Chronic cough, headaches for no reason? Is your AC making you sick?
Written by Dr Pankaj Chhabra
Of late I am seeing many patients with chronic cough, breathless bouts and asthma even when they do not have a history of any respiratory condition. Eliminating all risk factors, I zeroed in on one trigger that they didn't know was affecting their lungs — their air-conditioner. Yes, your AC can become a sneaky health hazard in hot and humid conditions, as mould grows inside it.
What is AC mould?
Mould is a fungus that thrives in a dark, humid and wet environment, all of which exist in AC units. Condensation within an AC unit, especially if the AC is not cleaned frequently, is where mould may form on filters, coils or ducts. The mould then deteriorates and releases spores into the air, which you eventually breathe whenever the AC is operational.
How mould impacts respiratory health
In patients suffering from asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchitis or even immune-compromised conditions, inhaling mould initiates attacks, increases their frequency and even leads to hospitalisation. Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or breathlessness, sore throat, tightness of the chest, sinus congestion, irritation to the eyes or skin.
At high exposure levels, when people come into contact with poisonous moulds like black mould, they could become vulnerable to fatigue, headaches, nausea, or even neurological damage. Long-term exposure also increases the risk of getting a respiratory infection or hypersensitivity pneumuonitis, an illness where lung inflammation results from an allergic reaction to mould particles floating in the air.
Studies have been few but one of them found that when office air-conditioning systems were irradiated with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and fungi, fewer employees reported respiratory allergies.
What about prevention?
First and foremost, have your AC serviced professionally every six months or once a year. Trained professionals are capable of detecting hidden mould growth and give the system a proper clean-through, making sure it runs safely and efficiently.
AC filters need to be replaced or cleaned every three months at least, especially when usage is high. A clogged filter accumulates dust and becomes an ideal breeding ground for mould.
Inspecting for water leaks or pooling around the unit is critical. Excess water encourages mould growth. In wetter climates, using a dehumidifier alongside your AC will help prevent the moisture content from increasing. Good ventilation and airflow allow for the reduction of dampness as well as the risk of mould growth. An additional safeguard is to have an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter capable of catching airborne mould spores in order to provide improved indoor air quality.
If you have recurring sneezing, coughing, or breathing problems whenever the AC is running, it may be a signal to inspect your unit carefully.
(The author is clinical director, Pulmonology Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad)
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