Latest news with #respiratoryissues
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Signs your air conditioner is making you sick
Harmful mould growth in air conditioning units, especially with increased AC use during hotter months, poses health risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 1.7 million Midea window air conditioners due to potential mould growth, which can cause respiratory issues or infections. Common indoor moulds like Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems; black mould can cause eye irritation and worsen asthma. The CDC notes that mould can cause symptoms ranging from cold-like symptoms, a skin rash, or burning eyes to severe reactions like fever and shortness of breath, especially in immune-compromised individuals. Experts recommend regular AC maintenance, proper ventilation, and cleaning to prevent mould growth, and advise wearing protective gear like gloves and masks when removing existing mould.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Your AC can get moldy. Here's how to protect yourself
As the calendar heads toward the Dog Days of the summer, it's getting hotter. But, turning up the AC may come with some unintended repercussions that affect the health of you and your family. Moisture that sits inside air conditioning units for an extended time can result in the growth of harmful mold. Exposure to that mold may lead to respiratory issues or other infections. Recently, 1.7 million Midea window air conditioners were recalled due to this risk. 'Pooled water in the air conditioners can fail to drain quickly enough, which can lead to mold growth. Mold exposure poses risks of respiratory issues or other infections to some consumers,' the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned. But, what should homeowners know and how great is the risk? Here's what the experts say... The mold is around There is always some mold, which grows where there is moisture. Also found around doors, windows, and other spots, the most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Their spores can act as allergens. Most species of Cladosporium aren't harmful to your health, but reactions can potentially cause fungal infections in the lungs. A case of fatal pneumonia caused by Penicllium infection was reported by researchers in in 2013. Aspergillus can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease primarily affecting the lungs. Black mold is also common, causing eye irritation, congestion, and worsening asthma symptoms. Breathing in black mold causes an allergic reaction, if you have black mold allergies. You can't get rid of these allergies, but you can treat your symptoms with drugs such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, according to t he Cleveland Clinic. 'Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems,' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes. 'Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors.' The health effects vary 'It seems likely that some dampness-related microbiologic exposures will turn out to be the cause of the health problems, but we just don't know for sure yet,' Dr. Mark Mendell, a former air pollution research specialist at the California Department of Public Health and former staff scientist and epidemiologist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, told The New York Times. Exposure to such mold can lead to a variety of health effects – or none. People who are immune-compromised or are allergic may have worse reactions. For some, mold can result in a cold symptoms, a skin rash, or burning eyes. Recent research has suggested there's a potential link of mold exposure to asthma development in children, according to federal health authorities. 'Severe reactions, such as fever or shortness of breath, may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay,' the CDC warns. The climate plays a role Warming global temperatures mean an atmosphere that can hold more moisture. As cities become increasingly hot and humid – cities that are nearly 10 degrees warmer than suburban areas on their borders – the risk of mold development also rises. 'Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,' Norman van Rijn, a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester, told CNN in May. So, what do I do? Not having air conditioning can be more dangerous. Clean your filter to help prevent growth. Assure that your unit is properly ventilated and regularly maintained. Cleaning your space is also a good idea.
CBS News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Air quality alerts issued for Southeast Michigan because of Canadian wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is leading to very unhealthy air quality for much of Michigan, including all of Southeast Michigan. As of noon Thursday, Detroit has the fifth-worst air quality in the world. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit An air quality alert is in effect for all of Southeast Michigan until noon on Friday. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit At one point, there were 150,000 acres on fire in parts of Canada. Nearly 100 of the fires have led to dangerous smoke. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit Anyone with respiratory issues, including the elderly and the very young, could have difficulty breathing. With the air quality level of concern bordering between unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for all, the smoke in the air is equivalent to smoking approximately three cigarettes in a 24-hour period. NEXT Weather/CBS Detroit Most of the rain from Wednesday night and early Thursday is coming to an end. Now, more smoke is moving in from Canada. Smoke was also trapped in our atmosphere from thick cloud cover overnight.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Warmest Temperatures of the Year Expected Across Maryland This Week
Marylanders can expect a taste of summer this week as the region warms up to the highest temperatures of the year so far, with hazy skies and the return of 90-degree heat on the horizon. After a string of cooler nights, conditions will turn noticeably milder Monday night. Skies will remain clear and temperatures are expected to settle in the lower to middle 50s across most of the state. On Tuesday, skies will take on a hazy appearance, not from clouds, but due to a plume of Canadian wildfire smoke drifting into the region. While the smoke will remain elevated, it will reduce air quality slightly. The Maryland Department of the Environment has placed the region in the "moderate" category for air quality, meaning those with respiratory issues should take precautions. Afternoon highs will climb into the low to mid 80s under filtered sunshine. The real heat arrives midweek. Wednesday through Friday could bring the first 90-degree readings of the year to many areas, with highs each afternoon reaching the upper 80s to near 90 degrees. Overnight lows will offer some relief, holding in the upper 50s to 60s. A cold front will approach from the west by late Friday, bringing with it a slight chance for thunderstorms across western Maryland. However, much of central Maryland, including the Baltimore metro area, is expected to remain dry through Friday night. Storm chances increase by Saturday as the front pushes farther east. Scattered thunderstorms—some of which could be strong—may develop during the afternoon and evening hours. Highs will still reach the mid 80s before the cooler air behind the front settles in. Temperatures will dip slightly to start next week, but the cooldown will be brief. Forecasts suggest a return to the 80s for highs by the middle of next week, continuing a warm and unsettled early June pattern. Residents should monitor daily forecasts, especially those with outdoor plans later in the week, as storm chances evolve heading into the weekend.
