Can Air-Conditioning Make You Sick?
In the past, going outdoors was common for most people. However, as time went on, cultures began to shift. Now in a post Covid-19 environment, many people of all ages find themselves increasingly indoors compared to our ancestors.
Can Air-Conditioning Make You Sick?
In the past, going outdoors was common for most people. However, as time went on, cultures began to shift. Now in a post Covid-19 environment, many people of all ages find themselves increasingly indoors compared to our ancestors.
However, staying indoors comes with its own set of health hazards. Enter what experts are calling “sick-buildfing syndrome”, where poorly maintained air-conditioning can become a vector point to a whole host of diseases and allergens!
The Wonders of Air Conditioning
In extreme outdoor environments, air conditioning (or AC units) can be a lifesaver as it can prevent heat-related symptoms or even deaths related to heat, states Jeffrey Siegel, professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto,
Another reason AC units can prevent sickness, as stated by Brent Stephens, professor of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology, is that AC units change the humidity levels in the environment, which filters out bacterial growth, mold, and dust mites.
However, these only applied to AC units which were properly maintained.
Sick-Building Syndrome
“Sick building syndrome” is the term for symptoms that can develop after spending extended periods of time in air-conditioned environments.
According to the NHS, there are at least 7 symptoms of sick building syndrome which include:
Headaches
Blocked or runny nose
Dry, itchy skin
Dry, sore eyes or throat
Cough or wheezing
Skin rashes
Tiredness and difficulty concentrating
A 2023 study from India compared 200 healthy adults who worked primarily indoors with air conditioning with 200 healthy adults who didn’t work in AC.
The AC group experienced more symptoms consistent with sick building syndrome over the 2-year study period, and were more susceptible to allergens overall.
Is Your AC Contaminated?
Dr Primrose Freestone, from the University of Leicester, mentions that a poorly maintained air-conditioning system can lead to it releasing harmful microbes or allergens into the air we breathe.
It is important to regularly monitor and maintain your AC units to prevent microbial buildup, dust, and moisture (which becomes a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria).
Poorly maintained AC units have been found by researchers to circulate fungal infections ranging from fungi like Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium and Rhizopusspecies, as well as bacterial infections like Legionnaires' disease.
Unwanted Chemicals
Malfunctioning AC units can also release chemicals from AC cleaning products or refrigerants into the building’s air.
Chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene are toxic and can irritate the respiratory system.
Getting Some Fresh Air
Experts state that leaving indoors from time to time is a good practice to prevent inhalation of airborne contaminants which may circulate due to poor AC maintenance.
They also stress the importance of regularly cleaning and checking your AC units to see if the filtration mechanisms are working.
All in all, it is good to practice balancing time spent indoors with outdoors.
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