What is a good indoor humidity level?

How much humidity should be maintained in the house? What is the effective way to control humidity in the summer without harming health? (Hue, 30 years old, Quang Binh)

Reply:

Air humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air, affected by ambient temperature, pressure and wind. In winter, when the temperature is low, air humidity increases, reaching saturation. In summer, when the temperature increases, air humidity drops.

Air humidity directly affects human health. Too high an index can create favorable conditions for microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and molds to grow, increasing the risk of infections and respiratory tract infections. If this index is too low, it will cause dehydration, dry skin, dry respiratory tract mucosa, respiratory tract irritation, causing cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, etc. People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. may experience acute attacks or worsening symptoms if they stay in an environment with inappropriate humidity for a long time.

According to American scientists, indoor air humidity at 40-60% can reduce the transmission and survival of some viruses, maximize human immune function, and minimize health risks caused by mold. Humidity that is too low or too high compared to this level is harmful to health. Research results by Chinese scientists in 166 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic also showed that maintaining this humidity helps reduce the number of new cases and deaths. On the contrary, the infection rate is higher if humidity is not controlled.

You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity in your home. Some devices such as air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, etc. also have a built-in humidity display function. If the humidity level is high, you should use an air conditioner or dehumidifier. If the air is too dry, you need to use a mist sprayer or humidifier. However, to limit the risk of harm to health, when using a humidity control device, you should note:

With dehumidifiers : The air filter needs to be cleaned periodically every 3 to 6 months to remove dust and mold accumulated in the machine.

With humidifier : Use demineralized water or distilled water to humidify, avoid the case where minerals in normal filtered water can be deposited into white dust particles, causing respiratory harm if inhaled.

Clean the machine regularly: Change the water, clean the sediment in the tank and other parts every 3 days, and replace the machine filter periodically.

Currently, the hot weather lasts for a long time, the demand for air conditioning is increasing. Meanwhile, the operating principle of air conditioning is to suck moisture out of the room to cool, causing the humidity in the room to decrease significantly. Along with controlling the humidity at a reasonable level by using a humidifier, you should pay attention to supplementing enough water for the body. Drinking enough water helps blood circulate well, toxins are eliminated quickly, especially cool water at room temperature. Cold ice water not only causes indigestion but also causes the respiratory tract mucosa to contract, swell, become congested, and increase the risk of infection. Every day, healthy adults should drink about 2 liters of water, divided into many times.

Master, Doctor Dang Thanh Do
Respiratory Department, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi

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