How humidity affects our health and property

Experimental studies and research on regulated humidity levels published in the Environmental Health Perspective Journal found the number of respiratory infections to be lower in homes and working environments that had mid-range humidity percentages.

Optimal humidity is between 30% and 50%

which can help fight the flu virus according to researchers from Oregon State University. “The less water in the air, the longer the flu virus survives. And that leads to a greater chance of someone catching the bug.”

Fungi cannot grow in humidity less than 60%

but anything above will give mold the perfect environment to thrive. These spores affect the health of mold-sensitive people by contributing to nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, and sometimes, fever and shortness of breath.

Humidity is especially important during winter months

or places with cold climates as heating units rob the indoor air of moisture every time the heat turns on. Too little humidity results in bloody noses and can eventually lead to cracks and swelling of the lungs.

Mold is a year-round battle for those with allergies

as spores thrive in high humidity indoors and out. Making sure indoor air is full of constant and regulated humidity is crucial for the allergy sufferer.

Carpeting traps moisture in the air

 making it a breeding ground for dust mites. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS) is a condition where acute health problems are linked to individuals spending time in a building, yet no specific cause can be identified. Inadequate ventilation, biological contaminants like mold, bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants are on the list of potential SBS causes.

Low humidity is associated with the frequency of respiratory tract infections

 (U.S. National Library of Medicine).. An overabundance of humidity can set off asthma attacks.

Low humidity affects the skin setting off symptoms of dryness

that includes cracks, inflammation, and peeling. Eczema, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, flares up in a sudden drop of humidity.

Decreased humidity can cause more damage than health issues.

You may notice that your houseplants are drying out and dying. Wallpaper may peel at the seams and edges. There will also be an increase in static electricity. Decreased humidity can also cause problems for hardwood floors, such as cracks and separation at the seams. While most people focus on the winter seasons causing dry air, there are areas where dry, arid summer seasons can also cause issues due to excessive air conditioning. When this happens, you’ll notice that your wood furniture can crack or become damaged if dry air persists for longer than a couple of weeks.

The Butterfly helps you prevent issues due to health and humidification? 

While some of these facts are commonly known, others can be surprising and suggest a simple resolution to turn your home into a healthy surrounding. Being proactive about moisture control in your home can turn unnecessary and physically stressful conditions into a distant memory, paving the way for healthy expectations and a dependable environment for your family.

The Butterfly  senses humidity (amongst many other environmental conditions) and provides notifications if limits are exceeded based on the application. For example, if used for wine cellars, the humidity thresholds are <50% to >70%, and if used for home <30% to >50%. These values can be easily changed from the Conscious App. Historical data can also be tracked to identify periodic causes of bad humidity conditions, i.e. heat related effects in the basement etc..