungent odor
above 0.01 ppm and disagreeable above 1-2 ppm. Olfactory
fatigue develops rapidly.
Description: Ozone is an oxidizing agent for both organic and inorganic materials; it is a stronger oxidizer
than O2, but weaker than fluorine. Some of its reaction products, such as ozonides formed
from unsaturated hydrocarbons, can be highly explosive.
Conditions to Avoid: Keep away from heat, flame, organics, strong reducing agents and combustible
materials, such as grease and oil.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Acetylene, Alkyl Metals, Benzene, Aruline, Bromine, Charcoal +
Potassium Iodide + Friction, Carbon, Isopropylidene compounds, Dicyanogen, Disthyl Ether,
1-2-3 Dichloro-2-Butane; 1,1-difluoroethylene; Hydrogen bromide, 2-Methyl-1, 3-Butadiene;
Nitrogen, Nitrogen Oxide, Nitrogen Trichloride, Fluourothylene, Liquid Hydrogen (with solid O3),
Ethylene (at -238 F/-150 C), (Carbon Monoxide, Ammonia, or Phosphine at 32 or -108 F/0 or –
8 C), Liquid Oxygen Difluoride + Gaseous Hydrogen, Silica gel, Stibine (at -130 F/-90C),
Tetrafluorohydrazine, and all other reducing materials, organic or inorganic. Ozone reacts with
non-saturated organic compounds to produce ozonides which are unstable and may
decompose with explosive violence.
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Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic): Ozone's toxic effects are largely due to its strong oxidative ability.
Ozone has a radiomimeric structure (like ionizing radiation) and therefore has no true threshold
limit and no exposure, no matter how small, is 'theoretically' without effect. Since ozone is only
slightly water soluble, it does not solubilize in the mucous membranes along the respiratory
tract but rather passes straight to the smallest bronchioles and alveoli. Exercise increases
inhaled ozone's toxicity and olfactory fatigue can rapidly develop. Initial small exposures may
reduce cell sensitivity and/or increase mucous thickness producing an adaptation to low levels
of ozone. This is shown by the greater reaction of newly exposed individuals as compared with
those previously exposed to similar levels. Industrial exposures are most likely due to leakage
from ozone using processes and from exposure to high voltage electrical equipment and
electrical welding. Acute damage from ozone appears to be mainly from its oxidizing effect on
contact with tissue, but it may have chronic effects on lung tumor acceleration (see attached for
further information).
Engineering Controls: To reduce potential health hazards, use sufficient dilution or local exhaust ventilation to
control airborne contaminants and to maintain concentrations at the lowest practical level.
Sources:
ANSI/ASTM E 591 - 77, "Standard Practice for Safety and Health Requirements Relating
to Occupational Exposure to Ozone"
MSDS collection, sheet #34: Ozone, Genium Publishing Company
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tained in therein. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties
without express authority is strictly forbidden.
Copyright Ozonia North America.