AN IMPORTANT PRODUCT OBTAINED FROM TREE

 Natural Rubber

Have you ever seen a milky liquid flowing from a plant?

Some of you might have seen a spurge or a dandelion with its flying seeds in spring… When a part of their stem is broken, a white fluid called latex come out. Besides these, many other plants secrete this fluid to heal their tissues.

The tree in the image is the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Although its homeland is the Amazon rainforest in South America, today it is mostly grown in Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The rubber tree produces plenty amounts of latex. This latex contains intensive amounts of a substance called rubber.

Rubber is used in the production of various goods, especially car tyres! How interesting, isn’t it? The fluid coming from the trunk of a tree is actually the raw material for car tyres. And this is not the only item. It is also used in erasers, surgical gloves, elastic bands, shoes, balloons and so on... Besides, rubber gains adhesive properties when heated and mixed with certain chemicals, that’s why adhesives are also produced from rubber.

What is the journey of natural rubber from the tree to the production of goods?

The first step in the production of natural rubber is to collect latex from the trees. Latex is collected in the morning. The trunk of the trees is cut with special knives so as to slice grooves. The fluid running down from the grooves is gathered in containers. Latex solidifies when left in the open air. To avoid this solidification, ammonia is added to the collected fluid.

Then, chemicals such as formic acid, acetic acid are added to this fluid. The rubber substance is left to become lumpy. The rubber come out of the fluid is passed through large rollers. After passing through the rollers, the rubber is removed from excess water, gets thinned and becomes ready to dry. 

The layers of rubber are hung on a rope like clothes, and are let dry. This process is done in farmer gardens, forests or factories. The layers dry in the open air in a few days. This process takes less time in factories. The rubber is dried in special places called smokehouses. As it dries, it changes in colour and gradually turns brown. Depending on its purpose of use, the rubber is transported to the factory where the relevant product is produced.

Rubber becomes sticky at high heat and brittles at low heat. That’s why, it is passed through special processes in factories. One of these processes is the method accidentally discovered by Charles Goodyear in 1839. In this method, rubber is cooked with sulphur. So, it becomes durable against bad conditions and has a flexible structure. If you think about car tyres, you can imagine this better....

Rubber was even used in BC. It was used in such different fields in such great amounts that resources became insufficient over the years. That’s why, artificial (synthetic) rubber started to be made. Synthetics became more durable and useful than natural ones in time. The rubber used today is 70% synthetic. 

Since it is a recyclable material, natural rubber is eco-friendly compared to synthetic rubber or plastic. But it has still negative impacts on the environment. 

There are rubber tree forests created only for natural rubber production. Since there is only one type of tree planted in these forests, biodiversity in that area declines. This factor poses a threat to tropical forests and the living beings there. Chemicals used to increase the yield pollute soil and water. Also, these trees need more water than the other plants in the area.

All raw materials we use have positive and negative sides. Considering all of these, we can say that the best way to protect nature is to consume less.

YEAR 2024

 International Year Of Camelids

The UN has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. Camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos are an important source of livelihood for millions of families – most of them pastoralists – in dryland and mountainous rangeland ecosystems  around the world.

Camelids are fascinating creatures that have been a part of human history for thousands of years. They include animals like camels, llamas, alpacas,  vicuñas and guanacos. These unique animals  have incredible importance in  our world, and that is why  2024 is declared as the  International Year of  Camelids by the  United Nations.

Let us explore the remarkable world of camelids and discover why they deserve this special recognition.

What are camelids? Camelids are a family of animals that are known for their incredible adaptations to various environments. They are native to different parts of the world, and each species has its own unique characteristics. Camels, for example, are well-suited for arid deserts, while llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos thrive in the high mountains of South America. These animals are known for their strength, resilience and the valuable resources they provide.

Camelids and people: Camelids have played a vital role in human history and have been our companions for many purposes. They have helped us in transportation, carrying heavy loads across deserts and mountains. Camels, for instance, are often called “ships of the desert” because of their ability to travel long distances in harsh conditions. In South America, llamas and alpacas have been domesticated for thousands of years. They provide wool, meat and are important for cultural practices. Vicuñas and guanacos are protected and admired for their incredibly soft and fine wool.

