Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. Water vapour enters the atmosphere by evaporating from large bodies of water on the Earth’s surface such as lakes, oceans and seas. There are several ways to measure Humidity, but it is most often measured in terms of Absolute Humidity (AH), Relative Humidity (RH) and Dew Point.
Absolute Humidity (AH) is the amount of water vapour present in a unit volume of air at a given temperature. Relative Humidity is the AH compared to the highest possible AH. 0% RH is dry, while 100% RH means that the air is saturated with water vapour. Dew Point is the temperature and pressure at which vapour condenses into liquid.
The ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is somewhere between 30-50% RH. When the air around you has too much humidity, your body can’t regulate its internal temperature through the process of evaporation. Too much humidity won’t just make you uncomfortable, it can also make you sick. High moisture levels encourage the growth of fungus, mold and dust mites, which can create breathing difficulties for people with asthma and allergies. When it comes to your office, overly humid air creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Over time, high humidity levels can cause wood to rot and attract unwanted insects. Too much humidity also causes swelling in furniture and other items, causing them to warp.
Air that’s too dry can be just as damaging to your comfort, home, possessions and health as air that’s too wet. Dry air can cause your skin to feel cold and itchy and can dry out other mucous membranes in your body, leading to sore throats and chapped lips. When humidity levels are too low, your office can suffer extensive damage from cracking and shrinking around door frames and molding. Anything that’s made from wood will begin to warp and bend as the dried wood shrinks in size. Wooden floors often creak more and may even separate. Having the right level of moisture indoor is critical to feeling your best and creating the perfect environment. Controlling the humidity level starts with sensing. Visit our website for a variety of Humidity and Dewpoint sensing products.
