5 Health Risks Posed by Air Conditioners

Air conditioners have become a necessity these days. It is important to understand that every benefit they offer comes with its set of pros and cons. Let us look at some side effects of air conditioners on your health.

Dry Eyes:

The bliss of an air conditioner comes with a hidden threat to our ocular health. As these machines cool our surroundings, they inadvertently strip the air of its moisture, leaving our eyes parched and irritated.

Lethargy:

Have you ever noticed how a prolonged stay in an air-conditioned room seems to sap your energy?  The chilly air can lull our bodies into a state of lethargy by slowing down our metabolic rate and impeding natural processes.

Dehydration:

While we bask in the cool breeze of artificial climate control, our bodies silently suffer from dehydration. As air conditioners suck moisture from the air, they accelerate the evaporation of fluids from our skin and respiratory system. This may also lead to headaches, dizziness, and dry skin.

Skin Woes:

Behind the facade of comfort, air conditioners wreak havoc on our skin's moisture barrier. This cool air robs our skin of its natural oils, making it dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. Those dealing with dermatological conditions like eczema find themselves particularly falling prey to these adverse effects. Therefore, it is highly recommended that even though the scorching summer demands relief, ensure you are not exposed to air conditioners for long hours.

Headaches:

Rapid fluctuations in temperature prompt blood vessels to constrict and expand unusually, and causing tension headaches and sinus congestion.

Prolonged exposure to cold, dry air may cause migraines and sets the stage for the dreaded "sick building syndrome," characterized by a medley of symptoms ranging from nausea to fatigue.