Breathing ozone gas directly causes lung irritation and should NOT be done, because ozone is oxidizing to the lung tissue and lung tissue does not possess antioxidant defenses. However, when ozone is bubbled through olive oil, the ozone is dismembered and forms ozonides, which are no longer oxidizing or irritating, and have shown to be beneficial for eligible individuals, (as determined by medical consultation and examination), when inhaled using proper protocol.
Breathing ozonated oil, or BOO, has been shown to benefit nose, throat, and lung conditions, but does not appear to have a full-body, systemic effect. Ozonides have an antiseptic property, meaning they eliminate pathogens. Additionally, similar to enhancing healing when applied topically, BOO ozone therapy is speculated to stimulate growth factor and help speed healing time.