(NewsUSA) - Warm weather often brings with it high levels of humidity, which can affect your health in a variety of ways.
High humidity levels can cause mold and a host of problems in the home that can affect your physical health. Visible signs of high humidity levels include condensation on windows, peeling wallpaper, damp patches on walls and ceilings, a musty smell and dampness. But there are also numerous problems that go undetected because you cannot see or smell them.
If you suspect that the air in your home is too moist, be sure to vent the areas that create moisture, like the shower or bathroom. You may also consider a whole-home dehumidifier like the Aprilaire Model 1700, which works in tandem with the heating and cooling system to remove up to 90 pints of moisture from the home's environment each day.
A few of the most common effects of too much moisture in the home include the following:
* Dust mites: Excessive moisture creates favorable conditions for growth of dust mites. At least 10 percent of the population suffers from a dust mite allergy. Some of the symptoms associated with it include sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, stuffy ears, respiratory problems, atopic dermatitis and asthma.
* Bacteria: You can't see or feel bacteria but they live on countertops, table surfaces, carpet, pillows, mattresses and just about anywhere people are. Bacteria also grow profusely when there is plenty of moisture present.
* Formaldehyde: When humidity levels are high, products such as furniture, cabinets, building materials and even some latex paints tend to release formaldehyde into the air at a faster rate. Studies have suggested that people exposed to formaldehyde levels ranging from 50 to 100 parts per billion for long periods of time are more likely to experience asthma-related respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.
For more information on whole-home dehumidifiers, visit www.aprilaire.com.
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