What are the benefits and harms of humidifiers?

Why do you need a humidifier?

With the onset of cold weather, when the central heating is turned on, the air in the rooms becomes dry, deprived of the necessary moisture. In most Russian regions, the heating season lasts up to six months. Radiators and heaters practically dry out the air in the room. Additional heating in the off-season ensures high moisture loss.

In order not to harm the human body, the air in the room must have certain characteristics.

The required parameters are as follows:

• normal temperature varies from 19 to 250C;
• optimal humidity – 40 – 60%;
• oxygen saturation level is approximately 26%.

A complete absence of toxic substances, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and household dust is also required. Dry air affects the mucous membranes. The eyes and respiratory tract are affected first. The skin becomes dry. Low humidity is the cause of accelerated skin aging. It becomes denser, dries out and flakes off. The skin loses its protective functions. This causes various skin diseases, and especially pustular lesions.

Low air humidity provokes a decrease in immunity. Drying the mucous membranes increases the permeability of physiological barriers to the penetration of viruses and bacteria. The likelihood of developing acute respiratory diseases increases.

Dry indoor conditions result in the following diseases:

• flu;
• ARVI;
• tracheitis;
• sinusitis;
• bronchitis;
• rhinitis;
• tonsillitis;
• pneumonia;
• proliferation of adenoid tissue.

Pathogenic agents multiply more actively on the dried mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. The epithelium loses cilia. It does not evacuate harmful particles from the bronchi and lungs. Bacteria and viruses settle, then accumulate in the bronchi and lung tissue.

But the harm of dry air does not end there. Under these conditions, all allergens constantly fly upward. Fine house dust constantly enters the human body. Irritation of the nasal mucosa, eyes and often exacerbating diseases of the upper respiratory tract provoke the development of bronchial asthma and other pathologies caused by allergic reactions.

A large number of artificial materials are used in our homes. They constantly release toxic substances and pollute the air. These volatile compounds spread easily in dry air and quickly penetrate the blood-brain barrier. They have a toxic effect on nerve cells. They provoke inflammatory reactions of an autoimmune nature.

Dry air causes a deterioration in a person’s general condition and well-being. This provokes nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and increased fatigue. These symptoms appear due to impaired oxygen transport. Under such conditions, its attachment to hemoglobin and delivery to tissues deteriorates. The neurons in the brain are the first to suffer.

Nowadays people are well aware of the dangers of dry air. Humidifiers have become ubiquitous. Almost everyone has it, and has ceased to be something unusual. The device optimizes air humidity, significantly improving the well-being of apartment residents. It prevents serious illnesses in children and adults. These climate control devices, designed to humidify the air, are necessary in any home.

About the benefits of humidifiers

Today, the humidifier is so popular that it is quite difficult to overestimate its benefits. But the most important positive effect can be called the creation of a favorable environment for children to live indoors. Dry air can not only make a child feel unwell, but also provoke the appearance of some chronic diseases. Although few today can say exactly why dry air in an apartment is harmful to a child.

Important! Whatever humidifier option is chosen for use, it is important to independently monitor the moisture level in the room air.

Therefore, it is worth highlighting several main points that are affected by a humidifier:

1. Dryness of the larynx and nose leads to the fact that the mucous membrane cannot effectively perform a protective function. In such an environment, pathogenic bacteria feel comfortable, rapidly developing and causing the development of diseases such as sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis and other ailments. Therefore, it is very important to ensure the effectiveness of room humidification using professional devices.
2. Dirty and dry air can lead to the development of rhinitis and asthma. A humidifier minimizes the possibility of these diseases.
3. Humidity also affects the skin of both children and adults. An insufficient indicator can lead to peeling, irritation and premature aging. A humidifier will help solve this problem, but it is worth considering that it is important to prevent an increase in air humidity, since the benefits and harms of air humidifiers depend on this.
4. Thanks to a humidifier, it is possible to prevent dehydration.
5. If there is not enough humidity in the environment, a person experiences fatigue and loss of attention. Therefore, it is very important to use the device in such rooms.
6. If the house has wooden furniture or doors, it is important that a good humidity level is provided. The use of humidifiers protects not only from dryness, but also from the appearance of harmful bacteria that can deform wooden coverings.
7. In rooms where there are plants, humidifiers help create comfortable conditions for their growth and reproduction.

