The Most Common Home Humidity Levels That Can Trigger Allergies 

Deye Humidifiers shared that the link between moisture/humidity and allergies is well documented. For example, moisture encourages the growth of mold, both indoor and outdoor. Dust mites also love humid air. All these could trigger allergies, and we all know that can make one’s life very difficult.

However, we have good news: conditions that trigger allergies can mostly be controlled. For instance, the United States Environmental Protection Agency advocates for using “dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.”

Do you struggle with allergies caused by moisture? Are you looking for an effective solution? This article is just for you! We will focus on how moisture/humidity triggers allergies, the typical humidity levels that trigger allergies, how to get rid of moisture in your home, and how dehumidifiers could be part of the solution.

The Link between the Weather and Allergies

Even though our main focus in this article is humidity and moisture, we can better understand how these are linked to allergies by looking at the connection between allergies and the weather in general.

The weather plays a significant role in providing a conducive environment for allergens. MedicinePlus.gov describes an allergen as a substance that can cause an allergic reaction.

The health and medical news and information site, WebMD.com, explains how the weather affects allergies:

• Dry, windy days: The wind blows pollen into the air, and this triggers hay fever.
• Rainy or humid days: Moisture encourages mold growth and the proliferation of dust mites.
• Cold air: Cold air can trigger an attack in those who struggle with asthma.
• Heat: Air pollution gets worse on hot days when Ozone and smog can trigger asthma.

WebMD.com adds that seasonal changes can also have a substantial effect on allergies. 

What is Humidity?

To better understand the connection between humidity and allergies, let’s start by defining humidity. Air comprises various gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and many other substances like dust and water droplets.

The temperature determines the amount of water vapor in the air, ranging from close to 0% to about 4%. Humidity measures the amount of water in the air.

You may have heard the term “relative humidity” on the news. NationalGeographic.org explains that this means the “amount of water vapor actually in the air, expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at the same temperature.”

NationalGeographic.org clarifies the idea of humidity further, using the example of a day when the temperature is -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the air can hold 2.2 grams of water per cubic meter, and humidity is 100% if the air is holding this amount. If the amount of water per cubic meter in the air at the same temperature were 1.1 grams, the humidity would be 50%.

Is there a difference between humidity and moisture? Indeed, there is a difference as moisture denotes the presence of a liquid in a given space, while humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. High levels of humidity cause moisture, and high levels of moisture cause humidity.

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