Low humidity
levels, like excess humidity, have a significant effect on the health of building
occupants. Low humidity aggravates asthma and
other allergy and respiratory-related illnesses. Insufficient
humidity can also adversely effect high-tech medical equipment, computers, and other
electronic equipment. In some industrial
processes with a high risk of fire or explosion due to static electricity, low humidity
can be dangerous.
In
the past, the space heating or process boilers provided indoor humidity—either
through system leaks or steam injection manifolds. Due
to environmental concerns about boiler water treatment chemicals, dedicated boilers were
the logical alternative, but these were expensive for small facilities or those that would
not otherwise need a boiler. Ultimately, the
need for a cost-effective humidification option led to the development of direct-fired gas
humidification.
The optimum relative humidity range (see chart) for health is considered
to be in the 45% to 55% range. Natural gas
humidification and dehumidification systems can add moisture to indoor air during cold,
dry winter months and wring excess moisture from hot, humid indoor air during the summer.
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