Even in winter: open the window!

Dr. Andrea Bannert has been with since 2013. The doctor of biology and medicine editor initially carried out research in microbiology and is the team's expert on the tiny things: bacteria, viruses, molecules and genes. She also works as a freelancer for Bayerischer Rundfunk and various science magazines and writes fantasy novels and children's stories.

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Munich"I'm freezing cold - can you please close the window", these or similar sentences are often heard during the cold season, especially in offices. Regular ventilation is important, especially in winter. Otherwise there is a risk of headaches and colds.

Winter time is drought time - at least for the mucous membranes. Heating makes the air dry and the mucous membrane, the protective shield of the airways, loses moisture. As a result, viruses have an easier time penetrating the body. That is why it is so important, especially in winter, to open the window every now and then and thus moisten the air again. The Federal Environment Agency recommends ventilation for ten minutes in the morning and evening. Because opening the window all the way is more effective than just tilting it. It is even better if two opposite windows can be opened so that there is a draft.

New oxygen

Ventilating them not only humidifies them, it also frees them of stuffy air. It is not a myth that when many people are working in a room, you will run out of oxygen. While 50,000 oxygen molecules per cubic centimeter saturate the air in fresh forest air, it is just 40 to 50 in offices. The number can decrease significantly - if you don't ventilate every now and then. The consequence of too little oxygen: You get tired, your concentration decreases and you get a slight headache.

Old stink out

Ventilation not only allows fresh air to flow into the room, but also the old air out. And that's important to get rid of pollutants. Fine dust accumulates in every house and pollutes the respiratory tract. In addition, some furniture and building materials emit solvents that accumulate when the window is closed. It becomes particularly unhealthy if you smoke inside without the smoke being able to escape properly.

Warning mold

If there is a high level of humidity in the room, for example because you have enjoyed a warm shower, this offers the perfect conditions for mold. Here, too, the following applies: it is essential to ventilate the room in order to transport the moisture away. Because mold irritates the airways and can worsen asthma.

With a simple humidity meter, you can measure the amount of water in the air yourself. This should not exceed 70 percent in the apartment. Even at 60 percent there is an increased risk that mold will feel comfortable. The optimal humidity for health is 50 percent.

Source: German Federal Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors: Take a deep breath - don't forget to ventilate even on cold days, press release from December 26th, 2104.

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