The following discussion arose: Whether or not air conditioning is unhealthy? Many get a cold more quickly, etc., but is the cause really the air conditioning itself?
If so, what is the actual reason?
Is it true that air conditioning makes the air drier and is therefore a cause? (However, some believed that it is the moist air that contains bacteria.)
Answer
A humidity of around 50-60% is ideal for the home. A higher humidity level leads to diseases due to an increased presence of fungi and bacteria. Lower humidity leads to other ailments and health problems that make us more susceptible to diseases (viruses):
– Dried out or irritated mucous membranes in the nose and pharynx
– Itchy throat
– Dry cough
– Dry, flaky skin
– Cracked lips
– Dry, burning eyes
– Irritant contact lenses
– Irritated airways
– Increased risk of infections
– Reduced resistance
– Headache
– Fatigue
– Concentration problems
Whether or not an air conditioner is healthy or unhealthy really depends on the humidity in the house. A hygrometer (a device to measure the humidity) can give you the necessary information about the humidity status in your home. The humidity also depends on the temperature: the colder the air, the less water vapor and therefore the lower the humidity. Since an air conditioner is usually used in the summer, there is therefore not an immediate problem, but again, this depends on the humidity.
What you do have with an air conditioner is that there is greater air circulation. This gives rise to infections, illnesses if you are in a room where several people are present (airplane, at work…).
Kind regards
Lieven Waeyenberge
Answered by
lic. Lieven Waeyenberge
Molecular diagnostics (DNA) of plant-parasitizing nematodes
Burg. van Gansberghelaan 96 box 1 9820 Merelbeke
http://www.ilvo.vlaanderen.be
.