Healthcare environments with optimal indoor #relativehumidity (RH) offer more comfortable healing environments and improved patient outcomes. According to emerging studies, RH can influence the spread of pathogens and the human immune response.
Tightly sealed, modern buildings with suboptimal HVAC systems can support harmful microbiomes comprised of viruses, bacteria and fungi that adversely affect human health. In very dry environments, airborne droplets containing pathogens can shrink up to 90% in diameter (< 0.5 microns), enabling them to travel longer distances to reach secondary patients. Airborne droplets in environments with optimized RH tend to be larger (~100 microns), limiting the distance of travel to 4-6 feet – an important factor in minimizing the transmission of harmful pathogens.
Optimized RH can also improve the human immune response. According to epidemiological studies, dry indoor environments can cause the mucosa layer in the upper respiratory tract to dehydrate, which reduces the body’s ability to effectively remove harmful pathogens. Proper hydration also supports improved immune cell functioning and wound healing.
Contact us at sales@altairesystems.com or 877-294-7646 to find out how our ADAPT systems deliver superior humidity control and improved indoor air quality, comfort and patient health outcomes in the healthcare environment.
