Office humidification & humidity

control for health

Office environments that are air conditioned during the summer and heated in the winter will suffer from low humidity without correct humidification. Prolonged exposure to a dry atmosphere will effect the health of staff, increase absenteeism and lower productivity.

One of the first noticeable effects of dry air is electrostatic shocks, which occur below a threshold of 40%RH. Other less recognisable effects include dry itchy skin, contact lenses prematurely drying out and causing discomfort, sore eyes and throat, and an increase in dehydration.

Tests have shown that the transmission of airborne viruses, such as influenza, are greater at a low humidity. Maintaining an optimum humidity will reduce airborne transmissions on an office and reduce absenteeism.

The recommended level of humidity for human health is between 40-60%RH. To maintain this level large offices will employ industrial humidification systems within the central air conditioning system. However, in-room humidifier systems are available that can introduce moisture directly and discretely to a room's atmosphere.