1. Page header
1.1 Branding
1.6 Breadcrumb
1.4 Search
1.2 Main navigation
1.3 First level
1.4 Further levels
3. Health and Humidification
Excessively dry air is unhealthy!
The key factor influencing the perception of well-being at the workplace is the indoor climate: good room air quality, the right temperature and an adequate supply of fresh air are crucial to satisfaction and feeling good. Although optimum humidity affects health in the workplace as well as subjective well-being, it is often underestimated. The recommended optimum relative humidity for office workplaces is between 40% and 60%.
The effects of inadequate humidity
1) Self-cleaning of the mucous membranes
If the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract become dry from the outside due to inadequate humidity, pathogenic micro-organisms are transported out of the nose, bronchial tubes and lungs more slowly. This means that the risk of disease increases. An adequately high humidity level of at least 30% is required to enable the respiratory tract to be cleared quickly and efficiently.
2) Transmission of flu viruses
At a relative humidity of between 20% and 30%, the risk of being infected with an influenza A virus is three times higher than when the average room humidity is 50%. At this humidity level, virus particles have a shorter lifespan and a shorter transmission range and the mucous membranes have better self-cleaning properties.
3) Hoarseness and laryngitis
Adequate humidification of the mucous membranes is required to maintain an effective voice function and prevent voice diseases. A minimum air humidity of 40% is recommended for those groups whose professions involve speaking a large proportion of the time.
4) Dry eyes
Swollen eyelids, redness, burning and a high light sensitivity are the consequences of the eye surface being inadequately moistened with tear fluid. Excessively dry air causes increased evaporation of tear fluid and, if the dryness continues, even damage to the tear film.
5) Dry skin
Inadequate air humidity values cause skin to become chapped and cracked. Dry, itchy skin, cracks and dermatitis are the result. Chronic skin conditions such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis can deteriorate if the skin is too dry.
6) Fine dust
Fine dust (e.g. from photocopiers, laser printers) is made up of minute, invisible particles that penetrate deep into the human respiratory tract, where they can induce serious lung irritations and diseases. An adequate air humidity level cleans the air of dust faster, hence reducing the risk of fine dusts penetrating the respiratory tract.
