Ozone is much more reactive than O2. It is a very powerful oxidizing agent, second among elements only to fluorine. It can oxidize many organic compounds and is used commercially as a bleach for waxes, oils, and textiles, and as a deodorizing agent. Because it is a powerful germicide, it is also used to sterilize air and drinking water. Ozone is usually manufactured by passing an electrical discharge through O2 gas or through dry air. The resulting mixture of ozone and O2 or air is usually suitable for most industrial applications of ozone. Because ozone is very unstable and reactive, the preparation of pure ozone is both difficult and hazardous and is seldom attempted.