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.
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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
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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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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