Can Ozone Disinfection Effectively Combat SARS and Kill Pathogens?

Can ozone (O3) disinfection prevent SARS by killing pathogens?

Can ozone (O3) sterilization prevent SARS by killing pathogens? Is the use of ozone sterilizers in spaces and environments effective in eliminating airborne pathogens? Can ozone be used for disinfecting items? At what high temperature can SARS pathogens be destroyed?

LIN, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/05/01

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello, Lin.
The food company is using ozone to kill the coronavirus, but currently, the SARS virus is a mutated form of the coronavirus, and it is uncertain whether ozone disinfection is effective.
Moreover, the concentration used by food industry operators may differ from that produced by standard ozone generators, making it difficult to estimate its effectiveness.
Since SARS is a recently emerging infectious disease, no disinfectant products or machines can be recognized as effective against the SARS virus in the short term.
The SARS virus, which is prevalent during the winter months, may have its activity suppressed by continued hot weather; high temperatures are expected to have a sterilizing effect, and the higher the temperature, the shorter the required disinfection time.
Research results published by the World Health Organization on May 4 indicate that the SARS virus is susceptible to commonly used disinfectants, including 10% bleach and 75% alcohol solutions, which can render the virus inactive in less than five minutes at room temperature.
Therefore, the public is encouraged to utilize these disinfectants to maintain environmental hygiene.
If individuals have questions related to epidemic prevention, they can visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.tw for more information.
If the website does not answer their questions, they can call the toll-free epidemic hotline at 0800.

Reply Date: 2003/05/01

More Info

Ozone (O3) disinfection has been a topic of interest in the context of combating various pathogens, including viruses like SARS-CoV, the virus responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). While ozone is known for its strong oxidizing properties and has been used in various disinfection applications, its effectiveness against specific pathogens, including SARS-CoV, is not fully established.

Ozone can indeed kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including some strains of coronaviruses, under certain conditions. However, the effectiveness of ozone disinfection depends on several factors, including concentration, exposure time, and the specific strain of the virus. The concentration of ozone used in commercial ozone generators may differ significantly from the concentrations used in research studies, making it difficult to extrapolate results. Furthermore, SARS-CoV is a mutated strain of coronavirus, and while ozone may have some efficacy against other strains, its effectiveness against SARS-CoV specifically remains uncertain.

Research indicates that ozone can be effective in reducing the viability of various pathogens in the air and on surfaces. However, the application of ozone for disinfection in occupied spaces raises concerns. Ozone is a respiratory irritant, and exposure to elevated levels can cause health issues, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Therefore, while ozone disinfection may be effective in unoccupied environments, its use in occupied spaces must be approached with caution.

Regarding the use of ozone for disinfecting surfaces and items, it is essential to ensure that the ozone concentration is sufficient and that the items are exposed to ozone for an adequate duration. However, traditional disinfectants, such as bleach and alcohol, have been proven effective against SARS-CoV, with studies showing that these agents can inactivate the virus within minutes at room temperature. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended these conventional disinfectants as effective means to combat SARS-CoV.

As for the survival of the SARS virus at high temperatures, studies have shown that elevated temperatures can indeed reduce the viability of SARS-CoV. The virus is sensitive to heat, and higher temperatures can lead to a decrease in its infectiousness. For instance, exposure to temperatures above 56°C (132.8°F) for a short duration can effectively inactivate the virus. This highlights the importance of environmental conditions in controlling the spread of the virus.

In summary, while ozone disinfection has potential applications in pathogen control, its effectiveness against SARS-CoV specifically is not well-documented, and its use in occupied spaces poses health risks. Conventional disinfectants remain the recommended approach for effectively inactivating SARS-CoV. Additionally, maintaining high environmental temperatures can contribute to reducing the virus's viability. For anyone concerned about SARS or other infectious diseases, it is advisable to follow guidelines from health authorities and utilize proven disinfection methods.

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