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Many thanks to all that have responded. The problem I am having is that the area in question does have a low humidity level, low air circulation levels and a general feeling of dissatisfaction amongst workers because of it. This was brought up at Safety committee and the implication is that we are an uncaring organsiation. What I would like to do, is to provide them with the information relating to the appropriate humidity/air circulation, (the academics amongst the safety group like to have all the facts) and then tell them to open the windows or switch on the ventilation. Thanks again Amanda -----Original Message----- From: Greta Thornbory [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 17 December 2002 10:02 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: humidity levels in offices Amanda - The short answer ideally 50% give or take. My first question is why do you want to know? RH levels alone are not sufficient - they are relative to the temperature and the activity in the environment. Today offices that are 'sealed' as with air conditioning and that have a high density of electrical, computer equipment may be on the dry side as the heat dries the air. In non sealed buildings in very cold, frosty weather the moisture is 'frozen' in the air and makes it feel very dry. Usually, as we are a small, temperate, green island out humidity is on the high side. Both extremes of RH may feel uncomfortable - if it is too high we cannot give off our body moisture and we feel as thought we are sitting in damp clothes - and many of us spend a lot of money rushing off to these climates for our hols! (where others are working to provide for our leisure). On the other hand the cold extremes we experience when we go skiing. The answer to the sealed, computer laden, dry environment is controversial. Some say the addition of pot plants increases the humidity - it certainly cannot spoil it. Other work says that the 'frustration' at sealed buildings is due to the lack of control over the environment. A great deal of work was done on this in the 1980s when 'sick building syndrome' was fashionable - but again much was found out about the 'control' 'management' and other things that lead to the problem. I don't think it was ever really concussively solved but HSE did do some research on it My bible has always been 'The Thermal Environment' published by the British Occupational Hygiene Society, Technical Guide no 8. Hope this helps, Seasons Greeting Greta ----- Original Message ----- From: Amanda Dowson <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 8:55 AM Subject: humidity levels in offices > Hi > > Can anyone point me in the right direction for the right humidty levels for > the temperature levels usually experienced in offices please. I would have > thought there is a British Standard, but having smurfed the net, I have not > got anywhere so I thought I'd ask my learned colleagues! > > Many thanks for your help again > > > Best wishes for the seasons festivity ! > > Amanda Dowson