Schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioner, including a thorough cleaning and a filter change at least once every few months. As mercury increases, so does our dependence on air conditioning to maintain the comfort of our homes and offices. But have you ever pushed the switch and felt worse, not better? You are not alone. This phenomenon, often called “air conditioning sickness”, could be the culprit.
Let's discuss what it is, the symptoms to look out for, the toxic causes behind it, and most importantly, how you can prevent it. Air-conditioned illness occurs when people have health problems that may be directly related to spending time in air-conditioned environments. It's not the cooling itself that's to blame, but what's circulating in that cold air. From invisible mold spores to a cocktail of other allergens, the air conditioner could be doing more than just keeping the heat at bay: it could spread irritants all over the space.
If you notice that these symptoms worsen indoors or soon after the air conditioner is turned on, it may be time to investigate the air quality. While air conditioners are essential to combat heat, they can also be a hidden source of mold, causing diseases caused by toxic mold or even chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). Mold grows in the humid environments that air conditioners can create, causing symptoms that can become chronic in nature. If you suspect that you have a disease caused by mold or cirs syndrome, it's essential to take steps to identify and eliminate mold.
By taking these steps, you not only improve air quality, but you protect your health and well-being against the hidden dangers of air conditioning-related diseases. Let's make our indoor spaces safe havens for relaxation and comfort, without the worry of what's hiding in the air. Studies show that people who work in air-conditioned buildings have more respiratory problems (irritated nostrils, difficulty breathing) than people who work in buildings with natural ventilation. However, air conditioners can also help stop the spread of airborne viruses. Research shows that air conditioning units that are regularly maintained and disinfected can reduce circulating levels of common viruses, including COVID.
Another reason why air conditioning can increase the risk of contracting an infection is because of the way air conditioners control humidity levels. This makes indoor air drier than outdoor air. To prevent allergic air conditioning cough and other symptoms, you should keep your air conditioner clean by regularly replacing air conditioner filters, cleaning all dust and dirt from the area around the outdoor air conditioning unit, keeping doors and windows closed, and buying old and secondary filters in good condition,2,3.
