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By: Vance Voetberg
As the sun’s scorching embrace tightens its grip on the country, the collective hum of air conditioners fills the air, offering a refreshing sanctuary from the relentless heat.
Yet amid the cool comfort, some health professionals seem concerned: Could air conditioners be bad for you?
AC’s Impact on Air Quality
There seems to be no consensus on the impact of air conditioning (AC) on indoor air quality, a basic component of good health. One study shows AC can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing air quality. However, other research links AC to increased sick building syndrome (SBS), acute discomfort, and health issues such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue related to time spent in a building.
The spread of pollutants through AC filters is also a concern. But newer AC systems often have advanced air filters to reduce exposure to respiratory irritants.
A comprehensive analysis of 47 virus studies found modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can mitigate the transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Still, some AC units may circulate indoor air contaminants like cleaning chemicals or fragrances from air fresheners, both of which can trigger asthma.
Ventilation is key for clean, quality air. Experts recommend AC with advanced filters to purify instead of just recirculating stale air. Dr. Amadea Angove, a licensed naturopathic physician, suggests using AC with air purifiers for optimal air quality.
The Double-Edged Sword of Artificial Cooling
Artificial cooling provides relief from excessive heat and safeguards against heat-related illnesses. But excessive use can impair natural immune responses.
Constant cold air from AC enables pathogens to thrive, Dr. Angove said. This causes what is known in traditional Chinese medicine as cold wind invasion (CWI). Described as an aversion to wind and chill, the condition causes symptoms like fever, aches, cough, and runny nose.
Historically, these symptoms appeared only in winter but now manifest in summer too with AC overuse. Proper ventilation mitigates this reaction, however, because it is cold air in conjunction with poor ventilation that may cause symptoms of CWI, Dr. Angove added.
AC also inhibits sweating. But lack of sweating hinders the body’s natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins. Additionally, research shows sweating has natural antimicrobial benefits. For these reasons, Dr. Angove recommends sweating a few times weekly.
Is AC Noise Harming Your Health?
Noise impacts health, according to research by Arline Bronzaft, a renowned noise expert who holds a doctorate in environmental psychology. “The way our bodies react to noise can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to physiological damage,” Ms. Bronzaft told The Epoch Times.
Modern technology and urbanization contribute to noise pollution.
Chronic noise forces the body to use extra energy to cope, impairing well-being, Ms. Bronzaft said. “Adapting to a situation is not advantageous for our health,” she added. “Instead, it will adversely affect the well-being of the body.”
Ms. Bronzaft said that it’s possible for air conditioning to contribute to noise pollution if the AC unit is excessively loud. However, given that we’re choosing this noise for greater comfort, it’s unlikely that noise from air conditioning will induce stress. Still, she recommends quiet AC units to avoid adding noise. “It’s about making your home as peaceful as possible,” she added.
AC’s Undisputed Health Benefits
Despite its downsides, AC has health benefits. “We shouldn’t worry about air conditioning being a trojan horse to our health,” Dr. Angove said.