We recommend that you read: What kind of water to pour into a humidifier

Also, the benefits and harms of an air humidifier have long been considered by specialists - all doctors claim that these devices have a beneficial effect on the eyes, eliminating dry mucous membranes.

Types of humidifiers, their pros and cons

Air humidifiers used in everyday life are divided into several categories. All these modern devices are easy to use and do not require special installation. They are able to humidify the air in a closed room around the clock. Modern technologies provide low noise levels. They do not irritate or distract the inhabitants of the home from business. They are based on different operating principles: ultrasound, natural humidification, steam generation.

☑ “Cold” humidifier

In these devices, air passes through a humidifying cartridge. The use of a fan in the design speeds up its circulation. Water is poured into a special tank of the device. From there it goes to a special evaporation element. To operate “Cold” humidifiers, it is advisable to use only demineralized or distilled water. If this rule is not followed, the humidifying unit will become clogged.

It will have to be changed quickly. This type of device is suitable for offices and apartments. They are allowed to be used in children's rooms. They are suitable for aromatherapy. Their advantages are considered to be: economical energy consumption, ease of use, low noise level, safety, affordable price. The disadvantages include the need to refill the cartridge with water that has undergone special preparation.

Steam humidifier

The water in it is heated using two electrodes. When the maximum temperature is reached, it transforms into a vapor state. They are used in winter gardens, greenhouses and greenhouses. They create a favorable microclimate for plants. These devices are used not only for air humidification. They can be used for inhalations.

Their disadvantages include a high level of energy consumption. The device must not be used in areas where children are present. Hot steam jet is dangerous. Possible burns due to close contact. The advantages are considered to be affordable prices, ease of maintenance, and the possibility of use for aromatherapy.

Ultrasonic humidifier

This device is widespread and is considered the most advanced. Its operating principle is based on the transformation of water, which occurs under the influence of high-frequency vibrations. A “steam cloud” is formed. It consists of tiny particles of liquid mixed with air. The damp, cool mist is then released into the room.

The device is filled with demineralized or distilled water. These devices can be used in any type of premises. Their advantages are considered to be small size, low power consumption, safety and high performance, safety. Their disadvantages include their relatively high cost.

Humidifier-purifier

The device consists of two autonomous parts - a “cold” humidifier and a purifier. These devices can work alternately or simultaneously. This is a universal device and is used everywhere. It is capable of purifying and humidifying the air in rooms with high levels of gas pollution and dust. It's safe. It can be placed in children's institutions. The device is suitable for aromatherapy application. The disadvantages include its relatively high price.

Each person will be able to choose a device based on the room conditions and their needs.

Air humidifier for apartment

Devices designed to humidify indoor air are multifunctional household devices. They are able to simultaneously purify, heat, cool the air, and not just humidify it. The aroma diffusers built into these devices saturate the room with pleasant aromas. They are quite easy to use. Before purchasing, you should carefully read its characteristics.

When choosing a device, consider the following:

1. Service area. For an ordinary room, an indicator of 30 - 35 squares is suitable. To humidify the entire apartment, choose devices with an indicator of 70 square meters.
2. Accommodation. They produce floor-standing and desktop devices. Users often choose the desktop appliances option. They are more compact. They don't take up much space.
3. Filter. The device is often equipped with a carbon filter. It holds allergens, viruses, bacteria. Mesh devices only trap animal hair and large dust particles. There are electrostatic types of devices. Dust and allergens stick to them. Air humidifiers are available equipped with photocatalytic filters. They contain a catalyst and a UV lamp. They produce powerful oxidizing agents that destroy most harmful particles.
4. Water consumption. The device consumes up to 600 ml of liquid per hour. The duration of continuous operation of the device depends on this.
5. Noise level. You should choose a device with a reduced noise level.
6. Control type. They produce options with electronic or mechanical control. Electronic devices are more expensive, but more convenient for daily use.

When purchasing a humidifier, do not forget about additional functions.

