EFFECT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON OCCUPANT

EFFECT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON OCCUPANT HEALTH AND IAQ

WHY RELATIVE HUMIDITY(RH) IS SIGNIFICANT?

There is a long-standing dispute about indoor air humidity and perceived indoor air quality (IAQ) and associated health effects. Complaints about sensory irritation in eyes and upper airways are generally among top-two symptoms together with the perception “dry air” in office environments. This calls for an integrated analysis of indoor air humidity and eye and airway health effects. Both low and high RH, favours transmission and survival of influenza virus in many studies, but the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the virus and aerosol dynamics is complex, which in the end depends on the individual virus type and its physical/chemical properties.

Environmental and energy researchers are always studying about the importance of indoor air quality. We all think healthy indoors means adequate ventilation, freshness in the air, control of pollutants and cleanliness. The list does not stop here. One important factor is the humidity levels in the rooms that can be the cause for inadequate hygiene.

EFFECT OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY ON OCCUPANT

HEALTH EFFECTS DUE TO IMPROPER RH:

As temperatures increase, relative humidity decreases. Dry air can cause health effects, such as dry nose and throat. This causes a higher susceptive to pathogens such as viruses. When it is cold, a higher air humidity makes people believe it is warm.

It also appears that the climate for bacterial growth is worst when relative humidity is between 40 and 60%. Viruses can survive least at a relative humidity of between 47 and 70%. For people, relative humidity is most pleasant between 40 and 60%. For people that suffer from allergies and asthma, relative humidity must be between 45 and 55%.

DRAWBACKS OF LOW HUMIDITY:

Low humidity means the air is too dry. This, in turn, dries out your eyes, nose, and makes your throat dry and itchy. The linings of your mouth, nose, and throat rely on mucus to stay moist. When the moisture in the air is low, as you get in a low humidity environment, the mucus dries up. With the mucus linings dry, your body has a hard time removing germs that lead to illnesses such as the flu and upper and respiratory infections. The irritation brought on by dry mucus membranes causes nosebleeds and dry coughs.

Low humidity can also make your skin extra dry and lead to rashes and infections. Poor air quality due to low humidity tends to increase odors in the home and is the very root of static electricity problems.

DRAWBACKS OF HIGH HUMIDITY:

When the moisture content of the air inside your home is too high several problems can develop. The high moisture levels make your home stuffy and uncomfortable. It can make breathing difficult, and also create challenges for those with respiratory problems and certain other illnesses.

Certain species of mold release mycotoxins into the air that can cause neurological damage, but even a small amount of mold can trigger allergies. When it comes to air quality, mold growth can potentially lead to respiratory diseases as well.

The excess moisture causes condensation throughout the home. These damp ns create the perfect environment for mold growth. Typically-affected places include walls and window frames. However, mold can also develop in drywall and insulation.


WAYS TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

As the air remains inside the house longer, pollutants also stay longer.The air infiltration rates also change with weatherization, type of construction materials, and activities of the occupants. Infiltration rates are measured in air changes per hour (ACH), or the number of times the indoor air is replaced by outside air in an hour. The ACH rates differ from house to house and on daily basis. Usually, it is seen that older houses have ACH that averages from 1 to 2. New homes or older ones that are sealed may have an ACH of 5.

Remember, if the ACH rate is too low, the indoor air quality will be low.

Here are some tips to keep the indoor air quality high

  • Open windows to provide CROSS ventilation and reduction of moisture and odors that normally rise from cooking and bathing.
  • Spot ventilation will help in reducing the amount of pollutants emitted in a specific area and also prevents their movement around the house.
  • Use a dehumidifier in summer and a humidifier in winter.
  • Use an air-to-air heat exchanger as it will mechanically ventilate and dehumidify houses in places where the climate is cold. These units can be installed as a part of your central cooling and heating systems.

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