Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant. The third atom is loosely attached and easily separates from the ozone molecule to combine with other substances such as odors germs, pollutants and etc.

In air, or in a solution of water, ozone is capable of oxidizing most organic and inorganic compounds to inert oxides. Most toxic environmental pollutants commonly found in water bodies can be effectively neutralised with ozone treatment. For example, ozone treatment can assist with the removal heavy metals from water, including soluble organic-metal complexes. Ozone oxidises these metal salts to less toxic insoluble oxides, which precipitate out of solution allowing easily removal by conventional filtration.

Now ozone is becoming widely used to oxidize odors such as Cooking Odors, Pet Odors, Garbage Odors, Cigarette Smoke Odors, Mold and Mildew Odors in Basements, Fire Damage Odors, Water Damage Odors, etc. It reacts readily with any chemical compound, both organic and inorganic, that is present in a reduced state. Therefore, ozone acts highly 'corrosive' to any compound that can be oxidized.