Closing windows will usually be the first step in removing indoor ozone.
High in the atmosphere, UV radiation from the sun changes oxygen into ozone, which protects the Earth from harmful UV rays. Too much ozone indoors, however, can react negatively with the cells in your throat and lungs when it is inhaled, causing serious medical complications. The primary way of reducing ozone indoors is to minimize sources of ozone, but in cases where you must run air filters, laser printers and photocopiers, you may need to invest in a commercial ozone filter.
Instructions
1. Check the ventilation. If the ozone level is higher outdoors, then close windows and other possible sources of outdoor ozone. If the level of ozone is higher indoors, then open windows or otherwise increase ventilation. In most cases, indoor ozone levels are between 10 and 80 percent of outdoor levels, so you will want to minimize air from outside.
2. Reduce the amount of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can change oxygen in your home into ozone the same way they do in the upper atmosphere. You will not want to block out all sunlight, but you may want to consider closing blinds, shades and drapes in rooms you don't occupy or don't occupy frequently.
3. Turn off ozone-producing devices. Most technology that uses photostatic processing--laser printers and photocopiers--generates ozone. If you must use such devices frequently, make sure they are in a well-ventilated area and not too close to other ozone sources. Some air filters intentionally produce ozone, because it is such a highly reactive filter for unwanted gases which are otherwise difficult to remove. If you must use an air filter, you may want to look for ones that do not use or do not produce as much ozone.
4. Obtain an activated-carbon ozone filter. Since most are used only for industrial purposes or in laboratories, you may have to search a bit more for a model that meets your needs. The main criteria for choosing should be the filter's price, effectiveness rating and how often filters must be replaced. On average, most filters must be replaced every 3 months.
5. Place your ozone filter in an area that has good ventilation. The filter is more effective if it is near a window or air vent and receives a steady supply of moving air.
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