Humidity is related to amount of water vapor present in a given space, that is, when there is water in the form of vapor in the air. It can also refer to the quality of what is damp or slightly wet.
Many people are unsure about the correct spelling of this word: moisture or humidity. Both exist and are correct in the Portuguese language, with humidity being used in Brazilian Portuguese and humidity in Portuguese from Portugal.
Some of the main synonymous with moisture they are: watery, lubricity, molluria, serene, drizzle, cold, dew and slowness.
Relative humidity
In meteorological studies that define the relative humidity index, relates to absolute humidity it's the saturation point, Where:
- absolute humidity is all the water present in the air in a certain part of the atmosphere and,
- saturation point is the maximum amount of water vapor that could be at a given temperature.
In environments with high atmospheric humidity, the thermal sensation tends to increase, giving the impression of being warmer.
On the other hand, when the humidity is low, a phenomenon that occurs mainly in deserts, the thermal amplitude is usually greater, making the days hot and the nights very cold.
Thus, the relative humidity of the air varies according to the temperature of the environment and the presence (or not) of dense vegetation, rivers and other elements.
As a rule, the ideal air humidity in the world it reaches an average of 60%, and in deserts this value usually reaches 15%.
How can moisture affect your health?
Atmospheric humidity plays a fundamental role in climate definition, affecting everything from climate dynamics to people's health and quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal level of humidity for our body is between 40% and 70%.
When the air humidity is less than 30%, respiratory problems and other health problems tend to be very frequent. Among them are:
- allergic rhinitis;
- nosebleeds;
- headaches;
- dry and sore throat;
- dryness of the skin;
- red, bloodshot eyes;
- tiredness.
Dry weather accompanied by low air humidity make it difficult to disperse polluting gases, which aggravates further the effects of low humidity and cause airway dryness, reducing the production of mucus.
This dryness of the mucous membranes and the reduction of mucus decrease the body's defense capabilities and make the person more vulnerable to asthma attacks and bacterial infections and viral.
In addition, low humidity predisposes to dehydration and facilitates the appearance of eye problems and allergies.
On very dry days and with reduced air humidity, it is recommended:
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Adopt a healthy diet;
- Avoid physical activity between 10 am and 5 pm;
- Hydrate your nostrils and wash your eyes with saline solution;
- Keep the house sanitized, sunny and airy;
- Avoid staying in air-conditioned environments for long periods;
- Avoid agglomerations;
- Do not use carpets and curtains that accumulate dust;
- Avoid clothing or blankets and wool or fur blankets;
- Use air humidifiers in accordance with medical advice.
On the opposite side to this, air humidity above 70% favors the proliferation of fungi and molds, which makes allergic people present more crises during this period. Flus are also common, as viruses survive best in moist environments.
In the winter period, the reduction in light associated with high air humidity also increases the amount of mites and exposure to allergens.
In these cases, it is recommended to hydrate yourself, maintain a healthy diet, hydrate and wash your eyes and nasal mucosa with serum and keep the house light and airy.
See also the meaning of:
- Temperature;
- equatorial climate;
- Climate;
- Atmosphere;
- Atmospheric pollution.