Attention

There are devices equipped with air ionizers and flavors. They improve the indoor microclimate and eliminate unpleasant odors. The ozonation function and the presence of a UV emitter help fight microbes, fungi, and viruses.

The benefits of a humidifier for the human body

One of the main advantages of using air humidifiers is the prevention of frequent colds, caused by the increased reproduction and accumulation of microbes and viruses in dry air.

In addition, there are also beneficial health properties:

1. The device prevents drying of the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. This blocks the penetration of pathogens through the protective barriers of allergens and infectious disease agents. Eye diseases and respiratory tract pathologies are prevented.
2. Air humidification prevents dry skin and premature aging. The skin does not crack and is not affected by pyogenic bacteria. Pustules do not appear on the body and face. Hair does not split and retains its elasticity.
3. In rooms with sufficient humidity, germs and viruses do not spread so quickly. If there is a person in the house with an airborne disease, using a humidifier will prevent infecting other people
4. In humidified air, household dust, animal hair and other allergens rise more slowly. Regular use of moisturizers reduces the development of allergic reactions.
5. Air humidification, combined with regular ventilation, prevents volatile polymer compounds that are toxic to humans from accumulating in the room.
6. The use of humidifiers improves blood oxygen saturation. The brain and other tissues do not suffer from oxygen starvation. Prevents fatigue and drowsiness.
7. In well-humidified rooms, the body does not lose moisture. The blood does not thicken. It retains its usual viscosity, getting into the smallest vessels and nourishes the tissues well.

➥ We should not forget that indoor plants grow better in well-humidified rooms and furniture does not dry out.

Why dry air is harmful to the human body

It is worth noting: the normal indicator of indoor air humidity is 40-60%, but, unfortunately, the atmosphere prevailing in city apartments is more likely to be arid, which is harmful not only to human health, but also to the condition of plants and animals. This is primarily due to the fact that dry air can quickly become contaminated with dust, which penetrates the respiratory tract, which often leads to the development of allergic reactions. It should be noted that it can still have a negative effect on human skin, causing it to peel. In addition to all this, dry air contributes to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

It is also necessary to understand that it has a negative impact on wooden furniture installed in the room: it begins to shrink and break. Also, floor coverings in the form of laminate and parquet undergo the drying process.

Humidifier for children

A healthy indoor climate is important for children. After all, they grow intensively and actively develop. Clean air with optimal oxygen content and importance is the most important condition for the physical and intellectual development of the baby. It is necessary for the formation of neurons in the brain. Without this, the child will not master the necessary skills, will not learn counting, reading, and writing.

The baby’s body is growing rapidly, so the need for oxygen is higher compared to adults. Young children are more sensitive to air humidity levels than others. A child's tissue moisture content is higher than an adult's.

Babies are physiologically more sensitive to dehydration. They suffer more from dry air. A child's metabolism is much more intense than that of an adult. To avoid overheating, it actively cools the body through breathing.

Expert opinion

The humidity in the children's room should be maintained at a level above average. The child requires a comfortable air temperature. If it is lower or higher, the vessels do not supply enough blood to the tissue. The risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections increases. Lack of humidity in the air adversely affects children's immune system.

It is important not to make the wrong choice when buying a humidifier for the nursery. You should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Safety. It is considered the main criterion. The health and safety of the child depends on this. It is better to prefer models without the release of hot steam.
2. Ease of maintenance. Devices located in the children's room should be washed more often. Devices with a simple design are easy to clean and maintain. They can be disassembled, washed and filters changed more often.
3. Noisy. This indicator is quite important for children. Often they can only fall asleep in complete silence. For easily excitable babies, it is better to purchase a silent version of the humidifier.
4. Water disinfection. This function is important to prevent contamination of the water suspension by bacteria. The design of the device allows you to purify the liquid from harmful bacteria.
5. Quality of materials. Plastic is used in the manufacture of these devices. Some of them have an unpleasant odor. You should select devices made from safe materials.

Buy only a high-quality humidifier. You will raise a healthy child who will get sick less often than his peers.

How to choose a humidifier to get the most benefits

You can use any humidifier model indoors, but not all of them are suitable for these conditions. Such irrational use will do more harm than good.

