Reducing Building Occupant Exposure to Microorganisms and Minerals from Humidifiers

Heated and dry air inside of homes, offices, schools and other indoor environments during the cold winter months can cause physical discomfort to building occupants. People may suffer from dry nose, throat, lips and skin. Additionally, the dry air can also cause static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in paint and furniture.

To reintroduce moisture into the air to help alleviate these conditions, HVAC engineers can turn to a number of different building humidifier options. In buildings where these system are not operating properly, or do not exist, people often turn to portable humidifiers to create a more comfortable environment.

A word of caution regarding the use of portable humidifiers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that excess moisture in the air can encourage the growth of biological organisms. These organisms include dust mites, which are microscopic animals that produce materials causing allergic reactions, and mold. EPA also states that microorganisms often grow in humidifiers equipped with tanks containing standing water. Breathing air containing these contaminants could cause respiratory issues.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has even released a Safety Alert about how dirty humidifiers may cause health problems. In it, CPSC reports that breathing dirty mist may cause lung problems ranging from flu-like symptoms to serious infections. CPSC also reports that humidifiers can release minerals into the air that will settle as fine white dust. These particles are small and can easily enter the lungs.

“Unclean humidifiers are a perfect breeding ground for disease-causing microorganisms. Bacteria like Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever, can proliferate and then be dispersed as humidifiers aerosolize water droplets that can then be readily inhaled,” said Derrick A. Denis, Vice President of Indoor Environmental Quality for Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “With a 10% fatality rate in the general population and a 40% fatality rate in healthcare, Legionnaires disease is a significant risk to human health. Other pathogens are similarly bred and spread by these devices unless they are regularly and vigilantly maintained, cleaned and sanitized.”

Helping clients optimize indoor environmental conditions in residential, commercial and institutional properties are the building science and indoor air quality professionals at CSC. They provide the expertise to create comfortable indoor environments all year long. They also identify and mitigate exposure risks to a wide range of microbial and chemical contaminants. CSC has even sponsored an educational video with tips to reduce the dispersal of microorganisms and minerals from humidifiers that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yzJoi5XWZW8

To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, building science, industrial hygiene, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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