Can spring and warm summer temperatures stop the virus’ spread? Meteorological experts are predicting new record heat for summer 2020. This is based on the numbers coming from the British “Met Office” weather service. Accordingly, extreme heat is to dominate the year. Forecasts say that constant temperatures over 40 degrees are expected across Europe in summer. This forecast should have drops of sweat running down the faces of many by now. A new drought would pose a serious problem for the agricultural and forestry sectors. But does the heat have an advantage in the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19)?
Virologist Alexander Kekulé, Director at the Institute for Medical Microbiology at Germany’s Halle University, explains in a radio interview with broadcaster Deutschlandfunk Kultur: “When it’s warm, these coronaviruses usually get weaker, and the diseases weaken – this could actually be our biggest ally.”
The risk of becoming infected by viral diseases is normally higher in winter. Dry air makes it easier for the viruses to stay in the air. Moreover, cold temperature would weaken the human mucous membranes, which, in turn, would make the immune system more susceptible.
The virus itself is weakened by high temperatures, as Kekulé explains. The sun’s UV radiation would also damage the DNA of the virus. “From a purely meteorological point of view it would now be ideal if it were warm and relatively humid in the near future – and the sun would be shining at the same time.”
The current weather conditions and the overall climate in Germany, however, do not speak much for particularly high humidity levels in the coming weeks and maybe even months.
Leading virologists warn against risks of infection when the air is too dry
One of the reasons for the rapid reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 is clearly founded in the low air humidity. The reason is that once the pathogens are transported outside from the airways with a forceful sneeze they literally hang in the air. This is because the small droplets with the viruses float in the air longer in dry air than when the air is too humid. Viruses released into the air by aerosols then retain their full infectious ability across long periods of time. The risk of infection is aggravated by dried out mucous membranes, thus losing their natural protective effect and turning into a gateway for viral infections. That’s why the air humidity should not drop below 50% in indoor spaces. This is something you should pay special attention to in these times.
Control the humidity of your air and keep an eye on your meteorological data
A full overview when it comes to room climate and weather is offered by thermohygrometers such as the BZ06 from Trotec. The easy to read digital display shows you the current inside temperature (in °C or °F), the air humidity (in %), the date, the weekday and the time in large digital numbers. Moreover, the graphically designed weather trend forecast signals pending changes in the weather. A particularly attractive and astounding eye-catcher is the completely transparent display of this indoor climate station. Ideally, the room humidity should be at 50 % in order to reduce the risk of infection, because the drier the air, the more at home do the viruses feel.
Avoid excessively dry air and always ensure optimum air humidity every time of the year
Excessively dry air can be combated by using air humidifiers with evaporation or ultrasonic technology and by using air washers. All ensure an optimally regulated air humidity and purified room air. You decide which one is right for you.
Evaporation humidifiers: These types of units work with filter mats or sometimes also with rotating blades, which spread the water onto the surface. Optionally, you can also let a stream of air blow over it. Evaporators basically work passively. However, no aerosols are formed; the air thus never becomes contaminated with bacteria or germs. All models of this series are hygrostat-controlled as well. Its performance capacity ranges – depending on the model – from 0.6 litres to 60 litres per hour. Some air humidifiers can be deployed in rooms of up to 420 m². Flexibility is the trump card here. Besides the many individual features or functions it offers, the B 500 model, for example, features a special remote control as well. It’s hard to imagine more comfort than this.
Ultrasonic humidifiers: You can choose between three different models, each of which offering different nebulisation performance levels. These range from 4.8 up to 7.2 litres per day. Ultrasonic humidifiers – depending on the model – can be ideally used in rooms of up to 20 or 30 m². All three units of the series are characterised by a modern design, which blends in with any home interior. Moreover, you can choose between two different modi. Whether a removable scented oil diffuser, an integrated baby mode, a modern touch panel or a freely programmable timer function for example – the ultrasonic humidifiers from Trotec leave nothing to be desired.
Air washers: The Trotec air washer series combines room air humidification and air purification in a single unit. You can revert to sensor controls that help to ensure that your unit operates automatically in an energy-efficient manner. Both models optimally humidify the air while freeing it reliably from pollen, animal hair or house dust for example. The AW 10 S air washer dispenses with filter mats typical for an air washer. This makes it particularly easy to maintain; you can choose from three different operating modes overall. The AW 20 S even offers nine operating modes. An intelligent sensor activates the entire air humidification and air purification process. Moreover, the air washer features an activatable HEPA filter function to ensure optimal air purification efficiency.
Reduce infection risks – thanks to innovative solutions from Trotec
Find out about all of the ways our air quality management could benefit you. And also benefit from our current special offer prices in the Trotec Shop, because you get Trotec brand quality.
