How important is the air quality to our immune system?

Nature is able to control the balance of the air resulting from the mutual effect between water and heat. We, however, live and work indoors and spend more than half of our lives inside an artificial climate. The outside air that enters inside a building is heated by an air handling unit, therefore raising its temperature and at the same time lowering its relative humidity. This is how the heated air becomes unhealthy and harmful to people.

Dry air

Dry air draws moisture from any available source – including our bodies which emit moisture. Moisture evaporates from our eyes, skin, hair, nails and any other exposed body surfaces. In the first phase, dehydration can cause discomfort and irritation of the eyes but can also cause more severe symptoms such as dryness and itching of the skin, even dermatitis. Even worse is the reaction of our respiratory and immune systems. Insufficient humidified air causes decreased resistance to bacteria and infections that are the main cause of illness. When we breathe in air below 40% r.h., the mucous membranes of our nose and throat become very dry. These elements play a vital role in defending our body against air pollutants such as viruses and bacteria. To compensate, a relative humidity in the atmosphere between 40% – 60% is required.

 Airborne infections control

An atmosphere with a relative humidity lower or higher than the recommended range of 40-60% is the perfect breeding ground for dust particles, mold spores and other allergens. Improper air conditions are favorable to airborne bacteria and germs giving them the opportunity to grow and multiply. By controlling the relative humidity with the help of a humidifier, like the one from Condair, the air only supports the amount of humidity needed thereby minimizing the presence of allergens. Deviation to either end of the relative humidity could cause respiratory problems and increase the development of airway infections. Common flu for example is a viral infection of the nose and upper respiratory tract caused by a virus. More than 200 types of viruses lead to influenza cases, but most commonly it is the rhinovirus, considered to be responsible for at least 50% of flu infections. It is contagious and can spread through coughing and sneezing or touching infected surfaces. A low humidity level promotes long-term survival of viruses and bacteria in the air, thus increasing the risk of infections spreading. At a relative humidity of over 40%, elements such as salts or proteins present in expectorated air droplets become highly concentrated and attack viruses and bacteria making them inactive, thus eliminating the risk of spreading infections.

Reducing the movement of dust particles and air droplets

An essential aspect of combating air allergies involves controlling the turbulence of dust particles in  enclosed spaces (in other words, control the ability of dust particles to float in the air). By keeping the relative humidity in the range of 40 – 60%, the weight and adhesion of the dust particles will be significantly increased, causing them to fall to the ground and immediately stabilize on surfaces (floor, furniture) – being subsequently very easy to clean.

 Choose a professional humidification systems supplier

Ensure you are choosing a professional humidification system which places hygiene as the first goal, otherwise you and your colleagues will be affected. Every industry, even the residential segment, needs complete humidity control systems. Therefore what do you need for your production room and your home? Do you need to improve the technological process? Do you need to reduce the rate of absenteeism? Or perhaps you have problems with electrostatic charges? Maybe you want to find a humidification solution that reduces your energy consumption without affecting your productivity. Depending on your needs, we offer you complete humidification solutions with the help of vaporization, evaporation, atomization, hybrid (spraying & evaporation), evaporative cooling technologies as well as dessicant and condensing dehumidification. You also can count on us to provide the right solutions for water treatment.