Can Air-Conditioners cause Allergies or Infections?

The air-conditioner does not make you directly sick. The filter you have there and the regular maintenance plays a vital role in the quality of the indoor air.

The dust and dirt are not the major problem. The mix of dust mites, mold, smoke, pollen and even pet dander can reduce the air quality drastically and can trigger allergies.

When the airconditioner filter is clogged the air quality decreases further. The result may be the development of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and bronchitis. It can also cause dry eyes, headaches, nasal congestion, nausea and fatigue.

Change the filter at least once in three months. This should be done not only in the home but also in the office. Do not forget the filters in your car and this must also be changed.

How to improve the indoor air quality?

There are two different kinds of houses viz., houses built in very cold region and houses built in, subtropical or tropical region.

In the first case doors and windows are closed always because of the cold climate. Here we have several possibilities of indoor pollution. These include the formaldehyde from wood and plywood, volatile organic compounds from paints and solvents, lead paint dust, air fresheners and scented products. Controlled fireplace can add a big portion to air pollution.

Pesticide sprays may be fatal in tightly closed house. Use of coal in chimneys produces carbon monoxide and there were accidental deaths. We should not forget that the dry cleaned cloths emit tetrachloroethylene for days after dry cleaning. Pet animals produce a lot of dust. Dust mites increase in number in cushion, mattress and sofa.

Air conditioning filters have often harmful bacteria. The pollen from the garden and atmosphere also contaminate the indoor air quality.

Fungus is also a problem in closed houses.

In the tightly closed houses we must open the windows completely for 10 minutes so that the whole air is exchanged. One window per room is enough and this is important for our health.

In our modern flat, the air is automatically sucked out regularly and the fresh air is supplied which is energy saving as well as healthy.

In tropical areas the air pollution from outside brings dust and poisons inside the house. We must keep not only the house but also outside clean so that there will be fewer diseases.

What are dust or dust particles?

Dust is minute solid particles less than 500 micrometer radius. Atmospheric dust occurs from soil dust by wind, volcanic eruption and pollution.

Coal dust is responsible for lung disease and black lung disease among coal miners. Flour makes the same effect to bakers and ferric oxide to welders. The dust particles could also transport poisonous things as well as allergy producing substances everywhere. The contamination cycle starts from there once again.

The metal powder dust is also very dangerous.

What is the main dust in the home?

The human skin cells are the most produced dust in houses, offices and the places where many people come together. Approximately 7 million skin flakes fall per minute from our body and constitute the major portion of domestic dust. Domestic pets like dogs, cats, birds and other animals produce also much dust. House dust mites feed on skin flakes and they produce digestive enzymes. These enzymes and their faeces become part of the dust in the house.

How to clean the particles in the home?

Wet wiping, sweeping by hand or with a cloth, sponge or broom or by vacuum cleaner are the methods to clean. Always be careful because the dust could become airborne and then it is dangerous.

Do not use the vacuum cleaner when small children are there. The dirt and dust becomes airborne to the height of the small children and it is very dangerous for their health.