Prevent contracting the coronavirus! That’s the watchword here because only by extending the time frame will our hospitals be able to help the large number of patients predicted to be hit by the wave of infection. But the risk of infection increases with increasing dwell time wherever many people spend long periods of time in rooms. That’s why it’s good to know: 50% humidity reduces the risk of inhaling coughed out viruses, which, like the coronavirus, are responsible for respiratory diseases.
That’s the good news: The risk of inhaling dangerous viruses like the novel coronavirus “Sars-CoV-2‘, or even just bacteria, is significantly lower when air humidity is sufficiently high. This is because when an infected person coughs or sneezes, thousands of exhaled infectious droplets are transmitted into the room air. These form so-called aerosols – a mixture of solid and fluid gases, airborne particles and water vapour that are able to float in the room air for hours at a time. Yet there is an enormously important difference between so-called ‘dry’ and ‘moist’ infectious aerosols.
Dry aerosols float longer in the room air
The risk of contracting infectious viruses when humidity is low is increased significantly. Why is this so? When the air humidity in the room is less than 40%, so-called ‘dry’ aerosols with crystallised minerals are formed. These then float longer in the air, are less adhesive and stick to each other less. Dry aerosols are stirred up quickly again by surfaces such as corridors, desks and closets, for example, and transmitted either by ventilation systems or the activities of the room’s occupants.
Moist aerosols sink faster to the floor
The risk of inhaling infectious aerosols is significantly lower when air humidity is sufficiently high. This is because ‘moist’ aerosols begin to form starting from an ambient humidity of 45% relative air humidity. These are heavier due to their absorbed water content – their dwell time in the air is thus short and they sink quickly to the ground. In addition, the forces of attraction between the water content and surfaces cause the ‘moist’ aerosols to adhere more strongly to each other and are only difficult to be stirred up again.
Scientifically proven and recommended – an effective form of air humidification
Scientists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), too, have come to the conclusion that a relative air humidity of 40 % and up will drastically lower the infectivity of influenza viruses. In their extensive study, the researchers demonstrated that, with a moisture content of up to 23 percent, about three quarters of the virus particles are still infectious after one hour. When humidity is around 43 percent, the proportion of infectious particles shrinks to only about one fifth. Most often, moisture attacks the pathogens within the first 15 minutes. In light of this significant effect, scientists recommend humidifying the air in hospitals and in practices. And, naturally, this is recommended for office rooms, residential buildings and flats alike.
Use the professional humidifiers from Trotec
When it comes to Trotec’s electric humidifiers, you can choose between models from the evaporation humidifier B series and the air washers from the AW-S series. The most important criteria for choosing a suitable device are room size and humidification performance.
The disc humidifier for large rooms combines high-performance evaporation with economical long-term operation. Its hydrostat-controlled humidity regulation is supplemented by a rotating vaporisation fleece which cleans the air as well. Pleasantly low levels of operating noise and low energy consumption distinguish the device even more.
Moreover, you can expect a wide range of electric humidifiers with various functions and modern designs. From compact entry-level units to models that are also suitable for large rooms or where you can pleasantly perfume your room air by adding scented oils – a suitable evaporative humidifier is available for every need.
The low-maintenance 3-in-1 comfort device for humidification and purification. The air washer cleans and humidifies the room air without filter mats. Furthermore, the air washer binds together pollen, animal hair, house dust and even unpleasant odours thanks to its integrated plasma feature. The low-maintenance device is easy to open for filling and cleaning.
As a 3-in-1 comfort device with combination sensor and HEPA filter, this air washer provides optimal humidity and air quality at all times. Moreover, the device is perfectly suited to allergy sufferers: Thanks to the optional HEPA filter, not only house dust, pollen and animal hair are removed from the air – but even the smallest dirt particles like fine dust, allergens or mould spores can be reliably removed by this air washer.
Reduce infection risks – thanks to innovative solutions from Trotec
Find out about all of the ways our air quality management could benefit you. And on top of that, you will also benefit from our current special offer prices because you get Trotec brand quality:
- the B 400 humidifier reduced from € 329,95, now only € 295,32,
- the B 24 E reduced from €88.56, now only € 59.02,
- the B 25 E reduced from €88.56, now only € 59.02,
- the AW 10 S air washer reduced from € 295.32, now only € 216.55,
- the AW 20 S air washer reduced from € 492.22, now only € 442.99,
incl. VAT – in the Trotec shop now!