Conservation and the International Year of Camelids: Some species, like the wild Bactrian camel, are endangered, and this initiative aims to protect and conserve these magnificent animals. Camelids are remarkable animals that have been our partners for centuries. They provide us with valuable resources, contribute to biodiversity and hold a special place in our hearts and cultures. As we celebrate the International Year of Camelids in 2024, let’s work together to protect and appreciate these amazing creatures, ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.

Celebrating  Camelids: Camelids hold cultural and ecological significance, particularly in mountain and desert regions, where they are an integral part of the livelihoods and traditional ways of life of indigenous communities.

Why are camelids important?

RESOURCE PROVIDERS: Camelids provide us with valuable resources. Camels give us milk, meat and wool, while llamas and alpacas are well-known for their soft and luxurious wool.

SUSTAINABLE FARMING: In many parts of the world, especially in the Andes mountains, camelids are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional farming. They don,t harm the environment and are an essential part of the local economy.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Camelids are deeply ingrained in the cultures of the regions where they live. They are often featured in stories, ceremonies and art, making them important cultural symbols.

BIODIVERSITY: These animals play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of their native habitats. Vicuñas and guanacos, for example, help keep the grasslands healthy through their grazing habits.

How can you help?You might be wondering how you can contribute to the well-being of these incredible animals. Here are a few ways:

LEARN MORE: Educate yourself about camelids, their habitats and the challenges they face. The more you know, the better you can help.

SUPPORT CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Consider supporting organisations and projects that are working to protect and conserve camelid species.

CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS: When shopping for products like wool, look for those that are sustainably and ethically sourced.

SPREAD THE WORD: Tell your friends and family about the importance of camelids and the International Year of Camelids. Awareness is a powerful tool for change.

CALENDAR 2024

Some important days which are observed worldwide 

JANUARY 

1 New Year’s Day 

4 WORLD BRAILLE DAY: World Braille Day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually-impaired. 

11 International “Thank-You” Day 

15 World Religion Day 

20 Penguin Awareness Day 

24 International Day of Education 

26 WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY: World Environmental Education Day is dedicated to showing children how they can take care of our Earth through recycling, saving energy and water, no littering and fighting climate change!

31 International Zebra Day

FEBRUARY 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: Climate changes have serious implications on the lives of humans, animals and natural ecosystems. We have one planet – it is up to us to protect it for our future generations.

2 WORLD WETLANDS DAY: Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters. 

4 World Cancer Day

10 World Pulses Day

11 International Day of Girls and Women in Science 

12 Darwin Day 

13 World Radio Day 

14 St Valentine’s Day 

15 World Hippo Day

15 International  Childhood Cancer Day

19 World Whale Day 

20 World Day of Social Justice 

21 International  Mother Language Day 

22 World Thinking Day 

27 International Polar Bear Day 

29 Leap Day: Most of the time, there are  365 days in a year, and every  four years, we have a special guest called Leap Year! Leap Year is like a bonus day, and it happens because our Earth takes about 365.25 days to go around the sun. So, to catch up with that extra 0.25, we add a whole day to the calendar. It’s like a giant game of catch-up! So, every four years, we get to celebrate one extra day in February, making it 29 days instead of the usual 28. 

MARCH 

3 WORLD WILDLIFE DAY: On this day we celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and raise awareness of endangered animals and plants. 

