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Scientific evidence for maintaining a healthy humidity

There are many scientific studies that show the direct and indirect effects of low relative humidity on human health and how it can influence airborne infection.

Here is just a selection of the overwhelming evidence for maintaining an optimum indoor humidity of 40-60%RH for human health and wellbeing.

Studies showing how humidity affects the survival and transmission of bacteria and viruses

Parhizkar et al 2022

Quantifying Environmental Mitigation of Aerosol Viral Load in a Controlled Chamber With...

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Dietz et al 2020

COVID-19: Review of Literature and Built Environment Considerations to Reduce Transmission

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Casanova et al 2010

Effects of air temperature and relative humidity on coronavirus survival on surfaces

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Noti et al 2013

High humidity leads to loss of infectious influenza virus from simulated coughs

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Sterling et al 1985

Criteria for human exposure to humidity in occupied buildings

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Arundel et al 1986

Indirect health effects of relative humidity in indoor environments

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Metz J A, Finn A 2015

Influenza and humidity - Why a bit more damp may be good for you!

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Lowen et al 2007

Influenza virus transmission Is dependent on relative humidity and temperature

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Yang W, Marr L 2011

Dynamics of airborne influenza A viruses indoors and dependence on humidity

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Yang W, Marr L 2012

Relationship between humidity & influenza A viability in droplets & implications for flu's seasonality

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Lester W 1948

The influence of relative humidity on the infectivity of air-borne influenza A virus (PR8 strain)

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Myatt T. A. et al 2010

Modeling the airborne survival of influenza virus in a residential setting

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Shaman et al 2010

Absolute humidity and the seasonal onset of influenza in the continental United States

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Dunklin EW, Puck TT 1948

The lethal effects of relative humidity on bacteria

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Studies showing the effects of dry air on human airways, eyes and skin

Kudo E et al 2019

Low ambient humidity impairs barrier function and innate resistance against influenza infection

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Abusharha AA, Pearce EI 2013

The effect of low humidity on the human tear film

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Ewert G 1965

On the mucus flow rate in the human nose

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Salah B et al 1988

Nasal mucociliary transport in healthy subjects is slower when breathing dry air

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Wolkoff P, Kjaergaard SK. 2007

The dichotomy of relative humidity on indoor air quality

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Sunwoo Y et al 2006

Physiological and subjective responses to low relative humidity

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Studies showing the effects of humidity on absenteeism, sickness and indoor air quality

Reiman J 2018

Humidity as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for influenza A

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Taylor S, Hugentobler W 2016

Is low indoor humidity a driver for healthcare-associated infections?

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Sale C 1972

Humidification to reduce respiratory illnesses in nursery school children

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Gelperin A 1973

Humidification and upper respiratory infection incidence (army barracks study)

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Green G 1975

The effect of indoor relative humidity on absenteeism & colds in schools

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Green G 1981

Winter humidities and related absenteeism in Canadian hospitals

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Ritzel G 1966

Socio-medical study on pathogenesis and prophylaxis of common colds (kindergarten study)

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Alsmo T, Alsmo C 2016

A comparison of relative humidity between two Swedish buildings with different ventilation solutions

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Koep T et al 2013

Predictors of indoor absolute humidity and estimated effects on influenza virus survival in grade schools

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Low humidity dries our eyes' precorneal tear film making us prone to eye irritations and contact lens discomfort.
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Low humidity acts as a conduit for viruses and airborne bacteria to disperse and travel around a building and threaten all occupants.
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Low humidity dries our mucous membranes and inhibits our body's natural defence against airborne germs, viruses and bacteria.
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Low humidity dries the outer layer of our skin leading to itchiness, cracking and dermatological problems.
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Humidity, health and wellbeing

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40-60% relative humidity is the optimum condition for our body, immune system and to reduce airborne infection.
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