Page 34 - Climate Control News November 2021

Humidification
A healthy approach
to hR
of fundamental importance for CAREL APPLICATION healthcare facilities, as the health SPECIALIST, ANDREA OSCAR conditions of patients, correct functioning of medical equipment,
umidification systems
EGULATING AIR HUMIDITY is
control for the airborne transmission of bacteria and viruses.
A first study, conducted for one year in a US hospital, monitored all environmental parame- ters in 10 rooms as well as the medical condition of patients who stayed in these rooms. Relative humidity was the variable with the closest con- nection to the number of infections contracted by the patients.
When relative humidity reached and exceed- ed 40 per cent infections were drastically re- duced from a maximum of 10 a month to zero.
A second study was conducted investigating influenza virus spread within a confined envi- ronment. Infectivity dropped from 80 to 20 per cent once relative humidity was between 40 and 70 per cent.
FRISIERO, EXPLAINS WHY
HUMIDIFICATION IS CRITICAL well-being of doctors and visitors depend on it.
IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES.
First of all, humidity strongly affects the capa- bility of bacteria to develop, propagate and over- come our defenses. Therefore, if suitably managed, it can result in an excellent tool to limit the num- ber of hospital infections, and safeguard health.
The true challenge when managing humidity therefore goes from eliminating pathogens to impeding their transmission and helping our natural defenses to ward them off.
Several researchers suggest relative humidity is the most important factor in environmental
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