A science-backed Humidity Odyssey
Buckle up as we navigate through the labyrinth of academic papers, white papers, and articles that have uncovered the profound impact of humidity on your health.
It was proved that a 1 percent decrease in relative humidity was associated with a 7-8 percent increase in cases of COVID-19 infections.
High altitude – Low humidity
The global studies
Imagine flying from New York to Beijing — a whopping 14 hours in the sky. Researchers from Tsinghua University reviewed the literature on the effects of aircraft cabin humidity. They found that low humidity can result in many health issues such as dry skin, fatigue, and dehydration. This is echoed by researchers from the University of Melbourne, who found similar health implications due to low cabin humidity.
The Swedish perspective
Uppsala University researchers found that air humidification on intercontinental flights significantly improves the perception of cabin air quality among airline crew. Martin B. Hocking and Harold D. Foster from Lund University took it a step further by establishing a direct relationship between our immune system and the humidity of the air we breathe in aircraft cabins.
The fact that many respiratory virus infections have a seasonal pattern – where they are much more common during winter – depends partly on the low humidity in the air during those months.
Viruses as COVID-19: A humidified battlefield
The global focus
The University of Sydney’s research confirmed that humidity is a consistent climatic factor affecting SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This is corroborated by the University of Minnesota, which found that humidification could be a strategy to control the indoor spread of COVID-19.
The molecular angle
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder presented a fascinating angle by revealing that a layer of saliva could protect airborne coronavirus at low relative humidity. Essentially, the virus’s half-life increases as the humidity decreases.
Humidity controls the mood
Javad Razjouyan and his team found that relative humidity levels in offices could impact stress and even sleep quality. Higher humidity levels led to lower stress levels during work hours and better sleep quality at night. The findings suggest humidity control could be the next big thing in workplace well-being.
The workplaces for pilots and crews – the flight deck and crew rest compartment have alarmingly low levels of relative humidity – about 0-3%! The passenger cabins have also alarming low levels – from 3% in First Class to 12% in Economy Class.
The immune connection
Andrea Vianello from the University of Padova delved into the underrated role of relative humidity in affecting human health. The findings indicate that controlling relative humidity could be a strategy to prevent and control the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Dry air, as in the aircraft cabin environment with RH dropping down to 5 to 20 percent, therefore increases the risk of exposure to viable virus particles and other airborne pollution – and consequently, infectious diseases.
Humidity plays a crucial role in health
There you have it — a scientific odyssey into the world of humidity and its far-reaching implications for your health. From the buildings we inhabit to the skies above, this invisible force shapes your life.
So, the next time you find yourself in an airplane cabin too dry, due to no Humidifier Onboard, remember — the quality of the air you breathe is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of your health!
We hope that you turn this knowledge into action and choose to fly with aircraft equipped with CTT Systems Humidifier Onboard – put your comfort and health first!
Welcome onboard a comfortable and healthy flight
– with CTT Systems Humidifier Onboard
What to do next
➔ Contact us for more information about humidity in aircraft
➔ Read more about the Humidifier Onboard
➔ Read the White paper: Importance of aircraft cabin humidity
