Humidity can influence employee health and productivity in the workplace. Humidity, temperature, and ventilation all work in concert to create a healthy indoor environment that supports overall occupant well-being.
“Dry indoor air can cause discomfort in the form of dry skin, eyes, and throat for staff and visitors,” says Jennifer Montville, Director of Marketing at DriSteem, a manufacturer of humidification systems.
Air-related health issues
“There are real costs associated with health-related issues caused by dry air, including a higher occurrence of infections and increased rates of staff absenteeism?”
Maintaining a comfortable work environment, including the correct humidity levels, prevents respiratory issues and reduces the spread of illnesses, ensuring a healthy working environment and boosting productivity and efficiency, says Montville.
humidity levels
Humidified spaces help keep facility costs down by improving thermal comfort at lower temperatures
Maintaining humidity levels between 40% and 60% RH is ideal for mitigating virus transmission, she comments. Humidified spaces feel warmer and are more comfortable for employees, which in turn increases their productivity with improved concentration and less fatigue.
It also helps keep facility costs down by improving thermal comfort at lower temperatures.
dehumidifiers
Employing dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels from rising above that 60% RH threshold is also important. Removing excess moisture from the air reduces distraction from unpleasant smells or health issues caused by mold, mildew, or fungi that thrive in moist environments.
All the ways that proper humidity levels affect employee health and productivity in the workplace also contribute to increased customer satisfaction in office and retail spaces, says Montville.
preventing product issues
“We all prefer to spend time in places where we feel physically comfortable,” she says. “Customers in offices and retail spaces are no different. When physical comfort is not an issue, we are likely to spend more time and engage more deeply.”
Well-managed humidity levels also help to prevent product issues such as shrinkage, warping, or degradation due to moisture fluctuations. Food quality is particularly impacted by humidity levels. In a retail store, this can translate to spending more time shopping in a store and a more positive opinion of the products being considered.
recommended indoor relative humidity level
Keeping relative humidity levels within the range ensures the health and safety of building occupants
The recommended indoor relative humidity level ranges from 30% to 60% RH, according to guidelines published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Keeping relative humidity levels within this range ensures the health and safety of building occupants without promoting mold growth or other indoor air quality issues.
air quality goals
With that said, the type of indoor space, air quality goals, and how the space is used will determine the best relative humidity levels for each facility, according to Montville.
Machinery and sensitive electronic equipment are vulnerable to low or fluctuating moisture levels. Static electricity buildup and electrical malfunctions are among the potential consequences of inadequate humidity control.
precise humidity control
Many industrial processes depend on the consistent quality of materials, and fluctuations in relative humidity (RH) can result in less-than-ideal inputs which in turn impact the quality of final products.
From preventing mold growth, spoilage, and texture deterioration in food processing to safeguarding medication stability, efficacy, and safety of pharmaceuticals, precise humidity control is critical to achieving intended results.
Optimal RH levels
Adequate humidity also supports the body's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing the effectiveness
Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is essential for infection control. Optimal RH levels can inhibit the growth and transmission of airborne pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Adequate humidity also supports the body's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory tract mucous membranes in trapping and neutralizing pathogens. Conversely, dry indoor air impairs these defenses, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections.
humidity control systems
Investing in commercial humidity control systems, such as those offered by DriSteem, can effectively regulate RH levels within facilities. “These systems provide flexibility and precision in catering to specific humidity needs across different areas within the facility,” says Montville.
Whether integrating humidity control solutions in existing structures or implementing them in new buildings, factors such as the type of indoor space, energy source, required maintenance, and capacity determine the best technology for each building, she says.
