What Materials to Look for in Ozone Syringes and Generators?
Ozone syringes can help you safely handle pure ozone at an accurate volume while keeping it sterile. However, many would be tempted to use normal medical syringes, which are cheaper but are made of materials that don’t withstand ozone. As a result, the eroded materials can off-gas and contaminate your ozone-oxygen mix, which is a problem if you need pure gas.
In this article, we’ll discuss various materials for ozone syringes, ozone generators, and other ozone handling, and what’s best for high-grade ozone uses like wellness.
What to Look for in Ozone Syringes and Why?
Materials that have many double bonds between carbons or are easily oxidized tend to not withstand ozone exposure very well. For example, most standard syringes are made from polypropylene with isoprene rubber stoppers, so they break down readily with ozone.
When buying ozone syringes, make sure that at least the plunger and interior are made from ozone-compatible materials such as silicone. The stopper should be white. Plastics like polypropylene may withstand ozone with fewer than 3 - 5 uses. This is why our specialized ozone-resistant syringes have polypropylene barrels with a silicone interior and silicone plungers.
Materials that Erode and Come Off When Exposed to Ozone
When producing or handling ozone, avoid the following materials:
Isoprene (natural) rubber – Grade D (severe effect)
Isoprene rubber is the typical main composition of black rubber stoppers in standard syringes. The problem with isoprene is that it has several double bonds between carbons, just like unsaturated fats in ozone oil. This means it’s easy for ozone to insert itself into these double bonds, break down the rubber, and release oxidation byproducts within minutes to hours. This breakdown may occur faster when the rubber is reused or stretched, such as when you pull the plunger.
These byproducts could precipitate in your ozone mixture or contaminate your gas mixture as various aldehydes and acids, including formaldehyde. As a result, the contaminated ozone-oxygen mix could be harmful or unsuitable for anything that requires pure ozone-oxygen.
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Most metals
Most metals like iron and aluminum are easily oxidized into rust, so any metals that contain iron will quickly get oxidized by ozone and oxygen. Whereas, titanium and stainless steel have excellent ozone compatibility. Therefore, purchase only ozone generators and oxygen tank regulators that use the right metals in parts exposed to ozone.
Polypropylene – Grade C (fair)
Polypropylene is the standard material for most syringes. Grade C means the material can handle ozone for days or weeks, but not longer.
Pros:
- Inexpensive so they’re typically disposable
- Polypropylene syringes are typically sold sterilized
- Can be combined or lined with other materials, like silicone
Cons:
- Some are lubricated with silicone oil
- Has a lower gas barrier than glass, so it may absorb some gas
Safe materials for ozone syringes and their rating
At SimplyO3, we research and use the highest-quality ozone-compatible materials in our ozone generators and accessories. We’ve found the following materials to be the best for ozone handling:
Glass – Grade A (Excellent)
Glass is a standard material for handling anything potentially reactive. However, there’s a risk of breakage. Glass syringes also need extra lubrication, which tends to be silicone oil.
Pros:
- Typically non-reactive and heat resistant
- Reusable if they can be cleaned and sterilized
- Not permeable to gas
- Transparent
Cons:
- Breakable
- Require silicon oil or other lubricants, which can contaminate the syringe content with agitation
- May contain metals from the production process, which can contaminate the ozone gas
- Expensive
- May have ozone-incompatible stoppers
- Typically sold unsterilized
Silicone – Grade A (Excellent)
Silicone or silicon is a very stable polymer of silicon and oxygen, or the element in sand. This means it’s typically difficult to break down silicone, whether with heat or chemicals. So, our ozone syringes have silicone interiors and plungers.
Pros:
- Typically inert and can withstand high heat
- Flexible and pliable, which makes it an excellent material for stoppers and tubings
Cons:
- Not solid enough to be the barrel of a syringe
Kynar or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) – Grade A (Excellent)
Kynar is one of the most durable and chemical-resistant plastics there is. It’s often used to protect construction metals and paint from the elements. Its durability makes it the perfect material for ozone syringes and Luer locks.
Pros:
- Reasonably flexible
- Durable and ozone-compatible
Cons:
- More expensive than other types of plastics
Polycarbonate – Grade A (Excellent)
Polycarbonate is a very strong, durable, and ozone-resistant plastic. This makes it a perfect material for ozone syringes, ozone valves, and other types of ozone handling.
Pros:
- Durable
- Ozone compatible
Cons:
- Not BPA-free. It contains bisphenol A as a monomer, although it’s unlikely to degrade or release with ozone
- Somewhat gas permeable, like most plastics
Stainless steel – Grade A (Excellent) or B (Good)
Pros:
- Durable
Cons:
- Require silicone oil lubrication
- Expensive
- Not transparent
- Stainless steel syringes may not be compatible with gas handling
Conclusion
When buying ozone generators, ozone syringes, or other ozone-exposed parts, it’s crucial to research if the materials are ozone-resistant. Devices and parts made from materials that break down with ozone will be cheaper but won’t last as long. Ozone tends to break down standard polypropylene syringes that have black rubber stoppers, as both polypropylene and rubber are not ozone-compatible. Many metals can also easily oxidize and rust with both ozone and oxygen.
The ozone-incompatible materials will break down and leak toxic substances like formaldehyde into the resulting ozone-oxygen gas, creating impure gas. They can clog tubings, jam machines, or otherwise become unfit for wellness or any other uses that require a pure ozone-oxygen mix.
Therefore, to reap the most benefits from high-grade ozone at home, remember to use only ozone-compatible syringes, tubings, valves, and Luer locks. Our ozone syringes have a polypropylene barrel with a silicone interior and plunger, ensuring that only grade A parts are exposed to ozone.
If you are just getting started, our Starter Kit includes the best home ozone generator and all the ozone-compatible parts to help get you started.
- Micah Lowe
