What if we're in air conditioning all day?

However, many people fear air conditioning, partly justified and partially unreasonable. The question arises whether air conditioning is healthy or not, and what fears are justified and which are not? Index.hrPeriscope broadcast.

Not enough scientific research has yet been done on this subject, but there are some that offer certain answers and instructions.

In short, it can be said that the air conditioning has largely positive effects on health, but it can also have negative effects, and that adequate use of air conditioning can maximize positive effects and reduce negative effects.

First of all, it should be noted that extreme heat, after extreme cold, is the second biggest cause of deaths from weather disasters, greater than floods.

According to a study published in The Lancet magazine, between 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 deaths per year can be attributed to heat, with 45% occurring in Asia and 36% in Europe. In other words, air conditioning saves lives literally.

One of the most comprehensive studies on the effect of air conditioning in health was published in BMC Public Health magazine. In it, the focus was on affecting air regulation and temperature through heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to patients in hospitals.

Overall, HVAC systems have shown that they are beneficial for recovery of patients, especially in terms of improved vital signs, reduced heart stress, accelerated recovery and increased physical activity. Moreover, HVAC's use has reduced patients' mortality and reduced hospital stays for respiratory patients.

A study on the effects of air conditioning on healthy students was conducted by the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. He indicated that high temperatures in air - conditioned rooms during a heat wave negatively affected the cognitive function of young and healthy individuals.

The study followed 44 students from Massachusetts, some of whom lived in air - conditioned buildings and others without it, before, during and after a heat wave.

The findings showed that during the heat wave, students in air - conditioned buildings performed worse on tests than students in air - conditioned dormitories and experienced declines in five measures of cognitive function, including response time and work memory.

During the heat wave, students in air - conditioned buildings had 13.4% longer response time in word and color tests and 13.3% worse results in collection tests and discounts compared to students living in air conditioning spaces.

Combined, this data shows that students in air - conditioned rooms were not only faster in answering questions but more accurate. It was found that thermal conditions in rooms caused by heat waves in air - conditioned buildings resulted in significant deficits in the cognitive function.

The authors of the study believe that this decline in cognitive function can be attributed to increasing stress by heat and increased effects of other environmental factors.

The air conditioner maintains body temperature, which is essential in the wet and hot areas of the world, where heat shock is a major summer problem. Air - conditioning units help to cool the body and make sleep easier. Of course, it is always more comfortable to sleep in a colder room than in a hot one.

Air conditioners can also reduce the frequency of allergic reactions because their filters can remove allergen if well maintained.

Unexpected temperature changes can also cause problems. Moving from a hot external environment to a cold air - conditioned space can cause stress in the body, which can result in symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle pain.

An immediate change from air - conditioned environments to hot ones may also be a problem. This can cause correspondence, especially in people with asthma or chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases (SPOK). Cold air from air - conditioned spaces can irritate respiratory routes, and then immediate exposure to hot air can irritate them further, which can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.

The rapid temperature changes can be stressful for the cardiovascular system. People with existing heart problems may experience worsening symptoms, such as chest pain and panting. High temperatures increase the work of the heart and strain of blood vessels, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension or heart disease.

Proper maintenance and use of air conditioning can increase their positive effects and reduce their potential negative effects on health. Therefore, it is a good idea to repeat certain generally recognised rules.

Regular maintenance of the air conditioner is essential to health. This includes cleaning or replacing the filter every few months and professional service at least once a year. This reduces the risk of bacteria and mold collection.

It is recommended that the air conditioner's temperature be several degrees lower than the outside temperature, possibly between 22 °C and 26 °C. Too much temperature differences can be stressful for the body.