Droplet infection
Droplet infection occurs over short distances of approximately 1.5 to 2 meters. The particles are larger and only remain suspended in the air for a short time.
Humidity Reduces Respiratory Infections
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Benefits
A relative humidity between 40% and 60% combats the airborne transmission of respiratory infections by reducing the infectivity and suspension time of viruses in the air.
Fewer sick days
Employees are less likely to become infected and remain healthy.
Increased productivity
Higher performance and fewer absences reduce costs.
Employer of choice
Workplace health promotion makes employers attractive.
Humidity reduces respiratory infections
Humidity and airborne virus transmission
Respiratory infections such as influenza or COVID-19 are predominantly transmitted from person to person indoors. The most important route of transmission is airborne transmission - either via larger droplets in close proximity or via fine aerosols that remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time. Virus-laden aerosols can be inhaled and enter the body via the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
Relative humidity plays a crucial role in this process: it influences the range, suspension time, and infectivity of aerosols. At low humidity, aerosols remain in the air longer and increase the risk of infection. Optimal humidity can therefore help reduce the spread of viruses indoors through the air.
Relative humidity plays a crucial role in this process: it influences the range, suspension time, and infectivity of aerosols. At low humidity, aerosols remain in the air longer and increase the risk of infection. Optimal humidity can therefore help reduce the spread of viruses indoors through the air.
Viruses remain airborne shorter
Relative humidity has a major influence on the suspension behaviour of aerosols and thus on the risk of virus transmission. Aerosols consist mainly of water, salts and proteins. Especially in the colder months, humidity often drops below 40%. At this low humidity, aerosols lose their water content, becoming smaller and lighter. Unlike larger and heavier infectious droplets, which sink to the ground within a few seconds after coughing or sneezing, the lighter aerosols can remain suspended in the air for hours and spread throughout the room.
Unlike moist aerosols, they are also less sticky and adhere less to each other due to their lower water content. Air currents and the movements of people in the room cause dry aerosols to be stirred up from surfaces more quickly and spread further.
Unlike moist aerosols, they are also less sticky and adhere less to each other due to their lower water content. Air currents and the movements of people in the room cause dry aerosols to be stirred up from surfaces more quickly and spread further.
Humidity deactivates viruses
Humidity not only affects the suspension behaviour of aerosols, but also their infectivity. At relative humidity levels below 40%, aerosols dry out significantly, causing the salts they contain to crystallise. This process preserves the viruses and makes them infectious for longer. When the dry aerosols are inhaled, the salts dissolve again in the moist respiratory tract. The viruses, which are still infectious, are released onto the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, reactivated and can cause disease.
If the air humidity is within the optimal range of 40 to 60%, the water content in the droplets evaporates only to the extent that the salt concentration increases without crystallising. The high salt concentration inactivates the viruses and significantly reduces the risk of infection with a respiratory disease.
If the air humidity is within the optimal range of 40 to 60%, the water content in the droplets evaporates only to the extent that the salt concentration increases without crystallising. The high salt concentration inactivates the viruses and significantly reduces the risk of infection with a respiratory disease.
Aerosol transmission
Aerosol transmission occurs over long distances and periods of time. With this type of airborne transmission, virus-laden aerosols can be transported through the air in a room for up to several hours. Controlling humidity is an effective measure for containing airborne transmission.
Nasopharynx
Trachea/bronchi
Lungs
Preventing respiratory infections is beneficial in many industries and applications
Discover Condair in action
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
JURA Elektrogeräte Vertriebs-GmbH has been located in Nuremberg since 1987. 362 days a year, 30 employees are available in shifts for end customers and specialist dealers and advise and support them on all questions about fully automatic Jura machines and accessories.
Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)
Amundi Germany is an expert in making the right investments. At its Munich office, the investment company manages assets of 52 billion euros and employs a total of 150 people. "The feel-good factor plays a very important role in the optimal working conditions of our employees," says Klaus Mutzl, Head of Operations Munich.
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is a federal institute within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Health. In 2016, the RKI moved into a new four-storey laboratory and office building with an area of around 60,000 m2. There, for example, influenza experts from the RKI prepare weekly situation reports, examine which flu viruses are circulating and check the effectiveness of flu vaccinations.
Laverana GmbH&Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
In the converted Laverana headquarters of the natural cosmetics manufacturer, it is shown how optimal air humidity and the natural materials used in the building can ensure a very special feel-good climate.
Jungheinrich Service&Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
In order to optimally meet the air quality requirements in the open-plan office worlds, Jungheinrich is using an additional direct room air humidification system at the Kaltenkirchen spare parts centre. The result is a high level of employee satisfaction and more health protection.
Albrecht Dürer Airport, Nürnberg (Germany)
Since 2019, direct room air humidification in the area of the security control area of Nuremberg Airport has ensured a consistently optimal humidity of 40 percent. The system, which is used in addition to duct humidification, protects employees and departing passengers from electrostatic discharges and at the same time makes a valuable contribution to greater well-being and health.
AOE GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany)
Shortly before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the software service provider AOE decided to use additional air humidification. Since then, the company has not only been convinced of the positive effect of optimal air humidity, but also sees health protection as an independent corporate value. Hybrid models of presence and remote work will pose new challenges for AOE in terms of workplace design in the future.
