Ozone Therapy: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Ozone Therapy?
If you are thinking about ozone therapy, start with a primary care doctor, a doctor for your overall health. An FDA rule says ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical use as a treatment, add-on treatment, or way to prevent illness. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Ozone is a molecule made of three atoms of oxygen. The oxygen we breathe has two atoms. The third atom of ozone can detach and attach to other substances, which changes them chemically. Ozone is a toxic gas that is very different from oxygen.
Ozone high above the Earth shields us from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ozone at ground level is the main ingredient in smog.
Sellers of ozone devices often use misleading terms for ozone, such as energized oxygen or pure air. Those terms suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen.
What people use it for
An FDA rule covers devices that make ozone. It says such a device is considered adulterated or misbranded, which means it does not meet the law, if it is used for any medical condition with no proof that it is safe and works. The same is true if it releases ozone into the air in hospitals or other places for the ill or infirm.
Ozone has been widely used to purify water, but ozone acts differently in water than in air. High levels of ozone in air are sometimes used to help clean an empty space, for example after a fire, when no people are present.
How to prepare
Ozone can harm health, whether it is pure or mixed with other chemicals.
These things raise the risk of harm from breathing ozone.
- More ozone in the air.
- A longer time breathing it, for some health effects.
- Activities that make you breathe faster, such as exercise.
- Lung diseases such as asthma.
People also vary widely in how sensitive they are to ozone.
What happens during it
Some devices make ozone on purpose, and others make it as a by-product. Some studies found that ozone from a generator can be well above health standards even when the maker's directions are followed. The smell of ozone is not a reliable sign of how much ozone is in the air.
Recovery
People can recover from the harm of short-term exposure to low levels of ozone. At higher levels or after longer exposure, harm may be worse and recovery less certain. Breathing ozone regularly can lead to permanent lung damage.
What the research shows and safety concerns
To kill germs, ozone must be present at levels far higher than people and animals can safely tolerate. Breathing ozone can damage the lungs. It can cause coughing and throat irritation, and it can make asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema worse. Ozone may also make it harder for the body to fight lung infections. The FDA rule also says ozone can cause pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs. It usually starts some hours after exposure. The FDA rule says harmful effects on the nervous system, heart, and vision have been reported.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
A primary care doctor, a doctor who looks after your overall health, can talk with you about ozone therapy. No federal agency has approved ozone air cleaners for use in occupied spaces.
Common questions
Does ozone have a known medical use?
No, an FDA rule says ozone has no known useful medical use as a treatment, add-on treatment, or way to prevent illness. The rule calls ozone a toxic gas.
Is ozone safe to breathe?
No, ozone can be harmful to health. It can damage the lungs and cause coughing and throat irritation. People with lung diseases such as asthma face a higher risk.
Is ozone the same as oxygen?
No, ozone is a toxic gas with very different chemical properties from oxygen. Ozone has three oxygen atoms, while the oxygen we breathe has two.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations - 21 CFR 801.415, Maximum acceptable level of ozone
- MedlinePlus - Ozone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
