This winter, indoor humidity will increase as the temperature drops. But many people are unaware of the detrimental effects that dry air can have on their own and their loved ones’ health. This winter, keep yourself comfortable and healthy by being aware of the risks associated with dry air. Let’s examine the factors that make treating your dry indoor air so crucial.
Air Dryness Health Risks
There has never been a more crucial time to consider indoor air quality in your home and workplace. Why? Your risk for COVID-19 may be influenced by a number of factors, including the relative humidity level.
Transmission of Viruses in Dry Air
Because of the chilly temperatures outside, many people believe that winter is the cold and flu season. However, in actuality, one of the causes is that we spend more time indoors during the winter and dry air is particularly harmful. People are more likely to contract viruses and other diseases when the air is dry.
Moisture is necessary for our respiratory system to function correctly. Prior to entering the airway, respiratory system, or lungs, some membranes in the nose and throat function to trap viruses, debris, and dust. These membranes lose moisture when the humidity is low and heat systems further dry out the air, which makes them less effective.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has made indoor air quality a top priority. In addition to spending more time indoors, many people are staying home more often. The coronavirus can be more harmful in the same way that low humidity makes our bodies more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. According to research, the COVID-19 virus thrives at lower humidity levels, where it may survive longer and spread more readily. Colder temperatures also increase the risk of infection.
The Nose and Dry Air
Your nose becoming dry, inflamed, and itching is a sign of a bigger issue. A dry nose brought on by a drier environment can result in nosebleeds, but it can also lead to much more serious issues with the respiratory system. In the worst-case scenarios, the lack of adequate management of germs through the nasal cavity in cold air might result in bronchial and cardiac issues.
If you pay attention to the early indications, such as nasal itching, breathing difficulty, and overall nasal discomfort, you can easily prevent these circumstances. Many of these symptoms are specifically related to dry air in the winter. Humidify the air to maintain the health of your nasal passages as well as the rest of your body.
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Bronchitis, Asthma, and Other Respiratory Conditions
According to medical professionals, cold, dry air can make asthma symptoms, particularly spasms, worse.
The liquid that hydrates your bronchial tubes can quickly evaporate in an environment with very low relative humidity. Your airways may become more prone to inflammation as a result. This is particularly likely in the winter.
Spending too much time in an environment with excessively dry air can exacerbate the signs of respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory illnesses in addition to asthma.
Sore Throat
Knowing that dry air can induce pain and inflammation in your throat may not surprise you if you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night with trouble swallowing.
In a study conducted in 2013 with 45 volunteers, researchers forced a stream of chilly, dry air down their throats. The volunteers reported feeling increased pain and irritability as the air temperature and humidity decreased.
Eye Discomfort
Dry air may have an impact on the tear film that shields your cornea from injury if you work in an office setting where the air conditioning maintains a low humidity level.
Your eyes may develop small dry patches, making you more susceptible to other eye irritants in your workplace.
It is advised that you take frequent breaks if your job requires spending extended periods in an air-conditioned environment, particularly in front of a computer screen, to help your eyes regain moisture.
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Dehydration
Long periods of time spent in extremely dry indoor environments might cause your body’s fluid levels to drop.
Researchers examined the hydration status of employees who spend most of the day in low-humidity surroundings in a study from 2006.
The workers’ urine was much more concentrated than that of other workers in the plant, according to an analysis of their urine. One biomarker of dehydration is urine concentration.
Why Is Indoor Air In The Winter So Dry?
Compared to warm summer air, cold winter air does not hold as much moisture. Additionally, heating the air using the heater may make the air even dryer. Conversely, dry air can make it feel colder, forcing people to turn up their heating systems even more.
Normal humidity levels should be around 45%, however dry winter air can fall as low as 15% or even lower during the winter.
What Indicates an Overly Dry Home?
Electric Static
Static electricity can accumulate in painful amounts in dry air. Every time you touch a metal object in your home, you could be affected. It sticks and shocks you, which could even make sleeping in your sheets uncomfortable.
Static electricity is dissipated by damp air. You won’t feel the majority of the minor shocks, either. This is a crucial reason to ensure that the air is adequately humidified if you have young children in your home.
Unstable Wood
Dry air absorbs moisture from various areas of your house, including the structure itself. If you have a lot of wood around, you might hear creaking sounds more frequently in the winter. This is due to the fact that the air literally pulls moisture from it, weakening it and reducing the safety of your property in the process. Your doors and window frames will shift because dry air removes moisture from them. As a result, your insulation becomes compromised, allowing even more chilly air from the outside to enter.
Furniture Defects
Dry air can also draw moisture from your furniture in the same way that it does from the walls and floors of your house. Large objects in your house may depreciate if you have dry air.
How to Avoid Problems With Dry Air
Here are some precautions you can take if the indoor air where you live or work is excessively dry:
- To add moisture to the air, use a humidifier.
- A shorter, cooler shower will do.
- While you are still wet from taking a shower or bath, moisturize your skin.
- Use a neti pot or a hydrating nasal spray to irrigate your nasal passages.
- Lip balm can help prevent cracked, dry lips.
- Drink plenty of water all year long to stay hydrated.
These environmental irritants may contribute to discomfort in the eyes, throat, and nasal passages:
- odor removers
- aggressive cleaning supplies with scents
- Powders and sprays for insect control
- contaminants caused by recent repairs
- new furniture off-gassing
- paints, varnishes, or other compounds used in industry
- dander, hair, or excrement from animals
- Because prolonged exposure can result in minor discomfort and even breathing issues, irritant removal is crucial.
The Conclusion
Dry air has the power to make a variety of health problems worse, including nosebleeds, dry eyes, sore throats, respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and more.
Doctors advise keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent to promote a healthy environment. To lubricate your skin, lips, and sinuses, you can also use a humidifier, take fewer hot showers, and apply moisturizing lotions, balms, and sprays.
After making these adjustments, if your health problems persist, you might want to follow up with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
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