Air conditioning system provides relief from the scorching heat. Air conditioners may not be the best option for your health when it comes to cooling off. A lot of people have installed air conditioners in their houses due to the rise in temperature.
It is a relief to walk into a cool room after being out in the hot sun; prolonged use of air conditioners causes more harm than good.
Health Hazards of Air Conditioning Systems
Dry skin- Where an air conditioner is running, the air is dry because the air conditioner pulls in the humidity in the room. AC removes water i.e. humidity from indoor air. Constant loss of water and lack of replacement of water for the skin tissues result in flaking, dry and chapped skin. Skin also becomes prone to developing creases and wrinkles. To worsen the situation, people often step out from an air conditioned office or car into the blazing hot sun or walk. This sudden shift from one extreme climate to another extreme is very stressful for the body.
Weakens Immunity- An artificial change in temperature is unhealthy for the human immune system. It also affects the healing system. This is due to the frequently switch between extreme temperatures by staying inside home and office and later outside in scorching heat.
Asthma and allergies- Negligence in cleaning the air conditioners can lead to 
accumulation of dust, bacteria and mold in the air circulating ducts which later on circulates infectious air causing skin irritations, redness of skin, itchiness and allergies. Air conditioners are also known to circulate air-borne diseases such as Legionairre’s Disease. It is a potential fatal infectious disease that produces high fever and pneumonia.
Airborne Illness- Central air conditioning system uses water to cool the air, if the water becomes stagnant, it can harbour harmful bacteria.
Sinusitis- People who spend more than 4 hours in air conditioning environment are more likely to get sinusitis infections. This is due to cold air tends to harden or dry the mucous gland.
Breathing Problem- If air conditioners are not cleaned properly or frequently along with the filters which may required to be changed. All kinds of bacteria and fungi breed in the air conditioning machines are created.
Some controlling measure
- Use air-conditioning with moderation.
- Maintain all air-conditioning systems on regular basis to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
- Regularly replace or clean the filters
- Choose an air-conditioning system equipped with an air purification system.
Benefits of Air Conditioning system
- Improves comfort levels at work and at leisure.
- It improves job performance.
- Can result in increased physical and intellectual activities
- Lower temperature reduces the presence of insects and parasites.
- A clean air conditioning system helps exclude external allergens such as pollens.
- If well maintained, it renews and improves air quality.
Air conditioning circulates old air over and over again transmitting bacteria and viruses of cold, flu from one individual to another.
