Is it possible to get sick from the air conditioner? Specialists answer

There is an opinion that a long stay under the air conditioner can lead to the development of various diseases in humans. But is it really so? The answer to this question was given by scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

In the hot season, you just want to cool down a little under the air conditioner. After all, nothing will come of it. Or will it?

There is no definite answer to this question, since it depends primarily on how the air conditioner is used. But we will tell you about the main risk factors, advantages and disadvantages of this miracle of technology.

As we have already said, an air conditioner will not harm your health if you know how to use it correctly. But most people ignore this requirement, which is why they have various diseases.

In the study of specialists The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, says that people working in office buildings where air conditioners were installed are more likely to complain of feeling unwell than those who used natural ventilation.

Most of them regularly show symptoms of sick building syndrome (from the English Sick Building Syndrome). This is a condition in which people, being in a certain room for a long time, feel unwell for no apparent reason. SBS usually manifests itself in the form of eye irritation, cough, respiratory deterioration, dry throat, headache.

Author of the study William Fisk does not rule out that these symptoms may be related to moisture from air conditioners, which "exposes people to additional toxins, allergens or irritants."

In addition, there may be psychological side effects from the operation of the air conditioner. According to the scientist, the productivity of employees reaches its peak only at comfortable "room" temperatures (approximately 21.6 degrees Celsius), and not in heat or cold.

At the same time, experts emphasize that air conditioners also have their undeniable advantages. For example, when functioning properly, it is able to filter out the air and keep it in good condition, so that polluting particles do not enter the human body. It has been established that the use of air conditioning leads to a significant reduction in the risk of deaths and hospitalizations associated with cardiovascular diseases.

In order for the air conditioner to work for your benefit, you need to regularly carry out its maintenance and, of course, change the filter. Also keep an eye on the air in the room — it should not be dry, because dry air is dangerous for the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Turn off the air conditioner from time to time and ventilate the room. In addition, do not forget about wet cleaning, which should be carried out regularly.