Self-cleaning mucous membranes
The self-cleaning function at different relative humidity levels
Benefits
A relative humidity of 40 to 60% supports the human immune system and protects the respiratory tract from infections.
Less absenteeism
Employees are less likely to become infected and remain healthy.
Increased productivity
Higher performance and fewer absences reduce costs.
Employer of choice
Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.
Strengthening the immune system through humidification
Mucous Membranes Need Humidity
In the respiratory tract, the mucous membranes protect us from infections thanks to their self-cleaning function. In order for them to perform their protective function reliably, they need sufficient humidity. The mucous membranes have fine cilia on their surface, which move freely in a thin secretion (sol layer). Above this is a sticky gel layer to which most of the inhaled viruses, bacteria and air pollutants adhere. As long as the cilia can move freely, they transport the mucus together with the microorganisms towards the larynx, where it can be swallowed or coughed up. Studies show that the highest transport speed and thus the lowest risk of infection is achieved at around 45% relative humidity. A constant humidity between 40 and 60% is therefore essential for healthy mucous membranes and an effective protection system against viruses and bacteria.
Humidity increases immune defence
The right level of humidity indoors is a crucial factor for the immune system. Dry air weakens the body's natural defence mechanisms: as humidity decreases, the removal of pathogens becomes less effective. Low humidity causes water to be drawn from the mucus layer. The cilia become increasingly suppressed and lose their mobility. The increasing viscosity of the mucous membranes leads to a blockage of mucus flow and the risk of infection by viruses penetrating the mucous membrane cells increases. If the relative humidity drops to 20%, the self-cleaning process comes to a complete standstill. The highest transport speed and thus the best immune defence is achieved at 45% relative humidity.
Protecting the respiratory tract
Optimal humidity is key to protecting the mucous membranes from harmful influences. Air that is too dry not only blocks mucus flow, but also triggers two additional mechanisms that directly affect the immune system and disable our natural innate immunity. On the one hand, inhaling dry air damages the epithelial cells and impairs the repair of the respiratory epithelium (lung cells). These cells form a physical barrier beneath the mucus layer that prevents viruses from entering the host cell. Secondly, low air humidity can reduce the formation of interferon in the lung tissue. As messenger substances, interferons trigger the production of proteins (antiviral genes) that fight invading viruses and thus stop the virus from multiplying. The result is increased susceptibility to infections and reduced regenerative capacity of the mucous membranes.
Viruses
Viruses are inhaled and stick to the gel layer.
Gel layer
As long as the cilia are able to move freely, the gel layer transports the viruses towards the larynx, where they are swallowed or coughed up.
Saline layer and cilia
The cilia can move freely in the thin sol layer.
Restricted self-cleaning
As humidity decreases, water is extracted from the saline layer, the cilia are pressed down and lose their mobility. Mucus flow is restricted and viruses penetrate.
Humidity to support the immune system is beneficial in many industries and applications
Discover Condair in action
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.
The Chedi Hotel
After its opening in late 2013, The Chedi in Switzerland was named as a 2014 must go to destination by the international press. Together with other projects, it aims to make the small town of Andermatt more attractive than St. Moritz. On top of that, the Chedi exemplifies sustainability in a luxurious way. The hotel's sustainable and luxurious design is reflected in the architecture, building materials as well as its modern utilities.12 Condair hybrid humidifiers are installed to meet the building's air humidity requirements.
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.
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.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
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.
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.
Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures health protection and high employee satisfaction.
Albrecht Dürer Airport, Nürnberg (Germany)
In-room humidification protects employees and departing passengers from electrostatic discharges in the security check area, while also making a valuable contribution to greater well-being and health.
AOE GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany)
Shortly before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the software service provider AOE decided to use additional air humidification. Since then, the company has not only been convinced of the positive effect of optimal air humidity, but also sees health protection as an independent corporate value. Hybrid models of presence and remote work will pose new challenges for AOE in terms of workplace design in the future.
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.
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.
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.
Healthy humidity for a Chalet in Riederalp in Switzerland
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.
Agbar Tower
Agbar Tower is a 32-story office complex located directly on the famed Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes in Barcelona. Its outer form resembles that of the 30 St Mary Axe office building in London, which was built at around the same time. Agbar Tower’s glass facade is intended to represent a water fountain which changes its colors depending on the angle of the light. This is accomplished with 40 different shades of paint that reflect the light in different ways. The effect is reinforced by thousands of glass louvers that are mounted on the outside of the facade to provide sun protection. Based on the position of the sun, they turn to provide the highest possible degree of reflection, and to create natural air circulation inside the building. At night, Agbar Tower is lit by 4,500 LED spotlights in changing colors and can be seen from far away — every bit as clearly as by day. Condair RS steam humidifiers provide optimal humidity levels for visitors to Agbar Tower.
Quotes from our customers
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.
"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."
"Not least because of the energy costs, however, we decided in favor of adiabatic direct room air humidification with high-pressure nozzles."
"With direct room air humidification, we have already set the right course. Especially with the experience from the pandemic, companies should think much more about humidity: Adequate ventilation with more fresh air does not work without additional air humidification. Otherwise, the humidity drops to too low values, which inevitably lead to health problems and complaints."
"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."
"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."
"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."
“Optimal humidity is a must for our instruments and at the same time refreshing and health for our customers and our team.”
Frequently asked questions
What should the humidity level be indoors to protect health?
How does dry air affect the human immune system?
How do mucous membranes in the respiratory tract protect against infections?
How does dry air affect the mucous membranes and the immune system?
Can technical humidification systems protect against respiratory infections?
Get free expert advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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