News Earth Unexplained atmospheric chemistry detected Field study in China reveals unusually high production of hydroxyl radicals By Sid Perkins June 4, 2009 at 3:30 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Unidentified chemical reactions taking place in some polluted air may be a source of hydroxyl radicals, data from a new field study suggest. Hydroxyl (OH) radicals result from a series of sunlight-stimulated reactions in the atmosphere involving ozone, nitrous acid and hydrogen peroxide.