Why Other Hydroxyl Generators Can't Be Shipped to California but Titan Can: Understanding CARB Certification

If you're shopping for a professional air purifier or hydroxyl air cleaner, you've probably noticed that some products are marked "Cannot be shipped to California." Why does this happen?

The answer usually comes down to one thing: California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification.

California has some of the strictest indoor air quality regulations in the United States. Any electronic indoor air cleaner sold for use in California generally must comply with CARB's ozone emission standards and be certified before it can be marketed for sale in the state.

What Is CARB Certification?

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulates electronic indoor air cleaners to help protect consumers from excessive ozone emissions.

To be certified, an indoor air cleaner must meet California's ozone emission limit of 0.050 parts per million (50 ppb) when tested under CARB's requirements.

Products that meet these standards can be listed as CARB-certified air cleaners.

Why Are Some Air Purifiers Restricted?

Not every air purifier is eligible to be sold in California.

If a manufacturer chooses not to submit a product for CARB certification, or if a product does not meet CARB's ozone emission requirements, that model may not be marketed in California as a general indoor air cleaner unless it qualifies for a specific exemption.

For this reason, consumers occasionally encounter online listings stating:

"Cannot be shipped to California."

This notice reflects California's regulatory requirements rather than the overall quality of the product.

Not All Air Purifiers Use the Same Technology

Many restoration professionals compare:

• Hydroxyl air purifiers

• Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) systems

• Ozone generators

• Hybrid oxidation systems

Although these technologies all help address odors and airborne contaminants, they operate differently and may have different ozone emission characteristics.

That makes independent testing and certification important when evaluating equipment.

The Titan Advantage

Titan Hydroxyl Air Purifiers are designed using advanced photocatalytic oxidation technology that combines:

• High-output UVA lamps

• Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) catalyst

• Ambient humidity

This process generates hydroxyl radicals that help reduce smoke odors, VOCs, and other airborne contaminants while being engineered to minimize ozone production.

For buyers in California, choosing a CARB-certified air purifier provides confidence that the product has met the state's ozone emission requirements.

Compare Before You Buy

Whether you're considering a Titan unit or another manufacturer's equipment, ask these important questions before purchasing:

• Is this exact model CARB certified?

• Can it legally be sold or shipped to California?

• What are the product's ozone emission specifications?

• Has it been independently tested?

• Is it intended for occupied spaces?

These questions can help you choose an air purification system that matches your needs and complies with applicable regulations.

Why Certification Matters

CARB certification isn't just another label—it's an indication that a product has been evaluated against California's ozone emission standards for electronic indoor air cleaners.

Before purchasing any professional air purifier, verify the certification status of the exact model you're considering through the manufacturer's documentation or the California Air Resources Board's published list of certified air cleaners.

By choosing a product that meets your performance needs and applicable regulatory requirements, you'll have greater confidence in both its effectiveness and its suitability for your intended application.