Since April this year, many people in South Korea have died from lung diseases of unknown causes. Recently, the disease management headquarters of the South Korean Ministry of health and welfare found that this is related to the improper use of humidifiers by the South Korean people and the long-term addition of bactericides. When winter comes, many families will use humidifiers to alleviate air dryness. So how to use humidifiers correctly?
When using humidifier, do not add disinfectant, vinegar, perfume, essential oil, etc. Because the disinfectant enters the air through atomization, after being inhaled into the human body, the chemical reagent will stimulate the epithelial cells of the lungs and bronchus, and the cells will be damaged after long-term use, resulting in different degrees of diseases. Many people believe that adding a few drops of vinegar to the humidifier can kill bacteria and prevent influenza, and there is no harm of chemical agents. In fact, this is also inappropriate. Use vinegar to disinfect and fumigate the room. It’s best for people to leave and enter the room after sterilization and ventilation. Houttuynia cordata injection or antiviral oral liquid should not be added to the water. These drugs are for oral use and must not be added indiscriminately. Perfume and essential oils contain aromatics and preservatives, which should not be added to humidifiers.
If the humidifier is used for a long time, fungi or bacteria will breed on the inner wall. Some pathogenic bacteria will enter the respiratory tract and lungs of the human body through small water droplets, which may cause allergic reactions, fever, and even pneumonia. It’s better to change the water every day and wash it thoroughly every two weeks, especially the humidifier that has just been used. It must be clean. When cleaning, try to use less antiseptic disinfectant, wash repeatedly with running water, and then wipe off the scale around the water tank with a soft cloth. Tap water generally contains chlorine. It is better not to add tap water directly to the humidifier. You can use cold boiled water, purified water or distilled water with less impurities. If the conditions at home are limited, you can leave the tap water for a few days before adding the humidifier.
The humidifier should not be used for too long. It can be turned off in a few hours, rather than being on all day. The most suitable air humidity in winter is 40% – 60%. Too dry will cause dry throat, dry mouth, etc., and too wet will cause pneumonia and other diseases. In use, it is best to measure and adjust the appropriate humidity at regular intervals. In addition, patients with arthritis and diabetes should not use humidifiers.
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