That is why you should learn more about air humidifiers and take into account some rules when choosing one:

• Consider the volume of the tank and the performance of the humidifier. The area where you need to adjust the humidity levels will depend on this. If you do not take this parameter into account, then the benefit of the humidifier will be minimal, since it will not be able to balance this indicator.
• Availability of additional functions. This could be an ionizer, the presence of a reservoir for aromatic oils, etc.
• The amount of electricity consumed.
• Noise indicators, especially if there are children.

The harm or benefit of a humidifier depends on the correct choice and use of the device. If you take all the rules into account, the quality of your sleep will improve, dry eyes, peeling skin and other unpleasant consequences will go away. Such a device is useful not only for human health, but also has a beneficial effect on ornamental plants in the room and furniture.

How to use a humidifier

The device should be installed on a flat, dry surface. You need to make sure that its position is stable. Otherwise, it may tip over during operation. If the device is tilted slightly, it will not work properly. Before connecting the device to the power supply, be sure to check the tightness of the housing.

Attention

If the device has cracks or the cord is damaged, it should not be used.

Then you should check whether the liquid reservoir is full. If there is a deficiency, you need to top it up and insert a filter. Then you need to close the compartment lid tightly. The green indicator will light up. Only after this can you plug in the device. The green indicator will light up. Press the “start” button to start the device.

If the model allows, then activate the device using the remote control. Select the desired operating mode. You can then select additional options on the LCD display. When operating the device, you need to monitor the liquid level. If it is not enough, the indicator will turn red and the device will turn off itself.

When operating, you should adhere to the following rules:

• pour liquid into the reservoir of a working device;
• block the steam outlet;
• use contaminated water;
• rearrange the device when it is connected to the network;
• pour liquid into the device through the steam outlet;
• add aromatic substances directly to the water, rather than in a special compartment.

IMPORTANT Before starting work, you should carefully read the operating instructions for the device, and only then use it.

What kind of water should I put in my humidifier?

The quality of water preparation for a humidifier before use is very important, since these water vapors enter directly into the lungs. The operating efficiency and durability of the device during operation also depend on them.

Signs of improper water treatment are as follows:

• changed color of water;
• the presence of a white coating on indoor surfaces;
• lime deposits on heaters;
• green sediment in the tank;
• musty smell.

The need for initial preparation depends on the type of humidifier. For a regular steam device, any clean water will do. To prolong the operation of the device, it is necessary to reduce the level of its hardness to prevent the formation of lime deposits. It is advisable to pass it through filters to remove chorus and other impurities.

For cold-type devices and ultrasonic models, special cartridges are used, which must be refilled only with distilled or deeply demineralized water. If this is not done, all objects in the room will become covered with a white coating that is difficult to remove.

IMPORTANT

What water is required for the humidifier is indicated in the operating instructions for the device.

Benefits of using humidifiers for pregnant women

Experts studied the effect of the device not only on the body of an ordinary person. Much research has also been conducted on the possible harm that a humidifier can cause to pregnant women.

In fact, it is not correct to say that some negative effects may appear on the body of a woman who is preparing to become a mother. But at the same time, it is necessary to use the device correctly, then it is guaranteed to have a positive effect on the health of the expectant mother:

1. A humidifier can cause harm to the body if the humidity level is not controlled. It is important to prevent excess moisture in the air.
2. During pregnancy, it is better for a woman to use only ultrasound models that guarantee the necessary safety.
3. Normal humidity levels have a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy.

Important! When using a humidifier, not only the mother feels good, but also the child.

Is it possible to add oils (aroma oils) to a humidifier?

Not all models of such devices are suitable for combining room humidification with air aromatization. This additional function is provided in steam and ultrasonic models. They must have a washing function. They are equipped with a special compartment for placing a capsule with an essential product or a reservoir for aromatic concentrates.

During operation, the device evaporates water into which essential substances are pre-injected, and the air is saturated with a pleasant aroma. This achieves a therapeutic, relaxing and calming effect. If the device is not designed to use essential oils, they will settle on all parts and it will stop working.

IMPORTANT To obtain optimal effect, it should be added at a rate of no more than five drops for every 15 square meters. m of irrigated area. It is necessary to install the humidifier on a surface located higher than one meter from the floor.