Project details
Industries
Products
Fraunhofer IAO Stuttgart investigates humidity and health
The investigations were carried out at the Fraunhofer IAO's Centre for Virtual Engineering (ZVE) in Stuttgart (picture above) and were additionally supported by an internet-based survey in cooperation with the Facility Management degree program at HTW Berlin.
Optimal production process
For the study, three DRAABE NanoFog Evolution direct room humidifiers were used in a section of the ZVE to ensure a constant minimum air humidity of around 40% relative humidity. The survey of office users took place over several months, during which the humidifiers were switched on and off periodically. The survey results were compared with other areas of the building where no additional humidification was used. Low humidity is disruptive When asked about their perception of humidity, there were significant differences in the assessment of the different scenarios: with active humidification, the humidity was never perceived as too low. When humidification is not active or not available, over 40% of office users feel disturbed by excessively dry air. On average, the difference between humidified and non-humidified office spaces was around 16% relative humidity. Increasing the humidity results in a positive feeling among office users and greater satisfaction with the working environment. Over 50% of respondents also rate the indoor climate as very refreshing.
Dried-out mucous membranes
The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract perform an important protective and self-cleaning function. The viscosity of the mucous membranes is a decisive factor in how quickly pathogens are transported out of the body. The faster this happens, the lower the risk of illness. Clinical studies show that a sufficiently high humidity of at least 30% is necessary for rapid clearance of the airways. The results of the study confirm the influence of dry air on the mucous membranes: 54% of employees in offices without air humidification agree with the statement that they often have dry airways at work. In workplaces with air humidification, complaints of dry airways are reduced by more than a third to 35%.
"Our research has shown that the additional use of air humidification systems has a positive effect on the assessment of the workplace and can also have an impact on the health and performance of office workers."
Condair in action
Albrecht Dürer Airport, Nürnberg (Germany)
Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)
AOE GmbH, Wiesbaden (Germany)
Das Fraunhofer-Institut für Arbeitswirtschaft und Organisation IAO, Stuttgart (Germany)
Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
Laverana GmbH&Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
Get in touch with us
Contact us
Contact the UK office by phone, email or webform.
Find your international Condair representative
If you're outside the UK, find your local representative.