Self-cleaning mucous membranes
The self-cleaning function at different relative humidity levels
Benefits
A relative humidity of 40 to 60% supports the human immune system and protects the respiratory tract from infections.
Less Absenteeism
Employees are less likely to become infected and remain healthy.
Increased Productivity
Higher performance and fewer absences reduce costs.
Employer of Choice
Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.
Strengthening the Immune System Through Humidification
Mucous membranes need humidity
In the respiratory tract, the mucous membranes protect us from infections thanks to their self-cleaning function. In order for them to perform their protective function reliably, they need sufficient humidity. The mucous membranes have fine cilia on their surface, which move freely in a thin secretion (sol layer). Above this is a sticky gel layer to which most of the inhaled viruses, bacteria and air pollutants adhere. As long as the cilia can move freely, they transport the mucus together with the microorganisms towards the larynx, where it can be swallowed or coughed up. Studies show that the highest transport speed and thus the lowest risk of infection is achieved at around 45% relative humidity. A constant humidity between 40 and 60% is therefore essential for healthy mucous membranes and an effective protection system against viruses and bacteria.
Humidity Increases Immune Defense
The right level of humidity indoors is a crucial factor for the immune system. Dry air weakens the body's natural defense mechanisms: as humidity decreases, the removal of pathogens becomes less effective. Low humidity causes water to be drawn from the mucus layer. The cilia become increasingly suppressed and lose their mobility. The increasing viscosity of the mucous membranes leads to a blockage of mucus flow and the risk of infection by viruses penetrating the mucous membrane cells increases. If the relative humidity drops to 20%, the self-cleaning process comes to a complete standstill. The highest transport speed and thus the best immune defense is achieved at 45% relative humidity.
Protecting the Respiratory Tract
Optimal humidity is key to protecting the mucous membranes from harmful influences. Air that is too dry not only blocks mucus flow, but also triggers two additional mechanisms that directly affect the immune system and disable our natural innate immunity. On the one hand, inhaling dry air damages the epithelial cells and impairs the repair of the respiratory epithelium (lung cells). These cells form a physical barrier beneath the mucus layer that prevents viruses from entering the host cell. Secondly, low air humidity can reduce the formation of interferon in the lung tissue. As messenger substances, interferons trigger the production of proteins (antiviral genes) that fight invading viruses and thus stop the virus from multiplying. The result is increased susceptibility to infections and reduced regenerative capacity of the mucous membranes.
Viruses
Viruses are inhaled and stick to the gel layer.
Gel layer
As long as the cilia are able to move freely, the gel layer transports the viruses towards the larynx, where they are swallowed or coughed up.
Saline layer and cilia
The cilia can move freely in the thin sol layer.
Restricted self-cleaning
As humidity decreases, water is extracted from the saline layer, the cilia are pressed down and lose their mobility. Mucus flow is restricted and viruses penetrate.
Humidity to Support the Immune System is Beneficial in Many Industries and Applications
Discover Condair in action
Columbus Museum of Modern Art, USA
The Columbus Museum of Art needed precise humidity control to protect priceless artworks and ensure visitor comfort. Condair installed its RS steam humidifiers, integrated with the museum‚ HVAC system, delivering consistent humidity in the ideal 50 ± 5 % RH range. The system‚ design allows rapid response to seasonal and daily fluctuations, ensuring paintings, sculptures, and historic artifacts are safeguarded against cracking, warping, or other moisture-related damage. Easy to operate and maintain, the RS units provide reliable, energy-efficient performance while blending unobtrusively into the museum‚ infrastructure. By maintaining stable indoor humidity, Condair helps preserve the integrity of the collection, supports optimal conditions for visitors, and provides curators with confidence that their environment meets stringent conservation standards.
Apple Campus, Cupertino
Cupertino, California, located close to San Francisco, is home to the headquarters of American technology company Apple. The building was designed by British architect Norman Foster, who realized the idea of an oversized ring in connection with the former Apple Campus at Infinite Loop No. 1 in Cupertino.
At a diameter of almost half a mile, the building complex offers a massive 2.8 million sq ft of usable space and accommodates 12,000 employees. The ring surrounds a 1.4 million sq ft park featuring rest areas, cafés, sports facilities and a rainbow-colored festival stage that was inaugurated by Lady Gaga in 2018. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the building features a 17-megawatt rooftop solar array and energy-efficient evaporative cooling from Condair.
