Blog - Scientists: "Increase humidity in fight against Corona."

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Scientists: "Increase humidity in fight against Corona."

"Increasing humidity in buildings, especially in winter, can help in the fight against the Coronavirus." So say two Delft professors, supported by the European RIVM and several scientists worldwide, among others. Several Dutch media reported on this this week, including AD, The Telegraph, RTL News and BNR. You can listen to the entire news clip from BNR on Thursday, Jan. 7, below:


As the temperature in the Netherlands slowly decreases, so does the air's ability to contain water vapor; resulting in low humidity. Humidity is expressed in percent and is optimal at 50 percent, according to the RIVM. When humidity is relatively low, virus particles settle less quickly, making it easier for them to spread in the air. Thus, virus particles are not only more easily transmitted, but can also penetrate deeper into the lungs.


"The colder it is outside, the drier the air gets inside."

Bas van de Wiel

Although low humidity without hygrometer difficult to observe, there are several symptoms by which you can easily recognize dry air yourself. For example, complaints such as dry skin, eyes or lips, irritated airways, headaches, fatigue or a stuffy nose can indicate that the indoor air is (too) dry. However, static electricity and cracks in a wooden floor or furniture also indicate relatively low humidity.


Static


Thus, in addition to causing annoying symptoms, low humidity also plays an important role in the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. To give virus particles a smaller chance of spreading, it is therefore important to increase the humidity in your home or office space. You can do this effectively with a humidifier, such as Duux Beam (Mini) or with any of the tips below:


1. Do not set the heating too high

When it gets colder outside, many people tend to turn the heating up (extra) high. Combined with the already dry outside air, this can cause the humidity in the house to drop significantly. Therefore, tackle the problem at the source by setting the heating no higher than 21 degrees. When you're not at home or going to sleep, you can turn the heating down even lower or even off; after all, the ideal indoor temperature at night is around 15 degrees.


2. Air your home

By opening windows or vents more often, you create an influx of fresh air into your home. Because the outside air in winter is usually drier than in other seasons, it is best to do this on rainy days. This is not only good for humidity, but also for air quality.


3. DIY

By placing a container of water on the heater, you can partially mimic the effect of a humidifier. This is because the heat given off by the heater causes the water to heat up and evaporate, spreading moist air through the room. But letting laundry dry on a laundry rack or showering with the door open also has a positive effect on low humidity in the home.


 

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