Aerosol particles have long been identified as the main carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen. The aerosol, a mixture of air and liquid components, is produced in the lungs and released into the room when breathing and speaking. The tiny aerosols float in the room air for several hours and can be inhaled as infectious particles by other people. Health experts therefore recommend adequate window ventilation – but this is purely a summer, not a winter solution. Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS) in Leipzig and the CSIR National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi evaluated a total of ten international studies that examined the influence of humidity on the pathogens which cause the flu and the corona viruses Sars-CoV-1, Mers and Sars-CoV-2 between 2007 and 2020.
Health experts recommend adequate window ventilation in order to dilute aerosol mixtures in closed office rooms and to transport virus-infected particles outside. But what provides pleasant refreshment in the summer is almost unthinkable in the winter cold. Apart from the energetically negative effect, employees would shiver and catch a cold and therefore actually become ill in the office.
The latest research results show that humidity influences the spread of corona virus indoors in three ways. This includes the behaviour of microorganisms within the virus droplets, the survival of the virus on surfaces and the role of dry indoor air in the transmission of viruses via the air. Although low humidity causes the droplets containing viruses to dry out more quickly, the survivability of the viruses still seem to remain high. ‘’If the relative humidity of indoor air is below 40 percent, the particles emitted by infected persons absorb less water, remain lighter, fly further through the room and are more likely to be inhaled by healthy people. In addition, dry air also makes the nasal mucus membranes in our noses drier and more permeable to viruses’’, explains Dr. Ajit Ahlawat from the TROPOS Institute.
These findings are particularly important for the upcoming cold season as people will then spend more time in heated rooms again. ‘’Warming the fresh air also ensures that it dries’’, explains Prof. Alfred Wiedensohler from TROPOS. In cold and moderate climates, indoor rooms usually have a very dry climate during the heating season, which can promote the spread of corona viruses.
An Indo-German research team now point out an aspect that could become particularly important during the next flu season
The new findings are especially important for the coming autumn and winter seasons, when millions of people will remain in heated rooms. ‘’Heating the fresh air also ensures that it dries. In cold and moderate climates, there is usually a very dry indoor climate during the heating season. This could promote the spread of corona viruses’’, warns Prof. Alfred Wiedensohler from TROPOS. Air humidity determines how much water a particle can bind. When humidity levels are higher, the surface of the particles changes significantly: a kind of water bubble is formed – in other words, a mini ecosystem with chemical reactions. With higher humidity, the droplets grow faster, fall to the ground earlier and are inhaled less by healthy people.
Trotec offers the right humidifier for every requirementB
Medical specialists repeatedly emphasise that the risk of infection and contagion in office buildings can be easily reduced by increasing humidity in the room. For example, increasing air humidity through humidification to around 50% already leads to a significant reduction in the risk of transmission. The professional humidifiers and air coolers from Trotec are therefore first choice because the hygrostat-controlled humidifiers of the B-E and B-Series ensure optimally regulated humidity and purified room air.
B-E Series Ultrasonic Humidifiers
If you need reliable, genuine quality, functional variety and individuality, the Trotec B-E series is a first-class solution. You can choose between three different models, the B 1 E, the B 5 E or the B 6 E, each of which offers different nebulisation performance levels. The bandwidth ranges from 4.8 to 7.2 litres per day. The ultrasonic humidifiers – depending on the model – are ideal for use in rooms of up to 20 or 30 m². All three devices of the series are characterised by a modern design, which you can combine with any interior. Moreover, you can choose between different modes. 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 the Trotec B-E series leave nothing to be desired.
B-Series Evaporative Humidifier
The models in this series provide you with numerous benefits for a pleasant indoor climate and free breathing. With optimal value for money, stylish design and diversity in their functions, the individual variants virtually represent a defence of health and interior design thanks to moisture optimisation. All models in this series, such as the B 24 E / B 25 E or the B 400, are also hygrostat-controlled. The performance capacity – depending on the model – ranges from 0.6 litres to 60 litres per hour. Some of the air humidifiers can be deployed in rooms of up to 420 m². Flexibility is key here. Apart from the many individual features and functions it offers, the B 500 model, for example, also has a special radio control. It’s hard to imagine more comfort than this.
Air Washer AW 10 S
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 other unpleasant odours thanks to the integrated plasma feature. The low-maintenance device can be easily opened for filling and cleaning.
Air Washer AW 20 S
As a 3-in-1 comfort device with combination sensor and HEPA filter, this air washer provides optimum humid indoor air quality at all times. The device is also therefore perfectly suited for allergy sufferers: thanks to the optional HEPA filter, not only is house dust, pollen and animal hair removed from the air – but even the smallest of dirt particles such as fine dust, allergens or mould spores can be reliably removed by this air washer as well.
Air cooler – insider tip:
In principle, there is no difference between evaporative humidifiers and air coolers. Both use cold evaporation technology. Dry air is humidified by natural evaporation and released into the room via a filter. How do the two differ then? An air cooler is usually designed for mobile use in different rooms and has laterally adjustable air outlets to direct the cool, moist air flow in the desired direction. In addition, air coolers usually have a special compartment for ice cubes or ice packs, which means that in the coming, probably hot summer again, you can then use the air cooler for a welcome cooling down.
Professional air humidification – with brand quality from Trotec
For purchase or rent – with Trotec you will find the perfect humidifier for your office or your home. Be impressed and profit from the unbeatable value-for-money from a leading brand name provider with our:
- B-E Series Ultrasonic Humidifiers
- B-Series Evaporative Humidifiers
- AW-Series Air Washers
- PAE Series Air Coolers
– now available in the Trotec shop!
