Dr. Stephanie Taylor, an infection control consultant at Harvard Medical School, ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, member of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Group, and longtime Engineered Systems columnist, is seeking signatories for a petition asking the World Health Organization (WHO) to review the scientific evidence related to indoor humidity and respiratory immune system response, viral transmission, and virus inactivation.

“There is now overwhelming scientific evidence that a mid-range air humidity has significant benefits for human health,” Taylor said. “It is very possible for us to be managing the indoor air quality of our public buildings in line with this evidence. The time has come for regulations on indoor air quality to include a humidity level of 40%-60% RH. This is the optimal level for our respiratory immune system and will reduce the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses and their burden on society.”