Humidification can be used to treat allergies, dry skin and even stress. A study from the University of Arizona into the impact of office environments on healthcare found employees who worked in climates with adequate humidity levels experienced 25% less stress than those working in lower humidity climates.
A lack of humidity can lead to a host of respiratory difficulties and dry skin, while too much can promote pathogenic transfer, enable mould growth and increase headaches, fatigue and heat-related illness through dehydration.
Studies into the effect of humidity on health recently garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world looked to methods to prevent widespread transmission of a highly contagious air-borne virus. One such study, published in 1986, created the following graph of their findings, also known as the Sterling Chart.
Close humidity control in healthcare can lower transmission rates, especially of common airborne ailments, alleviate some of the symptoms of asthma and the flu, and help treat eczema and sinusitis. In combination with other elements, such as temperature, air flow, viral load, filtering and decontamination, healthcare professionals can ensure patients are as comfortable as possible, given the best possible environment to recover and protect themselves from potential contagious materials.
Our friends at Neptronic have put together this excellent video outlining some of the humidity control needs common through healthcare facilities and how their SK series can easily link into a Building Control System (BCS), giving users easy and full control of a modulated environment with the ability to tailor the climate of each room based on occupant needs and space use.
Source: Neptronic
Of course, different sections of the healthcare industry have differing humidity requirements, and are further effected by factors like footfall, surrounding temperatures, water hardness and energy consumption. Discuss your specific humidity control needs with our experts by calling 01372 569735, emailing info@humiditysolutions.co.uk, or through our live chat.
