Humidity is an important indicator!

Often, from the TV screens or from the speakers of radios, we hear about the pressure and humidity of the air. But few know what their indicators depend on and how their particular values affect the human body.

Humidity is the characteristic of the saturation of the atmosphere with water vapor. In different parts of the globe, its indicators can be dramatically different. In nature, there is no air without water vapor. There is no place on Earth where there is zero relative humidity. So, in the desert of sugar - 25 percent, in the Brazilian jungle - 90.

Relative air humidity is the ratio of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere compared to the maximum possible at this temperature or the degree of its saturation with water. That is, this indicator indicates how much more vapor is needed to start the condensation process. Relative air humidity is one of the most important characteristics of the state of the environment.

The absolute value is measured in 1 g / m3 or in millimeters of mercury. At the equator, it is 20-30 g / m3, while in the Arctic and Antarctica it is 0.1-1.

Humidity of air for humans

Humidity of air, the norm of which makes up 40 to 60 percent for residential premises, is clearly felt by a person. The greatest value it reaches in summer in rainy weather: then its indicator is located at around 80-90%.

In winter, absolutely the opposite situation is observed in the apartments of Russians. Because of the heating, the relative humidity reduces as much as 15 percent. This is due to the increase in temperature from the heaters, which, in turn, causes active evaporation of moisture from the surface of the body and furniture.

Humidity is often an underestimated factor. When this indicator tends to minimum or maximum values, the person's health worsens: fatigue, memory properties and concentration decrease. In order to stay in the physical and mental tone, it is necessary to ensure the optimum humidity of the premises in which people live and work. For this, there are special air conditioning systems.

Evaporation of moisture from the skin also depends on moisture, which, in turn, determines the temperature of the human body and the state of its body. Favorable indicator for life activity is 40-60%. It is this moisture that makes you feel good. This figure is artificially maintained in the compartments of spacecraft.

Means and methods for determining

To determine the saturation of air with water vapor, special instruments are used: psychrometers and hydrometers. Psychrometer Augustus is a bar with two thermometers: wet and dry.

The first is wrapped in a cloth soaked in water, which, when evaporated, cools its body. Based on the testimony of these thermometers, the relative humidity of the air is determined from the tables. There are many different hydrometers, their work can be based on weight, film, electrical or hair, and a number of other principles of action. In recent years, integrated measurement sensors have gained popularity. To check the accuracy of the measuring instruments, hydrostats are used.