O3 Chemicals Eliminates the Scourge of Mould in the Work Place

At O3 Chemicals, we know that air conditioning affects the work place, affects your employees, affects your customers - and eventually . . .
affects your business. What are you going to do about it?

The Problem: Mould is Everywhere

In offices, workshops, on the factory floor, classrooms, change rooms, university residential blocks, canteens and in every nook and cranny in the workplace . . .
and in every other air conditioning system you can think of.
It thrives in air conditioning for the following reasons:
• The darkness. Mould hates the light
• Mould loves the oxygen
• Mould loves the moisture
• And the food is the dirt and grime sucked in while the aircon is working

The Effects of Mould

Almost ever since air-conditioning was invented, people have complained about getting ill.

Mould is the problem in air conditioners due to high humidity, damp environments, and condensation, leading to microbial growth in ducts, coils, and vents, which affects air quality and many people’s health.

Increased dust or humidity from poorly maintained systems can result in symptoms as such as allergic reactions which can cause chronic respiratory problems to develop.

Other common ailments include: headaches, fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, coughing, chronic sinusitis, sore throat, burning eyes and difficulty concentrating.

What You Should Know . . .

So seriously are world health authorities taking the threat of mould, that in June 2025 they forced one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aircons to recall 1.7million aircons in the US and 45900 units in Canada due to a design defect causing water to pool and mould to grow, posing respiratory risks.

The recall covers 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 BTU units sold from March 2020 to May 2025.

Mould relies on water to survive, yet there are still many contractors who insist on using water only to clean aircons.

In any case, water doesn’t clean. If water cleaned, we wouldn’t need soap in our shower or bath. Would we?
So, why should anyone think water cleans aircons. It doesn’t!

How Mould & Bacteria in Aircons Affects the Work Force

Mould and bacteria in air conditioning systems significantly impact the workforce by degrading indoor air quality (IAQ), leading to a range of physical health issues, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism.

Poorly maintained systems circulate allergens and microbial pathogens, causing illnesses often categorized as "Sick Building Syndrome“.

Respiratory Illnesses and Allergies
Inhaling mould spores (such as Aspergillus, Penicillium) and bacteria (such as Legionella) can trigger respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, coughing, wheezing, and sore throats.

Physical Symptoms of Exposure
Employees may experience "sick building syndrome" symptoms, including headaches, persistent fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fever, chills, and muscle aches, which often improve away from the office.

Reduced Productivity and Cognitive Function
Poor air quality causes "brain fog," difficulty concentrating, and slower decision-making, directly reducing individual and team performance.

Increased Absenteeism & Turnover
Chronic illness and discomfort lead to higher rates of sick leave, affecting deadlines and team morale. Employees may also seek employment elsewhere due to the unhealthy environment.

Severe Health Hazards
In extreme cases, bacteria like Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease (a severe form of pneumonia), and toxic mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) can cause more severe infections, especially in immuno-compromised individuals.

Causes and Indicators in the Workplace:

Mould thrives in dirty, moist, or poorly maintained HVAC systems. Signs include musty, earthy odors when the AC is running, visible mould on air vents, or unexplained persistent respiratory issues among multiple staff members.

Preventative Measures:
Regular maintenance - including professional cleaning and sanitization of air conditioners

Replacing air filters - Checking drain pans. Using UV light purifiers

These steps can eliminate health threats and prevent microbial growth.

Pro-Actively Anticipating Health Issues of Everyone in The Work Place

Signs of Contamination 
• Musty/Earthy Odors:  The most common indicator of microbial growth.
• Visible mould:  Green, black, or white growth inside vents, on diffusers, or around the air handler.
• Reduced Performance:  Restricted airflow, bent fins, or excessive dust and moisture.

Workplace Prevention & Management 
• Regular Maintenance:  Professional HVAC inspections should occur at least annually.
• Filter Management:  Replace air filters every 1 to 3 months.
• Moisture Control:  Ensure proper drainage, reduce humidity levels, and clean the air handler's drain pan to prevent stagnant water.
• Professional Cleaning:  Large-scale contamination requires specialized cleaning contractors, often involving disinfectants.

The images on the Right demonstrate the difference between air conditioner coils, before cleaning – and after cleaning has been performed.

Mould will ALWAYS be an inherent danger for any air conditioner.
It is essential therefore we use the latest chemical technology to prevent it from becoming a threat to all of us.

The Solution - O3 GREEN Coil Cleaner

A Powerful, new generation, high-tech, non-corrosive, chemical cleaner, specifically designed to remove health-threatening mould, bacteria and fungi growing in general dirt and moisture in AHUs, chillers and condensors.

Strength and Economic Advantage
O3 GREEN is Supplied as a concentrate to be used –
• diluted 1:1 for a first annual application
• diluted 1:15 for the next 3 applications of the annual cleaning cycle

The Solution - O3 Alkaline D Coil Cleaner

Another powerful, new generation, high-tech, non-corrosive, chemical cleaner with a specifically designed built-in degreaser. Using the latest chemical technology to remove health-threatening mould, bacteria and fungi that grow in grease, cooking oil and fat in AHUs servicing restaurants, bakeries, fast-food outlets and kitchens.

Strength and Economic Advantage
Alkaline ‘D’  is supplied as a concentrate to be used –
• diluted 1:1 for a first annual application
• diluted 1:15 for the next 3 applications of the annual cleaning cycle

The Solution - O3 SmartAir & SmartFinish

New generation, high-tech, non-corrosive chemicals specifically designed to be used in tandem to remove health-threatening mould, bacteria and fungi in HVACs/split units, consols, cassettes, hideaways and condensors.

NO tap water is required for rinsing

These products’ labels incorporate QR codes, directing the user to a video tutorial showing how to use the product efficiently and cost-effectively, AND a copy of the SDS documents for the products.

Reference Sources:

At O3 Chemicals, we take air conditioner hygiene seriously. Because it affects the clients of our customers. Read this article from United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to find out more:

Read >> Midea Recalls About 1.7 Million U and U+ Window Air Conditioners
due to Risk of Mold Exposure

Cape Town

Call Mike: 084 500 0213
Email: info@o3chemicals.co.za
Northgate Road. Atlantis Foundries Business Park.
Atlantis. 7441. South Africa.

Durban

Call Clive: 031 563 4900
Email: clive@o3chemicals.co.za
209 Kenneth Kaunda Rd, Broadway
Durban 4051. South Africa.

Copyright: © O3 Chemicals Air-Con Solutions. Cape Town - 2021