During the COVID-19 pandemic, Italian scientists documented something interesting: in areas with more trees per capita, the number and severity of COVID-19 cases were lower than in places with fewer trees, even when accounting for differences in human population density. This work is part of a growing body of research around the world investigating whether time spent in forests and nature can provide protection from infections, such as COVID-19 and pneumonia; inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis; and even cancer.
The purpose of a humidifier is to increase and regulate the indoor air's moisture level. How this works is different depending on the season and temperature both inside and outside. Overall, though, a humidifier helps maintain a comfortable, healthy, and optimal humidity range of 30 to 50%. To create this environment, most humidifiers use water vapor or steam to help combat dryness caused by heating systems or harsh climates (which often happen indoors during winter).
One of our neighbors is complaining that the smoke from the fire is bothering her she has pulmonary problems and says she can't breathe or even keep her windows open for fresh air. She has asked us to stop using it. She says if we don't, it will affect our friendship. We have cleaned our fireplace regularly and placed a new, larger flue on the chimney, but it didn't help. No other neighbors have complained.