8 International Women’s Day 

10 World Kidney Day 

12 Plant a Flower Day 

18 Global Recycling Day  

20 World Oral Health Day

20 International  Day of Happiness

20 World Frog Day 

21 International Day of Forests, Human Rights, World Poetry Day 

22 WORLD WATER DAY: This day is a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

23 World Meteorological Day 

23 Earth Hour: Celebrate Earth Hour between 20:30 and 21:30

24 World TB Day

29 Good Friday 

31 Easter

APRIL 

1 April Fool’s Day 

2 International  Children’s Book Day, World Autism Awareness Day

7 World Health Day 

10 Family Day

12 International Day of Human Space Flight 

13 International Plant Appreciation Day 

18 International Day for Monuments and Sights

21 International Creativity and Innovation Day

22 International Mother Earth Day

23 English Language Day, World Book Day 

25 World Malaria Day: Every year on World Malaria Day, we mark the fight to beat malaria, but for half of our world, every day is a fight against this devastating disease. Malaria causes sickness and death, reduces productivity, fuels poverty and creates hunger, especially in impoverished, rural farming communities.

29 Save the  Frogs Day

MAY

1 Workers’ Day

2 World Tuna Day, World Asthma Day

3 World Press Freedom Day

5 World Hand Hygiene Day 

7 – 13 International Composting Awareness Week

8 World Red Cross Day

11 World Migratory  Bird Day: This day highlights the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats.

12 Mother’s Day

12 International Nurses’ Day

15 International Day of Families

16 International Day of Light

18 International Museum Day

20 World Bee Day, Endangered Species Day

22 International Day for  Biological Diversity:  Biodiversity refers to every living thing, including plants, bacteria, animals and humans. 

23 World Turtle Day: Leatherback sea turtles are like time travellers of the ocean. These ancient reptiles have been around for more than 100 million years, even outliving dinosaurs! Some leatherback turtles migrate thousands of miles between their nesting and feeding grounds.

30 Water a Flower Day 

JUNE 

1 World Reef Day, International Children’s Day, Global Day of Parents: International Children’s Day is a special day, dedicated to celebrating and cherishing children. On this day, we come together to ensure that every child is treated with kindness, respect and care. It’s a day to appreciate the laughter, curiosity and imagination of kids everywhere, promoting a world where every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, surrounded by love and opportunities.

3 World Bicycle Day

5 World Environment Day

7 World Food Safety Day

8 World Oceans Day: The oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe, they regulate our climate and they feed us. 

12 World Day  against Child Labour

13 International Albinism Day

14 World Blood Donor Day

15 Global Wind Day16 Father’s Day

17 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: Desertification is a type of land degradation in which a relatively dry area of land becomes increasingly arid, typically losing its bodies of water as well as vegetation and wildlife.

20 World Refugee Day

21 International Day of Yoga

22 World Rainforest Day

30 International Asteroid Day

JULY

7 International Chocolate Day

11 World Population Day: As the world population reaches 8 billion, it will have profound implications for development.

12 Malala Day: On Malala Day, we celebrate the young leader, role model and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. This brave young woman has been a champion of peace, women’s rights and education for all children.

14 Shark Awareness Day

15 World Youth Skills Day

16 World Snake Day

17 World Emoji Day

18 World Nature Conservation Day

20 International  Moon Day: This day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.

29 International Tiger Day: Tigers are on the brink of extinction and International World Tiger Day aims to bring attention to this fact and try to halt their decline.

30 International Day of Friendship

31 World Ranger Day: This is a day to celebrate rangers and the work they do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.

AUGUST 

CHILD HEALTH MONTH: Taking care of your health is like giving a superpower boost to your body every day, not just during Child Health Month. Eating yummy fruits and veggies, zipping around during playtime and getting a good night’s sleep are your secret weapons to stay strong and happy. So, remember, being a health hero is a year-round mission.

8 International Cat Day

9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: This day is observed to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous populations.

10 World Lion Day: Lion Day aims to raise awareness of the majestic hunter – king of the jungle.

10 International Biodiesel Day

12 International Youth Day: An opportunity to celebrate young people’s voices, actions and initiatives.

12 World Elephant Day: It is estimated that every day 100 African elephants are killed by poachers.

13 International Left-handers Day

14 World Lizard Day

19 International Orangutan Day

19 World Humanitarian Day

19 World Honey Bee Day: World Honey Bee Day encourages everyone to enjoy and buy locally grown honey.

20 - 24 World Water Week

31 African Traditional Medicine Day

SEPTEMBER 

5 International  Day of Charity

7 International Vulture Awareness Day

8 International Literacy Day

15 International Day of Democracy

16 International Day for  the Preservation of  the Ozone Layer: The ozone layer is like Earth’s sunscreen. It protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. We need to take care of the ozone layer to keep our planet safe and healthy.

