The history of ozone
Share
The History of Ozone
The discovery of ozone can be attributed to several scientists over time, but one of the first to examine ozone and its chemical properties was the Dutch chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein. In 1839, Schönbein was the first to isolate and identify ozone as a distinct substance thanks to its oxidizing properties and characteristic odor.
The name "ozone" comes from the Greek word oz ein and means to smell, referring to its characteristic odor.
The use of ozone for sanitation and medical treatment has evolved over time due to its disinfectant and oxidizing properties. Here are some key moments in its use for these purposes:
- Late 19th century: From the late 19th century onwards, ozone was used for drinking water detection. The first known ozonation plant for water purification was installed in Oudshoorn, the Netherlands, in 1893.
- 1920s-1930s: The use of ozone for water detection developed in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1926, the first large-scale water treatment plant using ozonation was built in Nice, France.
- Mid-20th century: Ozone began to be used for air disinfection in hospitals and food industries in the 1940s and 1950s. It was also used to sterilize operating rooms.
- 1970s-1980s: The use of ozone for water purification continued to develop, and it became more common in drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Medical use: Ozone has also been used for medical purposes in some regions. Ozone therapy, which involves the controlled administration of a mixture of oxygen and ozone, has been used to treat various conditions, although its effectiveness and safety are still debated within the medical community.
An ozonated oil is a vegetable oil (such as olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.) that has been treated with ozone. This ozonation process involves passing ozone through the oil, which can trigger various chemical reactions. The main goal of creating ozonated oils is to combine the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of ozone with the moisturizing and nourishing benefits of vegetable oils.