5C.ii Health Hazards – Effects on Humans
Gaseous ozone acts as a primary irritant, a
ff
ecting mainly the eyes, upper respiratory tract
and the lungs. Inhalation produces various degrees of respiratory e
ff
ects from irritation to
pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs). Short exposure to 1-2 ppm concentrations causes
headache as well as irritation to the respiratory system but symptoms subside when
exposure ends. High concentrations of ozone produce severe irritation to the eyes and
respiratory system. Exposure above the ACGIH/OSHA limits may produce nausea, chest
pain, coughing, fatigue, reduced visual acuity and pulmonary edema. Symptoms of
edema from excessive exposure can be delayed one or more hours. There is no threshold
limit and so no exposure (regardless of how small) is theoretically without e
ff
ect from
ozone’s strong oxidative ability.
ABSOLUTE
OZONE®
Section 5
TOXIC EFFECTS OF GASEOUS OZONE
OZONE CONCENTRATION (PPM)
EFFECT
0.01 - 0.10
Range of Odor Threshold
0.1
Permissible concentration (8 hour work
day)*
0.3
Permitted short-term exposure (15min.)*
0.01 - 0.1
Headaches, irritation to respiratory tract,
severe irritation to eyes
1.0 - 10.0
Nausea, chest pain, coughing, fatigue,
reduced visual acuity, pulmonary edema
5.0
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
(I.D.L.H)*
>20.0
Can be fatal after 1 hour
>50.0
Can be fatal after 30 minutes
*Regulatory Levels
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
-19-
For more information about this product visit our
website at, http://www.absoluteozone.com
