I have used purifiers in the past that released ozone. I ended up with a continual sore throat. This purifier does emit a light scent that just smells clean (almost like spring water). No sore throat from ozone. I love that there is also a heater/fan function. The control panel is a remote that magnet attaches to the machine. It is detachable and keeps me from having to get up in the middle of the night.