In part one of our hydroxyl generator myth-busting series, we discuss whether hydroxyl generators really need a certain amount of humidity to be effective. In this industry, myths and misconceptions can spread quickly, leaving restorers wary of adopting new equipment. In this post, we break down how hydroxyl generators work and clarify the role of humidity in their function.
How Did This Myth Come About?
This myth likely originated from a misunderstanding of how hydroxyl generators work. Hydroxyl radicals are produced when UV light interacts with water vapor in the air, which led to the assumption that higher humidity is required for the process to work. While it’s true that water vapor plays a role, the idea that hydroxyl generators need exactly 60% humidity to be effective is an oversimplification.
If it were true that hydroxyl generators require 60% humidity to be effective, they would be rendered useless in many parts of the United States. Hydroxyl generators are effective with humidity levels as low as 5%. This is great news for contractors who operate in arid climates or work in environments where controlling humidity is crucial to the job.
Hydroxyl generators are designed to neutralize odors and contaminants by creating hydroxyl radicals—highly reactive molecules that break down odor-causing substances in the air. This process occurs when UV light interacts with water vapor (and other elements) in the air to form radicals. While humidity does play a role in this chemical reaction, it’s not as critical as the myth suggests.
Adding Humidity is Not Necessary
Contractors should never have to add humidity for their hydroxyl generators to work, particularly since this is counterproductive to most projects they are on. In restoration, many jobs—especially those involving water damage or mold—require lowering the humidity in a space, not increasing it. Adding moisture just to try to make the hydroxyl generator “more effective” could lead to additional problems, like creating a favorable environment for mold growth.
It is true that humidity plays a part in the chemical reactions that occur to create hydroxyl radicals. However, the claim that you need exactly 60% humidity for a hydroxyl generator to be effective is simply inaccurate. In reality, any changes in humidity will not have a noticeable effect on the generator’s ability to eliminate odors. Whether you’re operating in a humid environment or a dry one, your hydroxyl generator will still be able to do its job as long as there’s at least some moisture in the air—which, in most environments, is easily achieved without adding extra humidity.
The key takeaway here is that humidity is not the determining factor in the effectiveness of hydroxyl generators. As long as there is some moisture in the air (even as low as 5%), the generator can effectively neutralize odors. The focus for restoration professionals should remain on the actual task at hand—whether it’s drying out a space, eliminating smoke damage, or handling mold remediation—without worrying about whether the humidity level meets a certain threshold.
Don’t let myths about humidity stop you from using hydroxyl generators to their full potential. They are versatile tools that can operate effectively in a variety of conditions, making them a valuable asset in the restoration industry.
Stay tuned for part two of our myth-busting series, where we’ll dive into another common misconception about hydroxyl generators and their use in certain environments!