Health Consequences And Effects Of Humidity
Low humidity levels provide a favorable scenario for the appearance of viruses and respiratory diseases, so it is important to keep them stable to avoid health problems.
Humidity directly affects the amount of allergens and microorganisms in the environment. In particular, high humidity causes both dust mite populations and mold colonies to grow, greatly affecting allergy sufferers. So we will focus on what are the consequences and effects of humidity for health.
Even non-allergic people suffer from the effects of humidity when humidity levels are high. We know that no one enjoys sticky heat. Now, have you ever wondered why hot, humid air makes us feel so uncomfortable? Or, why extremely dry air can also cause discomfort?
It’s important to keep humidity levels within a specific range so that extremes don’t get to you. It’s not just about keeping allergies under control, it’s about safety as well. Here we talk about the subject.
Effects of excess moisture on the body
One of the reasons that humidity makes hot weather more unbearable is that the higher the relative humidity, the higher the temperature feels. When you are in a humid place, the thermal sensation could be higher even if the temperature is at a bearable degree. But why does humidity make us feel hotter? To understand this, we have to know how our body cools us or how it regulates temperature.
Moisture helps cool the body
Sweating, one of the body’s key cooling mechanisms, only works to cool us down if the water produced when the temperature rises is excreted through the skin and evaporates. This is where the moisture comes in. The concentration of water in the air in relation to temperature determines the rate at which water can evaporate from the skin. When the air contains more moisture, it is more difficult for it to absorb sweat from the skin.
The result? We sweat and sweat, but instead of feeling relief, we just feel hot and sticky. When high relative humidity affects the cooling capacity of sweating, the body is eventually forced to do other things to cool us down.
When sweating doesn’t work to cool us down and we keep getting hot, it results in overheating. This causes the loss of water, salt, and compounds that the body needs. Overheating, or heat exhaustion, can lead to dehydration and chemical imbalances within the body.
When the overheating box is severe it can result in:
- Insolation.
- Cramps
- Syncope or fainting.
- Exhaustion or weakness.
The main ways to avoid overheating are, first of all, to take into account not only the temperature, but also the heat index. It is essential to drink plenty of water, reduce the effort of physical activity and refresh yourself when you notice any signs of fatigue or increased pulse.
The drier the air, the faster it will cool and the cooler your body will feel. In addition to creating a more comfortable environment, allergens that often thrive in warmer and more humid conditions are reduced.
Effects of low humidity on the body
While in many areas it is not uncommon to see relative humidity above 80% during the summer, the fall months can bring humidity levels as low as 20%. The effects of humidity at low levels are mainly manifested in two areas: the skin and the respiratory system.
Among the signs that indicate the manifestation of low humidity in the respiratory system we find:
- Dry nasal passages.
- Irritated or scratched throat.
- Greater contagion of diseases.
For its part, the effects of low humidity on the skin are presented through:
- Dry Skin.
- Chapped lips
- Dry eyes.
Humidity, whether high or low, can have negative consequences for the health of the body. Remember: relative humidity depends on temperature. These two factors are integrally linked, and changes in one affect the other.
Maintaining a relative humidity level between 35% and 50% is often ideal. This not only allows the body to function normally, it also prevents the growth of allergens such as dust mites and mold.
Keeping all of these things in mind will give you a better understanding of how your body works in relation to its environment. In this way you can take the appropriate precautions to prevent the effects of humidity from affecting your quality of life.
