Abstract: A humidifier, especially for room humidification, has a reservoir for water to be dispersed into the atmosphere, a unit for dispersing the water and a passage between the reservoir and that unit which is provided with a UV radiation generator for sterilizing water before it reaches the unit. The unit can be a heater, an ultrasonic atomizer for the water or a wettable surface over which air is passed.

Abstract: A humidifier, especially for room humidification, has a container removably mounted on a base and communicating with a sterilizing chamber to which the water is delivered and in which the water is exposed to a UV lamp with sufficient residence time to effect sterilization. From that chamber the sterile water is delivered to a heating chamber formed in a casting and communicating with a duct in the container from which the steam is supplied to the room. A thermostat on the casting cuts off the heater upon a failure to supply water to the latter. The apparatus can have a humidistat for turning on and off the heater.