Some people often confuse ozone generators with ionizers or ionic air purifiers. Although ozone generators also produce ionized particles, and ion generators can produce small amounts of ozone, they are two devices with different purposes. Ozone generators produce ozone by absorbing air in bursts of high negative voltage pulses. Ionizers, on the other hand, follow the same principle but produce mostly ions, not ozone.
The ozone generator has a wide range of uses and is believed to treat a wide range of diseases. It is effective in removing bacteria, fungi and some viruses, helping to purify the body and having the effect of strengthening the body's functions. Proponents suggest a series of ozone therapies, including inhalation into the lungs, direct injection of ozone and drinking ozone-filtered water. But opponents argue that ozone is toxic and that any therapy using high levels of ozone could end up damaging the patient's body.
Ozone generators are more commonly used in parts of Asia and Europe. China, for example, used ozone generators extensively during the SARS outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the use of ozone generators for medical purposes, although 12 states allow the use of ozone therapy under the supervision of medical regulations.
The primary use of ozone generators in the United States is to purify the air environment, as the reactive oxygen is thought to help absorb dust and kill bacteria and mold. But there has been and is a lot of debate about their use as air purifiers. This is because the ozone emitted can be harmful. Ozone generators are also widely used as an alternative to chlorine for water purification, especially in home bathtubs most commonly.