Have you ever felt a bit of a bad weather while trying to escape the sweltering heat? Some would say your air conditioner is to blame.
In recent weeks, TikTok has been buzzing with users sharing their experiences with the so-called air fluan umbrella term used to describe a range of flu-like symptoms — sneezing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, smell sensitivity, dry throat and more — that they believe are related to long-term air conditioner use.
Terms such as “coughing air”, as well as those for the names of cities where vacationers felt sick after experiencing hotel air conditioning (eg “Napa cough”) have also been used to describe the condition.
And the EPA says these users’ concerns are not without merit.
“Numerous studies found an increase in the number of occupants of buildings with air conditioning systems reporting a range of non-specific symptoms, often described as cold-like symptoms, when compared to occupants of buildings with natural ventilation systems,” the EPA told Yahoo Life in a statement. By e-mail.”In some cases, this phenomenon has been classified in some media reports as “AC diseases” or “air flu.”
But while the EPA insists that “a well-maintained and properly used air conditioning unit is not in and of itself the direct cause of symptoms in general,” some can’t help but raise concerns about the symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
Can air-conditioned rooms make us sick?
Likely, yes. As a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) told Yahoo Life, air conditioning units are designed to filter air pollutants and pollutants — dust mites, pollen, mold spores that thrive in moisture, smoke particles, bacteria and viruses — from entering the home. The air we breathe indoors. However, this protection shield is compromised if the unit or duct filter is not replaced or cleaned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
“This may cause some passengers, especially if they are sensitive to mold, to have breathing problems,” says a CDPH representative. It may also trigger symptoms associated with pre-existing asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems.
In less serious cases, dry throat and congestion are common for people who sleep near an air conditioning unit. These symptoms tend to disappear after a few days.
The EPA explains that “Poorly maintained or improperly used air conditioning systems have been associated with reports of mucous membrane irritation, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, dry cough, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and odor sensitivity.”
Mold spores are the most common cause of chronic AC-related illnesses
Mold spores are microscopic and naturally present in the air, both indoors and outdoors. They enter through open doors, windows, and vents and can be carried onto clothing, shoes, or pets.
When spores land on damp surfaces in your home, they can grow and form new mold colonies. The cool air from the AC units helps balance the room’s humidity to prevent mold growth. Sometimes, mold can lie dormant for years until damp conditions allow it to start growing again.
As the EPA explains, mold can also grow inside the unit itself if the owner doesn’t check it regularly. This is because although most units are designed to drain the condensation itself, older units can malfunction and require the owner to do so manually. If the filters are not cleaned or replaced regularly, they can become clogged with dust and debris, trapping more moisture inside the unit. This creates a moist environment ideal for mold growth.
Mold infestations can cause allergic reactions and expose people to various toxins called mycotoxins that can lead to sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, watery eyes or red skin.
What about airborne diseases?
In rare cases, as noted by TikTok creator Dr. Nathan Spence Viral video last yearAC units can Exposing people to bacteria that may cause Legionnaires’ diseaseIt is a type of pneumonia spread by inhaling contaminated water droplets and requires antibiotics. The EPA asserts that Legionnaires’ disease has been “associated with buildings with poorly maintained air conditioning or heating systems.” However, most cases occur in hotels, care facilities and hospitals American Lung Association.
“The elderly, infants, and people with chronic diseases can be at greater risk for these problems,” Spence tells Yahoo Life. “Regular maintenance of air conditioning units and maintaining indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels can help mitigate these risks.”
However, CDPH says it’s not clear whether window AC units transmit airborne diseases “beyond any transmission that might occur inside the room anyway,” adding: “It only appears to be possible with more transmissible agents, such as measles,” for example.
This isn’t to say that airborne viruses and bacteria—such as those that cause tuberculosis, the common cold, influenza, and some fungal infections—can’t theoretically pass through an air conditioning unit. But health agencies make it clear that the primary modes of transmission are close person-to-person contact.
How to avoid air flu
The EPA notes that “the key to controlling the potential for health effects associated with air conditioning is to invest in it.” High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Which help detain dangerous viruses and bacteria.
It’s also important to maintain your unit, especially when you’re blasting it for hours every day during the summer months. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests the following:
-
Maintain your air conditioning system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, some types of filters are designed to be disposable, while others are designed to be reused. Make sure to follow the instructions for your specific type of filter.
-
Ensure that air filters are clean, maintained and changed regularly. Usually every one to three months. But if you are running the air conditioner continuously, you may need to change the filters more frequently. The same is true if you are in an environment exposed to higher levels of dust or pollution, if you or a family member regularly suffers from allergies or if you have pets.
-
Check and remove objects and/or dust blocking the air holes to ensure that the unit is operating properly.
-
Look for any buildup or condensation in the unit itself, as this can facilitate the growth of mold and other potentially harmful microorganisms.
-
Along with switching to High efficiency air conditionersyou can try using Ventilation and shading Strategies, such as curtains or shades, to help better control indoor temperatures.