Just in time before the temperatures fall again, the German Weather Service (the DWD) explains the connection between the cold season and decreasing air humidity. Because warmer air can absorb significantly more water vapour than cold air, say DWD meteorologists, the absolute humidity in the winter months is significantly lower than in summer. However, according to scientific findings, excessively dry air is one of the main reasons why more people become infected with viruses during the hotter months.
In this context, the German Weather Service quotes a study by scientists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which examines the risk of infection from real flu viruses in indoor environments. The researchers had set up a realistic test scenario for this purpose: To simulate contact with patients, they placed two dummies in a chamber at a distance of two metres. As with coughing, one of the dummies expelled air containing influenza viruses. At the same time, the other dummy breathed in. The researchers then tested the Infectiousness of the air-virus mixture at relative humidities in the room of between 7 and 73 percent.
Dry air increases the risk of infection
The results are clear: At a humidity level of up to 23%, about 75% of the virus particles were still infectious after one hour. In contrast, at about 43 percent humidity, the proportion of infectious particles shrank to roughly just 20 percent. This means a reduction of viruses due to higher humidity by more about 75%. The explanation for this phenomenon lies in the fact that the water-saturated particles in the room air display less infectious ‘behaviour’ – simply because they sink to the ground faster due to their heavier weight and, once there, also adhere better than the ‘drier’ and therefore lighter viruses. They float longer in the air and, in addition, they keep swirling up from the floor. The clear recommendation is therefore to humidify the air in offices and living rooms, especially during the cold and cooler seasons. Because the higher the room temperature, the drier the air becomes.
Dry mucous membranes are a good breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, as they can find an entrance more easily
At cooler temperatures, mucous membranes are already more susceptible to viruses anyway, because if a lot of cold air is inhaled quickly, the body tries to concentrate the heat inside, which is why the extremities and also the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are less well supplied with blood. This in turn means that the defence cells do not get to where a foreign virus enters so quickly. It is also generally known that dry room air leads to dry mucous membranes. And dry mucous membranes are more or less open to viruses and bacteria. If the mucous membranes are better supplied with moisture by a correct room air humidity, they are also more resistant to viruses and bacteria. Therefore, one can significantly reduce the personal risk of infection with air humidity at 50% at the least.
Rely on professionals during the heating season – humidifiers from Trotec
The hygrostat-controlled Trotec humidifiers of the B series and the air washers of the AW-S series ensure optimally regulated humidity and purified room air. Thanks to their timeless design, the devices fit into any office environment, require little maintenance during operation and are attractively priced. The most important criteria for choosing the right units are the room sizes in the office in combination with humidification performance.
This 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 also cleans the air. Pleasantly low levels of operating noise and energy consumption make the device even more impressive.
In addition, a wide range of electric humidifiers with various functions and modern designs awaits you in our B-Series range. 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, there is a suitable evaporative humidifier for every requirement.
The low-maintenance 3-in-1 comfort device for humidification and purification. The air washer cleans and humidifies the air in the room without filter mats. Furthermore, the air washer binds together pollen, animal hair, house dust and even unpleasant odours thanks to its integrated plasma function. 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. The device is therefore perfectly suited to allergy sufferers as well: Thanks to its 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 as well.
Reduce the risk of infection in the office – thanks to innovative solutions from Trotec
Find out about all of the ways our air quality management can benefit you. And why not take advantage of our current special offer prices, because you’ll be receiving Trotec brand quality:
- the B 400 humidifier for € 290.11,
- the B 24 E humidifier reduced from 87.00 € now only 57.97 €,
- the B 25 E humidifier reduced from 87.00 € now only 57.97 €,
- the AW 10 S air washer reduced from € 299.95, now only € 199.94,
- the AW 20 S air washer reduced from € 483.55, now only € 435.19,
incl. VAT – in the Trotec shop now!