Thomann GmbH (Call centre), Treppendorf (Germany)
In the call centre of Thomann GmbH, additional air humidification improves the indoor climate for the employees. Fewer voice disorders, less eye strain and higher satisfaction with the air quality are the experiences after two years of practical use.
BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft mbH, Bad Vilbel (Germany)
To keep the employees healthy, Bad Homburger Inkasso and BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft were looking for possibilities of subsequent air humidification. As an alternative to humidification in the ventilation system, direct room air humidification was able to meet all requirements for hygiene and operational safety.
Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)
Hannover Re is the world's third-largest reinsurer. The IT Service Desk looks after over 3000 employees at the Hanover location on all questions relating to the software and hardware of the workstations.
Asteelflash Hersfeld GmbH, Bad Hersfeld
Air Humidification in the electronic industry Asteelflash is the second largest electronic manufacturing services provider in Europe. More than 5,000 employees at 18 production sites worldwide work for the group of companies headquartered in France. The facility in Bad Hersfeld produces integrated electronic systems and modules for the automotive industry, among other things. Asteelflash is using direct room air humidification to protect the health of employees and for quality assurance in the assembly of PCBs.
Actelion Business Center
Das imposante Gebäude im Stil des Dekonstruktivismus ist Hauptsitz des Pharmaunternehmens Actelion Ltd und wurde von den Schweizer Stararchitekten Herzog de Meuron entworfen. Die balkenartige Architektur erstreckt sich über sechs Stockwerke und bietet ungewohnte Durch- und Ausblicke, Erholungszonen mit Höfen und Terrassen sowie eine moderne Arbeitsatmosphäre für 350 Mitarbeiter. Durch die dreidimensionale Stapelung der Fassade waren 1.500 Detailzeichnungen, 2.500 Tonnen Stahl und 3,8 Kilometer Fachwerkträger notwendig, um den statischen Lastabtrag zu realisieren. Für ein optimales Raumklima ist durch innovative Hybrid-Luftbefeuchter der Serie DL von Condair bestens gesorgt.
The Chedi Hotel
After its opening in late 2013, The Chedi in Switzerland was named as a 2014 must go to destination by the international press. Together with other projects, it aims to make the small town of Andermatt more attractive than St. Moritz. On top of that, the Chedi exemplifies sustainability in a luxurious way. The hotel's sustainable and luxurious design is reflected in the architecture, building materials as well as its modern utilities.12 Condair hybrid humidifiers are installed to meet the building's air humidity requirements.
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is probably the best-known university in Switzerland and secures one of the top positions in the global ranking of universities on a regular basis. Founded in 1855 as the Swiss Federal Polytechnic, ETH is primarily dedicated to the technical, mathematical and scientific fields. Condair steam humidifiers ensure healthy and comfortable air humidity in the labs and classrooms.
Healthy humidity for a Chalet in Riederalp in Switzerland
At the end of his professional career, Swiss architect Joe A. Neidhart from Lucerne fulfilled a long-held dream: he built a 250 m² passive two-family house at an altitude of around 2,000 m in Riederalp in the canton of Valais (Switzerland) with views over the Alps and the Matterhorn, which he has been living in himself for 20 weeks a year ever since. Due to the altitude, with very low winter temperatures and low humidity, Neidhart opted for a sustainable 100% solar thermal house for heating and domestic hot water and for a new, innovative system for controlled indoor air humidification.
se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)
Employee orientation and health protection play a major role for se-austria GmbH & Co. KG. With direct room air humidification, the indoor climate for the employees could be improved without costly renewal of the air conditioning system.
Bloomberg
The European headquarters of the media company Bloomberg in London was designed by the architects Foster + Partners and opened in 2017. The building complex is one million square meters in size and has many details that have been the result of months of research and development, such as a ceiling decorated with petals that provides lighting and cooling, but also acoustic insulation.The building consists of two ten-story blocks connected by a bridge. An arcade of restaurants selected by Bloomberg's restaurant critics runs between them. The building uses 70% less water and 40% less energy than conventional office buildings and was even awarded the Stirling Prize in 2018.Condair ME evaporative humidifiers are maintaining the ideal indoor humidity for the preservation of the wooden interiors and a healthy environment for visitors.
Amy Storm Residence, Chicago
Interior designer Amy¯Storm undertook a year‘long design/build of her own Chicago‘area home, œShelter for the Storms, and chose Condair™s MN flexible humidification system to tackle the dry winter climate. Presented with the challenge of low indoor humidity that causes discomfort and can damage wood furnishings and artwork, she required a system that could integrate with radiant heating and forced‘air cooling while preserving her design vision. The Condair¯MN system uses a mesh‘nebulizer humidification method without traditional ductwork, providing precise control of indoor humidity in the ideal 40‘60% RH range. The result: a home transformed into a sanctuary of comfort and wellness, where art and books are protected, residents feel better, and trust in the ongoing support was affirmed. The installation was tightly coordinated over a nine‘month construction phase, and the system™s performance and seamless integration exceeded expectations.
