Currently humidifiers are becoming more and more popular interior items. Do they do any harm, or are they only beneficial? Let us further consider the main aspects that are worth paying attention to for those who prefer to use this piece of furniture, as well as the main opinions of medical experts regarding this device.
What is a humidifier?
The air humidifier is presented in the form of a small device that releases steam during the processing of water poured into it.
Currently, manufacturers offer several types of such devices:
- cold;
- steam;
- ultrasonic.
Let's consider further the features of each of the listed types of devices.
Cold humidifiers
The peculiarity of such devices is thattheir work is carried out in silent mode. Inside the structure there is a built-in fan that takes in room air and drives it through a sponge-like structure called an evaporator. It is worth noting that in a good device, this layer is impregnated with a special antibacterial solution, the action of which is aimed at destroying the microbes present in the room.
Steam humidifiers
Such devices during operation resemble a boiling kettle. Experts note that the work of such a humidifier does much more harm than good. In devices of this type, an antibacterial layer is also installed, the action of which is aimed at the destruction of microbes. Such a unit consumes a fairly large amount of electricity, and it does not work constantly. Some models of steam humidifiers have special containers for storing essential oils, so you can use this device to organize an aromatherapy session for yourself.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers are new generation units. The difference between such devices is that they have a large number of electronics and sensors that can reflect the state of the air in the room. Moreover, due to the high intelligence of technology, it can be controlled remotely, which is a great advantage of the device.
Inside ultrasonic humidifiers there is a built-in fan, with the help of which the ejection process is carried outsteam into the air.
Speaking about the benefits and harms of ultrasonic humidifiers, it is worth noting that this type of device is able to maintain the state of normal air humidity in the apartment as accurately as possible. This process is strictly monitored by installed sensors.
Why dry air is bad for the human body
It is worth noting: the normal indicator of indoor air humidity is the level of 40-60%, but, unfortunately, the atmosphere prevailing in city apartments is rather characterized by aridity, which harms not only human he alth, but also the condition of plants and animals. This is primarily due to the fact that dry air can quickly become polluted with dust that enters the respiratory tract, which often leads to the development of allergic reactions. It should be noted that it is still able to have a negative effect on human skin, causing their peeling. In addition to all this, dry air contributes to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
It must also be understood that it has a negative effect on wooden furniture installed in the room: it begins to shrink and break. Also, floor coverings in the form of laminate and parquet are subjected to drying.
Is a humidifier good for you?
When talking about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers for an apartment, you should definitely pay attention to the opinions left on this subject by medical experts.
Worth noting: most professionals claim that humidifiers bring morebenefit to human he alth. Of the general number of advantages, it is worth highlighting:
- minimizing the risk of asthma and rhinitis;
- eliminate excessive dryness of the respiratory and laryngeal tract;
- maintaining the human immune system by suppressing the activity of harmful bacteria living in space;
- ensuring a longer preservation of wooden objects that are present in the room;
- prevent skin peeling;
- creating favorable conditions for the normal growth and development of plants.
In Komarovsky's reviews about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers, it is noted that the operation of this device contributes to the normalization and maintenance of eye he alth. This is expressed in the elimination of dryness of their mucous membranes, as well as in the prevention of itching and redness.
About the dangers of humidifiers
It is worth noting that reviews about the dangers of air humidifiers also provide quite weighty arguments. When considering the negative characteristics of the device, you should pay attention to its type, on which the principle of operation depends.
Thus, when using a steam appliance, there is a high risk of burns when condensate is ejected. Moreover, it is worth paying attention to the fact that such generators are able to increase the temperature level in the room. Also, such humidifiers are not recommended to be installed near the wall - they quickly disrupt its normal state.
Considering doctors' opinions about harmhumidifiers of the traditional type, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the cassette installed in the device of this type tends to accumulate a large number of harmful microorganisms that subsequently enter the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers have the same negative feature.
Benefits for children
Talking about the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers, you should definitely pay attention to the fact that this device has an extremely positive effect on the children's body. It lies in the fact that regular use of a humidifier contributes to:
- preventing the drying of bronchial mucus and, as a result, some diseases associated with the condition of the respiratory tract (rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.);
- regulate the process of heat transfer in the child's body;
- eliminate allergens floating in the room air;
- pneumonia prevention;
- improve sleep.
Benefits for pregnant women
Special attention should be paid to the fact that the use of humidifiers has a positive effect on the he alth of pregnant women. This is expressed primarily in the fact that in the process of ionization immunity is strengthened, since the body of the expectant mother begins to better resist pathogens.
Practice shows that when using ionizers, the pregnancy process is much easier, because the body is not dehydrated, but filled with vital energy.
Can I get sick from a steam generator?
Speaking about the dangers of air humidifiers for children and adults, it is worth noting that when creating an excessively humid environment, there is a risk of infection. This is due to the fact that under these conditions, the amount of mucus in the respiratory tract increases markedly, as a result of which the process of active awakening of various bacteria begins - this is the main reason for the formation of a cold, which can rapidly develop into a sore throat.
It is worth noting that when the normal mode of air humidity (40-60%) is set, the level of mucus produced in the respiratory tract is also within the acceptable range.
In their comments, many doctors also pay attention to the fact that an increased level of humidity in the room contributes to the formation of mold.
Using humidifiers for bronchitis
Experts in the field of medicine claim that dry indoor air contributes to the onset and development of bronchitis. This is due to the fact that due to the lack of moisture in the bronchi, mucus clots begin to form, as a result of which breathing becomes much more difficult.
By optimizing the level of humidity in the room with the help of a steam generator, you can see how a person suffering from bronchitis is recovering sharply. However, doctors assure that in this case it is impossible to exceed the permissible level of humidity, since in this case there is a high risk of developing pneumonia.
How to choose the right one
When discussing the benefits and dangers of air humidifiers (ultrasonic and other types), you need to pay attention to the fact that the indicators obtained as a result of their work may vary depending on the correct choice of the device. So how do you choose the right device? It is worth noting that a properly selected steam generator must meet the following indicators:
- volume - at least 5 liters (smaller device will often have to add water);
- low noise (about 35-40 dB);
- device performance must strictly match the area of the room;
- a good device should have a hygrostat and a hygrometer (to control the level of humidity in the room);
- low energy intensity.
Recommendations for use
In order for the humidifier to bring maximum benefit, you must be able to use it correctly. First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the water being poured. So, only purified liquid should be poured into the generator - it can not only fill the space with clean steam, but also can prevent the subsequent formation of dark plaque on the walls and light furniture.
All doctors' opinions about the dangers and benefits of air humidifiers come down to the fact that when using the device, you need to strictly monitor the level of humidity in the space, because any deviation from the norm has a negative impact on human he alth. In order toto control this indicator, it is recommended to use a special device - a hygrometer.
It is worth noting that the task of humidifying the air cannot be replaced by its ventilation, even with temperature control. It should also be noted that the devices in question cannot be installed near pacemakers.
In order to normalize the state of the nervous system, in the process of using steam generators, you can add essential oils to it. Judging by the reviews about these devices, we can conclude that dry air is dangerous to he alth, so a humidifier is necessary. Subject to the rules of use, the device will only benefit.
