Air Conditioner (AC) installation in houses and offices has become rampant with a considerable rise in the temperatures over the last few years.The Economic Times recently reported in their article that the sales of AC in India is expected to make a double-digit jump in 2018 i.e. close to 25%.Day in and day out, we prefer to remain in the air-conditioned environment as it has turned difficult to survive in the rising mercury. Though AC gives the ice-cooling comfort, least do we know about the negative effects of the prolonged usage of AC on health. Let’s have a look at how these Artificial-environment Creators (AC) are robbing us of our good health in a gradual way.
Side Effects of Air Conditioning Lack of fresh air:
Doors and windows are shut when the AC is switched on so that the cool air doesn’t escape the room. This ultimately leaves no space for the fresh air to enter in and AC keeps circulating the air available in the room. This stale air leads to develop ‘sick building syndrome,’ a condition affecting most of the people nowadays, typically marked by constant fatigue and tiredness.Excessive dryness:
Would you like to have a skin that looks older than what your actual age is? Obviously not! Well, AC not only sucks out all the moisture present in the air but also make your beauty fade away. Lack of moisture in the air leaves the skin dry, itchy and flaky hastening the ageing process. Apply ample amount of hydrating lotions to keep your skin smooth and supple. Eyes, being the most sensitive part is most affected. AC is one of the major causes for dryness of the eyes, irritation, redness, itchiness, eye strain, recurring headaches and blurring of vision etc. It is recommended to blink your eyes at regular intervals to keep your eyes moist.Dehydration:
When the temperature is set too low, you feel less thirsty which may lead to dehydration in the long run. Do not wait to feel thirsty. Drink plenty of water to replenish the lost fluids. Set the reminder at regular intervals to remind yourself to stay hydrated.Headaches and Migraines:
You are vulnerable to headaches and migraines if the air-conditioned spaces are not maintained properly. Low indoor air quality and dehydration also lead to a headache. Also, avoid going out in the scorching heat suddenly after staying in an air-conditioned room for long. The sudden temperature change can affect the body leading to moderate to high headaches.Respiratory problems:
If the AC ducts are not properly cleaned up at regular intervals, the microbes and mould buildup can lead to breathing problems. You may suffer from dry throat, nasal blockages and rhinitis which is caused by a viral infection or an allergic reaction. It worsens the condition for the people who are already suffering from bronchitis or asthma. It is advised to get your home and office air conditioners routinely checked and serviced at least once in a year so as to avoid the above problems.Joints and Muscle pains:
Constant exposure to low temperature can make you feel lethargic and weak, developing joint pain and muscle contractions which may turn rheumatic in the long run. AC is worst for the people who are already suffering from arthritis as it increases the stiffness and swelling in the joints. So it is advisable to avoid or minimize the use of air conditioner as one of the measure to cure arthritis. If you work somewhere where AC cannot be avoided, seek the help ofPhysiotherapy Machine to ease the pain and inflammation associated with it.Now that you are aware of what precautions are to be taken when being exposed to air-conditioned environ. Try to keep the air cool naturally with the alternate use of ceiling fans. Keep your living and working spaces well ventilated, eat healthily and enhance your natural immunity to stay safe in AC.