Staying in air conditioning for too long? Here are the risks

Air conditioning can be cool when it gets hot outside, literally and figuratively. But there can be downsides to staying in an air-conditioned room for too long, especially if it’s not clear what it does to the air.

You’ve probably experienced the relief of going from bathing in heat and humidity to entering an air-conditioned room. It can feel like that great reveal in a rom-com when two people realize they are meant for each other. Thinking, sleeping, moving, and seemingly doing everything can be a lot easier when you’re not sweating profusely and feeling like a microwaved potato. Being in a lower temperature environment can reduce the risk of heat-related problems such as dehydration and stroke. Additionally, air conditioning can improve indoor air quality by filtering our various allergens, pollutants, insects and other organisms. In addition, lower humidity can reduce the risk of mold formation and damage to your belongings.

However, it’s not always all rainbows and air-conditioned unicorns. One of the risks of air conditioning is that it can cause the air to become too dry. Thais can dry out your eyes, skin and possibly respiratory tract. Therefore, it is a good idea to ensure that you stay well hydrated and hydrated when staying in air-conditioned areas for extended periods of time.

Another risk is inadequate ventilation if the air is merely recirculated without being replenished with new fresh air. This can lead to the build-up of indoor pollutants from the various appliances and equipment you use. For example, using a laser printer can release toner particles into the air that you can eventually inhale if there is not enough ventilation in the room. Likewise, if someone has introduced infectious pathogens such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into the area, an air-conditioned room may not have enough ventilation to prevent it from lingering to borrow words that were sung by The Supremes and Kim Wilde.

Therefore, stay informed of how much ventilation is taking place in a room. Check whether the air conditioner simply recirculates the same air or also provides ventilation. See if the air conditioning also filters the air. If not, consider installing or using a machine that has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that can effectively remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any can remove airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns (μm). ). It can also help to open the windows regularly to air the room.

A third potential risk is the air conditioning itself. Not all air conditioners are created equal. They can vary significantly in design, quality and age. When an air conditioner is not kept clean, mold and other debris can build up in the machine, turning it into one of those fog machines you might see at a music concert, except you can’t see the fog and all the bad stuff. in the. A poorly designed or overly old air conditioner can spew all kinds of other pollutants into the air. So stay aware of which machines can affect your air, clean them regularly and replace them if necessary.

Finally, if you spend all day in air-conditioned rooms, you may miss out on all the wonderful things the outdoors have to offer. Unless you live in the Caesars Superdome — or whatever sponsorship name is attached to it these days — in New Orleans, indoor spaces may not give you enough space to stay physically active. If you stay indoors, you won’t get the benefits of sunlight exposure (yes, the sun isn’t all bad), like boosting vitamin D production and regulating your sleep-wake cycle. Then there are all the mental health benefits of being outdoors and exposed to nature.

So, before it gets too hot to handle, make sure you know how your indoor spaces will be air-conditioned. And even if it’s hot outside, still try to find ways to make it out here and there, as long as you take precautions.