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by: Corey Smith0
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The Health Benefits of the Ideal Humidity Level
If you or your family members seem to suffer an unusual number of colds and sore throats, are prone to allergies, or have skin issues, the problem may be the humidity of your home. Health issues can arise either if your house is too humid or if you house is too dry.
When the air in your home is too dry, it is easy for the mucous membranes of your nose and throat to become dry as well. This leads to small cracks and sores that then allow bacteria and viruses to take hold in your respiratory system. The result is a larger number of infections, as well as considerable discomfort from the irritated membranes. You can try using lozenges or hard candy to keep the mouth and throat moist, and nasal sprays and gels, but these are temporary fixes at best.
Your skin also tends to suffer when the air is dry. It becomes red and chapped, and can crack and bleed. This is painful, unsightly, and makes you more prone to skin infections as well. Moisturizing creams and lotions can temporarily relieve the problem, but as soon as their protective layer rubs off or is completely absorbed, your skin is once again exposed to the damaging effects of dry air.
By raising the humidity levels in your home, you can prevent these problems, rather than trying to treat the symptoms caused by dry air. It may not be obvious that your problems result from low humidity; after all, everyone gets a cold now and again, and there are many causes of skin irritation. There are, however, some easy ways to evaluate whether your home is too dry.
First, do you notice a lot of static electricity? If walking across a carpet or sliding across a couch leads to a shock when you touch a person or object, the humidity in your home is probably too low. Also, look for cracks in drywall and plaster, loose joints in wood furniture, and gaps in hardwood flooring or trim. All of these are signs of low humidity.
An overly humid environment brings its own set of problems. Signs of an overly humid house include peeling paint and wallpaper, condensation stains on the walls and ceiling, and wood rot or infestation by termites and cockroaches. In addition, dust mites and mold both like an overly moist climate. If you raise the humidity in your home too much, dust mites and mold will proliferate. Both are primary causes of allergy symptoms in adults and children, and are difficult to remove from a home. Dust mites can only be contained in beds and furniture with expensive, special-weave fabrics. They cannot be removed completely except by keeping the humidity lower. Mold, while easier to attack, can grow in places that you cannot see or reach, such as behind drywall and under cabinets; not being able to see it doesn't mean that the microscopic spores aren't causing your allergies.
If you want to measure the relative humidity levels in your home, you can purchase a hygrometer or barometer with a humidity gauge. Ideally, your home should be kept at approximately 60% relative humidity. To achieve this level, you may need to purchase a humidifier or dehumidifier, or a unit that does both, as the humidity in your home can vary considerably. But if you suffer from health problems related to humidity levels, this investment can bring significant benefits.
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About the Author
Corey Smith is author of this article on Humidity Control Equipment. Find more information about Industrial Humidity Control here.
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