Summer is a season of high humidity. Unfortunately, it can be extremely unhealthy for everyone in your building.
Summer is a season of high humidity. Unfortunately, it can be extremely unhealthy for everyone in your building. Increasing humidity might have an effect on deactivating coronavirus particles, but the science behind it is still incomplete. However, in higher humidity levels, viruses like COVID-19 are actually more likely to spread because they thrive in such conditions. Here is a look at some of the other effects of excessive humidity.
Ideal Levels
Let’s start by discussing the ideal levels of humidity in your building. The levels should be kept between 35% and 60%. Spending too much time in levels that are too high have consequences when it comes to direct effects and indirect effects. Read on to find out more about the direct effects and the indirect effects.
Direct Effects
One of the most dangerous direct effects is that the body can overheat. Nobody can work when they feel too hot or too cold, so this is a situation that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Humidity impairs the body’s natural ability to cool off, and this can be a problem even with social distancing still enforced – wearing masks all the time can make it hard to breathe properly. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can result, and both conditions can be fatal if not recognized and addressed as promptly as possible. The body attempts to protect itself through sweating, changing the pace of your breathing (increased respiratory rate) and altering where the blood flowing your body goes – it’s sent to your extremities instead of your internal organs, including your brain, which is why you might feel foggy, tired, and unable to focus.
Indirect Effects
In 60 percent relative humidity, bacteria and viruses are more plentiful and more active. This is one good reason to keep humidity levels down, especially since summer can be humid enough on its own. As buildings and other businesses begin to reopen and slowly approach normalcy, this fact is important to keep in mind. High humidity also encourages the proliferation of allergens in the air. Mold and fungi that grow can also trigger asthmatic reactions in anyone on your team who suffers from that condition. Airborne chemical contamination from VOCs also worsens when the humidity is too high.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals navigate the post-COVID-19 environment. We can develop a cost-effective, customized program for your building that will mitigate the potential health risks of COVID-19. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of reopening your building safely, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!