4 Dangers of Having Too Much Moisture in the Rooms of Your Home

Different activities that you usually do at home such as cooking, bathing, washing, breathing, sweating, and certain lifestyles can produce moisture. Which is very normal. However, there are certain humidity levels in your rooms which can be a potential risk both to you and some of your property. The high levels could be accelerated by poor ventilation and leaks inside the rooms. But how exactly can increased humidity in the rooms of your home be dangerous? Well, please read on to learn some of the common dangers.

1. Allergies and Asthma

Humidity levels of 60 percent and above in your rooms can be a breeding ground for allergens such as bacteria, fungi, dust mites, and mold on moist floors and walls. Presence of these allergens will make you experience extremely heightened allergy symptoms in your home. Fungi and mold have been proven to exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma. Even when you’re not asthmatic or allergic, you may experience severe hypersensitivity reactions from these allergens. You need to take proper action to reduce the humidity to healthy levels as soon as possible. You can use the quietest dehumidifier to control the humidity levels.

2. Airborne Chemical Contaminants

Too much moisture can also spike an increase in airborne chemicals inside the rooms of your home, and this can result in adverse physical effects to you and your family. But where do these chemicals come from? Well, the chemicals (such as formaldehyde) are constantly being released by building materials like wood products and carpets, a process is known as off-gassing. Too much moisture means more reaction of water vapor and releases chemicals, whose concentration will keep rising each and every day. Unless, of course, you take immediate action to remedy these levels. Common effects associated with these chemicals include respiratory symptoms and skin, throat, and eye irritation.

3. Direct Health Problems

Sweating is a very essential process that cools the body through the evaporation of moisture from the skin. Unfortunately, when there’s too much moisture in the air (humidity levels of about 70 percent and above), the sweat will hardly evaporate. Your body will then try other means to cool off; your heart will pump less blood to your brain and internal organs and more to your extremities. This can make you feel sluggish, light-headed, faint, and muscle cramps. Your body may overheat due to the loss of electrolytes, salts, and fluids. The body may fail to maintain the temperature and you’ll be in a risk of developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which can be severe.

4. Can Bring Damage to Your Home

Too much moisture in your home can be a big risk to your furniture and wooden floors. This is because wooden surfaces tend to swell and deform in the presence of too much moisture. The wooden surfaces can also decay and become weak owing to the decay fungi associated with high humidity. These can ruin the furniture or construction material completely, and your home and its occupants may be at risk. Moisture can also damage your electronic appliances. Too much moisture can corrode contacts and reduce the insulation resistance, a situation which can easily lead to short circuits.

Conclusion

High humidity levels in your rooms can have potential risks on your health and property as well. It’s, therefore, vital that you maintain healthy humidity levels every time to avoid these and other related risks. Common signs of too much moisture that you need to take note and take immediate action include: peeling wallpaper, paint blisters, visible black mold patches, and persistent musty smell in your home. Always ensure to improve and regulate the air quality in your rooms. A dehumidifier is one of the convenient, high-tech ways you can use to control the humidity. Good luck!