Air conditioners use can be beneficial or harmful to human health. Influenza infections cause Pneumonia, which consists of some viral upper and lower respiratory infections, muscle aches, muscle stiffness, facial paralysis and bacteria in air conditioners. Children, the elderly, those with chronic sinusitis and bronchitis related to the upper and lower respiratory tract are endangered by the use of air conditioning. The cold air coming from the air conditioners and the dust emitted to the environment can trigger the complaints and crises of people with allergic reactions, and may lead to the emergence of asthma attacks and severe dry coughs. For this reason, people with allergic disorders should avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Legionnaires’ Disease
The cause of the disease is a bacterium in the air conditioning system. These bacteria reproduce in the filter systems of air conditioners at appropriate humidity and temperature and are distributed to the ambient air. The disease is not transmitted from person to person. Improper positioning of air conditioners or low quality air conditioners are harmful to health. Vapor and water deposits in the cooling systems cause bacteria and fungal growth. We call this sick building syndrome. Often, people with this syndrome have symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, general health problems, skin irritation, loss of smell and taste sensations. On the other hand, scientific authorities have proved that air conditioners can have great benefits to human health if they are used consciously.
What measures should be taken to minimize the harmful effects of air conditioners?
It is very important to maintain and clean the air conditioner every year seriously and regularly. Bacteria filter should be used. The temperature of 25 degrees is the most suitable temperature. Care should be taken not to overcool the environment. Care should be taken not to be exposed to air blown directly by air conditioners.
Cuneyt BOZKUT, M.D.
Otorhinolaryngologist
[liker]