Many domestic appliances use built-in ozone generators or emit ozone as a by-product of internal working mechanisms. However, ozone is a potentially lethal lung irritant, and it’s crucial to know if your dehumidifier (or any other appliance) emits ozone.
Standard dehumidifiers do not create ozone. However, combination units comprising dehumidifiers and air purifiers can produce ozone if the filtration system includes ionizers and/or UV bulbs.
This article explains how some dehumidifiers may create ozone, why it is dangerous and how you can identify ozone production at home. We also recommend premium air purifiers and dehumidifier combo units that do not pose a risk of ozone exposure.
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a compound comprising three oxygen atoms. Ozone molecules are highly unstable and readily decompose to form the stable oxygen molecules that make up 21% of the air we breathe. These oxygen molecules are comprised of two oxygen atoms only.
Ozone donates its third oxygen atom (nascent oxygen) in chemical reactions and changes airborne contaminants through oxidation.
An ozone sheath naturally surrounds the Earth in the upper atmosphere and is essential to shield it (and us) from harmful sun rays. However, it is also a toxic gas, and exposure to it results in several sever health complications for not only humans, but animals and plants alike.
Harmful Effects of Ozone
The significant side effects of ozone exposure include:
- Damages respiratory tissues upon inhalation
- Coughing
- Scar body tissues
- Chest tightness
- Progressive neurodegeneration
- Lowers metabolic rate
- Impairs immune function
- Skin irritation
- Wheezing
- Headache
- Nausea
For medical therapies, disinfection, and air and water purification, exposure to concentrations of ozone at 0.1 ppm is considered safe for 8 hours. However, research has shown us that exposure to 50 ppm over 1 hour is fatal, that’s just 50 molecules of ozone in 1 million molecules of air.
Risk Factors
The following groups of people are more susceptible to ozone-related symptoms:
- Pregnancy women
- Children and elderly
- Outdoor workers
- Patients of pre-existing respiratory disorders (asthma, emphysema, COPD, bronchitis, etc.)
- People with an impaired immune system
Identifying Ozone Emission
The amount of ozone produced from a product (and its emission percentage) are always specified in the product description. In many cases, two levels of ozone may be identified in a product description – this will relate to optional features on a device.
For example, an air purifier with an optional UV-bulb may emit no ozone when operating without the UV-bulb, but release a small amount when the bulb is in use.
Apart from this, the gas can also be identified via its distinct smell. Ozone has a fresh, chlorine-like smell typically noticeable in a concentration above 0.003 to 0.015 ppm.
Ozone is not the only toxic gas you should be worried about. Plentiful Air has information on which dehumidifiers produce carbon dioxide and monoxide available here.
Do Dehumidifiers Create Ozone?
Ozone in domestic appliances is created as a by-product of chemical reactions of high-energy particles, such as those made by ionizers. Typical dehumidifiers do not involve ionizers, and thus they don’t produce ozone.
However, a dehumidifier-air purifier combination unit can sometimes release ozone (depending on the filtration system of the air purifier)
Dehumidifiers draw air inside the unit and then extract the moisture by either compression of a refrigerant (e.g., freon) and condensation (compressor /refrigerant dehumidifier) or by silica gel absorption (desiccant dehumidifier).
While the refrigerant dehumidifiers use a system made of cooling and reheating coils, the desiccant units employ a rotating wheel (with embedded desiccant material) to reduce humidity.
How Do Dehumidifier Air Purifier Combo Devices Create Ozone?
Air purifiers eliminate toxic airborne contaminants from the air, making it safe to breathe. Some manufacturers combine air purifiers and dehumidifiers into one appliance to save cost, energy, and space.
Air purifiers have a filtration system comprising different filters, each of which traps a different pollutant.
Standard filters found in air purifiers are:
- Pre-filter: a generic filter with large pores that removes dust and debris and mainly serves to improve the optimal life of other filters.
- True HEPA filter: Has microscopic pores that capture particles measuring 0.3 microns or more and can therefore remove 99.97% dust, pollen, pet hair, dander, and pathogens.
- Activated Carbon Filter: Made of activated charcoal that adsorbs gases and traps them in filter pores. This filter serves to remove odors, chemicals, and VOCs.
- TiO2: A titanium dioxide filter employs photocatalysis to break down VOCs through oxidation. It kills microorganisms but has no effect on particulate matter and gases.
- UV Light Bulb: The UV light bulb emits UV light at a germicidal wavelength to kill/inactive bacteria and viruses.
- Ionizers are devices that emit negative ions to create a static charge around airborne particles. The charged particles then stick to the surrounding surface (ionizer).
- Ozone Generator: Some air purifiers create and release large volumes of ozone gas to kill odor agents.
Dehumidifier-air purifier combination units that use ionizers or UV-bulbs may produce ozone in the following ways:
1. Ionizers and Ozone
Ionizers are also known as negative ion generators. This is because they release negative ions that charge dust and other particulate matter in the air. In the process of ion generation and their reaction with surrounding atoms, ozone is produced.
It is essential to mention that negative ions are present naturally in the air, but only artificial ionization creates ozone.
2. UV Bulbs and Ozone
Most UV lamps emit UV-C light (222 and 265 nm). However, the wavelength in which light is emitted varies for different UV bulbs.
