Boulder Ozone Services

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are offering interior Ozone Services to offset the risk of viral transmission in the interior of vehicles. In conjunction with a wipe down with disinfectant of all control surfaces and high touch areas, we can sterilize the interior of your vehicle. This makes it safe for our staff to operate your vehicle and reduces the risk that you are unknowingly spreading the virus to your passengers.

Why should I consider an ozone service?

Surface sterilization only goes so far. Within the interior of your vehicle is a network of ducting, filters, nooks, and crannies that are a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and viruses. Microbes can live on these surfaces for days, and you may have even run into a few yourself. They are most commonly noticed as smells. Imagine the first time you turn the heat on for a few months or the first time you run the A/C in the Summer. An Ozone Service can be effective in killing these intruders where they live, and it is a safe, non-toxic service that will not leave a residue or harm the environment. Likely the only thing you will notice afterwards is the fresh smell of… well nothing.

What is an ozone service?

An ozone service is performed by generating a high concentration of ozone gas with an industrial machine and circulating it throughout the interior of the vehicle. Ozone is a strong oxidizer and it is neutralized when it attacks biological microbes such as mold, viruses, and bacteria. After even a brief 30 minute service, over 90% of airborne pollutants can be killed. Because ozone is a gas, extended services can reach deep into fabric and upholstery and kill microbes not feasible to be cleaned using conventional methods. Corona viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 are believed to be susceptible to disinfection with ozone.

Extra steps you should take before your ozone service:

Clean the interior as thoroughly as possible.
Remove all belongings and vacuum the carpet and upholstery.
Remove heavy deposits from all surfaces and clean the glass
Avoid excessive water based cleaners and give the interior time to completely dry

Isn’t ozone bad?

Ozone generators have been widely used for the process of disinfecting hospitals, vehicles, food, and even drinking water for decades. It is important not to confuse natural and manmade ozone with the ozone associated with photochemical smog.

“What really made ozone "notoriously famous" is the photochemical smog, which refers to a mixture of pollutants, including primary pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), together with secondary pollutants ozone produced in the chemical reaction of UV ray. Although NOx and VOC are the primary source of photochemical smog, the share of ozone in the smog could reach as high as 90%. So people usually equate photochemical smog pollution with ozone pollution.” (Source: Ozone: A powerful weapon to combat COVID-19 outbreak)

Ozone output of the machine is low, and it only needs to raise the ozone content of the air to 5 ppm to achieve the antimicrobial effect. For reference, an ozone generator produces ozone at a rate of 10000 mg/hr. Through fuel consumption, the average vehicle produces ozone at a rate of 1140 mg/km driven. This means that during a 30 minute ozone service we will produce as much ozone as a vehicle would produce over the course of being driven 3 miles.

Another common misconception of the use of ozone generators is that they are banned in the state of California and not recommended by the EPA. Both counts here are false, as the type of ozone generating device in these claims is more specific and related to the use of “Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners.” These devices are marketed for use in environments occupied by people, and produce levels of ozone that do not effectively disinfect but do inadvertently accomplish respiratory harm to their operators. Our service is performed in an unoccupied environment and the result is odor and chemical free.

Of course this is just one of the precautions that we have taken to keep you and your vehicle safe. Through our contact-less repair services, social distancing, sterilization of our facilities, and WHO and CDC best practices we are committed to doing our part to flatten the curve. While drop-in Ozone Services are offered, it should be known that with all other repairs we offer this service at NO CHARGE. Thank you for being a customer of The Shop Automotive LLC. Stay happy and healthy!

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Boulder Ozone Services