Air conditioners- Poor maintenance breeds poor health
Dec 05, 2008
GLADYS has always been envious of her cousin’s job. “While I slave away under the hot sun trying to make a commision from my marketing job, Martha is sitting in an air conditioned office,†she laments.
By Godwin Ayesiga
GLADYS has always been envious of her cousin’s job. “While I slave away under the hot sun trying to make a commision from my marketing job, Martha is sitting in an air conditioned office,†she laments.
Gladys has no idea the fresh air she is breathing is better than the air-conditioned environment Martha works in all day.
Many like Martha spend about 90% of their day inside buildings where bacteria, chemicals and other toxins are trapped and circulate through the poorly-maintained air conditioning systems. The result is a number of health complications.
A well-maintained air conditioning system, on the other hand, will give comfort and protect you from dirt, bacteria and dust by filtering and disinfecting air.
“An air conditioner stabilises air temperature and humidity in a room,†Venkata Roa, the general manager Besmo Uganda, says.
Air conditioners are installed on air-tight buildings with no fresh air exchange with the external environment. This makes them a health threat to the occupants.
Dr. Michael Awubwa, an ear, nose and throat doctor at ABBI Clinic in Wandegeya, says asthma is likely to be triggered off in people who stay in air conditioned environments.
“Air conditioning systems are a threat to people who are sensitive to low temperatures. If one’s nose is sensitive to low temperatures, the air conditioner will cause sneezing,†Awubwa says.
He adds that a poorly maintained air filter in the air conditioner can result into a heavily polluted environment causing an outbreak of bacterial bronchitis (inflammation of the tube that connects the trachea to the lungs).
Dr. Joseph Kawuma, the medical adviser, Germany Leprosy and TB Relief Association, says there is no way of telling who has TB and there is a lot of undiagnosed TB in the public.
Since TB is an air-borne disease, a poorly maintained air conditioner in a crowded workplace puts the occupants at a high risk of catching it if one has it.
Kawuma says an open environment controls the spread of TB germs, colds and cough.
Dr. Don Colbert, in his book, Toxic Relief, writes: “Moulds grow wherever dampness is found, which makes air conditioning units incubators for it.â€
He adds that dampness not only breeds moulds but also dust mites which are the most common airborne allergy. Spraying dust mites increases pollution.
To minimise health risks, understand how the system operates. For instance, find out if the AC system gives off fresh air or modified air.
New employees should have a medical check-up before assuming office. Those who are sensitive to low temperature, wear something warm. People who work in air-tight offices should have regular medical check ups.
Opt for an air conditioning system that is unidirectional – that is, it takes in fresh air and expels contaminated air. Service your car AC system regularly because it exposes you to the same risks.
GLADYS has always been envious of her cousin’s job. “While I slave away under the hot sun trying to make a commision from my marketing job, Martha is sitting in an air conditioned office,†she laments.
Gladys has no idea the fresh air she is breathing is better than the air-conditioned environment Martha works in all day.
Many like Martha spend about 90% of their day inside buildings where bacteria, chemicals and other toxins are trapped and circulate through the poorly-maintained air conditioning systems. The result is a number of health complications.
A well-maintained air conditioning system, on the other hand, will give comfort and protect you from dirt, bacteria and dust by filtering and disinfecting air.
“An air conditioner stabilises air temperature and humidity in a room,†Venkata Roa, the general manager Besmo Uganda, says.
Air conditioners are installed on air-tight buildings with no fresh air exchange with the external environment. This makes them a health threat to the occupants.
Dr. Michael Awubwa, an ear, nose and throat doctor at ABBI Clinic in Wandegeya, says asthma is likely to be triggered off in people who stay in air conditioned environments.
“Air conditioning systems are a threat to people who are sensitive to low temperatures. If one’s nose is sensitive to low temperatures, the air conditioner will cause sneezing,†Awubwa says.
He adds that a poorly maintained air filter in the air conditioner can result into a heavily polluted environment causing an outbreak of bacterial bronchitis (inflammation of the tube that connects the trachea to the lungs).
Dr. Joseph Kawuma, the medical adviser, Germany Leprosy and TB Relief Association, says there is no way of telling who has TB and there is a lot of undiagnosed TB in the public.
Since TB is an air-borne disease, a poorly maintained air conditioner in a crowded workplace puts the occupants at a high risk of catching it if one has it.
Kawuma says an open environment controls the spread of TB germs, colds and cough.
Dr. Don Colbert, in his book, Toxic Relief, writes: “Moulds grow wherever dampness is found, which makes air conditioning units incubators for it.â€
He adds that dampness not only breeds moulds but also dust mites which are the most common airborne allergy. Spraying dust mites increases pollution.
To minimise health risks, understand how the system operates. For instance, find out if the AC system gives off fresh air or modified air.
New employees should have a medical check-up before assuming office. Those who are sensitive to low temperature, wear something warm. People who work in air-tight offices should have regular medical check ups.
Opt for an air conditioning system that is unidirectional – that is, it takes in fresh air and expels contaminated air. Service your car AC system regularly because it exposes you to the same risks.