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Airborne Peril? The Hidden Health Hazards Behind Air Conditioning[/caption]
For most people air conditioning is a must. Withdrawing from the warm summer heat into the cool interior of your home feels quite literally like a breath of fresh air. An air conditioned atmosphere not only cools the area, the conditioning process removes dust particles and toxins, exposure to which can trigger allergic reactions and, in worst case scenarios, can have harmful side effects for the respiratory system. However, like all other appliances air conditioners must be properly maintained in order to sustain the benefits they provide and to prevent them from becoming a hazard.
Hot, hot, hot!
Air conditioners are definitely at their most appreciated during the hot summer months, when they keep people feeling cool, avoiding the sluggish sweaty feeling that accompanies the warmer seasons. They can also help people avoid serious ailments like heat stroke. The temptation might be to keep the air conditioner on 24/7 during these times but this is can be a dangerous move.
Safety First!
From 2011-2015 air conditioners were involved in the ignition of 7800 home fires in the US. Fires can result from the overheating of an air conditioner, all too easy to do during the hot summer months, or wiring and equipment faults resulting from failure to consult a trained engineer in the installation process.
Of course, it is difficult to avoid overusing an air conditioner in the extreme heat, especially if looking after people who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, but the air conditioning equipment can be made as safe as possible. The installation should be completed, or at least checked, by a qualified engineer.
Do we really breathe easier with Air Con?
Much has been made about the health benefits of breathing conditioned air but this isn’t as straightforward a claim as it appears. Whilst use of an air conditioner may help the inhabitants of a building avoid heat-related ailments like heat stroke, it can also be accused of making people, particularly those with weakened immune systems, more susceptible to illness by drying out protective mucus in the nose, making viruses more likely to become established.
Improperly maintained air conditioners can spread mold or fungus spores, which can result in respiratory complaints, and the potentially deadly legionella bacteria.
Weighing the Risks
A sound air conditioning maintenance program should allay the risk of the spread of legionella bacteria and as much conjecture as there is on air conditioning spreading diseases, there is no solid evidence as of yet that this is the case. Certainly for people suffering from allergies, the health benefits of the hypoallergenic atmosphere facilitated by an air conditioner, usually outweighs the potential of catching a virus from an air conditioner.
Many cannot consider a life without their air conditioning units especially during the hot summer months where they bring comfort to some who find the hot weather unbearable. With the careful implication of safety routines and regular maintenance, the air conditioner need not become a threat to life; but it is very important that someone within the organisation or home educates themselves on the dangers air conditioners can pose and take all possible measures to minimise these threats.