Little electric motor/fan behind the dash

There is an electric motor with some sort of fan (cannot see unit, only feel) located behind the dash under the ac/heater vent outlet on the passsenger side. It appears to have some type of hose mounted to the rear of the unit. It is probably failing as it makes an annoying noise while running, which is all the time.

Can anyone tell what this device is? Will the car "self destruct" if it disconnected? It is hard to get to and I cannot locat any bolts that attach it to the rear of the dash.

Any thoughts appreciated - Ron