New research shows that higher relative humidity in buildings significantly slows COVID-19 and other airborne infectious disease transmission. However, the way most American buildings are designed, this would cause catastrophic damage and mold issues. A group of designers with LEO A DALY conducted an in-depth study showing how various building types could be retrofitted to increase relative humidity without damage. The results of the study are detailed in a new whitepaper that can be viewed by clicking here.
According to LEO A DALY, Compelling new research such as from the Annual Review of Virology shows that relative humidity levels of at least 40 percent can substantially suppress transmission of COVID-19, and especially airborne transmission. Yet most American buildings operate at much lower levels of humidity during the winter—usually 20 percent or less.
In this whitepaper, LEO A DALY explores the research and looks at why most buildings have low humidity in winter. The company analyzes solutions for building owners and operators who want to increase relative humidity to differentiate themselves, providing healthier spaces for occupants in the post-pandemic world. LEO A DALY evaluates mechanical systems needed to generate humidity and their energy costs, and they use LEO A DALY’s own Vapor Drive tool to demonstrate safe or unsafe building-enclosure performance at various levels of humidity in various climates. Finally, LEO A DALY discusses design solutions and retrofit options for buildings of all types.
Be sure to check out this white paper. I gave it a read and the most “chilling” finding for me: Lack of moisture increases the number of infectious particles in the air. That is not good news for many of us for this winter. What is the “sweet spot” for relative humidity in a building? Read the white paper to find out.
