Studies reveal: Is the air conditioner really harmful to health?
In the Israeli summer, it is hard to imagine a day without an air conditioner. But improper use can cause dryness in the eyes and respiratory tract, worsen allergies and asthma, and even affect the quality of the air we breathe. The good news is that a few simple habits can make all the difference.
In almost every home, office, and vehicle, the air conditioner runs for long hours during the summer months. For many, it has long ceased to be a luxury and has become a real necessity. Alongside the sense of comfort, it is important to remember that the way we use the air conditioner also affects health, and as scientific literature testifies, not always for the better.
A broad review of studies published in 2024 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, one of the most important in the world in the field of allergy and respiratory diseases, found that in most cases the problem is not the air conditioner itself, but the air quality in closed spaces, poor maintenance of air conditioning systems, and a lack of sufficient ventilation. The researchers note that cleaning filters regularly, ventilating the space, and maintaining air quality can reduce respiratory symptoms, especially among people suffering from allergies and asthma.
Does the air conditioner cause a cold?
One of the common myths is that an air conditioner causes a cold. In practice, a cold is caused by viruses and not by cold air. However, prolonged stay in a cold and dry space can dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which are the body's first line of defense against pathogens. When the mucous membranes dry out, they may be less effective in eliminating viruses and bacteria.
Dryness in the eyes, throat, and skin
Conditioned air reduces humidity in the environment. For many, this manifests as dryness in the eyes, a burning sensation, dryness in the throat, chapped lips, and sometimes also an exacerbation of dry skin. Those who wear contact lenses or suffer from dry eyes may feel this more significantly.
Dirty filters can become a health nuisance
When air conditioner filters are not cleaned for a long time, they can accumulate dust, pollen, mold, and other pollutants. For people suffering from allergies, asthma, or respiratory diseases, this can worsen symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, eye irritation, and shortness of breath. However, air conditioners — especially those equipped with a HEPA (hypoallergenic) filter or a high-efficiency filter, and properly maintained — reduce certain allergens (such as dust mites) in the air.
Temperature is also important
In the Israeli summer, the temptation to set the air conditioner to 18 degrees is familiar to us all, but the sharp transition between the heavy heat outside and significant cold inside the building can cause discomfort and muscle pain, and be especially burdensome for the elderly and people with chronic diseases. In most cases, a temperature of 24 to 26 degrees provides effective and pleasant cooling, without creating unnecessary load on the body.
Do not forget to ventilate
When the space is closed for long hours, air quality may be compromised. Opening windows for a few minutes from time to time, when possible, helps to bring in fresh air and reduce the concentration of pollutants in the space.
Proper use of an air conditioner starts with maintenance. Cleaning the air conditioner filters once every few weeks during the period of use, performing periodic maintenance, avoiding directing the airflow directly at the face or body, drinking enough, and ventilating the house are simple steps that can improve air quality and reduce unpleasant phenomena. The air conditioner is not an enemy of health. On the contrary, on hot summer days, it helps to reduce the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, especially among infants, children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases. Proper use, regular maintenance, and attention to air quality in the space will allow you to enjoy all its benefits, without paying a health price.
