The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/777735
www.fueloilnews.com | FUEL OIL NEWS | FEBRUARY 2017 31 Dry air affects people in a number of ways. The upper part of the respiratory sys- tem, including the throat and nose, is lined with moist membranes. These membranes serve to capture dirt, dust, viruses and bacte- ria before they reach the lungs. When these membranes lose too much moisture to dry air, their ability to capture particles becomes compromised. Proper humidity levels help these membranes do their job preventing harmful particles from getting into the sensitive areas of lungs. Taking steps to keep the right amount of moisture in the air can actually reduce risk of illness. In some individuals, particularly dry air can cause another uncomfortable and unpleasant symptom: itchy, uncomfort- able nasal passages. Because the majority of breathing is done through the nose, low humidity levels can cause the inside of the nose to become dry and irritated. This is not only painful, it can cause nosebleeds. But properly humidified air keeps the nasal passages healthy and comfortable. Skin is over half water. So when the air lacks humidity, skin will start to dry out. This can cause itching, flaking, and tightness around the joints. It can also cause painful cracking of the skin, and chapped lips. Overly dry air can also cause flare-ups of existing skin problems, including eczema and acne. But humidified air can help keep skin feeling great through- out the winter. When air is properly humidified, static electricity is naturally dissipated. However, when the air is too dry, this static electricity begins to build up. This can cause blankets and clothes to stick together. And, more noticeably, it can cause painful electric shocks when touching a doorknob or another metal surface. When air has enough moisture in it, the electricity is dissipated before it can build up. So there aren't shocks or problems making the bed or folding the laundry. To avoid these dry air problems, there are two types of whole- home humidifiers available. Each is designed to help alleviate the issues caused by dry air. And unlike portable humidifiers that only restore moisture in one room, whole-home humidi- fiers help preserve comfort and healthier air in every room. IDEAL INDOOR HUMIDITY DURING WINTER SHOULD HOVER AROUND 45%