Dehumidifiers provide many health benefits. Mold can grow when humidity levels reach 60%. It can cause allergy triggers that include sneezing, runny nose, and skin rash. For people with asthma, mold can cause asthma attacks. For people without allergies, mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Keeping humidity levels under 50% prevents these problems.
Besides mold, dust mites pose another health risk. Found in a humid climate, these tiny bugs feed on dead human skin cells and absorb moisture from the air. They cause allergic reactions when people breathe in the proteins in dust that come from dust mite feces, urine, or decaying bodies. They settle into fabric, mattresses, and furniture, putting people at risk for exposure while sleeping. Reducing humidity levels creates an environment where dust mites cannot survive.