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Benefits

Controlled humidity between 40% and 60% prevents the tear film from evaporating and prevents eye irritation and discomfort.

Fewer complaints

Controlled humidity protects the eyes from irritation and conjunctivitis.

Higher performance

Improved productivity, concentration and well-being with optimized humidity.

Employer of choice

Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.

Humidity reduces eye diseases

Air that is too dry can be very stressful for the eyes and often leads to symptoms such as swollen eyelids, redness, burning, increased sensitivity to light and inflammation of the conjunctiva. The main cause of this is insufficient lubrication of the surface of the eye with tear fluid. An intact tear film protects the surface of the eye from dust and particles.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye diseases. The condition, also known as Sicca-Syndrome, is exacerbated by external factors such as low humidity, dust and draughts, as these reduce the protective tear film on the eyes.
It is particularly important to ensure an optimal indoor climate when working frequently at a computer. A controlled humidity level of between 40% and 60% is ideal for protecting the function of the tear film and preventing dryness.

Dry air weakens the tear film

Low humidity affects the production and quality of the tear film. Dry eyes are caused not only by a reduced quantity of tear fluid, but also by changes in its composition. The tear film consists of several layers: directly on the eye is a mucous layer that ensures that the watery main layer of the tear fluid does not evaporate or run off too quickly.
The goblet cells of the conjunctiva are responsible for producing the protective mucus. If the relative humidity drops below 30%, the cell density of these goblet cells decreases significantly. This results in less mucus being produced and jeopardises the stability of the watery part of the tear fluid.
Excessively low humidity therefore not only leads to accelerated evaporation of the tear film, but also to reduced mucus production.

Contact lenses and humidity

Contact lenses react to the humidity in the air around them because they themselves have a certain water content, which varies between 30 and 80 percent depending on the type of lens. Lenses with a higher water content need to absorb moisture from their surroundings, otherwise they dry out more quickly. In dry air, contact lenses release more moisture, which also causes the tear film on the eye to dry out more quickly. This results in a shorter wearing time for the contact lenses and discomfort, such as scratching and burning in the eye.
Regulated humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%, helps contact lenses retain their moisture and reduces strain on the eye. Measures such as the use of humidifiers help to optimise the indoor climate and humidity for contact lens wearers.
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The three layers of the precorneal tear film

Middle aqueous layer

The largest layer of the tear film is the Aqueous layer excreted from the Lacrimal gland. Insufficient humidity affects the thickness and function of the tear film.

Outer lipid layer

The outer Lipid layer is slightly oily, excreted from the Meibomian gland, lubricates the eye lid movement and inhibits evaporation of the Aqueous layer.

Inner mucous layer

The inner Mucous layer, excreted from the Conjunctival goblet cells, holds the tear film to the eye. If the humidity is too low, the goblet cells produce less mucus.

Discover Condair in action

Projects and references

ADAC Center, Munich

In March 2012, ADAC™s new headquarters officially opened for business after six years of construction. Since December 2011, the office has been home to some 2,400 employees in over 100 professions, who were previously spread out across seven different locations. Bringing them all together in one place will encourage innovative ways of working, improve the speed of business processes, and simplify member services.

Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)

Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures protection and high employee satisfaction.

Bauhaus

The Bauhaus in Dessau is considered the home of modern 20th century architecture. The building was opened in 1926 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, together with the Bauhaus site in Weimar.First it was built as a university according to the plans of Walter Gropius. In the meantime it has become the headquarters of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation. The design of the building, which for the first timerelied predominantly on steel and glass, had a lasting impact on the architecture of the last century.The focus is on the principles of functionalism combined with outstanding architectural quality. Condair CP3 steam humidifiers ensure a pleasant interior climate.

Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)

To protect against electrostatic discharge, ensure quality assurance, and protect the health of its employees, Asteelflash uses in-room humidification systems in its printed circuit board assembly.

Allianz-Arena, Munich

The Allianz Arena was one of the most controversial construction projects, even prompting a public vote by Munich citizens. It has since become a central landmark in northern Munich and an architectural symbol of the city. Particularly striking is the translucent, diamond-shaped outer shell, which can glow in different colors.

