At present, air humidifiers are becoming more and more popular elements of the interior. Do they cause any harm or does their use provide only benefits? Next, we consider the main aspects that should be paid attention to those who prefer to use this interior item, as well as the main opinions of specialists in the field of medicine regarding this device.
What is a humidifier?
The humidifier is presented in the form of a small device that emits steam during the processing of water poured into it.
Currently, manufacturers offer several types of such devices:
Let us further consider the features of each of the listed types of devices.
Cold humidifiers
The peculiarity of such devices is that their work is carried out in silent mode. Inside the structure there is a built-in fan that takes room air and drives it through a structure resembling a sponge called an evaporator. It is worth noting that in a good device, this layer is impregnated with a special antibacterial solution, the action of which is aimed at destroying the microbes present in the room.
Steam humidifiers
Such devices in the process resemble a boiling kettle. Experts note that the work of such a humidifier is much more harmful than good. The devices of this type also have an antibacterial layer, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of microbes. Such a unit consumes a fairly large amount of electricity, and it does not work constantly. Some models of steam humidifiers have special containers for placing essential oils in them, so that with the help of such a device you can organize an aromatherapy session for yourself.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers are new generation units. The difference between these devices is that they have a large number of electronics and sensors that can reflect the state of the air in the room. Moreover, thanks to the high intelligence of technology, it can be controlled remotely, which is a great advantage of the device.
Inside the ultrasonic humidifiers there is a built-in fan, with the help of which the process of releasing steam into the air is carried out.
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of ultrasonic humidifiers, it is worth noting that this type of apparatus is able to most accurately maintain the state of normal humidity in the apartment. This process is strictly monitored by installed sensors.
Why is dry air harmful to the human body
It should be noted: the normal indicator of indoor air humidity is 40-60%, but, unfortunately, the atmosphere prevailing in urban apartments is more likely to be arid, which harms not only human health, but also the condition of plants and animals. This is primarily due to the fact that dry air is able to become rather quickly polluted by dust, which penetrates the respiratory tract, which often causes the development of allergic reactions. It should be noted that it is still capable of exerting a negative effect on the skin of a person, causing their peeling. In addition to all this, dry air contributes to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
You must also understand that it has a negative effect on the wooden furniture installed in the room: it begins to shrink and break. Also, flooring in the form of a laminate and parquet are exposed to a drying process.
Is a humidifier good?
Talking about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers for an apartment, you should definitely pay attention to the opinions left on this score by specialists in the field of medicine.
It should be noted: most professionals claim that humidifiers bring great benefits to human health. Of the total number of advantages, it is worth highlighting:
- minimizing the risk of asthma and rhinitis;
- elimination of excessive dryness of the airways and larynx;
- maintaining the human immune system by suppressing the activity of harmful bacteria that live in space;
- ensuring longer preservation of objects made of wood that are present in the room;
- skin peeling prevention;
- creating favorable conditions for the normal growth and development of plants.
In Komarovsky’s reviews of the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers, the operation of this device contributes to the normalization and maintenance of eye health. This is expressed in eliminating the dryness of their mucous membranes, as well as in preventing itching and redness.
About the dangers of humidifiers
It is worth noting that in the reviews about the dangers of air humidifiers, quite weighty arguments are also given. When considering the negative characteristics of the device, it is worth paying attention to its type, on which the principle of operation depends.
So, when using a steam appliance, there is a high risk of burns when condensate is released. Moreover, it is worth paying attention to the fact that such generators are able to increase the temperature level in the room. Also, such humidifiers are not recommended to be installed near the wall - they quickly violate its normal state.
Considering the opinions of doctors about the dangers of traditional type humidifiers, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the cartridge installed in this type of device has the ability to accumulate a large number of harmful microorganisms that subsequently enter the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers have the same negative feature.
Benefits for children
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers, you should definitely pay attention to the fact that this device has an exceptionally positive effect on the children's body. It consists in the fact that regular use of the humidifier contributes to:
- preventing the drying of bronchial mucus and, as a result, some diseases associated with the state of the respiratory tract (rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.);
- regulation of the heat transfer process in the body of the child;
- elimination of allergens floating in the room air;
- prevention of pneumonia;
- improve sleep.
Benefits for pregnant women
Special attention should be paid to the fact that the use of moisturizers favorably affects the health status of pregnant women. This is expressed primarily in the fact that in the process of ionization, immunity is strengthened, since the body of a future mother begins to better resist pathogens.
Practice shows that when using ionizers, the pregnancy process is much easier, because the body is not dehydrated, but is filled with vital energy.
Is it possible to get sick from a steam generator?
Speaking about the dangers of air humidifiers for children and adults, it is worth noting that when creating an excessively humid environment there is a risk of contracting an infection. This is due to the fact that under these conditions, the amount of mucus in the airways increases markedly, as a result of which the process of active awakening of various bacteria begins - this is the main reason for the formation of colds, which can quickly develop into a sore throat.
It is worth noting that when setting the normal regime of air humidity (40-60%), the level of mucus produced in the respiratory tract is also within the permissible norm.
In their comments, many doctors also pay attention to the fact that the increased level of humidity in the room contributes to the formation of mold.
Use of humidifiers for bronchitis
Specialists in the field of medicine claim that the dry air in the room contributes to the onset and development of bronchitis. This is due to the fact that due to a lack of moisture in the bronchi, clots of mucus begin to form, as a result of which breathing is much more difficult.
By optimizing the level of air humidity in the room with the help of a steam generator, you can notice how a person with bronchitis sharply goes on the mend. However, doctors say that in this case, the permissible humidity level cannot be exceeded, since in this case there is a high risk of developing pneumonia.
How to choose the right
Speaking about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers (ultrasonic and other types), it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the indicators obtained as a result of their work may vary depending on the correct choice of apparatus. So, how to choose a suitable device? It is worth noting that a properly selected steam generator must comply with the following indicators:
- volume - at least 5 liters (water will often have to be added to a smaller device);
- low noise level (about 35-40 dB);
- the performance of the device must strictly correspond to the area of the room;
- a good device should have a hygrostat and a hygrometer (to control the humidity level in the room);
- low energy intensity.
Recommendations for use
In order for the humidifier to bring maximum benefits, you must be able to use it correctly. First of all, pay attention to the quality of the water being poured. So, it is necessary to pour exclusively purified liquid into the generator - it is able not only to fill the space with clean steam, but is also able to prevent the subsequent formation of dark deposits on the walls and light furniture.
All the opinions of doctors about the dangers and benefits of air humidifiers come down to the fact that when using the device you need to strictly monitor the level of humidity in space, because any deviation from the norm has a negative effect on human health. In order to control this indicator, it is recommended to use a special device - a hygrometer.
It should be noted that it is impossible to replace the task of humidifying the air with its ventilation, even if it is controlled by temperature indicators. It should also be noted that the devices in question cannot be installed near pacemakers.
In order to normalize the state of the nervous system, in the process of using steam generators, you can add essential oils to it. Judging by the reviews about these devices, we can conclude that dry air is dangerous to health, so a humidifier is necessary. Subject to the rules of use, the device will only benefit.