Humidity in the Air Keeps Viruses Away

Every Winter and spring, dozens of people call in sick because they caught the common cold or the flu. Since the office is the perfect place to catch a cold and spread contagions, workplaces must do their best to minimize the spreading. Preventing the spread of contagions should be implemented for the long-haul future and not just in mind with the immediate post-COVID return to work future.

What does the research say?

According to research, a drop in indoor humidity to 20% can increase the spread of particles, and therefore, viruses can travel more effectively. In the colder season, people are more susceptible to contracting the flu, the common cold, and even more severe viruses due to the changes in temperature between indoor (23°C) and outdoor spaces (around 13°C). Bill Hathaway at Yale University writes that “Winter’s cold, dry air makes such viruses a triple threat: When cold outdoor air with little moisture is heated indoors, the air’s relative humidity drops to about 20%. This comparatively moisture-free air provides a clear path for airborne viral particles of viruses such as COVID-19.”

What can you do?

Keep the humidity between 40-60%. In this range, the immune system is the most effective, and therefore, can help prevent the transmission of viruses. Using Spaceti’s environmental analytics, you can effectively monitor indoor humidity and temperature and prove to your people that they can trust you. Plan for a post-COVID workplace and help minimize the spread of contagions by monitoring humidity.