Download in electronic PDF format for $75

Abstract:  Although the terms humidity and relative humidity are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. Humidity is the amount of water in the air, and relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air at a specific temperature to the maximum possible amount of water vapor in the air at that temperature. Thus humidity and temperature are inextricably bound in their effects on the environment. In a compounding pharmacy, humidity can affect the stability and quality of the compounds prepared, as well as equipment, chemicals, and polymers. Devices that measure relative humidity (hygrometers) or humidity and temperature (thermohygrometers) are essential instruments in a compounding pharmacy. They must be chosen carefully, however, to ensure that the measurements they yield are accurate, that they produce a record of their readings, and that they are reliable over time. Most desirable are devices that alert the pharmacist immediately at any time if levels of humidity or temperature at a des

Related Keywords: Loyd V. Allen Jr., PhD, RPh, Robert McKenzie, RPh, MBA, SNM, APHA, ACS, FPA, Ron Ainsworth, BS, Eric S. Kastango, MBA, RPh, FASHP, Rich Kaestner, Andre Rebelo, BA, Paul Burnside, BS, Gerald Schultz, PhD, hygrometers, thermohygrometers, environmental monitoring, relative humidity, temperature, potency, stability, product specifications, manufacturers

Related Categories: ENVIRONMENTAL , STABILITIES, COMPATIBILITIES, QUALITY CONTROL

Printer-Friendly Version