The benefits and harms of household air humidifiers

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In this article, we will talk about such a household item as a humidifier. This is not a novelty, because this device appeared a long time ago. But it gained wide popularity only recently. And that's only because doctors recommend it. They say dry air is harmful to health. And in a house where there are children this should not be allowed ... Is a humidifier good or bad? Or maybe it's a conspiracy theory? Let's figure it out.

Pros for a humidifier

ultrasonic humidifier

Dry air in an apartment is harmful. Especially for children. As you remember from the course of anatomy, babies have a much faster metabolic process than adults. Therefore, they generate more heat. Temperature regulation, for the most part, occurs with the help of the lungs and partly through the skin.

Well, if there is not enough moisture in the air, what then should these organs regulate? The following happens here. The child loses a lot of fluid with sweat, the blood thickens, and this can lead to various diseases. Residents of a "dry" apartment may also develop asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, etc.

To keep you and your child healthy, doctors recommend installing humidifiers. Of course, the level of humidity in the room is extremely important, but are the units that maintain it so useful?

See also - How a humidifier works

Arguments against a humidifier

humidifier

Why install a humidifier? Reviews say there is benefit. But there are also disadvantages. Let's talk about them.

Steam humidifiers. An extremely dangerous item. First, you can get burned. Secondly, it emits warm air, which, together with the heater, increases the temperature of the room, making it "hot" and "wet". Something similar to a tropical climate is created within the walls of your apartment. This can hurt both you and your family. Thirdly. Such a unit requires special placement. If you put it against a wall, you can say goodbye to your wallpaper right away.
Cold humidifiers. This is a classic of the genre. They are considered the best option. Such a device is both humidified and cleaned. The process of operation of the unit looks like this. The device takes air from the room, passes it through filters and, with the help of a fan, gives it back already wet. But often the owners of such devices forget that over time, living organisms begin to multiply on the filters, which with this moist air settle on the mucous membrane and enter the lungs. Therefore, periodically these same filters need to be changed. How often? But this is written in the passport of the device.
Ultrasonic humidifiers. This is generally a unique range of devices that, frankly speaking, are striking in their uselessness. What's more, the ultrasonic humidifier can be harmful. And that's why. Humidification occurs by means of water ejection from the unit. Yes Yes. And together with the particles of water that scatters on the sides, everything that is contained in that water gets into the air.After all, you pour water from the tap into the device, which is undesirable even to wash, and even more so to drink.

Having got a humidifier at home, you have acquired another "headache" that requires constant monitoring. After all, humid air is good, but only moderately humid. So now you will need to constantly monitor the level of moisture in the room, otherwise your apartment will turn into a nursery for mushrooms (and this is at least).

Humidifier myths

how to choose a humidifier

To buy or not to buy a humidifier? What is the use and harm of this device? Reviews and opinions of doctors about the device and its need? These questions are constantly spinning in the head of everyone who cares about their health. And if the benefits and harms of the device are more or less clear, then with the reviews of experts ... Let's see what myths about the humidifier the information field is filled with and what experts say about this.

Myth 1. A humidifier causes sore throat

A humidifier itself does not cause a sore throat. But the humidity is above 80% - yes. The optimum humidity level in the room is 45-60% for an adult and 50-70% for a child.

Myth 2. The unit is not copes with a task

Of course, a humidifier won't do any good if it's the wrong one. Choose a device according to its capacity and match it with the area to be humidified. If the unit's passport says that it optimizes the climate on an area of 15 square meters, then in a room of 25 square meters it will be completely useless.

Myth 3. Humidifiers are dangerous to kidsth

Only one type of humidifier is dangerous - steam. Hot steam can burn a child. Therefore, such a unit should be in an area out of the reach of babies.

Myth 4. A humidifier is not cheap

The device itself is not expensive, but consumables (filters) can cost you a penny. Yes Yes. You can't get away from this. Filters need to be changed. Another question is how often. Read the instructions and plan your budget ahead of time. Remember, health comes first.

Humidifier and baby

Humidifying the air is one of the primary responsibilities of good parents. Indeed, for full development, the baby needs an optimal air humidity regime. But many parents refuse this device, considering it a useless and dangerous purchase.

How to use so as not to harm

how to use a humidifier

If you bought a humidifier, the first thing you need to do is read the instructions. Once you have fully studied the accompanying documentation, turn on and use the device. And do not forget to save this article, if you suddenly forget the basic operating rules. By the way, here they are:

get acquainted with the documentation;
new generation devices are usually equipped with a hygrostat - a device that helps to control the level of humidity in a room. If not, get a hygrometer. And remember, the optimal indoor humidity is 45-70%.
even if you have a humidifier, remember to ventilate the area. And, of course, maintain a temperature regime of 20-24 degrees.
the humidifier needs to be looked after. Wipe off dust, change filters.
Install steam humidifiers out of the reach of children.

This, perhaps, is all. Air humidifier good or bad - the issue is resolved. If you want to buy a suitable unit for yourself, you should not make a choice based on user reviews. Although you can learn something for yourself. Enjoy your shopping.

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