Should I use an air humidifier at home?

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

If your throat and skin become dry in the winter months, having a humidifier may help that. But for many people, having a humidifier does more harm than good-because they get lazy about maintenance. Humidifiers must be cleaned regularly, or they'll form a cesspool of water that grows mold and fungi-and you'll end up breathing in that stuff.

More About this Book

YOU: The Owner's Manual, Updated and Expanded Edition: An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger

Between your full-length mirror and high-school biology class, you probably think you know a lot about the human body. While it's true that we live in an age when we're as obsessed with our bodies as...

Continue Learning about Air Quality

Protecting Your Health From Air Pollution

By 2010, the Clean Air Act of 1970 called for the U.S. to reduce total emissions of six principal air pollutants by more than 41 percent. Today the En...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Young children and stay-at-home mothers are often at greatest risk for the dangerous effects of air ...

National Athletic Trainers' Association

Air pollution can present a risk, particularly for those with respiratory conditions like asthma...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Air Quality

We hear about air quality from many sources, from the weather report to vacuum cleaner commercials. The air we breathe can carry many tiny particles that will affect your health, especially if you are an allergy sufferer. Common contaminants in the air include dust, pollen, and smoke. Air in well-insulated houses can concentrate not only these contaminants but fumes and vapors from household chemicals like chlorine bleach and cleaners. Getting enough fresh air where you live may be as simple as opening a window or as complex as filtering and ensuring proper humidity in an apartment or office HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system. Use of smoke removers and air filters (either electrostatic or HEPA) may improve indoor air quality.

Learn More