Is there such a thing as air conditioning sickness?
Have you ever come across the term? It may not be surprising that your air conditioner can also make you sick considering how the harmful impacts of most technology are discovered long after they’ve been in use.
Staying inside air conditioned rooms for moderate amounts of time doesn’t pose much of a risk. Everyone does it any way in the Arizona heat.
But many people have reported experiencing headaches, stuffy noses and general malaise after being in air conditioned places for too long.
Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
Sadly, yes. Here are some common symptoms of air conditioner sickness:
- Headaches
- Stuffy nose
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny eyes
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Muscle aches
- Increased blood pressure
Usually a problem in the air conditioner or any of its units is to blame. There can be many causes behind this.
Damaged AC
Once your air conditioning unit is damaged it can start emitting either stifling, warm air or unpleasant odors. A blown fuse, a worn-out capacitor, broken compressor, or a refrigerant leak can all be the culprits behind this.
The alarming thing is the air conditioner might be throwing out CFC-laden (chlorofluorocarbon) air, inhaling which can cause symptoms such lightheadedness, headaches, tremors and convulsions. You need to call air conditioner repair services immediately to address this issue before it escalates.
Dirty Air Ducts
Air ducts in any building or household need regular cleaning and maintenance. They are breeding grounds for dangerous disease-carrying microorganisms. Breathing in air containing these pathogens can cause breathing difficulties in otherwise healthy people and exacerbate conditions such as asthma, COPD and emphysema.
People who work in centrally air conditioned buildings report symptoms known as “sick building syndrome” caused by air ducts that haven’t been cleaned in ages.
Dirty AC Filters
Did you know that you need to clean your air conditioner filters between every two weeks and every month? Most people neglect the AC filters until the AC breaks down. However, filters can also harbor infectious pathogens and allergens. Dust, dead skin cells and other debris often collects in the filters and is blown out again into the room. This can trigger serious allergies and flu-like symptoms.
Running the AC at Low Temperatures
It is natural to want to keep your air conditioner at the lowest possible temperature. Some people believe this ensures faster cooling. However, air conditioners are also known to remove humidity from the air. This can lead to increasingly dry skin and hair.
In the long run, staying in artificially cold environments can also cause muscle aches and pains. Low temperatures also affect blood vessels under the skin, causing them to constrict to prevent heat loss. This affects blood flow and increases blood pressure in the body.
Summary
The AC is an indispensable part of everyday life. However, staying indoors in air conditioning for too long can cause people to fall sick and experience symptoms such as weakness, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle pain, etc. The AC can be bad for health if it needs repair or maintenance or if its filters haven’t been cleaned for too long.
