Have you ever wondered what the smell of ozone is like? People often describe it in different ways, such as chlorine or bleach, electric sparks, or burnt plastic. Some may find it sweet, while others may detect a metallic or garlic-like scent. When you turn on an oven, you may notice a metallic smell. This is likely ozone gas, which has an electric spark or metal-like aroma. UV-C lights can also generate ozone, which can accumulate indoors.
Ozone is germicidal and can be beneficial when used in air conditioning systems. As the lights continue to shine, the UV-C rays will produce ozone that will be spread throughout the house when the oven is turned on. Most people can smell ozone at concentrations of around 0.01 parts per million (ppm). If you can no longer smell ozone, its concentration should be below 0.01 ppm. Medical devices that produce ozone must not exceed 0.050 ppm, as regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The UVC light emitted by ultraviolet ozone generators can kill mold and mildew, which are sources of some odors. Especially in areas damaged by water, the extra moisture creates a breeding ground for harmful pathogens.Ultraviolet germicidal bulbs emit light that is lethal to these microbes and can help eliminate odors. When UV-C light hits metals, it has enough energy to eject electrons from many metals, especially aluminum. If you have installed short-wave ultraviolet (UV-C) lights in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, the coil box to be exact, then any metallic odor you perceive may be the result of the production of ozone gas by UV-C lights. Ozone has a distinct smell that can be detected at low concentrations.
It is important to note that prolonged exposure to high levels of ozone can be hazardous to your health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your HVAC system is properly maintained and that any UV-C lights are functioning correctly. If you are concerned about the smell of ozone in your home or office, contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system and ensure that it is functioning properly. They will be able to identify any potential issues and provide advice on how to reduce the amount of ozone produced by your UV-C lights.
