I remember the plasma. Ingenious (no mass!). But widespread use I think was also hampered by the Ozone (O3) that plasma 'flame' generates. Small doses are healthy, but higher/longer can cause problems (cance) IIRC?
Ozone (O₃) is a colorless to blue gas with a pungent odor. Exposure to ozone may cause headaches, coughing, dry throat, shortness of breath, a heavy feeling in chest, and fluid in the lungs. Higher levels of exposure can lead to more severe symptoms. Chronic exposure may lead to asthma. Workers may be harmed from exposure to ozone. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
Ozone is used in many industries. It is used for purifying air and drinking water, in industrial waste treatment, oils, bleaching and waxes, and to make other chemicals. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to ozone include the following:
- Outdoor workers in areas with high levels of ozone
- Factory workers in paper and pulp mills
- Workers in waste water treatment plants
- Fisheries workers who treat storage water