Dyson launches its first purifying humidifying fan that senses and destroys potentially harmful formaldehyde

In an evolution of Dyson’s existing sensing capabilities, the new Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde now features a solid-state sensor, specifically engineered to detect the potentially harmful pollutant formaldehyde. While some other gel-based formaldehyde sensors can deteriorate overtime and are easily confused with other VOC (volatile organic compound) pollution, Dyson’s solid-state formaldehyde sensor works alongside Dyson’s unique algorithm to precisely monitor formaldehyde levels - intelligently ignoring other gases which are detected by a dedicated VOC sensor.

Sources of formaldehyde inside the home include pressed wood products, cleaning agents, carpets and do-it-yourself products such as paint, wallpapers and varnishes. Being 500 times smaller than particles the size of 0.1 microns, formaldehyde is particularly difficult to capture. When left undetected, it can lead to prolonged exposure due to continuous release of airborne chemicals, known as off-gassing. This can be exacerbated by modern, well-sealed homes as pollutants become trapped inside and are unable to escape. Dyson’s Selective Catalytic Oxidization (SCO) filter continuously destroys formaldehyde at a molecular level [2].

Building on Dyson’s commitment to hygienic and clean air, both the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool and the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde now also feature full machine HEPA filtration. While many purifiers claim HEPA filtration, if they are not adequately sealed, indoor pollutants can bypass the filter and escape. In addition, modern air conditioning and central heating can cause indoor air to dry out. Humidifiers are a well-established solution to dry air in the home, but dirty reservoirs and filters in humidifiers can quickly breed bacteria and mould. In some humidifiers, this can then be carried in the water droplets of mist or steam released into the air [3].

Dyson engineers have re-engineered the machine airflow pathways to achieve fully-sealed HEPA 13 standard filtration [4] – not only ensuring that no air bypasses the filter but blocking any potential leak points through which dirty air might enter the airflow. This means both models have been proven to capture H1N1 influenza virus [5] and 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns such as allergens, bacteria, pollen and mold spores.

As well as humidifying with purified air, the Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool and Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde uses UV-C technology to inhibit bacteria growth, destroying 99.9% of bacteria in the water [1]. Dyson engineers developed a highly reflective PTFE tube through which UV-C light is reflected down its length, ensuring that bacteria are exposed to the UV-C rays multiple times rather than just once, to ensure their destruction. These machines hygienically humidify with treated water vapour, rather than droplets. Both provide up to 36 hours of hygienic humidification [6] and a five litre water tank gives continuous humidification without regular refilling.