MEDALLION Healthy Homes of Canada Inc. Indoor Air Quality Experts "Smell The Clean" Air-Duct Sanitizing is Nothing to Sneeze at Get on the ozone express By Steve Okun Recent medical studies have called attention to a fairly significant phenomenon affecting those of us who use automobile air conditioners. Automobile air ducts are breeding grounds for bacteria, molds and other allergens that cause some form of respiratory distress in roughly one out of five Americans. Once inside an enclosed vehicle, passengers are a captive audience to airborne irritants swirling around and being inhaled. Often, but not always, a stale telltale odor generated by the bacteria protein is noticeable for a short time. Either way, if molds and allergens affect you or your customers, relief may well be within your grasp. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified the problem after investigating the relationship between allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, and automobile air conditioners. Extensive research led to the discovery that the damp, dark environment of air conditioning ducts inside automobiles provides very good thriving conditions for various forms of fungi and offensive microorganisms that cause irritation of the sinuses and respiratory system. The market is huge; the fixes plentiful Because there is such a large audience of both current and prospective allergy sufferers, allergy remedies have found a substantial following in the pharmaceutical industry. Allergists have become increasingly in demand, and over-the-counter cures abound. Many pill-popping Americans have developed an ever-growing appreciation for alternative solutions to drugs that better relieve their ills, and seem eager to explore healthier ways to make their world more livable. Faced with the news that their cars' air conditioning ducts are wellsprings of molds and allergen growth, most drivers will undoubtedly seek effective solutions to the problem. You may recall the first newspaper ads, complete with graphics of an ugly dust mite, which spurred millions of homeowners to have all of the ductwork in their houses cleaned and sanitized. Once convinced that a potential problem existed, consumers were quick to act. The image of the squiggly figure undoubtedly helped get the message across. Allergens are just an example of the many ugly microorganisms that are ever-present in daily life. An increasing number of auto manufacturers is placing even greater emphasis on interior air filtration in response to consumer feedback concerning air quality, indicating the consumer market is ripe for this fresh innovative service. Ozone is the most effective sanitizer All the available research strongly suggests that of the eight categories of deodorizers, only disinfectants and sanitizers have the ability to effectively eradicate microorganisms living in air conditioning ducts. Air ducts are often partially made of non-durable or semi-durable materials that do not sustain being doused by liquids and aggressive chemicals. Furthermore, most air ducts are inaccessible to spraying or even fogging methods. To be effective, a disinfectant must get into all the little nooks and crannies that are tightly enclosed within the ductwork and connections. Microbiologists agree that for antimicrobial action to be effective, the sanitizing agent must actually touch the affected areas, either by direct contact or through moisture-laden vapor as a carrier. The most penetrating action deals with difficult-to-reach ductwork by utilizing a gaseous substance to permeate and sanitize all of the surfaces being treated. That gas is electronically generated ozone, frequently referred to as nature's sanitizer. In an effort to improve our environment by reducing the use and storage of toxic chemicals, ozone's environmental benefits have become popular. The very thing that protects the earth from radiation and cleans our atmosphere is also the most powerful oxidizer available commercially. Ozone has rapidly become a purifier of choice because it pierces the cell wall of bacteria and virus microorganisms on contact, destroying them 3,000 times faster than chlorine. Once ozone performs its oxidizing and purifying tasks, it reverts back to oxygen. Because of its unique capabilities, ozone appears to be the best way to treat air ducts for antimicrobial infestations like mold and other fungi, as well as a broad host of other bacteria. Ozone is one of the most powerful oxidizers known, making it a very effective sanitizing agent in both air and water. Ozone is a 50-percent stronger oxidizer than chlorine, yet is perfectly safe when used as directed. Ozone has been used for more than a century as an antimicrobial agent and is safer and more effective than chlorine-in-water treatment. It is routinely used in the food industry to control and reduce pathogens in fresh food products such as meats, fish, fruit and vegetables. No harmful residues are left on foods as a result of the oxidation, and the usefully unstable ozone always reverts back to its natural form. Allergy symptoms can be greatly reduced or eliminated through the use of ozone to oxidize airborne pollens, bacteria, molds and fungi odors as well as pet dander. Accordingly, allergists prescribe ozone air purifiers for their patients. Not all ozone units are created equal When treating air ducts for microorganism infestation, overkill is the name of the game. The more powerful the agent, the quicker and more effective the process. This means the level of ozone gas needed well exceeds the levels determined by OSHA to be safe for humans, indicating that the vehicle being treated must be unoccupied and closed. Overkill is essential to malodor removal. In order for ozone to be an effective deodorizer, ozone must be concentrated into a potent oxidizing gas. Clearly, the more powerful the ozone unit, the less time needed to rid interior malodors. Not all ozone machines generate the same level of ozone. Operators should carefully check the ozone generation performance features as well as the manufacturer guarantees before purchasing. Prices are competitive, and the operating cost of a typical ozone unit rivals the utility cost to light a 75-watt bulb. Additionally, it is wise to keep the ozone generator outside of the vehicle, thus enhancing its ability to find and convert oxygen without the risk of ozone molecules attacking the inner workings of the generator itself. Ozone enters the vehicle by a hose fed through an ajar window. The window opening is then sealed with foam inserts to contain the ozone in the car's interior, thus pressurizing the interior space with purifying ozone. Risks and downsides When used properly, ozone is quite safe. As a word of caution though, ozone is a toxic gas that must not be ingested. Lungs are designed for breathing oxygen, not ozone. Temporary exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause watery eyes, coughing and a stuffy nose. Disregarding the recommended airing-out process and allowing prolonged exposure to the residual ozone may cause severe headaches to occupants. However, this type of built-in warning system will likely cause a person to leave the area of ozone use. Following manufacturer directions will keep the process safe and easy. Technically, oxidation has a deteriorating effect on rubber parts, but only after a prolonged period of exposure. The ozone exposure to interior finishes and material is very slight and brief, so the risk of degradation is miniscule. Ozone express The time and labor requirements for air duct sanitizing are minimal and the investment in technology is modest. Yet, with the size of the market and availability of regular repeat business, the profit potential can be huge. In most cases, ozone air duct sanitizing requires 5 to 7 minutes of processing, and a 3-minute airing-out period upon completion. The timeframe fits neatly within the standard window of opportunity. Since the only labor involved in the process is placing the machine in the vehicle and turning it on, attendant time is minimal. Most units have automatic timers that shut off when the job is completed. Once considered only a niche market for specialized odor removal, ozone sanitation is now becoming a service required by the majority of motoring Americans. Recognizing the opportunity and using it to distinguish your operation from the competition may mean thousands of additional dollars in revenue. Moreover, it gives your clientele another reason to come back-- again and again. Steve Okun is a consultant to the automotive appearance industry and owner of S.M. Okun & Associates in Jupiter, FL.