The impact of air humidity on human health: what danger is fraught with excessively high or low humidity

How to increase air humidity with household appliances

The most affordable and popular device for increasing the humidity in the air is a household humidifier. It can be used all year round, but it will be especially useful in winter, when the humidity of 20 percent in the room causes discomfort.

The following types of humidifiers are available:

1. Classic. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the evaporation of cold water without preheating. From a special container, water flows to the evaporator - disc, filter or cartridge. Due to the fact that such devices take air from the room and release it after cleaning with a filter, there is an additional removal of dust and allergens.
2. Humidifiers with air cleaning function. These are full-fledged climatic devices that simultaneously increase the level of humidity and purify the air by equipping them with special replaceable filters. They are also called air washers.
3. steam models. The principle of operation of such devices is similar to the operation of an electric kettle. Heating elements with a ceramic plate or coil release steam after the water has been preheated. It is optimal to use both in summer and to maintain the norm of humidity in the apartment in winter.
4. Ultrasonic. The most expensive and efficient. The liquid poured into the tank enters the plate, which vibrates under the influence of ultrasound. Water breaks up into tiny droplets that enter the room through a cooler inside the case.

With the help of such devices, you can not only create a comfortable humidity in the apartment, but also adjust other parameters:

• control the temperature;
• neutralize pathogenic microbes;
• capture dust and allergens.

The action of the humidifier can cover a different area, which must be considered when buying. Small appliances are suitable for a bedroom or kitchen. For a living room or other rooms with a larger area, you need a powerful device.

Table 1. Several processes and industries that require air humidity control

The storage of works of art and books requires maintaining the humidity at the required level. Therefore, in museums, you can see psychrometers on the walls.

On any food product indicate the value of relative humidity acceptable for storage.

The optimal and permissible parameters of temperature and relative humidity in the premises of educational and preschool institutions are presented in Table 2.

Humidity standards

microclimate norms

The reference tables of GOST 30494-2011 indicate the permissible and optimal values ​​​​of air parameters, as well as the optimal temperature for an apartment and public premises. These restrictions must be taken into account in the design and construction of buildings.

Permissible indicators include indoor temperature and humidity, which can cause a temporary feeling of discomfort in a person, but do not lead to acute and chronic diseases. The optimal range of air parameters ensures normal heat exchange and a stable water balance of the body.

Dependence of normative parameters on the time of year

depends Winter season +8 degrees Celsius

With cooling, the concentration of moisture in the indoor air also decreases accordingly. The optimal parameters during this period are relative humidity indicators from 30 to 45%, the permissible value should not exceed 60%.

In the warm season, when the air temperature is more than +8 degrees for several days, the humidity rises steadily and, with the onset of heat, tends to a state of saturated steam. The permissible level of air humidity in summer in residential premises is 65%. The optimal range is 60–30%.

With a decrease in environmental humidity, the body's water balance is disturbed, the skin dries up, the lungs lose their ability to cleanse themselves, which causes coughing fits and can lead to chronic diseases.

How to increase humidity?

To increase humidity, you can:

Use a vaporizer or humidifier. It will allow you to quickly bring the air back to normal without much effort on your part. But you should be careful, as it can make the air too humid, which will cause mold growth, the precursor of which is a musty smell.

In addition, the moist, warm environment created by the humidifier is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which are then inhaled by humans.

Inhaling dirty mist from humidifiers can lead to lung problems, including infections, as well as an increased risk of asthma in children.

So if you decide to use a humidifier, do it wisely, making sure the humidity level isn't set too high. If your humidifier does not have a hygrometer, purchase one separately from any hardware store.

The easiest way is to purchase a humidifier with a built-in humidity analyzer in the room and automatically turn on when it decreases.

You should also clean it regularly, at least once every three days, using hydrogen peroxide to remove any contaminants and microorganisms.The water in the tank should be changed daily.

Make sure the area around the humidifier (countertop, windows, carpet, curtains, etc.) is dry.

