Some homes have arid environments, which produce a lot of dust and much more stuffy air in the long run. That is why owners often resort to humidifiers to solve this unpleasant dryness (and unhealthy for our lungs) in the air.
There are different types of humidifiers, but in this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about ultrasonic humidifiers. Or, to be more specific, we will mention the danger of ultrasonic humidifiers for health.
Table of Contents
What are ultrasonic humidifiers for?
A humidifier, more specifically an ultrasound humidifier, is commonly used in many homes to maintain the relative humidity of a room or the whole house. The humidity range is between 30-50%. This range is considered ideal for indoor environments.
By optimizing humidity in the air, an ultrasonic humidifier prevents health problems such as dry skin, itchy eyes, coughing, etc.
How Ultrasonic Humidifiers Work
Unlike other humidifiers, an ultrasonic humidifier uses ultrasonic vibrations to form a cool mist that disperses into the surrounding air, increasing the humidity in the area.
Some humidifiers require that water be boiled to do the same. However, this generates a fine mist due to the vibration of a metal diaphragm with an ultrasound frequency, which humans cannot hear.
Health Risks of Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Since the water used in the humidifier does not boil, the impurities in the appliance spread throughout the fine mist generated. This is dangerous. These impurities are nothing more than the minerals present in the tap water used in the machine. Some microorganisms grow on the device due to the presence of standing water. Minerals present in water, when dispersed, acquire a white powdery form on surfaces.
These layers of white powder become breeding grounds for microorganisms. As the heating process does not occur in an ultrasonic humidifier, microbes flourish in the apparatus and disperse throughout the fine mist. This can lead to health risks like respiratory infections.
Alternatives to ultrasonic humidifiers
If you want to humidify your home naturally, you have many options at your fingertips without having to use a humidifier.
- Bowl with water: although it seems silly, having a container with water in a space or room makes the environment humid since the water evaporates slowly and, in addition, the water traps the dust from the atmosphere. Of course, you will have to change the water every day.
- Hang clothes indoors: if you have a portable clothesline, you can hang clothes indoors. This is one of the best options for moistening the home. In addition, the aroma that the clean clothes will give off and that will remain impregnated in the air will be most pleasant.
- Use a sprayer: you can also opt for this more rudimentary option. With a sprayer, you can automatically moisten the spaces in your house.
Now that you know the danger of ultrasonic humidifiers for health, you may be interested in this other article about Infusions to clean the lungs.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to The danger of ultrasonic humidifiers for health , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.