Warsaw undertakes massive ozonation of public spaces

As means to limit the spread of COVID-19

Warsaw is again getting ready to undertake massive disinfection of urban spaces, this time based on the ozonation method. The aim is of course to limit the spread of the coronavirus, using innovative technology that is at the same time seen as less detrimental to the environment.

The city authorities announced on 1 April that they will be using ozonated water for the decontamination of surfaces and highly frequented public spaces. The process will begin as soon as a contractor is selected.

Ozonation – efficient way to disinfect surfaces

Ozonation is frequently used in disinfection, due to its high effectiveness. The chemical process, also known as ozonisation, relies on the infusion of ozone (one of the most powerful oxidants, which is composed of three atoms of oxygen) into water.

The substance can be used both for cleaning surfaces and spraying. As the city website points out, the technique clearly dominates other chemicals, because it has no destructive effect on the natural environment. Furthermore, Poland’s Chief Sanitary Inspectorate approved it in 2020.

To make this happen, water will be collected from the ozonator of the Municipal Water and Sewage Company. Employees performing disinfection will be fully protected with mask, gloves, glasses, protective suits, etc. while the municipal police will secure the entire ozonation process.

The city will disinfect key places frequented by a large number of residents within each district. These will include:

• main transfer hubs;
• public transport stops;
• surroundings of hospitals, nursing homes and health care centres;
• main communication routes;
• underground passages;
• surroundings of railway stations;
• ​​squares;
• the Vistula boulevards;
• surroundings of nurseries and kindergartens;
• playgrounds and outdoor gyms;
• surroundings of mobile collection points for material used for covid testing;
• spaces in the Warsaw metro, from the entrance to the ticket gates.

The ozonation shall take place between April and December 2021, with main activities taking place when there are no people around (most probably at night.) Also, works will depend on the future unfolding of the pandemic and will not be carried out when there is rainfall.