For our comfort and our health, we require a certain amount of moisture in the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that amount is 30 to 50 percent. If the humidity level in our home is less than that, we suffer the effects of dry air. Nosebleeds, cough, dry skin, itchy eyes... those are all potential effects of low humidity. Even our home itself isn't immune to problems cause by dry air. Low humidity can cause cracked paint, dry furniture, peeling wallpaper, and brittle wood.

Humidifiers help alleviate these problems by putting moisture in the air. There are several types of humidifiers, but they all do one basic thing: circulate water through the air. The Ultrasonic humidifier works by using high-frequency sound vibrations into a very fine mist and sending it into the air without heating the air. With an ultrasonic humidifier, there is no danger of steam burns because the water is cool. For this reason, ultrasonic humidifiers are a popular choice for nurseries or children's rooms. This type of humidifier generally works very quickly and quietly.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have recently expressed concerns that ultrasonic humidifiers can disperse microorganisms and minerals into the air. However, they have not concluded that this poses a significant health risk.

In using an ultrasonic humidifier, steps should be taken to avoid any potential problems with microorganism and mineral dispersement. For example, water should be changed daily to avoid any growth of microorganisms. The water tank should be cleaned and disinfected regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. To avoid the risk of mineral deposits being sent into the air, use water with a lower mineral content. Distilled water is excellent for this purpose. Carefully following the use and care instructions from the manufacturer should cut down on the risk of microorganism being placed in the air.