Frequently asked questions

The Air Reactors work a bit differently than a typical filter based air purification system which trap contaminants in a filter. The Air Reactors produce super OH Radicals which are propelled out of the machine and into the indoor environment. In early testing it was found that one Model 101 would address up to approximately 12,000 cubic feet of air (1500 sq. ft. with 8 ft ceilings) with adequate concentration of the OH radicals to adequately reduce existing mold and mycotoxins (no active leaks). In the case of an active leak or active mold growth it is recommended that you use two Model 101 for the same 12,000 cu. ft. of air volume. This doubles the concentration of the OH Radicals to ensure they can destroy the mold spores and mycotoxins that are expelled from the mold colony at a rate faster than mold can reproduce or create mycotoxins. Additionally, it has been found that most homes do not have adequate air mixing between levels and therefore it is recommended to have at least one Model 101 on each level (required number of units is always based on the air volume on that level).

Theoretically, if you had no live mold (spores are dormant), you could move an Air Reactor around and destroy the mold spores and mycotoxins that were present in your environment, but if there are live mold spore/colonies then being undersized can potentially make things worse. When mold senses it is under attack it reacts by rapidly producing more spores and expels them out into the air in great numbers. Similarly, if the species of mold produces mycotoxins, it will ramp up production of mycotoxins in an effort to defeat the threat. The goal with maintaining adequate OH Radical concentration is to overcome the mold's defenses and destroy it. Even with proper sizing you will have an initial period where the environment gets slightly worse before it gets better - due to the defensive measures the mold puts up in an attempt to survive. See the Sizing Page for more information.

The Air Reactor uses UVC Germicidal Bulbs.

The UVC Bulbs used in the Air Reactor have a wavelength of 254nm.

No, the Air Reactor does not create ozone. There are some UVC bulbs that have a secondary emission at a wavelength of 185nm which do create ozone but the UV-2C bulbs used in the Air Reactor only emit UV light in the 254nm wavelength. Interestingly, UV light in the 240-315nm wavelength will break the third oxygen atom out of the Ozone (O3) and convert it back to Oxygen (O2). The peak Ozone destruction occurs at the 254nm wavelength. So, a UV-C lamp at the 254nm wavelength will actually destroy ozone! Here's one interesting paper that discusses Ozone and UV Lamps: Claus, H. (2021), Ozone Generation by Ultraviolet Lamps†. Photochem Photobiol, 97: 471-476. https://doi.org/10.1111/php.13391

UV light is not reflected by most surfaces but adsorbed and thus cannot exit through the outlet grill of the Air Reactor. The “blue-green” visible light seen when the unit is operating is characteristic for the UVC lamp, and is not an indication of UV radiation emission. The chart below shows a typical light spectrum output from our UVC Bulbs. You can see the 100% output at 254nm (UVC) along with low value outputs at several wavelengths in the visible range, which mix to give the blue-green light you see coming from the Air Reactor.

The Model 101 was evaluated using a Gigahertz Solutions NFA1000 3D EMF Meter. Background EMF in the room was 0.15 mili-gauss The reading 4ft away from the Model 101 was 0.20 mili-gauss The reading 3ft away from the Model 101 was 0.30 mili-gauss The reading 2ft away from the Model 101 was 1.00 mili-gauss Placing the meter directly on top of the front of the unit, over top of the two fan motors, gave a 41 mili-gauss reading.

It’s important to distinguish between Atmospheric Hydroxyl Radicals like are produced by the HiTech and Biological or in vivo Hydroxyl Radicals which are produced inside the body. It is the in vivo hydroxyl radicals that are produced by the body’s immune system that are damaging to DNA. Our skin and mucosal tissue (eyes, sinuses, mouth, throat, lungs) are in no way harmed by atmospheric hydroxyl radicals as humans have been exposed to them since we’ve been on the earth, and they don’t penetrate beyond the epidermis or mucosal outer layers of cells in the body. When you walk outside on a sunny day you are exposed to 500,000 - 2,000,000 atmospheric hydroxyl radicals per cubic centimeter.

The air filters should be changed at least every three months. They should be changed more often if the Air Reactor is located in a dusty/dirty environment to ensure the reactor pads remain protected.

The reactor pads have the Technosite proprietary coating sprayed on the orange side of the filter/pad. If you hold it up to the sunlight you should see a slight sparkle as the particles in the Technosite blend reflect the sunlight.

The orange coating on the reactor pads and air filter are applied by the filter manufacturer of the Dustlok Merv 9 filters that are used in the Air Reactor. This orange coating is not part of the proprietary Technosite blend that makes the Air Reactor work.

Reactor Pads should be changed at least once every 12 months. For those with mold sensitivity we recommend changing them between 6-9 months. The Reactor Pads should be rotated every 3 months. We have a video that explains how to rotate the reactor pads which is available here:Model 101 Reactor Pad Rotation or Model 110 Reactor Pad Rotation.

The UVC Bulbs installed in the Air Reactor must be changed every 12 months. If smoking is allowed in your home or facility, the lamps may need to be wiped with alcohol at ninety day intervals.

We created a video to explain how to install the UVC bulbs in the Air Reactor, you can find that in our YouTube Channel here.

The Air Reactor should be located as centrally as practical to the area the Air Reactor is covering. Depending on the size and layout of your space multiple Air Reactors may be required to provide adequate coverage. Ceiling fans should be turned on to aid in air circulation. Portable fans can also be used to help move the air around and ensure the hydroxyl's are spread around adequately. Placing the Air Reactor in close proximity to an air return vent for your HVAC system can also help spread out the hydroxyls while the HVAC is running.

Yes, the Air Reactor's can be run 24/7 in occupied spaces.

If you have mold and mycotoxin contamination in your environment, during the decontamination phase, there is typically a temporary odor which is a combination of new reactor pads and how hostile the home is. Burnt and smoky are the common odor with destroying mold and mycotoxins. The stronger the burnt or smoky odor the more contaminated the house is. The duration of the odor is also related to how contaminated the home is but typically will only last a few days. If a strong smell lasts more than two weeks it is likely that you have active mold growth and you are inadequately sized for your environment. See the Sizing Page in the Products menu to understand about proper sizing.

Our larger units on wheels do not come with a cord to plug them in. We built the Model 110 and 120 this way to allow the end user to select a cord length most appropriate for their application. A minimum of a 16/3 gauge extension cord should be used to power the Model 110 or 120.