Aircon and my Health
The thought of surviving the Maltese Summer without the use of air conditioner seems inhumane to most. The glorious ‘on’ button provides immediate relief from the scorching summer heat. However, as air conditioners seem to be a blessing, few know about the health risks involved.
Air conditioners draw moisture from the air and body. This can manifest in the skin, making it dry and itchy. Dehydration of the eyes can in turn cause irritation, a burning sensation, blurred vision, and itchiness.
The influence of air conditioners on our respiratory system can also be quite significant. They may cause drying out of the nasal passage and mucous membrane, that acts as a protective layer against infections. Therefore, making one more prone to a disturbance in the proper functioning of the nose, throat, and lungs.
The vast amount of moisture that builds up from the condensation produced in the air conditioner provides a breeding ground for black mould, bacteria, and fungi. Irregular cleaning of the filters allows these micro-organisms to accumulate, potentially leading to respiratory problems. To reduce such casualties, the unit must be cleaned and the filter must be changed every couple of months. Furthermore, such maintenance is even more so important for those suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Surprising to some, air conditioners blasting air at a very low temperature can elevate one's blood pressure. The arteries constrict to avoid loss of body heat, which in turn creates resistance of blood flow, and hence an increase in blood pressure.
Sudden changes in temperature “shocks the system”. Combined with cranial hypertension, this may result in a headache. Turning the temperature up or going out for some fresh air allows the body temperature to return back to normal and often subsides the headache.
With this being said, air conditioners bring about various benefits as long as they are not used at a strong intensity and very low temperatures. It is advised to stay hydrated, and keep the room temperature between 21-25°C. Furthermore, in periods of prolonged exposure one could also place a bowl of water which offers an alternative source for moisture withdrawal.
References:
Hozawa A., S. Kuriyama, T. Shimazu, K. Ohmori-Matsuda, I. Tsuji. Seasonal variation in home blood pressure measurements and relation to outside temperature in Japan. Clin Exp Hypertens, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 153-8, 2011.
Mark J Mendell. Commentary: Air conditioning as a risk for increased use of health services. International Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 33, issue 5, pp. 1123-6, 2004
Yong-Han Lee, Sanghyuk Bae, Seung-sik Hwang, Jong-Hun Kim, Kyoung-Nam Kim, Youn-Hee Lim, Miji Kim, Sohwa Jung, & Ho-Jang Kwon. Association Between Air Conditioning Use and Self-reported Symptoms During the 2018 Heat Wave in Korea. J Prev Med Public Health, vol. 53, issue 1, pp. 15-25, 2020
Written by: Gail Bonnici