Dehumidification

Risks of Overexposure to High Humidity and Moisture

Besides the number of health and safety risks that excess humidity imposes on employees, it can also lead to significant material damage. In manufacturing plants, high moisture levels can result in condensation buildup, which can cause product damage, equipment malfunction and harm to a building’s structure. Condensation can also form on factory floors, creating a potentially dangerous and slippery environment.

Some of the specific problems humidity can cause include:

• Corrosion: Corrosion is one of the most significant challenges that metalworking industries face. The higher the humidity and the longer the exposure, the faster metal will corrode. Rust is a form of corrosion that makes metal weak by changing its typical composition into a flaky powder via oxidation.
• Mold: High humidity levels promote optimal breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Mold is especially harmful in industries such as food manufacturing, where a sterile environment is vital. It can also lead to significant health risks for employees if the spores are inhaled.
• Electrical damage: High humidity and steam can cause severe damage to both manufacturing and building equipment. Moisture can penetrate electrical components potentially damaging wires and circuit boards. Overexposure to humidity can also cause surface damage to machinery over time.

Using an effective dehumidification system can tackle humidity at its source. As air passes through a dehumidifier, the machine removes moisture and recycles the dry air into the environment. Depending on the size of your facility or area, you may need a system of multiple dehumidifiers to regulate the levels of relative humidity required for your application.