Air-conditioning ensures our comfort and is an integral part of our current way of life. Yet, what are its effects on health?
It is recognized that air-conditioning probably provides more advantages than inconveniences for people. This is why it is so popular, especially during summer. Who hasn't frantically searched for the instant cool refreshing sensation provided by air-conditioning?
Whether air-conditioning is beneficial or harmful depends on a number of factors, such as:
Air-conditioning can be beneficial, especially during a heat wave. It promotes sleep quality and comfort, particularly for people who are bothered by heat (i.e. pregnant women or women who have hot flashes during menopause). Additionally, it can reduce the risks of:
Despite its many virtues, air-conditioning can have certain harmful effects on health.
The use of air-conditioning is usually recommended for seasonal allergy sufferers, as it limits exposure to pollen present in the air outside. Pollen is responsible for seasonal allergy symptoms. However, cooling systems, especially if they are poorly maintained, can contain a high concentration of dust and pollen, thus promoting contact with allergens causing symptoms to worsen.
Moreover, for certain people suffering from allergic rhinitis or other respiratory problems, it is mould (microscopic fungus) that causes unpleasant symptoms. Mould releases spores in the air that are then inhaled by people who are hypersensitive to them, namely children, the elderly, and people who have health issues (weakened immune system, asthma, severe allergies, other respiratory diseases, etc.).
It is possible for an air-conditioner to house germs, including viruses, bacteria, and fungus (or mould). This can promote respiratory infections that are more or less serious, ranging from a simple cold to legionellosis, for example.
Legionellosis is a rare, but serious lung infection that is potentially deadly. The Legionella bacteria, which is responsible for the infection, sometimes takes up residence in air-conditioning systems. This can be explained by the fact that it spreads more easily in the presence of warm and stagnant water. Some air-conditioning systems use circuits cooled with water. Bacteria multiply and are then released into the air. Legionellosis is contracted by breathing in droplets of contaminated water.
People with asthma may see their health affected after exposure to air-conditioning. The cold is one of the factors that trigger typical asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, prolonged exposure to air-conditioning can contribute to worsening asthma and to the development of lung infections resulting from this condition.
Therefore, depending on the context, air-conditioning could be beneficial or harmful to respiratory disease sufferers.
Air-conditioning that is set at too high an intensity can lead to or worsen other symptoms and health issues. Here are some examples:
Air-conditioning has a number of benefits from a health and well-being perspective, but it is not without risks. It's best to be well informed in order to make wise and safe use of it.
Don't hesitate to consult your pharmacist for additional information or advice about the measures to take to stay healthy during the summer.
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