There has long been interest in utilizing photochemical methods for the detoxification of hazardous organic materials. Researchers at the University of Dayton Research Institute have recently developed a photothermal process that overcomes the problems previously encountered with photochemical detoxification techniques. This results in a far greater potential for air toxics to absorb near ultraviolet radiation than was previously thought. It has also been shown elevated temperatures significantly increase the rate of photothermal reactions, making this process a viable technique for the destruction of air toxics. In this paper the authors will discuss the theoretical foundation for the photothermal detoxification process, and present a summary of the work in progress to develop a Photothermal Detoxification Unit (PDU) which will include examples of high temperature absorption spectra, and the results from actual trials with a Laboratory Scale Photothermal Detoxification (LS-PDU).