A gentle blow of cool air is all we need in the sweltering summer.
The more the mercury rises, the more is the demand for air conditioners. But being exposed to the air from an AC can usher in adverse effects.
Not just the environment, air conditioners too can distinctly affect human health. There are some side effects of ACs that you need to be aware of.
1. Dry eyes
Dry eyes are irritating and can cause blurred vision, itchy eyes and a burning sensation. If you stay for long in an AC room, it can trigger dry eyes. If you tend to suffer from dry eyes, you should avoid staying long in AC-ventilated rooms as that would make the problem worse.
2. Dehydration
While cooling the room, ACs often suck out more moisture than necessary. If you set it to a low temperature, then the chances of the room going dry are quite high. Along with the room, ACs suck out humidity from the body as well. If you don’t hydrate yourself enough, the chances of getting dehydrated are high.
3. Headache
The heat inside and outside the room is poles apart and on entering an AC room, you don’t get enough time to acclimatise. The result – headache. It can also happen due to dehydration. Continuous exposure to AC can also trigger a headache in people who suffer from migraine.
4. Infections
This is another air conditioning health problem. Drying out of the nasal passage and the mucous membrane can trigger viral infections. That’s because mucous casts a protective layer to keep the body away from infections. If it gets disturbed by the AC, infections would affect the body in no time.
5. Respiratory problems
Constant exposure to AC can disturb the normal functioning of the nose and throat. It can lead to respiratory blockage and inflammation in the mucous membrane. ACs can also affect the lungs.
6. Dry skin
AC’s effect on the skin is startling. ACs may lead to dry and itchy skin and hair. By weakening the scalp, an AC can propel the hair damage rate.
7. Lethargy
People who stay for long in an AC room tend to become sluggish and lazy. Imagine how much this can affect workplace productivity! So, it’s always better to have natural ventilation rather than an AC at work.
8. Asthma and allergies
ACs can trigger an asthma attack if not cleaned properly. Timely removal of pollutants can help to prevent allergies.
9. Other health hazards
If there is leakage from the AC, the system can bring you in direct contact with harmful chemicals. This can cause health hazards.
