Humidity’s Role in Health: Effects on Skin, Respiration, Sleep, Joints, and Immune Function

Too much or too little humidity can have detrimental effects on our health, to say the least! Dry skin, respiratory irritations, allergies, joint pain, and discomfort at night.

As you probably already know, humidity refers to the amount of water in the air around us. Its impact on our health usually takes a back seat… However, it is far from insignificant: a lack or excess of humidity can cause discomfort and also health problems such as respiratory irritation or skin problems.

Indoor Mold Credit: Alexander Davronov

Read Also: Protecting Your Family: Understanding the Importance of Indoor Air Quality

What impact does it have on our skin?

Our skin’s moisture balance is crucial to its health and elasticity. Excess moisture can lead to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, worsening skin problems such as eczema. In addition, when the air is humid, perspiration can be less effective because the air is already saturated with moisture, which can lead to a feeling of discomfort and dullness.

On the other hand, low humidity can cause skin dryness: the skin becomes drier and stiffer. Dry air can also cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. It also aggravates skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. Finally, prolonged exposure to dry air promotes itching, redness, and peeling, as well as cracks and fissures. Not to mention the fact that this can contribute to premature skin aging.
As you can see, maintaining optimal humidity levels is essential for preserving the skin’s natural barrier!

What impact does it have on our respiratory system?

Humidity can have a significant impact on the respiratory tract. In fact, excessively humid air can encourage the development of mold and dust mites, which are common triggers of respiratory allergies. As a result, people with sensitive airways, especially asthmatics, can experience a worsening of their symptoms. Not to mention the fact that humid air is an environment that favors the spread of bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of respiratory infections.

On the other hand, dry air can dry out and weaken the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing irritation and itching. As a result, the mucous membranes are less effective at trapping and eliminating viruses. What’s the result? The respiratory tract becomes more vulnerable to viral infections and people with respiratory problems are more likely to develop a chronic cough.

In short, we all react differently to humidity: some people may feel relief in a more humid environment, while others may prefer drier conditions! Follow your body.

Read Also: Assessing the Impact of Indoor Plants on Indoor Air Quality: A Study by the University of Technology Sydney

Sleeping in an excessively humid room: what are the risks?

The humidity of the environment can affect the quality of our sleep. As mentioned above, very dry air can cause discomfort in the throat and nasal passages and interfere with breathing during sleep. On the other hand, slightly humid air can make breathing easier, especially for those with sensitive airways or nasal congestion. However, excessive humidity can promote the growth of dust mites and mold in bedding and aggravate respiratory problems at night. Therefore it is necessary to maintain a healthy balance to promote healthy sleep.

How does humidity affect our joints?

As you’ve probably heard, humidity can affect our joints. Some people who suffer from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatism report that their joints become more painful and stiff in humid weather, especially when the air pressure changes.

Any joint can be affected: knees, hips, or hands. However the link between humidity and joint pain is not systematic: some people experience no worsening of their symptoms when exposed to humidity, and the mechanisms behind this link are not yet fully understood.

Does humidity weaken the immune system?

The impact of humidity on our immune system varies from person to person, and the exact relationship between humidity and the immune system is not entirely clear.

Environments with high humidity promote the growth of mold and dust mites. These allergens can trigger immune responses in allergy-prone people, but this is not necessarily associated with an immune system failure.

Read Also: Pollution: Aerosol Air Fresheners Harmful to Health and the Environment

As explained at the beginning of this article, excessively dry air can dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, which can increase susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. However, other factors such as personal hygiene and ventilation also play an important role in the development of infections.

In reality, a person’s response to humidity depends on several factors, including genetics, general health, lifestyle habits, and specific sensitivities. There is no clear consensus on whether humidity significantly weakens the immune system.

How to determine if your home has excess moisture and how to protect your health?

The ideal humidity is generally between 45% and 65%. Outside this range, your health and your home can be affected. So it is important to maintain a good humidity balance. Don’t hesitate to use humidifiers or dehumidifiers, depending on your needs. Ensure good ventilation and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of allergens. Consult a doctor in case of persistent respiratory or dermatological problems.

What are the warning signs at home?

If there are no physical symptoms, certain signs of dampness in the home are unmistakable:

• suspicious moldy odors
• peeling wallpaper
• bulging woodwork and stains
• mold or fungi
• crumbling paint
• condensation on the inside of windows
• rust on various objects

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, quickly identify and treat the source of the moisture!

Read Also: Air Pollution in Cities Responsible for Nearly Two Million Excess Deaths Worldwide Annually

References

Guarnieri G, Olivieri B, Senna G, Vianello A. Relative Humidity and Its Impact on the Immune System and Infections. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 29;24(11):9456. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119456

Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K, Michie S, Maeda A, Iizuka S. Effects of humid heat exposure on human sleep stages and body temperature. Sleep. 1999 Sep 15;22(6):767-73. PMID: 10505822. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10505822/

Zuo C, Luo L, Liu W. Effects of increased humidity on physiological responses, thermal comfort, perceived air quality, and Sick Building Syndrome symptoms at elevated indoor temperatures for subjects in a hot-humid climate. Indoor Air. 2021 Mar;31(2):524-540. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12739. Epub 2020 Sep 20. PMID: 32886843.