Ozone is one of those tricky things - way up in the stratoshere, it's essential for protecting us from uv rays, but closer to earth, it's a strong lung irritant and a major component of the layer of smog and pollution hanging over so much of the world. Still more confusing: the pollution caused by ozone-generating elements such as cleaning chemicals and gas fumes from cars makes it necessary to disinfect our air and water, and sanitation companies do this sometimes by generating...ozone. Oxidizing water and surfaces with ozone clears them of potentially deadly microorganisms, but although the issue is controversial, can also contribute to further depletion of the necessary ozone layer, leading to more pollution, and so on and so on.

While ozone is a scary word, many of the popular air sanitizers for the home emit possibly dangerous levels of ozone. Quite scary considering how many personal appliances these days are "ionic" although most companies insist that only "trace amounts" of ozone are created.

So I am confused, but also find it refreshing that Tersano, a Canadian sanitation appliance company, fully discloses that their Lotus home sanitizers use ozone to clean your home, foods, and water. The Lotus water treatment system is a mini treatment plant that bubbles ozone through your drinking water to clear it of toxins and chemicals. The Lotus sanitizing system sprays your fresh fruits and meats with super-oxygenated water to eliminate pesticides and bacteria, keeping them fresher longer. The sanitizer can also be used to fill a spray bottle with the ozone-rich water to clean household surfaces.

The Lotus line of products will be available later this spring from one of the ionizing superstars of the retail world, Sharper Image. I haven't seen an official price list, but all the products should start in the $200 range.

Related:
Oh-Zone! safety survey (sponsored by Tersano so it's ozone rah-rah)
Home ozone generators and health consequences from the EPA.