Ozone is among the most powerful oxidizing agents known and if not handled properly can be harmful. Because of the strongly oxidizing properties of ozone, ozone is a primary irritant, affecting especially the eyes and respiratory systems and can be hazardous at even low concentrations.
Ozone Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation: Causes dryness of the mouth, coughing, and irritates the nose, throat, and chest. May cause difficulty in breathing, headache, and fatigue. The characteristic sharp, irritating odor is readily detectable at low concentrations (0.01 to 0.05 ppm).
Corrective Measure: Move to fresh air; if breathing is difficult a trained person should administer oxygen. If respiration stops give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Get medical attention.
Skin: Absorption through intact skin is not expected.
Corrective Measure: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Eye Contact: Ozone is an irritant to the eyes causing pain, lacrimation, and minor inflammation.
Corrective Measure: Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, while forcibly holding eyelids apart to ensure flushing of the entire eye surface. If irritation, pain, or other symptoms persist seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Not a route of exposure.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Ozone may increase sensitivity to bronchia constrictors including allergens, especially individuals with asthma.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.1 μmol/mol (29 CFR 1910.1000 table Z-1), calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Higher concentrations are especially hazardous and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health Limit (IDLH) of 5 μmol/mol. Facilities, where ozone is used, should have adequate ventilation and it is highly recommended that every ozone generating area include an ambient ozone monitor that will alarm if the concentration exceeds the OSHA PEL.
Refer to the Ozone Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the Uniform Fire Code for additional information.