20 World Clean-up Day: World Clean-up Day is like a giant team effort where people from all around the world join together to clean up our planet. On World Clean-up Day, we all become Earth superheroes, working together to keep our home beautiful!

21 International Coastal Clean-up Day

21 World Gratitude Day

21 Zero Emissions Day, International Day of Peace

22 World Car-Free Day

22 World Rhino Day

22 World Rivers Day

23 Sign Languages Day

24 World Gorilla Day

26 World Environmental Health Day

26 International Day  for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons: Observed to promote the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

26 World Maritime Day

27 World Tourism Day

28 World Rabies Day

29 World Heart Day

OCTOBER 

1 World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day

2 International Day of Non-Violence, World Farm Animals Day

4 World Animal Day

5 World Teachers Day: Celebrates the role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels.

7 World Habitat Day

9 World Post Day

10 World Mental Health Day, World Sight Day

11 International Day of the Girl Child: Promotes the rights of girls and addresses the unique challenges they face globally.

15 Handwashing Day: Someone who washes their hands often is less likely to get sick, and won’t easily pass germs on to the next person.

16 World Food Day: Aims to raise awareness and encourage action to end world hunger.

17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

23 World Edible Insect Day

24 International Day of Climate Action

24 United Nations Day: Commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations in 1945.

24 World Polio Day: On this day we encourage efforts to eradicate the disease. 

29 Internet Day: This day celebrates an important moment in 1969 in the history of computers – the very first electronic message was sent between two computers!

31 World Cities Day

NOVEMBER 

1 World Vegan Day: Celebrated by eating delicious plant-based foods that are good for us and the planet!

5 World Tsunami Awareness Day: A tsunami is a formidable oceanic phenomenon characterised by a massive and powerful sea wave, often triggered by natural events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, causing a huge disturbance in the water.

10 World Science Day for Peace and Development: On this day, we celebrate scientists who help make our world a better and happier place through awesome discoveries and inventions!

11 Origami Day: The word “origami” comes from the Japanese words “ori”, meaning fold, and “kami”, meaning paper. So, origami literally translates to “folded paper.”

13 World Kindness Day

14 World Diabetes Day: Eating healthy is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with diabetes. 

16 International Day for Tolerance

19 International Men’s Day

19 World Toilet Day

20 Universal Children’s Day: Universal Children’s Day is dedicated to promoting the ideals the UN has set for protecting the rights of children and promoting the general welfare of children all over the world.

21 World Philosophy Day

21 World Television Day, World Fisheries Day: On World Fisheries Day, we think about how important fish are around the world and to say a big thank you to the brave fishermen and women who work really hard to bring us delicious seafood.

DECEMBER 

1 World AIDS Day

4 World Wildlife Conservation Day: In the wild, everything gets recycled. Plants and animals decompose, and their nutrients go back into the soil. It’s like nature’s way of recycling. Conservation helps maintain these natural cycles, ensuring a healthy environment for all living things.

5 World Soil Day: Soil is without a doubt, one of the most significant parts of the ecosystem, contributing to our food, water and energy and playing an important part in reducing the impact of climate change.

5 International Volunteers Day

7 International Civil Aviation Day

10 Human Rights Day (UN)

11 International Mountain Day: Mountain Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and value of mountains from an ecological and economical perspective.

20 International Human Solidarity Day: Today is a special day when people all over the world come together to help each other and work as a team to make sure everyone has a good life and our planet stays healthy.

24 Christmas Eve

25 Christmas Day

26 Boxing Day: Boxing Day, celebrated in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, is a day after Christmas when people exchange gifts and engage in acts of kindness, including helping those who are less fortunate.

