GMI - Page: 27 of 62

Ozone (O3) has a very short life span and during this time it is very reactive. The oxidation potential of ozone is 2.07. This ranks third in nature as the highest oxidant behind fluorine and hydroxyl-radicals. The higher the oxidation potential leads to more powerful the oxidizing allowing it to break down the intended compounds.

The third oxygen atom is not tied very tightly to the other two atoms in an ozone molecule. The third molecule breaks away, leaving pure oxygen (O2), and a single oxygen molecule (O1). This single molecule will combine with bacteria, fungi, spores, mold and other componds in a process called oxidation. When this free oxygen molecule combines with the organisms it causes the cell-wall of the organism to “burn up” allowing the living material to be oxidized or destroyed. (click on picture). What is left behind is oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Engineers at Guardian are utilizing these basic fundamentals and bringing new opportunities in controlling mold, fungus, bacteria and viruses in many applications.