Straight facts about humidity

Humidity is the amount of moisture or water vapour in the air. You, your family, and your pets produce moisture when you breathe or perspire. Even your indoor plants produce moisture. We add water vapour to indoor air through routine household activities: cooking, showering, bathing, doing laundry, and dishwashing. More moisture can enter your home from the surrounding soil through a basement or crawl space.

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When is Humidity?a Problem?

We need humidity for our comfort and health. But too much or too little humidity can produce a host of difficulties for householders (see Table 1). Some of the problems are no more than nuisances; others could be far more serious. Many are familiar to Canadians. They often occur during the heating season when our windows are closed, and indoor air circulation and ventilation are reduced.

Figure 1 Do you have a humidity problem?

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Table 1 Humidity problems

?	Too much humidity?	Too little humidity?
Typical symptoms?	Condensation on windows? Wet stains on walls and ceilings? Moldy bathroom? Musty smells? Allergic reactions?	Chapped skin and lips? Scratchy nose and throat? Breathing problems? Static and sparks? Problems with electronic equipment?
Long-term effects?	Damage to the house and its contents? Ongoing allergies Other health problems?	Continuing discomfort? Damage to furniture and

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