When tuned to produce 185 nm, UV bulbs create ozone by splitting oxygen molecules. The resultant oxygen atoms then combine with surrounding oxygen molecules to produce ozone.
Dehumidifier-Air purifier combination units that do not produce ozone
Following are some of the best air purifier and dehumidifier combination units that DO NOT emit ozone:
Afloia Q10 2-in-1 HEPA Air Purifier With Dehumidifier
The first combo device on our list is the Afloia Q10 air purifier and dehumidifier. Its base unit is an air purifier. Using the easy controls of the system, you can select the operating mode and operate the air purifier both with and without the dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier comes with a 35oz water tank that can efficiently reduce humidity by removing up to 25oz of moisture daily. In addition, it is designed with an advanced Peltier technology that enables whisper-quiet operation, unlike most traditional dehumidifiers.
This compact and energy-efficient dehumidifier can cover 215 sq. ft. and is thus a perfect fit for small and medium-sized rooms.
As for the air purifier comes with Medical Grade 13 True HEPA that removes 99.97% of dander, pet hair, dust, debris, bacteria, mold spores, etc. The filter pores are tiny and can capture all contaminants measuring up to 0.1 microns.
Midea Energy Star Dehumidifier With Air Filter
Midea Energy Star dehumidifier comes with a reusable air filter that removes contaminants from the air. However, this air filter has large pores and doesn’t trap microscopic particles and pathogens; thus cannot function as a highly effective air purifier.
The dehumidifier is the central part of the unit. It is equipped with the best features that swiftly adjust relative humidity between 35% and 80%. It offers extensive coverage of 1500 sq. ft. and is a perfect pick for basements, office spaces, and large bedrooms, and its 30-pint DOE standard reservoir removes 22 pints of moisture daily.
The efficient dehumidification is made possible by 360-degree rotatable wheels that draw air inside from all directions. This adequate airflow then allows proper dehumidification and air purification.
The Turbofan mode that adjusts fan speed automatically in accordance with the humidity, auto defrost function that prevents the cold coil from freezing, and continuous mode are some of the most notable features of the device.
All-in-all, considering the energy and cost efficiency and premium features, Midea Energy Star Dehumidifier is worth buying.
CLEVAST Dehumidifier With Air Filter
The CLEVAST dehumidifier features a reusable air filter. Like the Midea combo device, this CLEVAST unit, too, has a dehumidifier as the central part. The reusable filter is a plus that removes significant contaminants, but the dehumidifier can be operated without it as well.
One of the most stand-out features of this unit is the extensive coverage of 3000 sq. ft. This unit can be placed in large spaces for up to 35 pints daily for safe moisture removal (45 to 65% of relative humidity).
CLEVAST dehumidifier is easy to set up and operate with an elaborate control panel that allows the user to set up a timer, fan speed, desired humidity level, etc., ensuring a comfortable, personalized experience.
The 360-degree wheels and compact size add to the unit’s portability. Other than this, the reservoir also comes with a handle, making it easy for the user to empty the water whenever need be. It also comes with a hose that you can directly drain the water from (using CLEVAST’s original drain hose for continuous dehumidification is recommended).
Hysure Home Dehumidifier With Air Purifying Function
Hysure Home Dehumidifier is a portable, compact device that daily removes 750 ml of moisture from a 215 sq. ft. area (at 30 C).
Whisper-free operation and versatile controls of the unit, along with premium performance, enable a comfortable environment.
The air purification is enabled by a True HEPA filter that captures over 99.97% of contaminants. Pre-filter installed before HEPA filter protects the system from dust and debris buildup, thus prolonging the lifespan of the components.
With low energy consumption (45W) and eco-friendly components, Hysure Home Dehumidifier is an excellent investment you can make for high-quality air purification and dehumidification.
Florida Air Purifier Dehumidifier
The second product on our list is another combo unit by Afloia. Like the previous one, this unit is also highly efficient and energy-conserving, with slightly advanced features and better coverage.
Its dehumidifier water reservoir has a 34 oz capacity, and in ideal temperature conditions (86F), it can remove almost 26 oz of moisture from the air. To prevent any damage to the system due to water spilling, this unit has a built-in feature that automatically shuts the system off when the water reservoir is full. For the best user experience, the device also has LED lights that serve as an indicator for various things (full bucket, any problems with the device, etc.).
The air purifier in this combo unit is also equally efficient. Its True HEPA filter removes 99.97% pollutants from the 160 sq. ft. area.
Do Dehumidifiers Ionize The Air?
Some dehumidifiers have integrated ionizers that produce a static charge by ionizing the air. These dehumidifiers also produce a small amount of ozone.
Do Dehumidifiers Take Oxygen Out Of The Air?
Dehumidifiers do not remove oxygen from the air. Dehumidifiers only remove moisture from the air, while oxygen and other gases are released out of the unit with the dehumidified air.
In the case of air purifiers and dehumidifiers combo units, it’s plausible to wonder if oxygen is removed via adsorption on activated charcoal filters. However, this is untrue as tiny oxygen molecules easily pass through the filter pores.
Do Dehumidifiers Purify The Air?
Dehumidifiers do not purify the air. However, dehumidifier-air purifier combination units are able to remove excess moisture from the air, while also removing airborne contaminants.
