This week, a very timely blog from myHSN guest author, Hannah Afsar, who dispels a myth you may have encountered before regarding the risk of air conditioners to your health.
What?
There goes an old wives tale on the subject of beating the heat indoors – “that cold you’ve got was caused by the air-conditioning!”. But is this really true?
If you are in the UK at the moment, you’ll be very aware of the ongoing high temperatures. And with more families investing in air conditioning units to beat the heat this summer, could it have a negative impact on your health?
The short answer is probably not, but perhaps in a way you wouldn’t expect.
A well-maintained air conditioning (AC) unit itself will not cause sickness. However pathogens, poor ventilation, dust, a poorly-maintained unit, fumes, or fabric fibres in the air may result in suffering from ‘sick building syndrome’. Respiratory illnesses such as asthma may be triggered by these conditions. Additionally, the presence of circulating dust mites in the air as a result of heightened ventilation may trigger symptoms in those who are allergic to them.
Why?
Fundamentally air conditioners work by taking in the hot air from a room and cooling it via a liquid refrigerant. The now-cooled air is then pumped out into the room with internal fans. This mechanism can consequently cause symptoms of stuffiness, itchy eyes and sore throat.
As dust particles from the room are circulated and distributed, this may lead to allergic reactions such as nasal symptoms like a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes and rashes. Equally, airborne pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus have a greater chance of being inhaled as they are constantly moving in the air. AC units fitted with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can reduce this risk.
Additionally, if the unit is not frequently maintained mould spores can develop and be circulated within the room, which may lead to further respiratory complications and a general feeling of malaise, especially if you’re allergic or sensitive to moulds. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially serious form of pneumonia (an infection in which the air sacs fill with pus caused by bacteria) that can be caused by build up of legionella bacteria in old or unmaintained AC units. Symptoms usually appear within 2-14 days, and medical attention should be sought in the event of worsening shortness of breath or cough.
How (does this affect you)?
If you aren’t spending much time in air conditioned rooms, you probably won’t experience any symptoms, just an artificial breeze.
If you are in an air-conditioned room for long periods of time, here are some common symptoms of sick building syndrome:
- Headaches, or blocked or runny nose
- Dry, itchy skin
- Dry, sore eyes or throat
- Cough or wheezing, and rashes
- Tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
If you are suffering from these symptoms it is recommended to:
- Open windows to improve ventilation, if you can
- Set the temperature at about 18°C and not change it frequently throughout during the day
- Take regular screen breaks if you use a computer
- Go outside for some fresh air during lunchtime and other breaks
- Use a humidifier.
To protect yourself from airborne diseases wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face, eyes or mouth, and before eating.
In summary, air conditioning is highly unlikely to give you a cold, but caution should be taken with poorly maintained units and in dusty, unventilated areas. The above symptoms are common, but if you suffer from any of them persistently or become generally unwell, it may not be due to air conditioning or sick building syndrome. If your symptoms do not go away or worsen, you should contact your pharmacist, GP, or 111. Always call 999 if you feel that you are unable to breathe.
Thank you for reading and stay safe in the heat!
As always, best wishes from myHSN!
Reference
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sick-building-syndrome/
