When that cool, modern office becomes a menace to your health
Dec 13, 2010
DAVID Tibatemwa, an optic specialist at Makerere University Hospital, says some air conditioners use a gas known as ozone to operate. The gas is very irritating and can offset allergies. He, however, adds that air conditioners that use ozone gas are being phased out.<br>
Many times, an office is not considered modern unless it is air- conditioned. Vicky Wandawa reveals how the comfort associated with air conditioning can be a health hazard
How does air conditioning offset allergy?
DAVID Tibatemwa, an optic specialist at Makerere University Hospital, says some air conditioners use a gas known as ozone to operate. The gas is very irritating and can offset allergies. He, however, adds that air conditioners that use ozone gas are being phased out.
Tibatemwa says the eyes, like any other body part, function well under optimum temperature and therefore, when under extreme temperatures, adverse conditions, including various forms of allergy, are likely to occur. He notes that there are people whose eyes are affected by air conditioning.
In settings with low temperatures, air conditioner lowers the atmospheric humidity, irritating the eyes. This is because humidity must be optimal for the eyes to function well. Allergy may be characterised by itchiness around the eyes, tearing, redness and swelling.
Air conditioning may also offset respiratory allergies. Misaki Wayengera, a lecturer at the College of Sciences Makerere, says because it is moist within, the air conditioner offers ground for growth of allergens such as fungi.
“This can be evidenced when the air conditioner is switched off. It may leak, implying that it is moist within, hence fertile ground for growth of fungi. The fungi are then redistributed throughout the atmosphere, offsetting allergies when inhaled.â€
Misaki says the air conditioner contains air filters, which if clogged with dust, cannot function efficiently. As the dust accumulates, so does the process of redistributing it throughout the atmosphere, sparking off respiratory allergies.
Joshua Tinkasimire, a skin specialist, says the skin could also be affected as a result of low temperature, especially areas with air conditioning.
“Air conditioning keeps the air dry, relieving the skin of its moisture. This leaves the skin dry and chapped.â€
How to manage air conditioner allergy
Use water or a humidifier to increase the humidity around you. You can feel a container with water and rest it on close to or your workstation. This way, you are limiting irritation to your eyes and skin, as the air conditioning reduces the humidity around.
Drink water regularly throughout the day
In case you are near the air conditioner, request to have your workstation shifted or the extreme temperatures adjusted.
In case the air conditioner seems to be circulating air with a strange odour, seek technical assistance. It may be time to replace the air filters.
Tibatemwa advises that air cleaners should be used hand in hand with the air conditioning, to clear the air of possible allergies such as dust.
Henry Bukenya, a general physician at Mulago Hospital, says individuals with respiratory complications such as asthma, pneumonia and allergies such as sinuses should steer clear of air conditioning or they risk discomfort.
“For example, there are individuals with status athmaticus, the type of asthma whose signs and symptoms are sparked off by environmental factors, such as dust and cold, for example, air conditioning. Such people should stay away from air conditioners.â€
l As regards babies, Bukenya warns that it is unacceptable for them to be in environments with air conditioning because babies’ respiratory systems are weak. “Such environments are very likely to predispose them to developing respiratory complexities in the future,†Bukenya warns.
The measure of a comfortable office, to a number of people, is the presence of an air conditioner spewing fresh chilly air. Commonly known as AC, Wikipedia defines an air conditioner as a system designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area, using a simple refrigeration cycle.
Particularly during the high temperature seasons of the year, the air conditioning system comes in handy to create a refreshing chilly atmosphere. In many offices, air conditioning is the order of the day regardless of the temperature.
But did you know that air conditioning could be the underlying cause of your health complications and allergies, such as eye irritation, respiratory congestion and headache, among others?
Well, Misaki Wayengera, a lecturer at the College of Sciences, Makerere, notes that dust, cold air and other particles such as fungi triger allergies in environments with air conditioning systems.
He says when allergens (factors that cause allergies) attach to the receptors of the body’s specialised cells, it causes them to burst and release histamine. “Histamine is the root of all the signs and symptoms associated with allergies such as redness, itching, pain, coughing and sneezing, among others.â€
It is actually a well intended attempt by the body to kick out allergens, but in the process of doing so, it ends up offsetting such symptoms and signs.
Misaki says allergies to air conditioners are common among patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, sinuses and asthma.
What you need to know if you must use AC
How to cope
Joshua Tinkasimire, a skin specialist, advises those whose skins are affected by air conditioning to moisturise more than they usually do. “Contrary to moisturising one’s skin only in the morning before work, one is better off carrying lotion or body jelly to work and apply it at intervals throughout the day. This helps prevent the cold air from drying your skin.â€
As regards other allergies that affect the eyes and respiratory system, doctors recommend anti-histamines, which are particularly meant for relief from allergic reactions.
“These may be in the form of inhalants, creams or tablets,†David Tibatemwa, an optic specialist at Makerere University Hospital, says.
Steroids can also be helpful, but Wayengera warns that they should not be prescribed over the counter, but by a qualified physician. He adds that nonetheless, most allergies are inherited. With time, however, the level of sensitivity dwindles.