31 New Year’s Eve

PROMISES WE MAKE TO OURSELVES

 Resolutions 

     Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of New Year’s resolutions? As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, many people around the world make promises to themselves called ‘resolutions.’ These promises help us become better versions of ourselves! 

   Did you know that sometimes, our New Year's resolutions might not go exactly as planned? And that's totally okay! Even if things didn't work out the way we wanted, it doesn't mean we should give up. It's like learning to ride a bike – at first, it might be tricky, but with practice and determination, we can get better! So, if your resolutions didn't quite work out, don't worry. You can try again or even change your goals to something that feels more achievable. Remember, the most important thing is to keep going and never stop believing in yourself. Every step you take counts, and you're awesome just for trying!

  Thousands of years ago, the ancient Babylonians (who lived in a place called Mesopotamia) were the first known people to make promises to their Gods at the start of the year. They celebrated their new year in March, not January like we do now! During a massive festival called Akitu, they made pledges to the Gods to return borrowed stuff and pay debts. Later on, the ancient Romans continued this tradition with a month-long celebration called "Janus", named after their God of beginnings. Janus had two faces – one looking forward to the future and the other looking back to the past. People made promises to Janus for good behaviour and changes they wanted to make in the upcoming year.

   New Year's resolutions are about promising ourselves to do better and be better. Whether it,s learning new things, being kinder or trying to eat more veggies, these resolutions are like little goals that help us grow and become even more awesome versions of ourselves!

ANCIENT TECHNICAL WONDER

Iron Pillar

     A 23 feet and 6 ton Pillar located at the Qutb Complex at Mehrauli in Delhi is an unsolved mystery. This pillar is made of iron and has attracted the attention of archeologists and material scientists across the world. 

     Standing at the centre of the Quwwatul Mosque the Iron Pillar dates back to 4th century AD. The pillar is made of 98% wrought Iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing. Its high resistance to corrosion is a proof of the high level of skill achieved by the ancient Indian iron smiths in the extraction and processing of Iron.

     The pillar carries a large number of inscriptions and graffiti of different dates. The oldest inscription on the pillar is that of a king named Chandra, generally identified as the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. The script and the poetic style of the inscription point to a date in the late fourth or early fifth century i.e. the Gupta period. 

     The inscription describes the king as a devotee of the God Vishnu, and records the erection of a dhvaja (flag) of Vishnu, on a hill called Vishnupada (hill of the footprint of Vishnu). Other Gupta inscriptions also describe Chandragupta II as a Bhagavata.

     The greatest mystery is about its composition and non-corrosive nature. The pillar was manufactured by the forge welding of pieces of wrought iron. In a report published explains that the pillar's resistance to corrosion is due to a passive protective film at the iron-rust interface. 

Reason for formation of protective passive film:

* The presence of second-phase particles (slag and unreduced iron oxides) in the microstructure of the iron. 

* High amounts of phosphorus in it.

* Alternate wetting and drying existing under atmospheric conditions. 

The height of the pillar, from the top of its capital to the bottom of its base, is 23.8 feet. Out of this 3.8 feet part is below the ground. The diameter is 48cm at the foot, tapering to 29cm at the top, just below the base of the wonderfully crafted capital. The base rests on a grid of iron bars soldered with lead into the upper layer of the dressed stone pavement. It is estimated to weigh more than six tonnes.

The original location of the iron pillar is debatable. According to the inscription of king Chandra, the pillar was erected at Vishnupadagiri.

* J. F. Fleet (1898) describes the location as Mathura, because of its proximity to Delhi and the city's reputation as a Vaishnavite pilgrimage centre. But during Gupta age, Mathura was a Buddhist centre. 

* Based on the study of ancient and historical writings, the Gupta-era iconography, analysis of metallurgy and other evidence, Meera Dass and R. Balasubramaniam (2004) stated that the iron pillar was originally erected at Udaygiri. 

* It is not certain when the pillar was moved to Delhi from its original location. Its still a mystery that how the movement of pillar was done in those ancient days.

