Does Air Conditioning Influence Your Health?

Find out how you can have the advantages of air conditioning without the problems. Who would be without air conditioning. In hot, humid climates it is more than a modern facility – it is an important element in getting through those sweltering and sticky days. But, like most modern conveniences, air conditioning has its down-sides. Are they enough to make you rethink about having an air conditioner?

The problems related to air conditioners arise out of overuse. With the ease of fingertip control many people assume that the more they use their unit the better it will be. This, however, is not the case. Air conditioning aggravates the effects of arthritis and neuritis. It also causes trouble for those with sinus trouble, causing their heads to become blocked. In addition to these real reactions to an air conditioned environment there are many far more little reactions that can adversely affect a person’s health. Studies between those who have worked for prolonged periods in air conditioned offices and those who work outdoors, have repeatedly shown that the people exposed to air conditioning are more susceptible to colds, flu and other minor ailments. It has also been a fact that the body undergoes a certain amount of stress when it is forced to go from a boiling hot environment into an air conditioned one.

It is also obvious that those who spend an inordinate amount of time in an air conditioned environment are not able to readily face hot summer temperatures. As a result, severe heat waves are now taking a higher death toll. In addition to this many people have been made sick by extreme differences between outside and inside temperatures.

Air conditioners in cars also have their questions. Micro-organisms have been found within the units that may cause breathing problems. Air conditioning units can also circulate air-borne diseases. If the unit has cheap filters or is not properly maintained it will simply recirculate pollutants. Remember, cutting back on air conditioning is also a way to conserve energy.

Of course there are also positive sides to air conditioning. It creates a pleasant atmosphere inside, apart from what is going on outside. It may eliminate heat rash and help hay fever patients by removing pollens from the air. The removal of dirty and dry air is also realized by air conditioning.

The decision to use air conditioning is surely depend on several factors. Having considered the pros and cons, you may decide that the best choice is to use it, but do so sparingly, and not becoming reliant on it. Then, you’ll get the advantage while avoiding the harms of air conditioning.