1. Ventilate rooms regularly. If you ventilate the room well every 1.5–2 hours, then the humidity can be brought up to the required 50 percent.
2. Boil water on the stove or just place bowls of water all over the apartment. Preferably in places where you won't bump into them. Don't forget to add water.
3. Start growing indoor plants. They perfectly keep the air from drying out if they are regularly watered.
4. Wet towels or sheets. On radiators, doors, cabinets, you can hang linen soaked in water. It is better to do this at night so that there is no mess in the apartment.

Negative impact

High humidity:

• sharply increases the risk of overheating and hypothermia: frostbite of the legs, hands, face and other parts of the body can already be at a temperature of -5-10 C;
• increases the risk of colds, as it weakens the immune system. In addition, excessively humid air is always characterized by a high content of viruses, bacteria and fungal spores;
• leads to a deterioration in the condition of people with diseases of the bones and joints, lungs;
• coupled with high temperature causes fatigue, irritability and discomfort.

Low Humidity:

• leads to drying of the mucous membranes, which is manifested by pain in the eyes, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, frequent colds;
• increases the risk of respiratory diseases: mucus, thickening and stagnating in the nose and bronchi, becomes a good environment for the reproduction of viruses, bacteria and the accumulation of allergens;
• leads to a violation of ionic balance, and positively charged ions become predominant in the body;
• worsens the condition of allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

To prevent the negative impact of this factor on health, you should:

• maintain normal humidity in the room. To monitor indicators, there are special devices - hygrometers. In dry air, it must be moistened by airing or using a special humidifier, and in case of excessive humidity, it should be slightly dried;
• regularly ventilate the premises - this contributes to the formation of a healthy environment.

Effects of changes in air moisture content on furniture and household items

Not only our well-being depends on the composition of the air masses. The value of humidity in everyday life is subject to special consideration. Wood products react very subtly to changes in the percentage of moisture content. The condition of furniture, interior structures and musical instruments is deteriorating. With high humidity, wooden coatings are deformed and change their shape.

Dry air is no less dangerous for household items. This becomes especially noticeable when cold weather sets in and central heating is turned on:

• the furniture surface is cracking;
• parquet begins to delaminate;
• musical instruments are more difficult to tune.

Dry air has a negative effect on the state of artistic works of art. The paint peels off the surface of the paintings. That is why special devices are installed in the premises of large museums and exhibition halls that record changes in the composition of air masses.

Folk omens

When the weather changes, the moisture content of the air mass changes.Popular signs related to air humidity indicate that if clear and dry weather is expected, the smoke from the stove will rise vertically. Before the rain, it spreads on the surface of the earth.

If there is severe frost and dry air, the wood in the stove burns with a bright flame and burns out in a short time. With a pale, dim flame, a large amount of soot formed and insufficient draft, there is a high probability of a high moisture content in the air masses.

In the evening, when there is no wind, the air temperature drops. Above the ground you can often see vaporous moisture - fog. By his behavior, you can also judge the upcoming weather. According to the signs, the rise of the fog up indicates future rain. If it lies on the surface of the earth, dry weather can be expected. Night and morning fog in the valley, which disappears with sunrise, speaks of the upcoming good weather. The same forecast can be made in the presence of heavy morning dew.

If the moisture content in the air masses increases, many flowers experience contraction of the inflorescences. The smell of rowan becomes sharper. Coniferous trees drop branches. When the air is dry, they rise.

The moisture content in air masses is an important parameter that affects the human body and the whole world around us.

Effects of high and low humidity

An increase or decrease in the norm of humidity in a dwelling negatively affects human health. The human body is especially sensitive to weather changes during the off-season.Excessive dryness or dampness in the room will oppress the tenants, they will develop symptoms of fatigue, headaches often begin, and a predisposition to colds appears.

Dry air is a catalyst for the accumulation of static electricity, which, in turn, according to the laws of physics, causes dust particles to appear in the air. The dust content of the room leads to allergic problems, and the minimum percentage of water in the air harms not only the respiratory organs, but also affects the condition of the eyes, hair and skin of the residents. Negative effects can occur in people with a predisposition to cardiovascular disease.