THE BEAUTIFUL MEDICINAL FLOWER

 Butterfly Pea 

     The butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), a native of South America that has long been naturalized to Malaysia, Indonesia and India, is an eye-catching plant with ornamental, medicinal, and culinary uses. The plant is distinguished by its flower, whose unusual shape has earned it the alternate name of conch flower (or shankh-pushpam in several South Indian languages). Another distinctive feature of this flower is its brilliant cobalt blue colour that gives rise to its use as a dye and food colorant. Interestingly, the colour changes based on the pH level of the substance added to it - a property that is utilized in making butterfly pea flower tea, a herbal beverage initially an attractive blue in colour but turning to purple when lemon juice is added to it. The plant is known as Aparajita in Hindi and other North Indian languages. Other names include Gokarna, Girikarnika, Kokila and Yonipushpa. 

     Ayurveda uses the whole plant and its parts including leaves, flowers and roots in remedies for a host of diseases. The plant also finds its application in the Chinese and Unani system of medicine.

     The butterfly pea plant is a climbing herb that is commonly found in hedgerows all over the country. The leaves are bright green, elliptic and obtuse. Flowers are conch-shaped, growing singly and are about 4cm long and 3cm broad. They are a vivid blue in colour, with yellow markings. There are also two other varieties yielding lilac and white flowers. Fruits are flat pods, up to 7cm long, tapering at both ends and containing 6 to 7 seeds.

     In Ayurveda, the butterfly pea has been grouped under the category of medhya, which includes herbs that help improve memory and learning. The plant root, ground to a paste mixed with ghee or butter, is prescribed for children to increase comprehension and retention. The root extract is also used in traditional remedies for insomnia, intoxication, schizophrenia, dizziness, balance problems and skin diseases. The seeds of the plant are used as a mild purgative and in the treatment of intestinal worms. A traditional remedy for constipation is a small quantity (one-eighth of a teaspoon) of roasted powdered seeds taken with warm water. The juice of the leaves, mixed with salt, is applied as a fomentation to cure earache. A few drops of root juice extract are put into the nostrils as a remedy for migraine. A decoction of the whole plant is gargled to treat sore throats and mouth ulcers. In Bali, the flowers are used in traditional remedies for eye infections such as conjunctivitis. 

     The butterfly pea plant also finds application in South East Asian cuisines. The flowers and leaves are used to make butterfly pea flower tea, mentioned earlier, which is a very popular beverage in Thailand and Vietnam. The tea is often added to cocktails to showcase the instantaneous colour change from blue to pink or purple. In Malaysian cuisine, the flowers are used in a breakfast dish called Nasi kerabu, consisting of blue-coloured rice (rice cooked with butterfly pea petals) eaten with chicken or fish, fries, pickle and salad. The same dish is also made in Thailand, where it is known as Khao yam. In Myanmar and Thailand, the flowers are dipped in butter and fried as snacks. 

A DEVICE THAT GENERATES OZONE

Ozoniser

    It is a type of air or water purifier that uses ozone to kill bacteria and remove contaminants from food and water. 

     Ozone is a naturally occurring gas. A molecule of ozone has three oxygen atoms. Ozone is found in low concentrations throughout Earth's atmosphere. While the ozone layer shields Earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the Sun, it is a pollutant at ground level. 

  However, when used in the right amounts, ozone can sanitize food and drinking water. Studies have shown that injecting small amounts of ozone into filtered tap water can reduce more than 99.99% of food-borne microorganisms such as salmonella and E. coli. It can also remove residue of pesticides from fruits, vegetables, lentils, meat and seafood.

    An ozoniser is a device that generates ozone by charging the air with high voltage electricity. The gas is then either released into the air or water. Ozone improves the quality of indoor air by removing unpleasant odours and killing microbes. When fruits and vegetables are soaked in water infused with ozone, it removes chemicals, bacteria and fungus without hurting their nutritional content. In the process, the food tastes better and lasts longer. 

    On the flip side, some scientific studies suggest that the amount of ozone needed to effectively kill bacteria and remove odours can be harmful to humans and hence should be used with care.