The impact of humidity on allergies and how to control it

Humidity plays a major role in the development and aggravation of allergies. Knowing how to control humidity is essential to preventing and managing these health problems. In this article, we'll inform you about the impact of humidity on allergies, and give you practical advice on how to better control humidity in your environment, in order to reduce allergies.

To better understand the impact of humidity on allergies, it's important to understand its definition and its different types. Humidity is the presence of water vapor in the air, and is often expressed as a percentage. There are three types of humidity: absolute, relative and specific.

Absolute humidity is the total amount of water present in the air, regardless of temperature. Relative humidity, on the other hand, is the ratio between the quantity of water present in the air and the maximum quantity of water the air can contain at a given temperature. Finally, specific humidity refers to the quantity of water contained in one kilogram of air.

Measuring humidity is crucial for controlling and preventing allergies. It is generally done using a hygrometer, an instrument that measures the relative humidity of the air. Hygrometers can be mechanical, electronic or hair-type, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By regularly monitoring the humidity in your environment, you can better understand and manage the factors contributing to allergies.

Humidity has a significant impact on allergies, favoring the proliferation of certain allergens such as dust mites, molds and pollens. Dust mites are tiny organisms that thrive in damp environments and feed on dead skin cells. Molds, on the other hand, are microscopic fungi that multiply in damp areas and produce spores that are easily inhaled. Pollens, mainly from plants and trees, are also more abundant in high humidity.

Several mechanisms explain the development of humidity-related allergies. Firstly, the proliferation of allergens is favored by a humid environment. Secondly, respiratory tract irritation is heightened by humidity, making people more sensitive to allergens. Finally, humidity can weaken the immune system, making the body less able to fight off allergens.

Controlling humidity is therefore crucial to reducing allergies. By maintaining a healthy environment and limiting exposure to allergens, you can effectively prevent and manage humidity-related allergies.

To reduce humidity-related allergies, it's important to control the humidity in your environment. A first tip is to maintain a relative humidity between 40 and 60%. To measure humidity, you can use a hygrometer, an instrument that measures the level of moisture in the air.

There are many ways to reduce humidity inside your home. Make sure you have good ventilation, by airing rooms regularly and using fans or mechanical ventilation systems. Dehumidifiers are also an effective solution for controlling humidity, by removing excess water from the air. Moisture absorbers, such as silica salts, can be used to absorb moisture in specific areas. Finally, regular maintenance of your home, such as cleaning gutters and checking windows for leaks, will also help reduce humidity.

To limit exposure to moisture-related allergens, clean your home regularly, removing dust and mold. Using dust mite covers for mattresses and pillows can also help reduce the presence of dust mites. Avoid the accumulation of objects that encourage the proliferation of allergens, such as carpets, stuffed toys or thick curtains.

Wishing you the best living environment.

The Protech Allergies team