Hydroxyl radicals (OH) are naturally occurring molecules formed outdoors when ultraviolet sunlight reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere. They play a central role in nature’s atmospheric cleansing process and are often referred to as “nature’s detergent.”

OH-Feel systems replicate this natural process indoors. By generating controlled levels of hydroxyl radicals, the system helps neutralize airborne and surface contaminants through oxidation — a chemical reaction that breaks down pollutants into simpler, less harmful substances.

Unlike traditional air filters that only trap particles passing through them, hydroxyl radicals actively move throughout a space to interact with contaminants in the air and on surfaces.

Hydroxyl technology is designed to help reduce a wide range of indoor contaminants in both the air and on exposed surfaces, including:

• Airborne bacteria and viruses

• Surface-associated microorganisms and residues

• Mold spores and mold-related odors

• Smoke and persistent vehicle or cabin odors

• Allergens such as pollen, dust mite particles, and pet dander

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Total VOCs (TVOCs)

• Certain oxidizable gases such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and nitrogen dioxide

Hydroxyl radicals disperse into the room environment and react extremely quickly — often within milliseconds — initiating oxidation processes that break down many organic pollutants and odor-causing compounds wherever contact occurs.

Traditional air purifiers require air to pass directly through the unit to be filtered. Hydroxyl systems operate differently.

Hydroxyl radicals are dispersed into the surrounding air, allowing them to circulate naturally throughout the room. This enables interaction with contaminants in areas that air filters may not effectively reach, including:

• Surfaces

• Fabrics

• Corners and enclosed spaces

• Air that does not directly pass through a filter

Because hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and short-lived, they act on contaminants where contact occurs, rather than relying solely on air circulation through a device.

Hydroxyls are highly reactive molecules that kill mold by stripping electrons from its cellular structure, a process known as oxidation. This “molecular attack” punctures the protective cell walls of mold spores, deactivating them and preventing any further reproduction or growth. Because hydroxyls mimic a natural atmospheric process, they safely hunt down mold in both the air and porous surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals.

The system starts producing hydroxyl radicals as soon as it is activated. The improvement in odors and air freshness can be felt in a short period of time, depending on the level of pollution, ventilation and the size of the space.

In highly polluted environments – such as strong smoke odours or enclosed boat cabins – a more intensive decontamination phase may be applied initially.

However, hydroxyl technology is most effective when used as a continuous air quality management system.

Hydroxyl radicals occur naturally in outdoor air and are part of Earth’s normal atmospheric chemistry.

OH-Feel systems are designed to generate controlled levels appropriate for occupied indoor environments. Independent third-party testing has evaluated performance and safety under laboratory conditions.

As with any air quality technology, proper use according to manufacturer guidelines is important.

Yes. Hydroxyl radicals are particularly effective in oxidizing odor-causing organic molecules, such as:

• Cigarette smoke

• Cooking odors

• Pet odors

• Musty cabin smells

• Persistent vehicle interior odors

Because hydroxyls interact directly with odor-causing compounds rather than masking them, they help break down the source of the smell rather than covering it with fragrance.

The interiors are dynamic. People, pets, materials and outdoor air are constantly introducing new pollutants.

If the original source remains (moisture, smoke, etc.), contaminants may reappear. For this reason, hydroxyl systems work best as continuous use maintenance systems.

Most conventional air purification technologies — including HEPA, electrostatic filters, and certain UV-based systems — rely on pulling air through a device to capture particles.

Limitations of filter-based systems can include:

• Only cleaning air that passes through the unit

• Limited effectiveness against gaseous pollutants

• Recontamination as filtered air mixes with untreated air

• Surfaces are not sanitized

Hydroxyl technology differs because it disperses reactive molecules into the environment, allowing interaction with contaminants in the air and on surfaces — not only within the device itself.

Rather than passive filtration, it supports active oxidation of many organic pollutants.

In most residential, commercial, marine, and vehicle applications, hydroxyl systems are designed for ongoing use.

Rather than functioning as a one-time treatment, hydroxyl technology supports continuous air and surface management. Operating the system regularly helps:

• Manage newly introduced airborne contaminants

• Reduce recurring odors

• Support surface cleanliness

• Maintain stable indoor air quality

In specialized situations — such as severe odor remediation or seasonal boat cabin treatment — an initial higher-density treatment phase may be required,  followed by long-term maintenance at standard operating levels.

This two-phase approach — remediation followed by maintenance — provides both corrective and preventive benefits.

OH-Feel systems have undergone independent laboratory evaluation under controlled environmental conditions.

Documented testing has demonstrated significant reduction of specific airborne and surface microorganisms. Laboratory results have reported reductions of 99%+ for certain tested organisms, including human coronavirus strains, within defined exposure times and chamber conditions.

Performance varies depending on model, exposure duration, room size, and environmental factors. Full laboratory reports, detailed methodologies, and organism-specific reduction data are available in the Test Results section for transparency and review.

Our systems are designed for low-maintenance, industrial-grade reliability. The primary requirement is replacing the specialized UV optics (the hydroxyl-generating lamps), typically every 8,000 to 9,000 hours of use (approximately once per year if run 24/7). The QTV1 and FC08A models (30 SQM coverage) have washable filters that should be replaced once a year at minimal cost. The CZ02 model (10 sqm) used in small rooms and cars has no filter to replace. The larger 500 series (60 -120 sqm) have washable and replacement filters. 

Yes, OH-Feel is designed for continuous operation. Most of our portable units consume less energy than a standard 60-watt light bulb. This allows you to maintain air and surface sanitization around the clock without a significant impact on your utility bill.

Our residential and office models are engineered with high-efficiency, low-decibel fans. On standard settings, the sound is comparable to a quiet computer fan or a gentle white-noise machine, making it ideal for bedrooms, clinical treatment rooms, and professional workspaces.

No. While ozone generators require the room to be empty because ozone is a lung irritant, OH-Feel uses a different molecular process. Our technology creates hydroxyl radicals, the same molecules that clean the Earth’s atmosphere every day. OH-Feel systems are strictly tested to ensure ozone emissions stay well below recognized safety thresholds, (such as those set by OSHA and the FDA),  making them safe for use in occupied spaces.

For maximum effectiveness, place the unit in a location with good natural airflow, away from corners or obstructions. Since hydroxyls disperse like a gas, the unit works best when it can “breathe.” In multi-room spaces, placing the unit near a return air vent or a central hallway helps the hydroxyls travel throughout the entire environment.