NURUL FARHANAH BT ROSLI 2014

Humidity

Humidity is the level of moisture that is contained in the air. It is actually "water vapour",
and cannot be seen, but humans can identify high and low humidity, because the air is
noticeably damp. Our natural perspiration that evaporates quickly from our bodies in an
atmosphere of low humidity, causes us to sweat and become "sticky" when humidity is
high. In cooler air, high humidity causes us to feel damp and cold.

Effects of high humidity on human

high RH (very moist air) will make people feel chilled in cold weather and hot and sticky
in warm weather. It can also lead to an increase in common indoor air pollutants, such
as dust mites, cockroaches, bacteria, and viruses. Exposure to mold may also cause
irritation of the throat and lungs and has been linked to worsening asthma symptoms,
increased coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and rhinitis
(irritation of the mucus membrane inside the nose).

Effects of high humidity on building and surrounding

Humidity and condensation can compromise building occupants' health and comfort,
damage interior finishes, and raise heating costs. High humidity levels can result in
condensation within the building structure and on interior or exterior surfaces and the
subsequent development of moulds and fungi.

NURUL FARHANAH BT ROSLI 2014

Low humidity
Humidity levels under 35% which is very dry air during winter months.

Effect of low humidity on human

can have several effects on your health, which may range from discomfort to serious
complications. A common sign that your air is too dry is when your nose, throat and skin
feel dry and scratchy. Insufficient moisture in the air makes the mucous membranes
inside your nose and throat - your organism's first barrier against airborne infections dry and more susceptible to diseases like cold and flu. Dry air is also dangerous for
allergy and asthma sufferers, since it can aggravate their symptoms.

Effect of high humidity on building and surrounding

Hardwood floors, wooden furniture and expensive musical instruments lose

moisture and contract when the air in a home is extremely dry. This can cause
them to develop cracks or for the floor to separate at the seams.
Static electricity is a direct result of dry air. In addition to causing painful shocks,
it can damage computers and other electronic equipment.
Houseplants suffer from dryness caused by low humidity.
Wallpaper may peel at the edges if the air in a home is excessively dry

NURUL FARHANAH BT ROSLI 2014

REFERENCE

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http://www.allergybegone.com/humidity.html
http://www.level.org.nz/passive-design/controlling-indoor-air-quality/humidity-andcondensation/
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/01/13/low-humidity-healtheffects.aspx
http://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/meteorologicalterms/question651.htm
http://www.cleanaire.co.nz/IAQ++Health/Humidity.html
http://weather.org.au/humidity.htm