Health and environmental wise, is 70 percent humidity high on us and properties? If, Yes then what is the ideal indoor level? We need to clear out the doubt on this statement!
The qualities that determine how comfortable an indoor space is include the temperature and humidity of the space. The humidity of an indoor space is a measure of its moisture level. This quality is both a measure of how safe an indoor environment is and how healthy the quality of the indoor air is.
This article discusses how much humidity is safe and healthy for an indoor environment. We will thus be answering questions such as “is 70 % humidity high?”, “is 65 percent humidity high?”. If you’re wondering if 50 percent humidity is high for an indoor environment, you should read this article to the end.
What Is Relative Humidity
High Humidity Issues and Concerns
An indoor space is said to have high humidity when the moisture of the environment is higher than the moisture level that is ideal for the environment. Because the humidity level of an environment increases with the temperature, high humidity is associated with high temperatures.
High humidity within an indoor space can lead to structural damage as well as a change in the quality of the environment. Structural changes that happen to residential and commercial properties include the appearance of condensation on the window and growth of mold on bathroom walls. Wet stains can also develop on the windows and ceilings of residential and commercial properties with high humidity. The odor of an indoor environment of high humidity also becomes musty. High humidity is also associated with clammy indoor air.
Structural damage that occurs in properties as a result of high humidity is encouraged by pests which are drawn by the high moisture level. Bugs especially find spaces within high humidity level areas.
Several health concerns are also associated with high humidity levels. These health concerns are as a result of increased mold growth in indoor spaces with high humidity. Mold produce spores which can be dispersed in the environment and pose a secondary threat to the health of persons with allergies. Dust mites are also known to thrive in environments with high humidity. The presence of dust mites in indoor spaces can also poses a health threat to persons with allergies. Apart from persons with allergies, high humidity can also alter the ability of the body to maintain the core temperature it needs for proper functioning.
High Humidity: Way Forward!
When the humidity level of a space is high, it is important to implement measures to level out the humidity. These measures include turning off a humidifier if one was in use.
However, dehumidifier is an appliance that reduces the humidity level of indoor spaces. This appliance reduces the humidity level of indoor spaces.
Some parts of the home such as bathrooms contribute significantly to the humidity level. Installing a vent in such contributory spaces is thus necessary for reducing the moisture level of indoor spaces.
Other measures for reducing the humidity level of indoor spaces include reducing the number of indoor plants. Indoor plants can contribute to the humidity level of indoor spaces. It is noteworthy to mention that an oversized air conditioning unit can increase the humidity level of indoor spaces.
Low Humidity Issues and Concerns
Low humidity is attainable when the moisture level of an indoor property is reduced. Low humidity, which is associated with low temperatures, has effects on the safety as well as healthiness of indoor spaces.
When the temperature of the environment is low, the corresponding decrease in humidity levels can compromise the safety of the home. Furniture and other wooden structures in a home can dry out when the humidity level is low.
The health concerns of low humidity in indoor spaces include the loss of body moisture because of the higher rate of loss of moisture to the environment. The mucous membrane of parts of the respiratory tract also dry up when the humidity level is low. When the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract dries out, one is more susceptible to respiratory tract infections and cold. It has also been proven that viruses that cause the flu thrive in environments with low humidity.
Low humidity levels are also associated with itching of the skin as well as the development of static electricity. Thus, the development of skin conditions such as eczema is encouraged in indoor environments with low humidity.
Efforts towards increasing the humidity level of indoor spaces include allowing more moisture from spaces such as bathrooms and using a humidifier or regulating the dehumidifier appropriately. Servicing an air conditioning unit properly is also necessary for avoiding low humidity in indoor spaces.
However, Is 70 Percent Humidity High?
At this point, one would probably be wondering if 70 percent humidity is high or even if 50 percent and 65 percent humidity is high. According to industry experts, the ideal humidity percentage range is between 35% and 60%. When the temperature is high and is combined with a humidity level of 60% and above, one is bound to experience symptoms such as sweating and poor blood circulation. Such conditions whether in commercial or residential properties are also not ideal for persons with allergies or suffering from asthma.
When the humidity level as well as the temperature of the environment is low, at humidity percentage below 35%, occurrences such as respiratory tract infections and skin infections may abound. Experts have also stated that, in homes, humidity levels that range from 30% to 60% are ideal. Humidity percentage between 45% and 55% are known as the recommended humidity levels. The range of humidity percentage that is tagged high in homes is 55% to 80%.
To officially answer the question that birthed this article, 70% humidity percentage, in homes and commercial properties is high.
Is 65 percent humidity high? Yes, especially in homes.
Is 50 percent humidity high? No, 50% humidity is perfect for residential and commercial spaces.
However, here is an article that’ll show you more lowering house humidity level completely.