Khaberni - Russian epidemiologist and expert Mikhail Lebedev warns that improper use of home humidifiers can cause serious health problems.
In an interview with the Russian newspaper "Gazeta.Ru", the scientist said: "Some people are trying to use home humidifiers despite many warnings about this issue. Misuse of these devices can lead to the spread of bacteria and fungi causing respiratory diseases and cough in the air inside the home."
He added: "Changing the humidity levels of the home beyond natural levels can lead to respiratory issues. The ideal home air humidity should range between 30-45% in the winter and 30-60% in the summer, as these levels facilitate breathing and reduce the risk of catching colds and allergies.
The scientist also warned that home humidifiers could cause several issues, as water remaining stagnant in their tanks for a long time can become a fertile environment for fungi and bacteria that can spread in the air. Additionally, randomly adding essential oils or fragrances to the water of these devices might lead to the dissemination of harmful substances causing serious problems in the respiratory system.
Recommendations for safe use:
For optimal results and safe usage of the mentioned devices, Lebedev said: "To minimize risks, use pure distilled water in the devices, replace it regularly, cleanliness of the filters periodically, and the needed replacement when necessary. Do not add any foreign substances to the water unless it is clearly allowed in the device's instruction manual."