Henry Bukenya, a general physician at Mulago Hospital, says the right temperature of an air conditioner is room temperature — about 25 degrees celsius.
“Tune it to a temperature at which you feel comfortable — one that is not too cold.†He adds that air conditioning should be switched off during cold weather, for instance when it is raining.
How does air conditioning offset allergy?
DAVID Tibatemwa, an optic specialist at Makerere University Hospital, says some air conditioners use a gas known as ozone to operate. The gas is very irritating and can offset allergies. He, however, adds that air conditioners that use ozone gas are being phased out.
Tibatemwa says the eyes, like any other body part, function well under optimum temperature and therefore, when under extreme temperatures, adverse conditions, including various forms of allergy, are likely to occur. He notes that there are people whose eyes are affected by air conditioning.
In settings with low temperatures, air conditioner lowers the atmospheric humidity, irritating the eyes. This is because humidity must be optimal for the eyes to function well. Allergy may be characterised by itchiness around the eyes, tearing, redness and swelling.
Air conditioning may also offset respiratory allergies. Misaki Wayengera, a lecturer at the College of Sciences Makerere, says because it is moist within, the air conditioner offers ground for growth of allergens such as fungi.
“This can be evidenced when the air conditioner is switched off. It may leak, implying that it is moist within, hence fertile ground for growth of fungi. The fungi are then redistributed throughout the atmosphere, offsetting allergies when inhaled.â€
Misaki says the air conditioner contains air filters, which if clogged with dust, cannot function efficiently. As the dust accumulates, so does the process of redistributing it throughout the atmosphere, sparking off respiratory allergies.
Joshua Tinkasimire, a skin specialist, says the skin could also be affected as a result of low temperature, especially areas with air conditioning.
“Air conditioning keeps the air dry, relieving the skin of its moisture. This leaves the skin dry and chapped.â€
How to manage air conditioner allergy
Use water or a humidifier to increase the humidity around you. You can feel a container with water and rest it on close to or your workstation. This way, you are limiting irritation to your eyes and skin, as the air conditioning reduces the humidity around.
Drink water regularly throughout the day
In case you are near the air conditioner, request to have your workstation shifted or the extreme temperatures adjusted.
In case the air conditioner seems to be circulating air with a strange odour, seek technical assistance. It may be time to replace the air filters.
Tibatemwa advises that air cleaners should be used hand in hand with the air conditioning, to clear the air of possible allergies such as dust.
Henry Bukenya, a general physician at Mulago Hospital, says individuals with respiratory complications such as asthma, pneumonia and allergies such as sinuses should steer clear of air conditioning or they risk discomfort.
“For example, there are individuals with status athmaticus, the type of asthma whose signs and symptoms are sparked off by environmental factors, such as dust and cold, for example, air conditioning. Such people should stay away from air conditioners.â€
l As regards babies, Bukenya warns that it is unacceptable for them to be in environments with air conditioning because babies’ respiratory systems are weak. “Such environments are very likely to predispose them to developing respiratory complexities in the future,†Bukenya warns.
The measure of a comfortable office, to a number of people, is the presence of an air conditioner spewing fresh chilly air. Commonly known as AC, Wikipedia defines an air conditioner as a system designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area, using a simple refrigeration cycle.
Particularly during the high temperature seasons of the year, the air conditioning system comes in handy to create a refreshing chilly atmosphere. In many offices, air conditioning is the order of the day regardless of the temperature.
But did you know that air conditioning could be the underlying cause of your health complications and allergies, such as eye irritation, respiratory congestion and headache, among others?
Well, Misaki Wayengera, a lecturer at the College of Sciences, Makerere, notes that dust, cold air and other particles such as fungi triger allergies in environments with air conditioning systems.
He says when allergens (factors that cause allergies) attach to the receptors of the body’s specialised cells, it causes them to burst and release histamine. “Histamine is the root of all the signs and symptoms associated with allergies such as redness, itching, pain, coughing and sneezing, among others.â€
It is actually a well intended attempt by the body to kick out allergens, but in the process of doing so, it ends up offsetting such symptoms and signs.
Misaki says allergies to air conditioners are common among patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, sinuses and asthma.
What you need to know if you must use AC
How to cope
Joshua Tinkasimire, a skin specialist, advises those whose skins are affected by air conditioning to moisturise more than they usually do. “Contrary to moisturising one’s skin only in the morning before work, one is better off carrying lotion or body jelly to work and apply it at intervals throughout the day. This helps prevent the cold air from drying your skin.â€
As regards other allergies that affect the eyes and respiratory system, doctors recommend anti-histamines, which are particularly meant for relief from allergic reactions.
“These may be in the form of inhalants, creams or tablets,†David Tibatemwa, an optic specialist at Makerere University Hospital, says.
Steroids can also be helpful, but Wayengera warns that they should not be prescribed over the counter, but by a qualified physician. He adds that nonetheless, most allergies are inherited. With time, however, the level of sensitivity dwindles.
Henry Bukenya, a general physician at Mulago Hospital, says the right temperature of an air conditioner is room temperature — about 25 degrees celsius.
“Tune it to a temperature at which you feel comfortable — one that is not too cold.†He adds that air conditioning should be switched off during cold weather, for instance when it is raining.