As temperatures rise during the scorching summer months, air conditioning (AC) becomes an essential relief for many. However, prolonged use of AC can pose several health risks, including skin and respiratory issues, warned doctors recently.
With urbanisation and increasing incomes, more people are relying on ACs to combat high heat exposures. Air conditioners operate by cooling the air and reducing humidity through the condensation of water vapour. While this process provides comfort, it can also lead to various health problems.
"Prolonged exposure can cause a lot of health hazards ranging from dry, flaky and stretched skin to headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odours," Suhas H S, Consultant Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru told IANS.
In addition to these symptoms, AC usage can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The risk of infections also increases if the AC is not properly maintained. Medical experts strongly advise against prolonged exposure to air conditioning.
"The medical problem associated with air conditioning is that they do not have proper filtration, the ideal HEPA filters which are recommended or they're in very few branded good company air conditioners. Lack of this chokes the filters due to pollution, and increases the risks for infection," explained M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems pose a greater risk compared to home AC setups. "Though not much data is available regarding home AC cooling systems and bacterial contamination, certain bacteria do form biofilm on the cooling coils and may lead to infections in humans exposed to AC for more than 90 percent of the time," added Satish Koul, Senior Director & Unit Head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
One example is Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by the contamination of water in HVAC systems and the subsequent spread of bacteria through aerosol mist.
Furthermore, transitioning abruptly from a hot environment to a cold AC room can cause bronchoconstriction, or narrowing of the airways, which is particularly concerning for individuals with asthma, noted Wali.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend regular cleaning of AC filters and switching off the AC every two hours to allow for ventilation. Taking these steps can help minimise health hazards while still providing the cooling benefits of air conditioning.
(with IANS inputs)
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