Ozone is a marvel of nature. In the upper atmosphere, Ozone protects our planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Closer to Earth, Ozone purifies and sanitizes the air we breathe, the water we drink, and food we eat. Long used in medical therapies, Ozone has shown remarkable antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activity. Ozone is a form of oxygen, consisting of three oxygen molecules (O3). Unlike diatomic oxygen (O2; the breathable oxygen present in the atmosphere), ozone is very unstable, and decays to O2 within about 30 minutes under normal atmospheric conditions. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent. It is able to oxidize a number of molecules, including metals (with the exception of gold, platinum, and iridium). In nature, Ozone is formed by the sun's ultraviolet rays and the high energy electrical discharges that happen during lightning storms.   Treatment of Biomedical Waste with Ozone		Ozone is of particular value as a disinfectant, as it is able to promote the oxidation of carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C). This type of bond is found in many biological molecules, and in other types of organic compounds, most notably pharmaceuticals. As a result, ozone is effective to kill essentially all pathogens including bacteria, fungi, viruses, as well as prions. Ozone is also effective to promote the degradation of a large number of drug compounds. Dr. Colin D. Rasmussen, Ph.D., LL.B. IS OZONE SAFE? If ozone were not safe, we would not be able to go outside and breathe the air, especially during sunshine, a thunderstorm, lightning, or after the rain. The fact is, when used responsibly, ozone is as safe as oxygen and very beneficial to our planet and to all of us who live here. To prove this obvious fact, many scientific studies have been done by experts on ozone, and all have confirmed the safety and benefits of ozone over and over again.