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
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
View moreStudies showing the effects of dry air on human airways, eyes and skin
Iwasaki 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
View moreStudies showing the effects of humidity on absenteeism, sickness and indoor air quality
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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Taylor S, Hugentobler W 2016
Is low indoor humidity a driver for healthcare-associated infections?
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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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Get a hygrometer
Test your indoor humidity with this hygrometer - free for qualifying individuals (terms and conditions apply).
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My humidity is low, what should I do?
If your workplace humidity is consistently below 40%RH it could be affecting your health. Here's what you can do about it.
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Dry air and our eyes
Low humidity dries our eyes' precorneal tear film making us prone to eye irritations and contact lens discomfort.
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Dry air and airborne infection
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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Dry air and our airway defence system
Low humidity dries our mucous membranes and inhibits our body's natural defence against airborne germs, viruses and bacteria.
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Dry air and our skin
Low humidity dries the outer layer of our skin leading to itchiness, cracking and dermatological problems.
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Humidity, health and wellbeing
40-60% relative humidity is the optimum condition for our body, immune system and to reduce airborne infection.
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