Droplet infection
Droplet infection occurs over short distances of approximately 1.5 to 2 meters. The particles are larger and only remain suspended in the air for a short time.
Humidity reduces respiratory infections
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Benefits
A relative humidity between 40% and 60% combats the airborne transmission of respiratory infections by reducing the infectivity and suspension time of viruses in the air.
Fewer sick days
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.
Humidity reduces respiratory infections
Humidity and airborne virus transmission
Respiratory infections such as influenza or COVID-19 are predominantly transmitted from person to person indoors. The most important route of transmission is airborne transmission - either via larger droplets in close proximity or via fine aerosols that remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time. Virus-laden aerosols can be inhaled and enter the body via the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
Relative humidity plays a crucial role in this process: it influences the range, suspension time, and infectivity of aerosols. At low humidity, aerosols remain in the air longer and increase the risk of infection. Optimal humidity can therefore help reduce the spread of viruses indoors through the air.
Relative humidity plays a crucial role in this process: it influences the range, suspension time, and infectivity of aerosols. At low humidity, aerosols remain in the air longer and increase the risk of infection. Optimal humidity can therefore help reduce the spread of viruses indoors through the air.
Viruses remain airborne shorter
Relative humidity has a major influence on the suspension behaviour of aerosols and thus on the risk of virus transmission. Aerosols consist mainly of water, salts and proteins. Especially in the colder months, humidity often drops below 40%. At this low humidity, aerosols lose their water content, becoming smaller and lighter. Unlike larger and heavier infectious droplets, which sink to the ground within a few seconds after coughing or sneezing, the lighter aerosols can remain suspended in the air for hours and spread throughout the room.
Unlike moist aerosols, they are also less sticky and adhere less to each other due to their lower water content. Air currents and the movements of people in the room cause dry aerosols to be stirred up from surfaces more quickly and spread further.
Unlike moist aerosols, they are also less sticky and adhere less to each other due to their lower water content. Air currents and the movements of people in the room cause dry aerosols to be stirred up from surfaces more quickly and spread further.
Humidity deactivates viruses
Humidity not only affects the suspension behaviour of aerosols, but also their infectivity. At relative humidity levels below 40%, aerosols dry out significantly, causing the salts they contain to crystallise. This process preserves the viruses and makes them infectious for longer. When the dry aerosols are inhaled, the salts dissolve again in the moist respiratory tract. The viruses, which are still infectious, are released onto the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, reactivated and can cause disease.
If the air humidity is within the optimal range of 40 to 60%, the water content in the droplets evaporates only to the extent that the salt concentration increases without crystallising. The high salt concentration inactivates the viruses and significantly reduces the risk of infection with a respiratory disease.
If the air humidity is within the optimal range of 40 to 60%, the water content in the droplets evaporates only to the extent that the salt concentration increases without crystallising. The high salt concentration inactivates the viruses and significantly reduces the risk of infection with a respiratory disease.
Aerosol transmission
Aerosol transmission occurs over long distances and periods of time. With this type of airborne transmission, virus-laden aerosols can be transported through the air in a room for up to several hours. Controlling humidity is an effective measure for containing airborne transmission.
Nasopharynx
Trachea/bronchi
Lungs
Preventing respiratory infections 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.
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.
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.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)
Amundi Germany is an expert in making the right investments. At its Munich office, the investment company manages assets of 52 billion euros and employs a total of 150 people. "The feel-good factor plays a very important role in the optimal working conditions of our employees," says Klaus Mutzl, Head of Operations Munich.
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.
Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)
To protect against electrostatic discharge, ensure quality assurance, and protect the health of its employees, Asteelflash uses in-room humidification systems in its printed circuit board assembly.
Actelion Business Center
Das imposante Gebäude im Stil des Dekonstruktivismus ist Hauptsitz des Pharmaunternehmens Actelion Ltd und wurde von den Schweizer Stararchitekten Herzog de Meuron entworfen. Die balkenartige Architektur erstreckt sich über sechs Stockwerke und bietet ungewohnte Durch- und Ausblicke, Erholungszonen mit Höfen und Terrassen sowie eine moderne Arbeitsatmosphäre für 350 Mitarbeiter. Durch die dreidimensionale Stapelung der Fassade waren 1.500 Detailzeichnungen, 2.500 Tonnen Stahl und 3,8 Kilometer Fachwerkträger notwendig, um den statischen Lastabtrag zu realisieren. Für ein optimales Raumklima ist durch innovative Hybrid-Luftbefeuchter der Serie DL von Condair bestens gesorgt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What influence does humidity have on respiratory infections?
Why is controlled humidity so important for healthy airways?
Do viruses survive longer in dry air?
What is the ideal humidity level for human health?
How can I improve indoor humidity?
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Healthy voice with optimal humidity
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Humidity Protects Against Dry Eyes
Controlled humidity protects against dry eyes, eye irritation, burning and redness, and prevents strain during intensive computer work.
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