Is Air Conditioning Bad for Your Health?

The benefits of air conditioning are many—but only if you keep it clean

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As the sun’s scorching rays shower 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 wonder: Could air conditioners be bad for you?

AC’s Impact on Air Quality

There seems to be no consensus on the effect that air conditioning (AC) has on indoor air quality, a basic component of good health. One study shows that AC can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing air quality. However, other research suggests that AC is linked to increased rates of sick building syndrome (SBS), acute discomfort, and health issues such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue compared to natural ventilation if not kept clean.

The spread of pollutants through AC filters is also a concern, although newer AC systems often have advanced air filters to reduce exposure to respiratory irritants.

A comprehensive analysis of 47 virus studies found that modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can mitigate the transmission of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Still, some AC units may circulate indoor air contaminants such as 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.

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, according to Dr. Angove. This causes what’s known in traditional Chinese medicine as cold wind invasion (CWI). Described as an aversion to wind and chill, the condition causes symptoms that include fever, aches, cough, and runny nose.

Historically, these symptoms appeared only in winter but now manifest in summer as well because of AC overuse. Proper ventilation mitigates that reaction, however, because cold air in conjunction with poor ventilation is what may cause symptoms of CWI, Dr. Angove said.

AC also inhibits sweating. But lack of sweating hinders the body’s natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins. Research shows that sweating has natural antimicrobial benefits. For these reasons, Dr. Angove recommends sweating a few times weekly.

Is AC Noise Harming Your Health?

Noise also affects 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, according to Ms. Bronzaft.

“Adapting to a situation is not advantageous for our health,” she said. “Instead, it will adversely affect the well-being of the body.”

Ms. Bronzaft said 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 said.

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.

AC’s health benefits include the following:

• Temperature regulation. Avoiding extreme heat can prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration.
  AC averts an average of 190,000 heat-related deaths per year, according to International Energy Agency estimates. Heatstroke, which can have life-altering consequences, is almost entirely mitigated by AC’s heat-reducing effects.
• Allergy control. Some modern air conditioning systems come with filters that can remove allergens, dust, and airborne particles, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.
• Humidity control. Air conditioning can help reduce indoor humidity levels, inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew and helping people with respiratory conditions breathe easier.
• Improved sleep. A cooler indoor environment can contribute to better sleep quality, as excessively warm temperatures can disrupt sleep patterns.

The key is to get air conditioning’s benefits without encountering any of the potential consequences. That means using AC responsibly and keeping the space it’s cooling and the system itself clean. That way you can stay cool without worrying about mold and bacteria.