So what’s the deal with humidity, anyway? It seems that we are either crying in our milk because it’s too humid, or the air is too dry and we’re miserable. Join us while we discover why humidity is good for you, and go over what you should know.
Humidity is good for your skin, as the water vapor in the air helps keep your skin’s moisture intact. When humidity levels are too low, skin cells can build up causing skin irritation. Sinuses also benefit from humidity, as the moisture vapors in the air help flush out irritants and bacteria.
You might wonder why humidity is good for you. Humidity helps regulate our body temperature, which is very important. It can also be beneficial to our health in several ways. The key is to regulate the humidity in your home to levels that benefit your health but still allow you to feel comfortable.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature.
For example, if the air is at 100% humidity, it is saturated with water vapor and can no longer hold any more. Relative humidity is a measure of how close the air is to being saturated.
If the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is completely saturated and cannot hold any more water vapor.
This article will discuss the benefits of humidity and how to increase it in your home when it’s too low.
Why Humidity Is Good for You
Humidity is essential for human life and can have many benefits such as preventing colds, improving sleep, and protecting your furniture. The optimal humidity range for humans is between 30% and 50%.
When the humidity is below 30%, the air is too dry and can lead to health problems such as nosebleeds, dry skin, and throat irritation.
When the humidity is above 50%, the air is too moist and can lead to health problems such as respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma.
Humidity and Your Skin
The human body is constantly shedding skin cells. In dry conditions, these skin cells can build up on the surface of the skin and lead to a variety of problems, including dryness, itchiness, and flakiness.
When the air is more humid, however, these skin cells are less likely to build up because they are kept moist by the water vapor in the air.
Humidity also helps to keep the skin hydrated by preventing evaporation. As a result, humid conditions are often much better for the skin than dry conditions.
Humidity and Your Sinuses
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and it can have a significant impact on your sinuses. If the air is too dry, it can cause the mucus in your sinuses to become thick and sticky, making it difficult to drain. This can lead to congestion, pain, and pressure.
On the other hand, if the air is too humid, it can cause the mucus to become thin and runny.
While this may not seem like an ideal situation, it actually helps to keep your sinuses clear by flushing out irritants and bacteria.
Humidity can help to soothe nasal passages that are inflamed or irritated.
As a result, many people find that a moderate level of humidity is best for keeping their sinuses healthy.
Humidity Is Good for Wood Furniture and Wood Floors
Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture in order to reach equilibrium with the surrounding air. This process is accelerated by changes in temperature and humidity, both of which cause the wood to expand or contract.
In general, wood contracts as it dries and expands as it absorbs moisture. While this effect is usually minor, it can cause problems if the wood becomes too dry or too moist.
If the wood loses too much moisture, it will shrink and crack; if it absorbs too much moisture, it will swell and warp.
However, moderate humidity levels actually help to keep wood in good condition. By preventing excessive drying or swelling, relative humidity helps to keep wood stable and less susceptible to damage.
As a result, moderate humidity levels are actually beneficial for wood furniture and floors.
Problems with Low Humidity
Problems with low humidity can be uncomfortable and dangerous. When humidity levels fall below 30%, the air can start to feel dry and uncomfortable.
Below are some common problems associated with low humidity:
Dry Skin
The water in your skin evaporates more quickly when the air is dry. This can leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, and flaky. In extreme cases, low humidity can even lead to cracks in the skin. While anyone can suffer from dry skin as a result of low humidity, those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis may be especially susceptible.
Older adults are more likely to experience dry skin due to the natural aging process. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to combat the effects of low humidity.
Using moisturizing products on your skin can help to trap water and prevent further evaporation.
Itchy Eyes
When the air is dry, it can cause the tear ducts to produce less tears. This can lead to irritation and inflammation of the eye, as well as increased sensitivity to light. Dry air can also cause the eyelids to become red and inflamed.
If you suffer from dry eyes, you may find that wearing sunglasses or using artificial tears can help to alleviate some of the symptoms.
However, if your symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.
Uncomfortable Sinuses
Dry air can lead to a number of problems, such as nosebleeds and sinus discomfort. When the air is dry, mucus becomes thick and difficult to move. This can lead to congestion and pain in the sinuses. Dry air can irritate the lining of the nose, causing inflammation and further discomfort.
People with allergies may find that low humidity makes their symptoms worse. Dust mites, which are a common allergen, thrive in dry conditions.
As a result, people with dust mite allergies may experience more sneezing, sniffling, and itchiness when the humidity is low.
There are a number of ways to increase humidity in your home, such as using a humidifier or placing bowls of water around the room.