Columbus Museum of Modern Art, USA
The Columbus Museum of Art needed precise humidity control to protect priceless artworks and ensure visitor comfort. Condair installed its RS steam humidifiers, integrated with the museum™s HVAC system, delivering consistent humidity in the ideal 50¯Â±¯5¯% RH range. The system™s design allows rapid response to seasonal and daily fluctuations, ensuring paintings, sculptures, and historic artifacts are safeguarded against cracking, warping, or other moisture-related damage. Easy to operate and maintain, the RS units provide reliable, energy-efficient performance while blending unobtrusively into the museum™s infrastructure. By maintaining stable indoor humidity, Condair helps preserve the integrity of the collection, supports optimal conditions for visitors, and provides curators with confidence that their environment meets stringent conservation standards.
HELLA
The HELLA Group develops and manufactures lighting, electronic components and systems for the automotive industry.
Baloise Park, Basel
Baloise Park forms an area with three buildings on which the Baloise insurance group is headquartered. The complex offers 1,300 modern office workstations, of which 700 are used for Baloise employeesand the rest are rented out. The tallest building in Baloise Park is the tower in the west, which is one of the tallest buildings in Basel at 89 meters.Part of this tower houses the 5-star Superior Hotel Mövenpick comprising 264 rooms and an exquisite bar with sun terrace.Condair steam humidifiers ensure healthy room air humidity.
Meier Tobler, Logistic Center, Switzerland
Meier Tobler is the leading provider of building technology in Switzerland and offers innovative, sustainable solutions in the areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The new service center in Oberbuchsiten demonstrates this impressively and serves as a showcase for future energy concepts and environmentally friendly building technology.
The new 15,000 square meter building was constructed in accordance with the Minergie-P standard, the Swiss standard for particularly efficient low-energy buildings. An innovative heat pump technology from Meier Tobler uses groundwater as an energy source and a photovoltaic system with an output of over 2,000 Kilowatt peak generates many times more electricity than the building itself consumes.
The surplus is fed into the grid or used to charge the electric trucks during handling times. Innovative, regional route planning for the electric trucks optimizes the range of the vehicles, minimizes CO2 emissions and sets standards in terms of sustainable logistics. RS steam humidifiers from Condair ensure healthy and comfortable indoor air humidity.
The new 15,000 square meter building was constructed in accordance with the Minergie-P standard, the Swiss standard for particularly efficient low-energy buildings. An innovative heat pump technology from Meier Tobler uses groundwater as an energy source and a photovoltaic system with an output of over 2,000 Kilowatt peak generates many times more electricity than the building itself consumes.
The surplus is fed into the grid or used to charge the electric trucks during handling times. Innovative, regional route planning for the electric trucks optimizes the range of the vehicles, minimizes CO2 emissions and sets standards in terms of sustainable logistics. RS steam humidifiers from Condair ensure healthy and comfortable indoor air humidity.
Quotes from our customers
Andrea Bell
Facility Management"In this way, we have achieved a twofold advantage for our employees: health is protected and satisfaction at work is increased. This fits perfectly with the pronounced employee orientation at se-austria."
Thomas Harrer
Head of Building Services"Not least because of the energy costs, however, we decided in favor of adiabatic direct room air humidification with high-pressure nozzles."
Joern Bock
COO"With direct room air humidification, we have already set the right course. Especially with the experience from the pandemic, companies should think much more about humidity: Adequate ventilation with more fresh air does not work without additional air humidification. Otherwise, the humidity drops to too low values, which inevitably lead to health problems and complaints."
Felix Timmermann
General Manager EEMEA Region‘In-room humidification makes an important contribution to optimising our production processes and at the same time has a very positive effect on the well-being and health of our employees.’
Martin Ennemann
Facility Management"Air humidification is a stable factor in our quality assurance, both for ESD protection of our production as well as for the satisfaction of our Employees with the indoor climate."
Jens Ringeling
Group Leader Facility Management"Our additional in-space humidification is a great fit, as the positive effect is immediately noticeable and has a direct impact on employee satisfaction and health protection."
Florian Rittweger
Sales Management“Optimal humidity is a must for our instruments and at the same time refreshing and health for our customers and our team.”
Frequently asked questions
What influence does humidity have on respiratory infections?
Why is controlled humidity so important for healthy airways?
Do viruses survive longer in dry air?
What is the ideal humidity level for human health?
How can I improve indoor humidity?
Get free expert advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
You may also be interested in
Humidification boosts the immune system
Controlled humidity in buildings protects the self-cleaning function of the mucous membranes, reduces the risk of infection and strengthens the immune system. Dry air promotes respiratory diseases. Additional humidification ensures healthy indoor air and strengthens the immune system.
Healthy voice with optimal humidity
Optimal humidity protects the voice from strain, hoarseness and vocal problems. This is an important factor for better health and well-being – for example, in call centres, concert halls, opera houses or customer service departments, where the voice is put under a lot of strain and the quality of conversation is important.
Humidity protects against dry eyes
Controlled humidity protects against dry eyes, eye irritation, burning and redness, and prevents strain during intensive computer work.
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