High humidity also negatively affects human health. Air highly saturated with water vapor contributes to the formation of conditions for the formation of mold and fungus colonies. Fungus spores enter the lungs of residents, causing allergic reactions, severe poisoning, and often cause the initial stage of tuberculosis and rheumatism.

The fight against these manifestations, without reducing the humidity in the apartment, will be useless, so the repair is usually accompanied by a high-quality ventilation device or forced exhaust, which will remove strong humidity.

High humidity in combination with high air temperature in the room leads to an exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases and can cause a crisis.

In the house

Often, the owners of country houses and private cottages find that the air humidity is too high inside the housing. It is not difficult to solve the problem, it is enough just to check the operation of some systems and, if necessary, install additional equipment.

What is recommended to do to control the microclimate in the house:

• Ventilate the cottage more often in spring and summer.
• In winter, install a heating radiator.
• Equip the kitchen with an extractor hood, which is a good helper in the fight against unpleasant odors, and also its work provides an influx of fresh air.
• Regularly clean the ventilation from accumulated dust.
• Buy indoor plants that do not require frequent watering, such as cacti.
• Check the health of the sewer pipes and find out if there is a leak.
• Dry washed clothes on the balcony or loggia.

If cosmetic repairs are being started in the house, only natural finishing materials should be preferred. They better absorb evaporating moisture and dry out faster from it.

Effects of changes in air moisture content on furniture and household items

Not only our well-being depends on the composition of the air masses. The value of humidity in everyday life is subject to special consideration. Wood products react very subtly to changes in the percentage of moisture content. The condition of furniture, interior structures and musical instruments is deteriorating. With high humidity, wooden coatings are deformed and change their shape.

Dry air is no less dangerous for household items. This becomes especially noticeable when cold weather sets in and central heating is turned on:

• the furniture surface is cracking;
• parquet begins to delaminate;
• musical instruments are more difficult to tune.

Dry air has a negative effect on the state of artistic works of art. The paint peels off the surface of the paintings.That is why special devices are installed in the premises of large museums and exhibition halls that record changes in the composition of air masses.

How to raise the humidity in the apartment

The most optimal and modern way to increase humidity in the apartment - buy a humidifier. This device is designed mainly for rooms up to 150 m³. Water is poured into a special container of the humidifier, which evaporates during operation of the device.

• Humidifiers are:
• traditional;
• steam;
• ultrasonic.

Traditional (mechanical) ones, using a built-in fan, drive air through a container of water, where it is moistened and cleaned of dust. The disadvantage of a mechanical humidifier is the limited level of moisture (no more than 60%) and high noise.

The steam humidifier works on the principle of a kettle. The water in it boils and comes out in the form of steam. The disadvantage of such models is hot steam (up to 60° C), high noise and high power consumption.

However, a steam humidifier can use even very dirty or hard water. Some models have special nozzles that allow you to use the device as an inhaler. Increase humidity steam humidifier can be higher than 60%.

An ultrasonic humidifier converts water into steam using a special membrane. It is not as noisy as mechanical or steam models. The water heating function helps fight germs in the air.

The disadvantage of an ultrasonic humidifier is that it only needs distilled water or special cartridges for cleaning and softening water, which must be changed regularly.

How to increase humidity folk remedies

Folk remedies for humidifying the air will be an excellent help for those who have not yet managed to acquire a special device for regulating the humidity in the room.

The most common way is to put wet towel or sheet on the battery. The fabric heats up and the water begins to evaporate. When the towel dries, it must be wetted again.

If you don’t feel like going to the bathroom every time the fabric dries, you can place water containers on the batteries. In this case, you will need to add water every few days.

From containers with water placed on pieces of furniture (on cabinets, for example), evaporation occurs more slowly, but the humidity still increases.

