Moisture in the air and its associated risks

Atmospheric air is a moist gas, which is a mixture of dry air and water, which can be in a gaseous, liquid or solid state. This water is commonly referred to as moisture. Moisture in the natural environment is present almost everywhere. It is an inseparable element of atmospheric air. The moisture content of the air is called its humidity, which is usually given in relative units. The content of water vapor in atmospheric air is limited and depends on its temperature and pressure. After reaching the saturation point, water condenses or resublimates. This usually happens when the temperature of the air decreases, the water capacity of which decreases. Condensation or prolonged high levels of moisture in the air enclosed in a package or container cause moisture in the stored materials. On the surface of solids such as glass, plastics, fabrics or metals, a thin layer of water is formed, which is 1 to 10 water molecules thick. Such a layer is virtually imperceptible, however, it penetrates inside the material, causing its damage or deterioration of its usability.

For example, surface corrosion of metals translates into multi-million losses for producers whose products are damaged in transport or during storage. Elements of electronic systems in contact with even the smallest amount of water can be irretrievably destroyed as a result of ESD electrostatic discharges. In pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements, due to the diffusion of water from the atmospheric air into the medicine package, a reaction occurs between the water molecules and the chemical substance contained in the preparation, which may change its physical and chemical properties. In the case of bulk materials, moisture causes them to clump.

There is no doubt that proper protection of goods against moisture will avoid operating costs related to the destruction of goods, as well as image losses related to the delivery of damaged products to contractors. An effective and cheap solution to this problem is the use of desiccant sachets, which reduce the moisture content in the packaging, container and any other place (e.g. in the car) to a value below the condensation point, thanks to which you will avoid the loss of valuable goods and materials.