IONIZED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (iHP®)
What is ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP®) Decontamination?
Ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP) is a disinfection and decontamination technology that passes a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution through a cold plasma arc. The arc ionizes the solution into a submicron mist containing reactive oxygen species, including hydroxyl radicals, that kill microorganisms quickly across surfaces, objects, and entire rooms. SteraMist is the patented iHP technology from TOMI Environmental Solutions, EPA-registered as a hospital-healthcare disinfectant and decontaminant.
SteraMist iHP is a patented combination of equipment and solution designed to simulate an all-natural scientific process. Whether you spray or fog, SteraMist delivers unmatched performance at every level using simple science and quality components. iHP disinfection and decontamination is made possible by the all-in-one combination of BIT Solution, cold plasma arc, and iHP delivery system.
Every SteraMist® product is powered by Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) to deliver ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP).
EPA Reg. #90150 | Health Canada DIN #02469448 | EN 17272 Tested | Supports EU GMP Annex 1 | ISO 9001 Certified | Biocidal Product Authorizations
Our Disinfection & Decontamination Process
What is BIT® Solution?
Unlike most other hydrogen peroxide-based foggers and disinfectants, ionized Hydrogen Peroxide is made possible by the ionization of low percentage hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) supplied exclusively by SteraMist BIT Solution.
As a ready-to-use broad spectrum hydrogen peroxide mixture with no other active ingredients or stabilizers, BIT Solution is easily shipped, non-hazardous, simple to store with a two-year shelf life, and available in a variety of container size for every application.
What is Cold Plasma?
Every SteraMist generator creates iHP disinfection mist at the applicator level. SteraMist applicators send BIT Solution through a nozzle and directly through a cold plasma arc to create reactive oxygen species (ROS). As a result, a charged lightweight dry mist is created, dispersing submicron-sized particles that disinfect hard-to-reach spaces.
This simulates a naturally-occurring process where droplets are charged into a micromist, amplifying low-concentration hydrogen peroxide into one of the most powerful oxidizing agents found in nature: Hydroxyl Radicals.
Whether spraying or fogging, iHP inactivates and eliminates viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, mycotoxins, and microorganisms within seconds via the destruction of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids of dangerous microbes, resulting in cellular disruption and rapid decontamination.
The Legacy of SteraMist® Decontamination
Funded by a grant provided by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), ionized Hydrogen Peroxide was originally researched, invented, and developed as a direct response to weaponized anthrax attacks.
iHP was established into the mainstream to deliver that same power to everyday customers across every industry. SteraMist is the very first EPA-registered combination of both solution and technology, ensuring consistent results with every application. By utilizing a natural disinfection and decontamination process enhanced by cutting-edge cold plasma, SteraMist delivers fast results and superior material compatibility.
iHP vs. Other Hydrogen Peroxide Methods
Hydrogen peroxide is used in several decontamination methods, but how it is delivered changes the result.
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide heats a higher-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution into a vapor that must reach and hold a target concentration (PPM level) in a sealed space. Conventional hydrogen peroxide foggers atomize liquid into droplets that can settle and wet surfaces. SteraMist iHP ionizes a 7.8% hydrogen peroxide solution through cold plasma into a submicron mist that moves like a gas to fill the treated volume, with no wiping, rinsing, or residue.
Volume, Not Saturation
Unlike vaporized hydrogen peroxide, iHP relies on filling the volume of a treated area to minimize downtime instead of saturating surfaces with PPM requirements and mandatory wet times.
Consistent Application Every Time
Deliver repeatable applications and results every time as a combination of solution and technology when compared to mix-and-match electrostatic sprayers.
Science Made Simple
With no need for active additives, BIT Solution converts hydrogen peroxide into a gentle dry mist able to navigate any space without corroding electronics or critical equipment.
Do More with Less
Compared to concentrated and quaternary cleaners, BIT Solution is ready-to-use and begins killing on contact to reduce application time and eliminate hazardous chemical use.
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iHP® Science Overview
Electrodes
Electrodes are placed directly in front of the nozzle, adjusted to a precise distance apart to facilitate a cold plasma arc of an ideal size and power for BIT Solution to travel through.
Nozzle
The nozzle sprays a narrow stream of hydrogen peroxide at a fixed standard rate, sending it through the cold plasma arc to create a gas-like mist of submicron-sized particles.
Atmospheric Cold Plasma Arc
The cold plasma arc breaks the bonds of hydrogen peroxide, creating hydroxyl radicals that begin killing on contact with 360° coverage.
Where iHP is Used
Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals: cleanrooms, biosafety cabinets (BSCs), isolators, pass-throughs, and labs.
Healthcare: patient rooms, operating rooms, and emergency disinfection.
Food Safety and Agriculture: food production, processing environments, greenhouse, hydroponic, and post-harvest environments with SteraMist BIT-AgriMist (EPA Reg. No. 90150-4)
Commercial Services: restoration, remediation, schools, emergency services, and transportation.
“We conducted a successful room disinfection study* in accordance with [pharmaceutical] cGMP specifications. [SteraMist] impressed with its robustness and standardized application.”
*Materials evaluated: Glass, Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), Arcoplast, Grade 316 Stainless Steel, High-Pressure Laminate (HPL), Mipolam BioControl EL5
Microbes evaluated: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis
SteraMist iHP Decontamination: Frequently Asked Questions
What is ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP)?
SteraMist is a patented decontamination technology that utilizes ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (iHP). The process begins with a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide BIT Solution that passes through a cold plasma arc. This atmospheric ionization creates a submicron-sized dry mist containing reactive oxygen species, specifically hydroxyl radicals, which are among the most powerful oxidizing agents in nature.
Is ionized hydrogen peroxide the same as vaporized hydrogen peroxide?
No. Unlike vaporized hydrogen peroxide which often requires high concentrations and surface saturation to be effective, iHP relies on atmospheric ionization. This creates a lightweight mist that moves like a gas, filling the entire volume of a room. This allows for faster treatment times and superior material compatibility, as it does not leave surfaces wet or saturated.
Is SteraMist safe for sensitive electronics and laboratory equipment?
Yes. Because iHP is a dry mist that does not require active additives or high-concentration chemicals, it is highly compatible with sensitive equipment. It can navigate complex environments, such as research laboratories and pharmaceutical facilities, without corroding electronics or critical infrastructure.
What pathogens can SteraMist eliminate?
SteraMist is an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant proven to eliminate a broad spectrum of microorganisms. It effectively inactivates and eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, and mycotoxins. The technology works by disrupting the proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids of microbes on a cellular level.
What was the origin of SteraMist iHP decontamination technology?
The technology was originally developed through a grant from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). It was engineered as a high-level response to biological threats, specifically weaponized anthrax, before being adapted for commercial use in healthcare, life sciences, and food safety sectors.
How often should validated decontamination services be performed?
Service frequency depends on the specific requirements of the facility and the industry standards involved. For many high-stakes environments, such as regenerative medicine or pharmaceutical manufacturing, validated decontamination services are often performed on a quarterly basis to ensure consistent compliance and biosecurity. Decontamination fogging service is available with validation and qualification packages.
Does SteraMist leave any residue or odors after application?
SteraMist iHP breaks down into oxygen and humidity upon contact, leaving no harmful residues or lingering odors. This allows for rapid re-entry into treated spaces, making it an ideal solution for high-traffic areas and facilities that cannot afford long periods of downtime.
Talk to a Decontamination Specialist
Now that you know how ionized Hydrogen Peroxide works, tell us about your facility, and we’ll help you find the right SteraMist system to put the science to work.
