No matter how relaxing Air Conditioning makes us feel in summer, still it can have some serious side effects on our body. reasons why excess of staying in ACs can be hazardous to your health.
Contents
Affects Indoor Air
If you work in an air-conditioned building with poor ventilation, it can raise your risk of “sick building syndrome.” Symptoms include headaches, dry cough, dizziness and nausea, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors. Forced indoor air may also slightly raise your risk of COVID-19. But the CDC says the risk is small. Lower it even more with regular filter changes, opening windows, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Dry Eyes
One of the most prevalent side effects of air conditioning is dry eyes. When the air conditioner runs, it tends to reduce the humidity levels in the room. As a result, the moisture in our eyes evaporates more quickly, leading to dryness, itching, and discomfort. Individuals who already suffer from dry eyes or other eye conditions are particularly susceptible to this issue.
Lethargy
Spending extended periods in an air-conditioned environment can make us feel lethargic and drained of energy. This is because the cool temperature can lower our metabolic rate and slow down our body’s natural processes. Additionally, the lack of fresh air circulation can contribute to a feeling of fatigue and drowsiness.
Dehydration
Air conditioning can deplete the moisture levels in the air, which can, in turn, affect our hydration levels. When the air is dry, our bodies lose moisture more rapidly through respiration and perspiration. This can lead to dehydration if we don’t compensate by drinking enough fluids. Prolonged dehydration can have various health consequences, such as headaches, dry skin, and dizziness.
Dry or Itchy Skin
Another common side effect of air conditioning is dry or itchy skin. When the air lacks humidity, it can cause our skin to lose moisture and become dry, flaky, and irritated. This is especially true for individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema. Proper hydration and using moisturizers can help mitigate these effects.
Headaches
Air conditioning can trigger headaches in some individuals. The sudden temperature changes between the cool indoor environment and the hot outdoor environment can cause blood vessels in the head to constrict and expand rapidly, leading to headaches. Additionally, prolonged exposure to cold, dry air can cause sinus congestion and exacerbate migraines.
Respiratory Issues
Air conditioning can have detrimental effects on our respiratory system, particularly for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions. The cold and dry air can irritate the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and throat discomfort. People with allergies or asthma may experience worsened symptoms in air-conditioned environments.
Dehydrates You
Air conditioners suck moisture out of a room to bring down the humidity and cool it off. This can pull water from your skin, drying it — and you — out.
Dries Out Eyes
The lack of humidity in air-conditioned spaces can dry your eyes. This can make them irritated and itchy and may even make your vision blurry.
Boosts Metabolism
Studies show more time in cold weather may help you lose weight. Your body may develop a greater amount of healthy, energy-burning “brown fat” as it deals with more frigid air. Air conditioning in hot weather can help keep you in a cool state, but you’ll also have to lower your indoor temps in the winter to see a real benefit.
Irritates Airways
Studies show that people who work in air-conditioned buildings have more respiratory problems (irritated nasal passages, trouble breathing) than people who work in buildings with natural ventilation.
Can Make Your Headache
If you spend time in indoor spaces with HVAC systems that are dirty or not well-maintained, you’re more likely to have headaches or even migraines. In one study, 8% of people who work in unhealthy indoor air environments had headaches 1-3 days a month, and 8% had daily headaches.
Lowers Your Heat Tolerance
Scientists have coined the term “adaptive comfort model” to describe why spending more time in air conditioning makes it harder to deal with hot temperatures. Your ideal temperature depends in part on whatever temperature you’ve recently been exposed to. The more you hang out in spaces pumped full of A/C, the less comfortable heat and humidity will feel.
Pollutes the Outside Air
Older A/C units can release CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). This is a refrigerant that can harm the ozone layer, heating up the Earth. The U.S. Clean Air Act began phasing these coolants out in the ’90s, but there are still many in use across the globe.
Ramps Up Allergies
If you keep your A/C clean, it can help tame allergies. But an HVAC system can quickly become a home for microbial allergens. Be sure you have your system inspected regularly and keep it well-maintained so you don’t add to your allergy issues.
Helps You Sleep
Experts say sleeping in a room that’s between 60-67 degrees is ideal for the best rest. This is because your body cools down as part of a natural sleep cycle, so a cool room helps that happen. Sometimes A/C is the tool you need to get your sleep space to the right temp.
Saves Lives During Heatwaves
Air conditioning may come with some negative effects, but there’s no doubt it can be lifesaving when temperatures soar. Once your body temperature goes above 102 degrees, you’re at risk of heat exhaustion — nausea, cramps, dizziness, feeling faint — and if you continue to heat up, you could get heat stroke.
Conclusion
While air conditioning offers relief from hot weather, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects on our health. Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases, and indoor pollutants are among the common health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning.
In contrast, air coolers offer a valuable alternative by maintaining more natural humidity levels in the environment, which can help alleviate many of the dryness-related symptoms associated with air conditioning. Furthermore, air coolers generally operate with less noise and consume less energy, reducing both noise pollution and energy costs. They also circulate fresh air continuously, which can help reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants and pathogens, making them a healthier choice for cooling indoor spaces.
Stay connected with Fact and US for more such news.