The risks of staying in an air-conditioned environment for too long

Air-conditioned rooms may not be well ventilated - Photo: Getty

One of the risks of air conditioning is that it can make the air too dry. This can dry out your eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is best to make sure you stay properly hydrated and moisturized when spending long periods in air-conditioned areas.

Air conditioning increases the risk of disease transmission

Basically, staying in a cooler environment reduces the risk of heat-related problems like dehydration and heat stroke, according to Forbes.

Additionally, air conditioners can improve indoor air quality by filtering out allergens, pollutants, insects, and other organisms. Furthermore, lower humidity reduces the risk of mold growth and furniture damage.

However, that does not mean that air conditioners are risk-free. Air-conditioned rooms may not be sufficiently ventilated, as the air is simply recirculated instead of being replenished with fresh air.

This can lead to a build-up of contaminants from the various appliances and utensils you are using.

For example, running a laser printer can spray toner particles into the air, which you can inhale if the room is not well ventilated. Similarly, if someone is carrying an infectious disease like COVID-19, an air-conditioned room may not be well ventilated enough to reduce the risk of spreading it.

The next potential risk is the air conditioning system. Air conditioners can vary greatly in design, quality, and age. When the air conditioner is poorly maintained, mold and other debris can build up in various parts and then spread throughout the room.

Note the air quality in air-conditioned rooms

Pay attention to the level of ventilation in the air-conditioned room. Check whether the air conditioner only recirculates the same amount of air, or whether it can ventilate or filter the air.

If not, consider using a machine with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.

Opening windows periodically to ventilate the room can also be helpful.

Poorly designed or old air conditioners can also release all sorts of pollutants into the air, so you need to clean your air conditioner regularly and even replace it if necessary.

Finally, staying in an air-conditioned room all day can cause you to miss out on all the great things the outdoors has to offer.

Staying indoors also doesn't give you the benefits of sunlight exposure, which stimulates vitamin D production and regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Additionally, being outdoors and exposed to nature has mental health benefits.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-rui-ro-khi-o-trong-moi-truong-may-dieu-hoa-qua-lau-20240702122110466.htm