Sore Throat
While there are many different causes of a sore throat, one common factor is low humidity. When the air is dry, it can cause the mucous membranes in the throat to become irritated and inflamed. This can lead to increased thirst, as well as difficulty swallowing and speaking.
In some cases, low humidity can also contribute to sinus infections and bronchitis. To help prevent a sore throat, it is important to stay hydrated and avoid exposure to dry air whenever possible.
Increasing the humidity in your home when moisture levels are low will help alleviate a sore throat caused by low humidity.
Increases Your Risk of Colds, Flu, and Other Viruses
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, studies indicate that higher humidity can improve the body’s resistance to infection, that the coronavirus degrades more quickly at relative humidity levels close to 60% than at other levels, and that dryer air can result in more tiny coronavirus particles that spread further and enter deeper into the lungs.
Low humidity can have a significant impact on your health, increasing your risk of colds, flu, and other viruses.
The mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract rely on moisture to function properly, but when the air is dry, these membranes can become dry and inflamed.
This makes it difficult for the respiratory system to trap and remove viruses, bacteria, and other irritants, putting you at greater risk of becoming sick.
In addition, low humidity can also make existing respiratory conditions worse. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other chronic respiratory problems, you may find that your symptoms are more severe when the air is dry.
By increasing the moisture levels in your home, you can help to reduce your risk of becoming ill and make it easier to breathe.
Increasing Humidity in Dry Weather
Dry air can cause a number of problems in the home, from static electricity and cracks in wood to discomfort during cold weather. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to increase the humidity level in your home.
Air Dry Your Clothes Indoors
Air drying your clothes indoors can help increase the humidity in your home because when clothes are hung up to dry, they release moisture into the air. Indoor drying prevents clothes from being exposed to wind and sunlight, which can further dry them out.
As a result, air drying your clothes indoors can help increase the humidity in your home, which is beneficial for your health.
Increased humidity can also help to keep furniture and wood floors from drying out and cracking. So next time you do laundry, consider hanging up your clothes indoors to help increase the humidity in your home.
Increase Humidity with a Humidifier
A humidifier can help to increase the humidity in your home, creating a more comfortable environment. Humidifiers can also help to reduce the spread of viruses, as they make it more difficult for airborne particles to travel.
As a result, using a humidifier can have a number of benefits for your health. If you’re considering using a humidifier in your home, be sure to choose one that is UL-certified and not too noisy.
Cooking Increases Humidity
Many people are surprised to learn that cooking can actually help increase the humidity in your home. While it may seem counterintuitive, the act of boiling water creates water vapor that can help to boost the level of humidity.
This is especially beneficial during the winter months when homes are typically drier due to lower temperatures and less moisture in the air.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s air quality, consider cooking up a pot of soup or boiling some water on the stove.
Grow a Green Thumb
Keeping plants in your home has a number of benefits for your health. Not only do they help to purify the air, but they can also increase the humidity. This is especially beneficial during the winter months when the air inside our homes is typically dryer.
By growing plants indoors, you can help to increase the moisture content of the air and minimize many health problems.
In addition, plants also help to create a more relaxing and stress-free environment.
So if you’re looking for ways to improve your health this winter, consider adding some greenery to your home.
Vent Your Dryer Indoors
Did you know that your clothes dryer can also help increase the humidity in your home? When you vent your dryer indoors, the moist air from the laundry is released into the room, raising the overall humidity level. This is especially beneficial in winter when the air is naturally drier.
So if you’re looking for a simple way to increase the humidity in your home, try venting your clothes dryer indoors. Your health will thank you for it!
Boil Water
Boiling water is an effective way to increase the humidity in your home. When water is heated, it evaporates into the air, raising the humidity levels. This can be beneficial for your health, as dry air can worsen respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma.
Humid air helps to keep your skin hydrated, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Boiling water is an easy and inexpensive way to improve the air quality in your home and create a more comfortable environment.
By following these tips, you can keep your home comfortable and safe during periods of dry weather.
Conclusion
Humidity is all around us and plays an important role in our lives. It helps regulate our body temperature and can have other health benefits.
This article talked about the benefits of humidity and how to make your home’s humidity higher when you need to. I hope you found this information helpful.
Sources
Trina Greenfield, Author
SmackDown Media LLC
LinkedIn
About the Author:
Trina Greenfield, the owner of SmackDown Media LLC, is passionate about providing information to those interested in the air quality in and around their homes. Trina writes content about things she’s passionate about, such as safe, in-home air, educational platforms for children and adults, as well as all things family-related.
