Indoor air quality plays a vital role in healthcare facilities, where vulnerable patients and healthcare workers are exposed to various airborne pathogens and contaminants. While temperature, ventilation, and air filtration receive significant attention, humidity control often receives little attention. However, maintaining optimal humidity levels is critical for preventing the spread of infections, ensuring patient comfort, and preserving medical equipment.
High Humidity
High humidity levels in hospitals can create environments conducive to microbial growth and spreading infections. Excessive moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and mold, which can contaminate surfaces and air ducts. High humidity also hampers the effectiveness of infection control measures such as disinfection, as some pathogens can survive longer in humid environments. Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing surgeries or in intensive care units, are particularly susceptible to infections.
Low Humidity
Conversely, low humidity levels can lead to a range of issues in healthcare settings. Dry air can cause respiratory discomfort, exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, and increase the risk of respiratory tract infections. It can also contribute to drying mucous membranes, leading to pain for patients and staff. Additionally, low humidity can affect the performance and accuracy of sensitive medical equipment, such as mechanical ventilators and respiratory therapy devices.
Humidity Control is Critical
Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in hospitals and surgical centers is crucial to promote patient safety, enhance infection control, and ensure optimal conditions for healing and recovery. Proper humidity control can help reduce the risk of microbial growth and infections, improve patient comfort, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and extend the lifespan and accuracy of medical equipment. Furthermore, it can improve healthcare professionals’ working environment, enhancing their productivity and well-being.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends maintaining indoor relative humidity levels between 30% and 60% to reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. This range balances infection control, patient comfort, and equipment preservation. However, specific humidity requirements may vary depending on the area within the facility and the activities being performed. Operating rooms and sterile environments may require stricter humidity control measures.
HygroMatik Humidification Solutions Can Help
HygroMatik has specialized in humidification for 50 years. FlexLine and FlexLine plus systems are designed to provide precise humidification in any indoor environment. These systems have now become standard features in healthcare and biotechnology spaces, but they’re also being added to schools and universities, office spaces, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Why Choose HygroMatik?
- Systems maintain optimal humidity levels for each indoor space
- Units offer optimum connection to the building management system
- HygroMatik offers a series of units for all applications and performance categories
- Custom manufactured and configured for your site to ensure easy installation
- Options available for retrofitting
- Modular options mean you only invest in the functions you need
- HygroMatik offers easy operation combined with high-tech controls
- Units are high quality and energy efficient
- Units are environmentally friendly, incorporating reusable components