What is considered a safe relative humidity level for medical air systems?

For medical air systems, maintaining an appropriate relative humidity level is essential to ensure both patient comfort and the proper functioning of medical equipment. A safe relative humidity level for medical air systems is typically considered to be above 40%. This level helps in preventing dryness in the airways of patients, which can occur at lower humidity levels and potentially lead to irritation or complications, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

Additionally, an appropriate humidity level can enhance the performance and longevity of medical equipment by preventing static electricity and corrosion which can be exacerbated by very low humidity levels. Thus, a range above 40% is beneficial for both patient health and the reliability of medical equipment used in healthcare settings.