What Is Ozone Treatment Used for in Fire Restoration?

Ozone generators release ozone gas, which is a molecule containing three oxygen atoms. This gas is highly reactive and seeks out other molecules to bond with and oxidize. In fire restoration, the ozone targets the volatile organic compounds that cause smoky smells.

As these odor molecules are oxidized, their chemical structure changes. This neutralizes the odor rather than merely masking it with a fragrance. The treatment works on odors trapped in the air and those absorbed into fabrics, furniture, and other porous items in your home.

• Targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from smoke
• Oxidizes odor molecules to change their structure
• Works on airborne and absorbed odors
• Is a gas that penetrates porous materials
• Neutralizes odor instead of covering it up
• Requires specialized equipment to generate

Ozone is a lung irritant and can be harmful to people, pets, and plants. The area being treated must be completely sealed and vacant. The pros will set up containment and use air monitoring equipment to ensure safety throughout the process.

You will need to remove all living beings from the home during treatment. The pros will also advise you on securing or removing sensitive items, as high ozone concentrations can damage certain materials like rubber, artwork, and some electronics.

You may need ozone treatment if smoky odors persist after professional cleaning and ventilating your home. It is a common solution for moderate to severe fire damage where odors have deeply penetrated building materials and contents.

A qualified restoration professional can assess your home to determine if ozone is the right approach. They consider the fire's source, the extent of smoke penetration, and the types of materials affected before recommending any deodorization strategy.