Table of Contents

Are there any health risks associated with using a humidifier?

Yes, there are some potential health risks to be aware of when using a humidifier. The stagnant water inside the tank can promote the rapid growth of mold, fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms. When dispersed into the air, these contaminants can cause ill health effects if inhaled or come into contact with lungs and airways. It’s essential to take proper precautions to minimize risks and safely operate your humidifier.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), humidifiers can cause indoor air quality issues due to dispersing microorganisms, minerals, and other pollutants into the air if not properly maintained and disinfected.

Main Health Risks of Humidifiers

Mold and Bacteria Growth

The number one risk with humidifiers is microbial growth in the water tank. The warm, stagnant water provides ideal conditions for the rapid reproduction of mold, fungi, and bacteria such as pseudomonas species, serratia species, and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).

When these microorganisms become aerosolized in the mist output by the humidifier, they can be easily inhaled. This puts you at risk for lung infections, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, “humidifier fever”, and other respiratory issues.

Babies, children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or lung diseases are most vulnerable to these health risks.

To prevent microbial growth, it’s crucial to:

Clean and disinfect the tank daily
Rinse and dry all parts after use
Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance

Use distilled or filtered water
Keep humidity levels below 50%

Dispersion of Minerals and Sediments

Certain types of humidifiers, especially ultrasonic and impeller (cool mist) models, can disperse white mineral dust into the air. This comes from minerals naturally present in tap water that get extracted and atomized by the humidifier.

Inhaling the mineral dust particles can cause respiratory issues like:

Coughing
Congestion

Asthma attacks
Lung inflammation
Increased infections

Children and those with pre-existing lung diseases are at higher risk. To reduce mineral dust, use distilled, demineralized or filtered water in your humidifier.

Excess Moisture and Allergies

Humidifying the air too much can create an environment inside your home that exacerbates allergies and asthma. High humidity promotes growth of mold, dust mites, and other allergens.

Additionally, breathing air that is too humid can make it more difficult for lungs to clear mucus in some individuals. This can trigger increased coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing.

Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and keep your home between 30-50% relative humidity. Also monitor for any worsening allergy or asthma symptoms and adjust humidifier use accordingly.

Burns from Steam Vapor

Warm mist humidifiers work by heating water to produce steam vapor. This hot steam can cause burns if you come into direct contact with it.

Keep humidifiers out of reach from children to avoid accidental burns. Do not touch steam vents or attempt to handle or refill a warm mist humidifier while it is turned on and still hot.

Type of Humidifier	Main Associated Health Risks
Ultrasonic	Dispersion of mineral dust particles; Microbial growth
Impeller (Cool Mist)	Dispersion of mineral dust particles; Microbial growth
Warm Mist	Burns from hot steam vapor; Microbial growth
Evaporative	Microbial growth; Allergen accumulation on wicks

Tips for Safe and Proper Humidifier Use

When used with care, cleaned properly and maintained well, humidifiers can safely and effectively relieve dry air. Here are some tips for minimizing health risks:

Choose the Right Model

Consider the pros and cons of each humidifier type:

Cool mist ultrasonic: Quiet and energy-efficient but can disperse mineral dust. Look for built-in filters.
Warm mist: Provides soothing visible vapor but risk of burns. Disperses less mineral dust.
Evaporative: Uses natural evaporation, less risk of dispersing minerals. But requires frequent wick changes.

Clean and Disinfect the Tank

Clean the tank thoroughly every day with a dilute bleach solution or vinegar and water mixture. Rinse well and allow all parts to dry completely between uses to prevent microbial growth.

Change Filters and Wicks

If your humidifier has a filter, replace it as often as recommended by the manufacturer. For evaporative models, change the wick frequently to avoid buildup of minerals and allergens.

Use Purified Water

Fill your humidifier with cool, distilled or demineralized water. This will prevent dispersion of minerals through the mist. Do not use untreated tap water.