Q: During the hot days of summer, is spending too much time in air conditioned buildings bad for your health?
A: Numerous institutions and scholars list air conditioning as one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century. They are widely used in westernized countries and global use is growing rapidly, but is it bad for you?
Below are the common positives and negatives impacts on health:
- Positive: Combat heat related illnesses (heat stroke). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Age groups most susceptible are children under 4 and adults over 65.
- Positive: Helps manage allergies and asthma. Air conditioning can help filter out airborne pollen. It also lowers indoor humidity, which in-turn decreases the growth of dust mites or mold.
- Negative: Mold and fungus. If regular maintenance and air filter changes do not occur, air conditioning can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus due to the moisture that accumulates in the evaporator coils.
- Negative: Weather acclimation/exercise. Never venturing out in hot weather will prevent acclimation to the heat thus causing us to stay inside even more. The more time spent inside the more likely the person is to be sedentary.
The following websites were used in answering the question:
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/16845/1/Air-Conditioners-How-Bad-Are-They-for-Your-Health.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20026992
http://www.lovelivehealth.com/is-air-conditioning-bad-for-your-health/