You can put a bowl of water near the battery. The end of the bandage, folded in several rows, falls into it. The other end is on the battery. The water on the bandage constantly rises to the top and evaporates from the heat.

1. Help to humidify air and household trifles. Among them:
2. drying clothes in the room;
3. breeding indoor plants, which themselves give off moisture and require daily spraying;
4. installation of an aquarium;
5. the door to the bathroom, opened after a shower, contributes to the release of moisture into the rooms;
6. purchase of a small decorative fountain;
7. insulation of the apartment (walls, window frames).

What are the consequences of a deviation from the norm of humidity in an apartment: dry air

When the batteries turn on, the air in the rooms becomes dry. As a result, the residents irritate the mucous membrane of the throat and nasal cavity. Drying of hair and skin is observed.

If the humidity norm is violated in a residential area, static electricity is generated, which raises dust particles into the air.This process can be the basis for the spread of germs and dust mites.

• Excessive dryness of the room entails many negative consequences:
• decrease in the elasticity of the skin, nails and hair - as a result of this, dermatitis, peeling, microcracks and premature wrinkles appear;
• drying of the mucous membrane of the eyes - redness, unpleasant itching and sensation of foreign bodies ("sand");
• blood thickens - because of this, the circulation of blood flow slows down, a person develops weakness, headaches. There is a decrease in efficiency, the heart is subjected to increased stress and wears out faster;
• the viscosity of intestinal and gastric juice increases - the work of the digestive system slows down significantly;
• dryness of the respiratory tract - as a result, local immunity is weakened, the likelihood of colds and infectious diseases increases;
• air quality decreases - a large amount of allergens are concentrated in the composition of air masses, which, at the norm of indoor air humidity, are bound by water particles.

Note! Plants and animals that are close to the apartment suffer from a lack of moisture. The service life of wooden furniture and finishes is reduced, they fade, become covered with cracks

Is dry air good for humans?

It would seem that so much effort is put into "drying" the air, and here is a new problem. He got too dry. This can also happen if no devices to eliminate dampness were used. Determining too dry air is very simple - it will become difficult for households to breathe, and indoor flowers will dry out, despite abundant watering.

This phenomenon usually occurs in winter, since cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, and the work of radiators exacerbates the situation.

Regardless of what caused the drought, low air humidity often leads to the following consequences:

• drying of the mucous membrane of the throat, nose, which is fraught with frequent respiratory diseases;
• palpable dryness in the nose, irritation on the mucous membrane;
• dry skin of the body, peeling and redness;
• static electricity accumulates in the apartment;
• cracks appear on wooden furniture and interior items.

Raising low humidity is much easier than eliminating dampness. The first step is to check the ventilation.

Regular airing can optimize the level of humidity, but if this is not enough, it is worth using other methods.

Dry air is very dangerous for children, as it leads to their frequent illnesses, and also dries out the baby's skin, which can provoke allergies or skin diseases.

The first group of products that will help cope with low humidity are completely free. Our grandmothers also used them. So, try placing bowls of water near the radiators. A similar method is to hang wet towels or sheets on radiators. The essence of this method is that the water, gradually evaporating, will saturate the air with itself.

The next option is not to use electric clothes dryers and hang it exclusively on radiators. It is advisable to wring out the wash at low speeds so that the clothes are as wet as possible.

The fastest method to increase humidity is to spray the room with a spray bottle, paying particular attention to the curtains.

Use this method with extreme caution, without damaging the wallpaper and without getting on the furniture.

If possible, you can purchase a professional humidifier that will maintain an optimal humidity balance around the clock.

Humidity standards

microclimate norms

The reference tables of GOST 30494-2011 indicate the permissible and optimal values ​​​​of air parameters, as well as the optimal temperature for an apartment and public premises. These restrictions must be taken into account in the design and construction of buildings.

Permissible indicators include indoor temperature and humidity, which can cause a temporary feeling of discomfort in a person, but do not lead to acute and chronic diseases. The optimal range of air parameters ensures normal heat exchange and a stable water balance of the body.

