Essential
- Air conditioning can become a breeding ground for harmful microbes, allergens, and chemicals if not properly maintained.
- It’s linked to “sick building syndrome” and can transmit bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
- Regular maintenance is crucial to enjoy its benefits while minimizing health risks.
As summer heat waves intensify, air conditioning offers a welcome respite, making interiors bearable. However, a poorly maintained system can transform into a “microbes nest,” according to a microbiologist. This fear, they note, is not entirely unfounded.
When Buildings Make People Sick
The phenomenon known as “sick building syndrome” describes a cluster of symptoms—like headaches, persistent coughs, nasal congestion, and fatigue—that emerge after extended periods in air-conditioned spaces. These symptoms often worsen the longer one stays and disappear upon leaving. A 2023 Indian study tracked 400 adults for two years, finding that those working daily in air-conditioned offices reported more symptoms, a higher prevalence of allergies, reduced pulmonary function, and increased absences from work.
The culprit? Malfunctioning air conditioners can release allergens, toxic chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, or microorganisms into the air. Uncleaned systems may harbor dangerous bacteria, including *Legionella pneumophila*, the cause of Legionnaires’ disease. This severe lung infection, often contracted in public places, can necessitate hospitalization.
Hospitals have also identified fungi like *Aspergillus* and *Penicillium* in their ventilation systems. For vulnerable individuals, these can lead to infections affecting not only the lungs but also the brain, liver, or skin. Viral infections, such as norovirus, have also been transmitted via air conditioning. In one instance, 20 students in a nursery school in China presented with gastroenteritis, a transmission linked to the system.
An Essential Maintenance
The dry air produced by air conditioning can also compromise nasal mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to infections. Yet, a well-maintained system serves as a vital ally. It can effectively filter contaminants, fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses, potentially even slowing the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
The takeaway is clear: to harness the advantages of air conditioning without risking your health, regular maintenance is paramount. Simple actions like cleaning filters, checking water circuits, and monitoring chemical levels can transform a potentially hazardous appliance into a silent guardian of well-being.
