Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a hot topic at the moment, with
healthcare experts and industry publications both having their say on the
matter. This follows the publication of a report from the Royal College of
Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health which stated
that 40,000 UK deaths a year are attributable to air pollution.
While much has been said about most aspects of IAQ, relative
humidity (RH) has been somewhat ignored. This is despite the BSRIA (Building
Services Research and Information Association) stating that RH is an important
factor in the thermal comfort and wellbeing of building occupants (Efficient
Humidification in Buildings [AG 10/94.1 (1995)]).
Dry indoor air in the workplace can have a serious effect on
the comfort, health and productivity of employees. Experts agree that the
ideal indoor RH level for a comfortable working environment is between 40% and
60%. Lack of attention towards humidity means that many offices across Britain
fall well outside this range.
Low RH can cause employees to experience headaches, sore
throats, itchy skin and eye irritation. Persistent dryness in the nose and
throat increases susceptibility to ailments such as colds and coughs – one of
the reasons low RH is seen as a factor in sickness and absenteeism rates.
Most offices should have some form of humidification system
installed to maintain a comfortable RH of at least 40%. A humidifier can be
implemented as part of a new or existing HVAC system, but it’s
important to consider Legionnaires’ disease regulations, water supply,
humidifier location, control compatibility and maintenance requirements.
Gibbons
Humidification offer energy-efficient rotary atomiser humidification
systems, complemented by an outstanding service programme designed to maximise
the performance of your equipment. We have many years’ experience in the
industry and serve major multinational clients across the healthcare, chemical,
pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors to name just a few.
For all enquiries relating to Gibbons’ humidification
systems, call Steve Rix on 07966423165 or email steve@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Click to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.