
Humidity's Impact on Health and Indoor Conditions
Understanding the impact of humidity
Knowing your home’s humidity level is essential to improving indoor air quality and the overall health and comfort of you and your home. To ensure your home’s air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests maintaining proper indoor relative humidity (RH) levels to reduce the effects of many of unwanted conditions associated with poor indoor air quality.
How do humidity levels affect us?
Too much house humidity can cause an increase in biological pollutants, like mold, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust mites that can trigger respiratory health ailments. Not enough house humidity can lead to nosebleeds, painful skin irritation, difficulty breathing and damaging static electricity.
Maintain a Healthy Balance
If you’re concerned about the humidity level in your home, check it regularly with AcuRite's Digital Humidity and Temperature Monitors. AcuRite's Humidity Sensors measure indoor temperature, humidity and some feature a humidity level icon to easily convey a low, high or ideal indoor humidity level for your home and health.

LOW Humidity Level
Less than 25% RH
Humidity level is low relative to the temperature. This makes for a dry environment.
OK Humidity Level
Between 25% - 55% RH
Humidity level is OK relative to the temperature. This makes for a comfortable environment.
HIGH Humidity Level
Over 55% RH
Humidity level is high relative to the temperature. This makes for a humid environment.
Protect your Home & Valuables
Aside from the health effects, extreme levels of house humidity can cause permanent damage to your home and furnishings. A hygrometer is an essential tool for homeowners, hobbyists, collectors, musicians and lifestyle enthusiasts concerned with protecting their investment.
Further Reading
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Asthma Triggers: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home: http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
References
This article references information published by the EPA. Retrieved January 10, 2012 from http://www.epa.gov/
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