2. Health
Low humidity equals dry air and dry air can cause a whole lot of issues when it comes to respiratory and skin health.
Low humidity and dry air are usually associated with winter. And winter just happens to be the time of year when people are closed inside with the heater turned on.
It’s not exactly a coincidence that cold and flu germs spread easier during that time of year.
Humidity or the lack thereof during winter plays a big part of staying healthy during those months.
For instance
1. Low humidity dries out the mucus lining in your airways which creates a type of docking station in your sinuses for viral particles.
In other words, dry air makes it easier for germs to get stuck in your respiratory system easier.
2. Viral particles tend to decay faster in humid air.
Viruses and germs stay alive longer and dry air because moisture has a decaying effect on airborne particles.
3. And low relative humidity provides an easier path of transmission for viral particles.
When humidity droplets come in contact with airborne particles including bacteria and viruses, it makes it too heavy for the particles to float.
The result is they fall to the surface faster, giving you a lesser chance of breathing them in.
It’s amazing how just adding moisture to your air when the relative humidity has dropped,
not only keeps viruses from being able to travel as far,
it also causes them to decay much faster
and provides the right dampness inside your airways to fight off viruses.
Not to mention, the relief from the pain and irritation of having a dried out nose and throat.
The hygrometer is an easy way to keep track of the humidity level in the home during the winter to avoid excessively dry conditions that help viruses and germs prosper.
Hint: One of the symptoms of low humidity in your house is the presence of static electricity. If you find yourself getting shocked while walking and touching things in your house, check your hygrometer. The humidity has probably dropped.