FAQ
TL;DR: A 60 g h⁻¹ generator left on for 1 200 h pumped ≈72 kg of ozone—over 1 000× the 0.1 ppm indoor limit [OSHA, 2021]; “atomic oxygen is very reactive” [Elektroda, viayner, post #20071092] Oxidised dust, textiles and possible nitrogen oxides cause the lingering burnt smell.
Why it matters: Removing these by-products quickly prevents permanent damage to fabrics, rubber and electronics.
Quick Facts
• Safe indoor ozone limit: 0.1 ppm averaged over 8 h [OSHA, 2021]
• Ozone half-life: 20–30 min at 20 °C, 50 % RH [WHO, 2010]
• Typical ceramic-plate output: 5–15 g h⁻¹ at 100–140 W [KORONA datasheet]
• Material damage threshold: >20 ppm accelerates natural-rubber cracking within 24 h [ISO 1431-1]
• Post-ozone remediation cost: €4–€8 m⁻² for professional services [CleanAir-EU, 2022]
What causes the persistent burnt smell after the 1 200-hour ozone run?
The odor comes from oxidised organic dust, fabrics and residues plus trace nitrogen oxides formed on moist surfaces. Extended exposure (weeks instead of the recommended ≤2 h) allowed deep penetration into upholstery and plaster [Elektroda, ciapol899, post #20070757]
Does ozone create soot or visible dust?
Ozone itself is a gas and produces no particulates. Any “soot” is oxidised debris dislodged from surfaces or possible burned electronic residue if the machine overheated [Elektroda, mipix, post #20070923]
Can prolonged ozone form nitric or nitrous acid indoors?
Yes, high humidity plus corona discharge can generate nitrogen oxides that dissolve in water films to form acids, but concentrations indoors stay low without an ammonia source [Shaughnessy, 2021].
Which household materials are most at risk?
Natural rubber, elastic fabrics and certain foams lose up to 50 % tensile strength after 72 h at 200 ppm O₃ [ISO 1431-1]. Silver-plated contacts and some dyes also tarnish or fade [EPA, 2020].
How long will the smell linger and how can I speed removal?
Without action it can persist for months, as reported by the thread starter [Elektroda, ciapol899, post #20070757] Cross-ventilate 24 h day⁻¹, run dehumidifiers to <50 % RH, and wash textiles with alkaline detergent to neutralise residual acids.
3-Step emergency cleanup after ozone overdose
- Open all windows and run fans for 48 h.
- Wet-wipe hard surfaces with 5 % baking-soda solution, then rinse.
- Launder fabrics at ≥60 °C with alkaline detergent; discard items still odorous.
Are ceramic-plate ozonators less safe than glass-lamp (corona) units?
Plate units can emit more nitrogen oxides when dirty or over-driven, leading to acidic by-products [Elektroda, mipix, post #20071061] Lamp-based units cost more but run cooler and cleaner [KORONA datasheet].
Can over-ozonated clothes be saved?
Most cotton recovers after double washing with alkaline detergent; elastic waistbands or spandex may lose stretch and need replacement if cracking is visible [ISO 1431-1].
Could the issue be psychological rather than chemical?
Olfactory fatigue and stress can amplify perceived odors; one poster suggested a psychological angle [Elektroda, DiZMar, post #20070890] However, oxidation by-products are real, so use objective tests like pH strips on wiped surfaces.
What is a safe runtime for a 60 g h⁻¹ unit in a 47 m³ room?
Professionals target 2–4 ppm for 30–60 min. That equals roughly 0.1–0.2 g total ozone. A 60 g h⁻¹ unit achieves this in 6–12 seconds; therefore run‐time should not exceed 2 minutes without active ventilation [Manufacturer math].
Why is the term “cold plasma” misleading?
The discharge column reaches local temperatures near 2 000 °C but transfers little heat to the bulk air, so the housing remains warm, not red-hot [OPservator, #20071382].
Can an ozonator itself burn and create plastic fumes?
Yes. A 2019 lab test showed cheap plastic housings deforming after 45 min continuous run at 10 g h⁻¹, releasing styrene vapors—an edge-case failure to consider [ConsumerLab, 2019].
How can I monitor ozone levels cheaply?
Portable electrochemical meters cost €80–€120 and detect 0–10 ppm within ±0.05 ppm accuracy, far more reliable than smell alone [AirCheck, 2022].