Using projectors and asymmetrical parabolic mirrors developed specifically for the Allianz Arena, the diamonds can be illuminated in different colors depending on the club's colors. The stadium is around 50 meters high, 200 meters long, and can accommodate 66,000 spectators. Condair RS steam humidifiers ensure optimum humidity levels.

Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)

In-room humidification is an integral part of air conditioning: for guitars, trumpets, customers and employees. At Thomann Musikhaus, controlled humidity guarantees protection, atmosphere and health.

Laverana GmbH & Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)

For the natural cosmetics manufacturer, in-room humidification pays off twice: protection against dry mucous membranes and respiratory infections, and appreciation for employees.

Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)

With the retrofitting of in-room humidification systems, the Robert Koch-Institute protects laboratory staff from health risks and increases their well-being.

JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)

To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in-room humidification.

Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, Recklinghausen (Germany)

ESD protection, additional cooling and greater employee satisfaction are the key benefits of in-room humidification at the HELLA electronics plant.

BOPLA Gehäuse Systeme, Bünde (Germany)

In-room humidification provides additional electrostatic protection in electronics manufacturing and digital printing at BOPLA.

se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)

With in-room humidification, the indoor climate for employees could be improved without costly renovation of the air conditioning system. For better health and well-being.

Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)

Amundi Germany is an expert in making the right investments. At its Munich office, the investment company manages assets of 52 billion euros and employs a total of 150 people. "The feel-good factor plays a very important role in the optimal working conditions of our employees," says Klaus Mutzl, Head of Operations Munich.

BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft mbH, Bad Vilbel (Germany)

To keep the employees healthy, Bad Homburger Inkasso and BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft were looking for possibilities of subsequent air humidification. As an alternative to humidification in the ventilation system, direct room air humidification was able to meet all requirements for hygiene and operational safety.

Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)

Hannover Re is the world's third-largest reinsurer. The IT Service Desk looks after over 3000 employees at the Hanover location on all questions relating to the software and hardware of the workstations.

Quotes from our customers

Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld (Germany)

Felix Timmermann

General Manager EEMEA Region

‘In-room humidification makes an important contribution to optimising our production processes and at the same time has a very positive effect on the well-being and health of our employees.’
Jungheinrich Service&Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)

Jens Ringeling

Group Leader Facility Management

"Our additional in-space humidification is a great fit, as the positive effect is immediately noticeable and has a direct impact on employee satisfaction and health protection."
Musikhaus Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)

Florian Rittweger

Sales Management

“Optimal humidity is a must for our instruments and at the same time refreshing and health for our customers and our team.”
Laverana GmbH&Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)

Sabine Kästner-Schlemme

Company Spokesperson

"My colleagues are thrilled with how noticeably fresh the indoor climate is now and how it protects health from dried out mucous membranes and respiratory infections."
Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA, Recklinghausen (Germany)

Martin Ennemann

Facility Management

"Air humidification is a stable factor in our quality assurance, both for ESD protection of our production as well as for the satisfaction of our Employees with the indoor climate."
se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)

Andrea Bell

Facility Management

"In this way, we have achieved a twofold advantage for our employees: health is protected and satisfaction at work is increased. This fits perfectly with the pronounced employee orientation at se-austria."
Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)

Eddie Isaakjan

Sales Manager

"There was immediate positive feedback. For most colleagues, the air now feels noticeably fresher, windows are opened less and the complaints about eye and voice strain are gone."
Chalet Riederalp, Switzerland

Joe A. Neidhart

Architect

At the end of his professional career, Swiss architect Joe A. Neidhart from Lucerne fulfilled a long-held dream: he built a 250 m² passive two-family house at an altitude of around 2,000 m in Riederalp in the canton of Valais (Switzerland) with views over the Alps and the Matterhorn, which he has been living in himself for 20 weeks a year ever since. Due to the altitude, with very low winter temperatures and low humidity, Neidhart opted for a sustainable 100% solar thermal house for heating and domestic hot water and for a new, innovative system for controlled indoor air humidification.

Frequently asked questions

Does dry air cause eye problems?
Why is humidity important for healthy eyes?
What is Office-Eye-Syndrome?
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Does dry air affect contact lens wear?
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