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
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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