At a diameter of almost half a mile, the building complex offers a massive 2.8 million sq ft of usable space and accommodates 12,000 employees. The ring surrounds a 1.4 million sq ft park featuring rest areas, cafés, sports facilities and a rainbow-colored festival stage that was inaugurated by Lady Gaga in 2018. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the building features a 17-megawatt rooftop solar array and energy-efficient evaporative cooling from Condair.
Amy Storm Residence, Chicago
Interior designer Amy Storm undertook a year‚ long design/build of her own Chicago‚ area home, Shelter for the Storms, and chose Condair's MN flexible humidification system to tackle the dry winter climate. Presented with the challenge of low indoor humidity that causes discomfort and can damage wood furnishings and artwork, she required a system that could integrate with radiant heating and forced‚ air cooling while preserving her design vision. The Condair MN system uses a mesh‚ nebulizer humidification method without traditional ductwork, providing precise control of indoor humidity in the ideal 40‚ 60% RH range. The result: a home transformed into a sanctuary of comfort and wellness, where art and books are protected, residents feel better, and trust in the ongoing support was affirmed. The installation was tightly coordinated over a nine‚ month construction phase, and the system‚ performance and seamless integration exceeded expectations.
ADAC Center, Munich
In March 2012, ADAC's new headquarters officially opened for business after six years of construction. Since December 2011, the office has been home to some 2,400 employees in over 100 professions, who were previously spread out across seven different locations. Bringing them all together in one place will encourage innovative ways of working, improve the speed of business processes, and simplify member services.
The Chedi Hotel
After its opening in late 2013, The Chedi in Switzerland was named as a 2014 must go to destination by the international press. Together with other projects, it aims to make the small town of Andermatt more attractive than St. Moritz. On top of that, the Chedi exemplifies sustainability in a luxurious way. The hotel's sustainable and luxurious design is reflected in the architecture, building materials as well as its modern utilities.12 Condair hybrid humidifiers are installed to meet the building's air humidity requirements.
Allianz-Arena, Munich
The Allianz Arena was one of the most controversial construction projects, even prompting a public vote by Munich citizens. It has since become a central landmark in northern Munich and an architectural symbol of the city. Particularly striking is the translucent, diamond-shaped outer shell, which can glow in different colors.
Using projectors and asymmetrical parabolic mirrors developed specifically for the Allianz Arena, the diamonds can be illuminated in different colors depending on the club's colors. The stadium is around 50 meters high, 200 meters long, and can accommodate 66,000 spectators. Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimum humidity levels.
Using projectors and asymmetrical parabolic mirrors developed specifically for the Allianz Arena, the diamonds can be illuminated in different colors depending on the club's colors. The stadium is around 50 meters high, 200 meters long, and can accommodate 66,000 spectators. Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimum humidity levels.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)
With the retrofitting of in-room humidification systems, the Robert Koch-Institute protects laboratory staff from health risks and increases their well-being.
Laverana GmbH & Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
For the natural cosmetics manufacturer in-room humidification pays off twice: protection against dry mucous membranes and respiratory infections, and appreciation for employees.
Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures health protection and high employee satisfaction.
Albrecht Dürer Airport, Nürnberg (Germany)
In-room humidification protects employees and departing passengers from electrostatic discharges in the security check area, while also making a valuable contribution to greater well-being and health.
AOE GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany)
Shortly before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the software service provider AOE decided to use additional air humidification. Since then, the company has not only been convinced of the positive effect of optimal air humidity, but also sees health protection as an independent corporate value. Hybrid models of presence and remote work will pose new challenges for AOE in terms of workplace design in the future.
Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)
In-room humidification is an integral part of air conditioning: for guitars, trumpets, customers and employees. At Thomann Musikhaus, controlled humidity guarantees protection, atmosphere and health.
BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft mbH, Bad Vilbel (Germany)
To keep the employees healthy, Bad Homburger Inkasso and BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft were looking for possibilities of subsequent air humidification. As an alternative to humidification in the ventilation system, direct room air humidification was able to meet all requirements for hygiene and operational safety.
Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)
Hannover Re is the world's third-largest reinsurer. The IT Service Desk looks after over 3000 employees at the Hanover location on all questions relating to the software and hardware of the workstations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should the humidity level be indoors to protect health?
How does dry air affect the human immune system?
How do mucous membranes in the respiratory tract protect against infections?
How does dry air affect the mucous membranes and the immune system?
Can technical humidification systems protect against respiratory infections?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, a Condair's expert will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team is always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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Healthy voice with optimal humidity
Optimal humidity protects the voice from strain, hoarseness, and vocal issues. This is an important factor for better health and well-being—for example, in call centers, concert halls, opera houses, or customer service departments, where the voice is under significant strain and the quality of communication is important.
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