Air conditioning can be a divine gift on hot summer days. It keeps temperatures comfortable and controls moisture, making interior environments tolerable even on warmer days.
But some people avoid using air conditioning (AC), regardless of the outside heat, for fear that he leaves them sick. Although this may seem absurd to some, this fear is not totally unfounded.
If an air conditioning system has damage or not receive proper maintenance, it may be contaminated with infectious microbes. This can turn your air conditioner into a potential source of numerous air -transmitted infections – from common constipation to pneumonia.
Sick buildings
“Sick Building Syndrome” is the general name for symptoms that can be developed after long periods in air conditioning environments. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, congested nose or persistent drip, cough or pyira, irritation or rash, difficulty in concentration at work and tiredness.
The condition tends to occur in people who work in officesbut can occur with anyone who spends long periods in air conditioning buildings such as hospitals. The symptoms of sick building syndrome tend to get worse as more time remains in a particular building and are relieved after leaving.
A 2023 study conducted in India compared 200 healthy adults working at least six to eight hours a day in an air -conditioned office with 200 healthy adults who did not work in an air -conditioned environment. The group that used the air conditioner had more consistent symptoms with sick building syndrome over the two -year study period – particularly a greater prevalence of allergies. It is important to note that clinical tests showed that those who were exposed to the air conditioner had worse pulmonary function and missed work more often compared to the group without air conditioning.
Other studies have confirmed that office workers using air conditioning have a greater prevalence of sick building syndrome than those who do not work in an air conditioning environment.
One of the causes of sick building syndrome is suspected to be the malfunction of air conditioners. When an air conditioner is not working properly, can release allergenchemicals and microorganisms present in the air, which would normally be retained.
Defective air conditioners can also release chemical vapors from cleaning products or soda for the building’s air. Chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde and toluene are toxic and can irritate the respiratory system.
Poorly conserved air conditioning systems can also house bacterial pathogenic agents that can cause serious infections.
A Legionella pneumophila It is the bacteria that causes legionary disease – a lung infection contracted by inhalation of water droplets containing these bacteria. They tend to develop in water-rich environments such as whirlpool tubs or air conditioning systems.
Legionella infection is most often contracted in ordinary places, such as hotels, hospitals or offices, where the bacteria contaminated water supply. Symptoms of legionnaire disease are similar to those of pneumonia, causing cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fever and flu symptoms. Symptoms usually begin to emerge between two and 14 days after exposure to Legionella.
Legionella infections can be fatal and often require hospitalization. Recovery may take several weeks.
Fungal and viral infections
The accumulation of powder and moisture within air conditioning systems can also create the ideal conditions for the growth of other infectious microbes.
For example, research on hospital air conditioning systems found that fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Rhizopus commonly accumulate in water -rich areas of hospital ventilation systems.
These fungal infections can be severe in vulnerable patientssuch as immunocompromised, who have undergone organ transplantation or are doing dialysis – as well as in premature babies. For example, Aspergillus causes pneumonia, lung abscesses, brain, liver, spleen, kidneys and skin, and may also infect burns and wounds.
Symptoms of fungal infections are mainly respiratory and include persistent pyira or cough, fever, shortness of breath, tiredness and inexplicable weight loss.
Viral infections can also be contracted by air conditioning. A case study revealed that children from a Chinese kindergarten class were infected with the pathogenic agent Norovirus from the air conditioning system. This made 20 students present gastroenteritis.
Although norovirus is usually transmitted by close contact with an infected person or after touching a contaminated surface, in this case it has confirmed, unusually, that the virus spread through the air-originating from the air conditioner of a class bathroom. Several other cases of noroviruses spread in this way have been reported.
However, air conditioners can also help prevent the spread of air -carried viruses. The investigation shows that regular maintenance and maintenance air conditioners can reduce circulating levels of common virusesincluding COVID-19.
Another reason why air conditioning can increase the risk of infection is the way air conditioners control moisture levels. This makes the inner air drier than the exterior.
Passing long periods in low moisture environments can dry the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. This can affect the effectiveness of preventing bacteria and fungi in the body-and may make you more vulnerable to the development of a deep nasal breast infection.
Air conditioners are designed to filter out air contaminants, fungal spores, bacteria and viruses, preventing you from entering the air we breathe inside. But this protective shield can be compromised if the system filter is old or dirty, or if the system is not cleaned. Ensuring good air conditioning is essential to prevent infections acquired by the air conditioner.
