Destroying 1,000,000 spores of the bac-teria species subtilis at the same tempera-ture takes one minute. This example reinforces the belief that heat affects each biological pollutant differently. Consequently, we must know the nature and characteristics of the living matter we are trying to destroy and remove. Routinely cleaning the built environment requires sterilizing, sanitizing and disin-fecting. A condition must be created that accepts environmental risks. Heat assists this process by destroying bacterial cells and spores even though the living organism population rarely can be destroyed completely. Repeated cleaning at high temperature controls harmful living organism popula-tions. How Does Reactivity Relate To Cleaning? Generally, gaseous solutions do not work well in cleaning because their molecules are too widespread when circulating in the air. This weakens the attraction between the cleaning gasʼ molecules and those of the pollutant being removed. Gases are more effective when they are pressurized or highly concentrated in an enclosed vessel. The closer the molecules are the more effective the cleaning. Ozone is the gas solution frequently used in cleaning. It reacts with other substances and changes their chemical structure. Sometimes this reaction changes a sub-stanceʼs smell and reduces its toxicity. Ozoneʼs highly reactive nature purifies air and water and deodorizes and destroys microorganisms in water. Some ozone properties make it an effec-tive cleaning agent. This is particularly true of its reactivity with organic chemical substances and lower life forms that are responsible for the toxic properties of ozone in humans. Ozone reacts with manʼs bioorganic compounds in the fluids, cells and tissues it contacts, especially those lining the respi-ratory tract. This negative property calls for establish-ing ozone standards based on health needs. Organic compounds react with ozone in a process similar to combustion. This reaction produces carbon dioxide, water and an elemental oxide, such as eth-ylene, which has a distinct odor. When exposed to ozone it breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and oxygen, all of which are odorless and harmless. Some compounds — mostly inorganic — will not react with ozone, including silica, hydrogen peroxide and sodium bromide. It is important to know in advance whether ozone will reduce a compound and, if so, what products are formed by that reduction. Avoid ozone exposure when it is used in cleaning. CM Circle Product Information no. 261 on page 32 Circle Product Information no. 208 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 39
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