The dreaded second corona virus wave has arrived just in time for the beginning of the cold season. Since the start of the pandemic epidemiologists and virologists have been warning us of the effect winter can have, whereby the cold weather outside keeps people in their homes, spreading the virus more and more indoors in closed rooms. For example, after analysing contact tracing, a study by Japanese researchers found that people that people are 19 times more likely to become infected indoors than outdoors.
In fact, most viruses spread mainly indoors. A database from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine contains around 1500 so-called superspreader events where a single infected person infects several people at the same time and in the same place. Only three of these events are said to have taken place outdoors. The reason for this is probably the sharp drop in relative humidity when cold, dry outdoor air enters a house and is heated there. Epidemiological research by MIT, Harvard, Virginia Tech and the University of Connecticut also suggests that coronavirus is highly infectious when the relative humidity is lower – anything below 40 percent relative humidity helps the virus to spread.
The problem is the long floating droplets: the aerosols
‘’All factors that we associate with cold weather seem to possibly accelerate the spread of the virus’’, says Richard Neher, bioinformatician at the University of Basel, who is currently working on simulations that show how the coronavirus spreads in a room. Lower humidity makes the risk worse, says Neher: ‘’One of the main reasons why I believe we will have a seasonal increase of this virus is that the water in the droplets indoors will evaporate quickly, leaving the virus in a tiny nucleus where it can float for longer.’’
These findings are particularly important for the current winter season, when millions of people in the northern hemisphere will be staying in heated rooms. Heating fresh air leads to it drying out. At the same time, however, the infectious aerosols that are exhaled by people infected with the coronavirus also dry up. However, ‘drying out viruses’ sounds much more positive than the process actually is to us: this is because the fine, virus-containing mist of droplets loses some of its water during the drying process and thus shifts dead weight, so to speak, meaning that it can float in the room for quite some time. Only a relative humidity of 40 to 60 percent reduces the spread of the viruses and their absorption through the nasal mucous membrane. Because the aerosols shrink less quickly at this level of humidity, they cannot float in the air for so long, but sink to the ground faster as heavy droplets.
Professional humidification reduces the risk of infection and contagion
Medical specialists repeatedly emphasise that we can reduce the risk of infection by increasing the humidity indoors. Using humidification to increase the humidity reduces the risk of transmission – and this is precisely why humidifiers and air coolers are so important at this point. This is because modern hygrostat-controlled humidifiers, such as the B-E and B series, as well as the air washers of the Aw-S series from Trotec ensure optimally regulated air humidity and purified indoor air. And the air coolers in the PAE series from Trotec not only humidify the air but will also bring refreshing evaporative coolness into the house next summer.
Ultrasonic humidifiers from the B-E series
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. These range from 4.8 up to 7.2 litres per day. Ultrasonic humidifiers – depending on the model – are ideal for use in rooms of up to 20 or even 30 m². All three units of the series are characterised by a modern design, which blends in with any home interior. In addition, you can also choose between two 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 in the Trotec B-E series leave nothing to be desired.
Evaporative humidifiers from the B series
The models in this series provide you with numerous advantages for a pleasant indoor climate and free breathing. With their optimal price-performance ratio, stylish design and functional diversity, the individual models could be said to represent a value protection for health and interior design through humidity optimisation. All models in this series, such as the B 24 E / B 25 E or the B 400, are also hygrostatically controlled. The performance capacity – depending on the model – ranges from 0.6 litres to 60 litres per hour. The air humidifiers can be used 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 humidification in winter, air cooling next summer – PAE series air coolers
Air cooling via evaporation technology is a completely natural and, indeed, cost-effective cooling method without external energy requirements for the cooling process. With the mobile air coolers in the PAE series, Trotec offers a particularly smart and energy-efficient solution for pleasant temperature control in small to medium-sized rooms. Usually designed as 3-in-1 units, our air coolers in the PAE series provide air cooling, ventilation and air humidification all round to ensure an excellent feel-good climate. With their modern housing design, these multi-talented units skilfully create visual highlights and cut a fine figure in both modern and traditional living and working spaces. Thanks to the distinct equipment variants and a great variety of functions, Trotec offers the optimal unit for almost every cooling requirement.
Air Washer AW 10 S and Air Washer AW 20 S
The easy to handle 3-in-1 comfort devices clean and humidify room air as so-called ‘air washers’ without filter mats. Furthermore, the air washer binds together pollen, animal hair, house dust and other unpleasant odours thanks to the integrated plasma feature and are ideal for allergy sufferers. In addition, the AW 20 S Air Washer is equipped with a combination sensor and HEPA filter and thus offers optimum, moist room air quality at all times. Thanks to the HEPA filter that can be activated, the air is freed from even the smallest particles of fine dust, allergens or mould spores. The low-maintenance unit is easy to open for filling and cleaning.
Professional humidification – with brand quality from Trotec
At Trotec, you will find the perfect humidifier and/or air cooler to meet your requirements. See for yourself and benefit from the unbeatable value for money of a leading brand supplier in our range:
• Ultrasonic humidifiers of the B-E series
• Evaporative humidifiers from the B series
• Air coolers of the PAE series
• Air Washer AW 10 S and Air Washer AW 20 S
– available now in the Trotec shop!
