Office and administration workers spend an average of 85% of the day in enclosed interior rooms. Room air condition is especially important.
The expression “sick building syndrome“ has long been used to describe the serious effects of poor air quality on the wellbeing and health of employees in office buildings. Headaches, tiredness, burning eyes and irritated respiratory tracts are frequently-recognised symptoms in this respect. The main causes are inadequate airing, excessive room temperatures, air chemistry substances (e.g. ozone from printers and photo copiers) and inadequately-equipped air conditioning systems. Moreover, another neglected factor is of major importance for maintaining healthy room air conditioning: air humidity.

Optimum air humidity ensures the protective function of mucus membrane. Specialists for throat and nose illnesses have long indicated that dry heating air with a relative humidity less than 45% encourages the spread of the common cold. The first bodily alarm reactions to low relative humidity are swallowing difficulties, unnaturally excessive thirst, dry skin and uncomfortable dryness of the nose and throat. The protective function of mucus membrane in the respiratory tract is already considerably limited at this stage. Bacteria in the air can penetrate dried mucus, causing inflammation that is accompanied by influenza and every type of cold illness. In addition, the vocal chords of professional groups distinguished by high conversation levels are particularly impaired by dry air. Dry vocal chords prevent the glottis from closing completely, and penetrating air causes hoarseness.

Recommended air humidity values for offices and administration buildings