Harnessing the Power of Ozone in the Fight Against COVID-19
Even before the era of COVID-19, approximately eight years following the outbreak of the SARS coronavirus, an enlightening scientific research paper was published:
Title: Ozone therapy: A clinical review
Authors: A. M. Elvis and J. S. Ekta
Journal: J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2011 Jan-Jun; 2(1): 66–70.
DOI: 10.4103/0976-9668.82319
PMCID: PMC3312702
PMID: 22470237
Abstract:
Ozone (O3) gas, discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, is a molecule comprised of three oxygen atoms in a dynamically unstable structure due to mesomeric states. While O3 can exhibit hazardous effects, researchers believe it holds significant therapeutic potential.
Ozone therapy has been in use and under extensive study for over a century. Its effects are well-documented, consistent, safe, and associated with minimal and preventable side effects. Medical O3 is employed for disinfection and disease treatment. It functions by inactivating bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, and protozoa while stimulating oxygen metabolism and activating the immune system. Ozone is administered in gaseous forms, which, though somewhat unconventional, necessitate the development of special application techniques for safe use. In localized applications, such as treating external wounds, transcutaneous O3 gas baths have proven to be the most practical and effective method, particularly at low (sub-atmospheric) pressure within a closed system to prevent O3 escape into the surrounding air.
Ozonized water, well-known in dental medicine, is optimally applied as a spray or compress. It has demonstrated efficacy in treating various conditions, including infected wounds, circulatory disorders, geriatric conditions, macular degeneration, viral diseases, rheumatism/arthritis, cancer, SARS, and AIDS.
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Ozone: A Potent Ally Against COVID-19
Professor Zhou Muzhi, Tokyo, highlights the remarkable potential of ozone in combating the COVID-19 pandemic:
For over a century, ozone, recognized as a natural virus killer, has been extensively utilized for disinfection, sterilization, deodorization, detoxification, preservation, and bleaching, owing to its potent oxidative properties. In light of its efficacy, ozone should be regarded as a valuable weapon in the global battle against COVID-19, boasting the following attributes:
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Full Coverage: Ozone generated by ozone generators or electrostatic air purifiers can permeate every nook and cranny of the environment, overcoming the limitations of ultraviolet sterilization, which can only sanitize surfaces in a straight-line path, leaving some areas untreated.
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High Detergency: Ozone eliminates bacteria and viruses through oxidation, leaving no toxic residues behind. In contrast, conventional chemical disinfectants pose health risks and leave hazardous residues. The overuse of disinfecting agents during the current epidemic is a concerning issue.
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Convenience: Ozone can be readily produced using simple equipment, adaptable for single rooms, large public spaces, and various modes of public transportation, including buses, high-speed trains, ships, and airplanes.
The effectiveness of ozone in combating bacteria and viruses depends on factors such as ozone concentration, temperature, humidity, exposure duration, and the specific strains of microorganisms. Recent experiments conducted by Professor Li Zelin's national P3 laboratory, investigating ozone's impact on the SARS virus, have shown a remarkable 99.22% effectiveness in killing the virus when tested on green monkey kidney cells. Notably, the novel coronavirus shares an 80% genetic similarity with the SARS virus, making ozone a promising candidate for preventing and controlling the new coronavirus.
However, it's essential to manage ozone concentrations within safe levels, as excessive exposure can irritate mucous membranes and cause discomfort. Therefore, the application of ozone is currently more suitable for unmanned environments.
Efforts to make ozone more accessible for human environments are ongoing, with a focus on reducing the cost of ozone sensors. Lowering the expense of these sensors is crucial to enabling safe and controlled ozone use by the general population, particularly in crowded hospitals, factories, public spaces, closed public transportation, and indoor settings.
Amid the ongoing pandemic, it is recommended to establish reasonable indoor ozone concentration standards and explore the potential of ozone for disinfection and sterilization in human environments. Generous donations, such as those made by Zhang Yue, providing ozone-generating purifiers to healthcare facilities, can play a vital role in protecting medical professionals and saving infected patients' lives.
The delicate balance between ozone and microorganisms highlights its significance in the Earth's ecosystem. Ozone, while shielding the planet from harmful bacteria and viruses in the absence of the ozone layer, also acts as a formidable disinfectant. Adequate knowledge and understanding of ozone are essential. Prejudices and misconceptions should be set aside to harness ozone's potential fully, especially in the fight against the new coronavirus.
Zhou Muzhi, Professor at Tokyo Keizai University and President of the Cloud River Urban Research Institute.
Source: www.china.org.cn, February 26, 2020