Humidity

The micro-comfort of our homes is very important, so we discuss it often. For example, owners of a new house, more or less modern can discuss with various suppliers of building materials, facilities, equipment etc.. The owner needs to know what to ask the contractor to invest in terms of comfort.

The role of water in our life should be proved. But what needs to be stressed is that the air we breathe must also contain a few grams of water (for those who want more: the number of grams of water to 1 kg of dry air s' called absolute humidity of air). The existence of water vapor is very important, in general, 8-12 g represents the ideal amount for a very good air quality for breathing. In the previous elements are added two other elements that establish the best proportion between the quantity of water and the amount of air: the temperature and air pressure. For simplicity, all three elements of this explanation leads to a notion that can be used more easily: the relative humidity of the air. For our health, we must ensure that the relative humidity of the air in our homes or about 50% (to a certain temperature, with 0% relative humidity, the air is completely dry, and 100% l ' air is completely saturated, that is to say, each extra water in the air leads to the appearance of condensation).

How do we establish the relative humidity? It can be made very simply, using a device called a hygrometer chamber. If we want to ensure thermal comfort and your health also, at least a hygrometer in the house is recommended. Control of humidity is as important as its temperature.

One senses immediately the change in air temperature a few degrees, especially in winter, but we do not feel the change in its moisture with more than 10%. What are the consequences? The low relative humidity led to the evaporation of water from human membranes (nose and throat), ultimately leading to drying of mucous membranes of all of our respiratory system. The same effect appears in regard to skin and hair. Many people suffer from respiratory illnesses during the winter because of low relative humidity of our rooms. Epidemiological studies have shown that the tenants of the buildings where the relative humidity was about 50% fell ill more frequently than those in winter have lived or worked in an environment where the relative humidity was low (eg less 30-40%). It's just the same whether you live or you work in an environment where the humidity is excessive (eg, over 60-70%). The effects are stronger in the case of smokers, where the mentioned aspects are more serious. To demonstrate more clearly, we can add some info on the way in which pathogens operate on the human body according to the relative humidity of the air. Thus, it indicates areas of relative humidity or become aggressive agents mentioned: bacteria: 0-30% and 60-100% virus: 0-50% and 70-100% Fung: 60-100%; parasites 50-100%; respiratory infections: 0-50% (there is not enough dates to humidity over 50%), allergic rhinitis and asthma: 0-40% if 60-100; chemical interactions: 30-100% .