Dependence of normative parameters on the time of year

depends Winter season +8 degrees Celsius

With cooling, the concentration of moisture in the indoor air also decreases accordingly. The optimal parameters during this period are relative humidity indicators from 30 to 45%, the permissible value should not exceed 60%.

In the warm season, when the air temperature is more than +8 degrees for several days, the humidity rises steadily and, with the onset of heat, tends to a state of saturated steam. The permissible level of air humidity in summer in residential premises is 65%. The optimal range is 60–30%.

With a decrease in environmental humidity, the body's water balance is disturbed, the skin dries up, the lungs lose their ability to cleanse themselves, which causes coughing fits and can lead to chronic diseases.

How can humidity be controlled?

It is necessary to choose methods of change depending on whether this parameter is high or low. Let's start with the first, that is, the humidity is high. What can be offered:

• organize frequent ventilation;
• install dehumidifiers;
• carry out the installation of hoods;
• constantly monitor plumbing and heating, plumbing and sewage pipes so that they are in a tight and good condition;
• use different types of heaters to heat the house;
• do not dry clothes inside.

Now about how you can increase the relative humidity:

• install an aquarium or a decorative type fountain in one of the rooms;
• use air conditioners and heaters as little as possible;
• install sprinklers, they are also humidifiers, or do it with a manual spray gun;
• more often to carry out wet cleaning;
• spread wet towels on heating radiators;
• plant as many houseplants as possible.

In the video, an allergist talks about the norms of humidity in rooms for a person:

Enemies of humidity

So, having dealt with the question of what humidity should be in a residential area, we turn to household appliances, which greatly underestimate this parameter. Let's start with the fact that all electrical appliances heat up and give off heat. And accordingly, they heat the air temperature inside the house, reducing humidity.

Especially it should be noted air conditioning, which everyone uses in the summer.Its principle of operation is based on the fact that the device takes humidity, condensing it on a heat exchanger located in the indoor unit. And this water is brought out into the street through a tray and a hose.

TVs, computers and other electrical appliances should be added here. But the most serious enemy to the humidity regime is the heating system at home. It can reduce this parameter to 20% in winter, which is already considered a critical value.

Many people try to solve this problem by ventilation. But not many people know that there is little moisture in cold air. And if you let it into the rooms, it heats up, expands and becomes dry.

In the video, a specialist talks about humidity, and how to deal with it:

Interesting Facts

It is a well-known fact that fog is 100% humidity. But this phenomenon of nature is possible only at a temperature of 0 °C. If the fog is placed in a room with a temperature regime of +22 ° C, then the humidity in such a room will be only 23%. This shows well how temperature changes humidity.

Dry air seems colder to us. And vice versa. It's all about our bodies, which sweat in hot weather. The latter is moisture, which performs the functions of thermoregulation of the body. That is, sweat makes our skin moist, thereby removing heat from its surface. The same thing happens in winter. Only in this case dry air cools the skin. Therefore, this air seems colder to us.

Note that a 2°C rise in temperature will result in a 25% decrease in humidity. Therefore, do not heat houses strongly

Room temperature, namely + 18-22 ° C - the optimal mode in which the humidity is also in perfect condition.That is, adhering to these two parameters, you can save a lot on heating your home in winter.

How does a person feel at different humidity levels?

Briefly about the main

The optimum air humidity in residential premises is 30-60%. In children, it is better to withstand 70%. This also applies to rooms where asthmatics and allergy sufferers live.

The simplest device that measures indoor humidity is a psychrometric hygrometer, also known as a psychrometer.

It is useless to ventilate rooms in winter to increase humidity in them. Because there is little moisture in cold air. Once inside the house, it heats up, becoming dry, which helps to reduce the humidity regime.

Humidity's biggest enemy is the heating system at home. But this indicator is also affected by all electrical household appliances.

To increase this figure, it is recommended to install household humidifiers, since they are presented in stores with a huge assortment.