Devices and methods for controlling headspace humidity and oxygen levels

A liquid humidity and oxygen control device for use in an enclosure for maintaining a desired relative humidity and oxygen level of the enclosure, comprising:

• (a) a water vapor and oxygen permeable and liquid impermeable pouch, the pouch formed from material defining an interior space, the material having an oxygen transmission rate of 80 ml/20 in2/20 days at 70 degrees F. and atmospheric pressure, and a water vapor transmission rate comprising:
• in an atmosphere of less than 10% relative humidity, transmission of about 1% to about 50% by weight of initial pouch contents per 24 hours, and
• in an atmosphere of 85% relative humidity, absorption of about 1% to about 50% by weight of the initial pouch contents;
• and
• (b) an effective amount of a humidity and oxygen control solution disposed within the interior space, the humidity and oxygen control solution comprising:
• a saturated aqueous salt solution,
• salts of ascorbate isomers containing an amount of a salt solution from about 5% to 70% salt, and
• ascorbic acid salts, or isomers thereof, from 5 to 60%.