How Does Relative Humidity Affect Your Health?: Part 3

Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 by Joy Padgett

So far this week, we’ve discussed just how humidity levels can affect our health as it pertains to the levels inside our homes. We’ve talked about bacteria, viruses, and other airborne pollutants. Today we’re going to discuss allergies.

I’ve heard it said that, if you don’t have allergies when you move to Kentucky, you’ll have them before you move out of Kentucky. Why? I think it has to do with the rapid fluctuation of humidity levels in this great state.

Humidity levels can increase the chances of becoming sick, but it also creates higher chances of falling victim to allergies. Dust mites and fungi are the most common of allergens, affecting millions of people every year. But did you know that, as humidity levels rise, so does the numbers of dust mites and fungi spores?

Dust mites are the most common reason for household allergies. They aren’t just harmless little critters. Although the cleanliness of your home can also create the perfect environment for the multiplication of dust mites, the relative humidity inside your home is the leading cause of the increase in dust mites.

It is actually well-known that fungi grow and spread much more rapidly in very humid environments. Fungi can cause asthma, hay fever, and runny or stopped up noses. Fungi can be found in areas of the home where humidity levels are highest. This could be in a bathroom, a damp or wet crawl space or in an attic where a roof leak may be present. Organic materials inside the home can provide an excellent breeding ground for fungi. Fungi will continue to spread throughout your home once it starts growing. To prevent this, maintain the optimal humidity level in your home.

Weatherization Plus has knowledgeable and trained technicians who can determine what is causing higher than optimal and/or lower than optimal humidity levels in your home. From there, we can give you an estimate on addressing these issues. All you have to do is call!