Health and Air Humidification

What is the right level of humidity? This question is asked at home and very often in the workplace too. Unlike many industrial processes and materials, which are visibly disrupted and damaged by excessively dry air, the impact of low humidity on health is often not clearly discernible and little understood. Furthermore, conflicting guidelines and controversial viewpoints characterise the debate over whether a minimum level of humidity in buildings should be subject to binding regulations.

On these pages, you can find out what evidence supports a minimum humidity level of 40 to 60 per cent and what benefits for health and productivity in the workplace result from this.

Health in the workplace is one of the most important factors for productivity and motivation. Humidity plays a major role in this: air that is too dry – with a relative humidity below 40 per cent – is not only perceived as unpleasant, but also manifests itself in physical complaints and illnesses.

Respiratory infections, dry mucous membranes, a weakened immune system, voice problems, and eye complaints are also consequences of air that is too dry. All too often, the direct link to the indoor climate goes unrecognised.

Regular assessment of the indoor climate and humidity can be an important component for businesses in terms of prevention and performance enhancement, particularly if employees frequently find dry air uncomfortable or are already experiencing symptoms. Through a workplace risk assessment, measures to improve the indoor climate can be implemented, leading to a noticeable improvement in employees’ working conditions.

Find out here what steps need to be taken in practice for a systematic risk assessment.

Buildings were originally constructed to protect us from a hostile environment. However, the drive to reduce energy consumption and costs has often had the opposite effect: high-tech insulation materials, optimised floor space and high occupancy rates lead to falling costs.

Yet little attention has been paid to the consequences this has for our health. From ventilation, through to optimal humidity, filters, lighting and the correct choice of materials, this chapter outlines effective measures to make buildings healthier. It also highlights the possibilities for a workplace risk assessment. Where complaints and symptoms arise due to dry air, systematic communication within organisations can lead to solutions for improving the indoor climate.

Respiratory illnesses are among the most common causes of employee sick leave and therefore have a significant financial impact on employers. The illustrative cost-benefit analysis presented here shows that, , the investment in an additional humidification system can pay for itself within two to three years.

Furthermore, investing in the indoor climate also pays off in terms of productivity: studies show that an optimal indoor climate can boost employees’ performance, speed and accuracy. Without complaints about dry air, employees are happier and work with greater motivation and efficiency.

How can additional air humidification be implemented in new or existing buildings, and what experiences have building users had with it? You will find answers to these questions in this chapter. Here you can learn about the various approaches to direct room air humidification and the goals that can be achieved in terms of prevention, health and staff satisfaction.

The best practice examples provide insights from various perspectives: read here to find out how company management, facility management, occupational health and safety, company doctors and employees view the topic of air humidification. Our best practices demonstrate various options across a wide range of applications – from open-plan offices and laboratories to industrial settings.

The direct and indirect impact of relative humidity on indoor health has been scientifically recognised and proven by numerous studies conducted over the past few decades. In this chapter, you will find a selection of the most recent and relevant scientific papers.

The summary of the key findings provides a clear overview for non-medical professionals and offers a sound basis for justifying the benefits of a minimum relative humidity for the protection of building occupants and for implementing this in new building design or renovation projects.

Why is additional air humidification in the workplace important?

Health in the workplace is one of the most important factors for motivation and performance. The indoor climate has a major influence on this, particularly humidity: air that is too dry is not only perceived as unpleasant, but also manifests itself in physical complaints such as respiratory illnesses (e.g. flu), eye problems, skin irritation and dry mucous membranes. The negative consequences for many companies include costs arising from staff absenteeism and reduced productivity.

The importance of indoor humidity for human health is now widely recognised and accepted within professional circles. Nevertheless, there is often a need for information and education among the general public, and particularly in the field of occupational health and safety within companies.

Together with dedicated partners and networks, we therefore collect and process relevant knowledge and the latest findings, to raise awareness among company management, HR managers, health and safety officers, facility managers and employees.

Here you will find a selection of our network, ranging from high-profile initiatives to associations, scientists and institutions.