Dr. Halden S. Shane

The most pervasive problem that health care facilities experience today is the spread of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Several studies have been conducted which demonstrate that ozone is the most effective and practical antibacterial agent. The antimicrobial activity of ozone is based essentially on its powerful oxidizing effect, which causes irreversible damage to the fatty acids in the cell membrane and to cellular macromolecules, such as proteins, and DNA. The disinfection rate depends on the type of organism and is affected by ozone concentration and treatment time.

In a study conducted by Manju Sharma, MD and James V. Hudson, PhD, an ozone dosage of 25ppm for 20 minutes, was able to inactivate 99.9 PERCENT of colony-forming units of most bacteria, including MRSA. In another study, an intensive care nurse with eczema was repeatedly treated for a MRSA infection. Because cultures remained positive for the bacteria, her house was investigated. Thirty-four percent of the environmental samples yielded MRSA. The house was decontaminated with ozone. All subsequent cultures were negative. Kowalski et al studied the bacterial effects of airborne ozone against MRSA by placing Petri dishes containing the microorganisms in a chamber and exposing for 10 to 480 seconds to ozone concentrations between 300 and 1500ppm. Levels of population reduction was in excess of 99.99 percent.

Another tool to eliminate MRSA in hospitals is the installation of germicidal irradiation (UVGI). In a study conducted at McGill University, operation of UVGI resulted in 99 percent reduction of microbial and endotoxin concentrations on irradiated surfaces within the ventilation systems.

UVGI lights installed in the HVAC system in a Florida hospital, which had a visible mold build-up and a coil 50 percent clogged, decreased the static pressure from 1.8 in. w.g. to just 0.7 in. w.g. within two weeks. The air velocity increased from 230 fpm to 520 fpm. The total energy savings for one year was $4867 for a 6000 CFM unit, which also translates to a significant carbon imprint reduction. UVGI is more effective at inactivating pathogens at the air handling coils than in the supply ductwork because of a longer exposure time however the use of ozone to sanitize a duct system has many advantages over traditional duct cleaning due to the rapid destruction of bacterial and fungal pathogens entrained within the ducts. Many of today's traditional duct cleaning companies apply a biocide to the ducts in the hope that it will destroy pathogenic organisms. Many biocides have toxic by-products if not used properly and they fail to match the ability of Ozone to kill pathogens of concern.

In one set of experiments at the same hospital, a single 17-watt UVGI fixture suspended 0.6 m. from the ceiling resulted in disappearance rates for mycobacterium equivalent to adding 10 air exchange an hour (ACH) to the existing 2ACH.

MRSA has become a leading cause of prolonged hospital stays and complications, which have led to death in many of these patients. It is also considered to more than double the mortality and morbidity risks of any hospitalized patient. An estimated one in 10 patients admitted to the hospital will acquire an infection after admission, resulting in substantial morbidity and economic cost to the healthcare system. Patients with hospital-acquired infections stay longer, require additional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and are at increased risk for other medical complications.

Sufficient studies have been conducted that substantiate that the ozone generator and UVGI can provide a valuable decontamination tool for removal of MRSA in hospitals as well as for other multi-drug resistant organisms.

The increase of known, as well as emerging infectious diseases along with new strains of existing bacteria, requires a rapid, safe and powerful killing mechanism that eliminates these pathogens from areas of concern. In essence, any indoor environment treated with Ozone will eliminate bacteria, mold spores, allergens, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOC's). Pure Ozone also inactivates viruses.

The utilization of Ozone by skilled technicians under controlled conditions can successfully sanitize an area within hours allowing for its rapid return to normal operations. Ozone is also highly effective in the sanitizing of a/c coils and duct systems that often act as transmission pathways for airborne fungal organisms in the healthcare setting.


Dr. Halden S. Shane is chairman & CEO of The Ozone Man, Inc. The Ozone Man, Inc. was established by several physicians and hospital CEO's to address indoor pollution in hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities.