As temperatures increased, the use of air conditioning also increased. While air conditioning is used at home, in workplaces, in public transportation and in many other places that come to mind, there are some points that should be taken into consideration in order to avoid health problems in an air-conditioned environment. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Lecturer Member Ahmet Üşen touched upon the discomforts that may occur when the air conditioner is used incorrectly, which is indispensable in hot weather.
Dr. Lecturer Member Üşen stated that while many people prefer to open doors and windows to cool interior spaces, others prefer to relax by using air conditioning and said, “Air conditioning is a preferred cooling method by many people due to its ability to quickly cool interior spaces. However, in case of misuse or irregular maintenance, air conditioners may have negative effects on our health. Frequent use of air conditioning can dry indoor air. “This can cause skin dryness and irritation in the respiratory tract,” he said.
FILTER CLEANING AFFECTS AIR QUALITY
Pointing out that dust and dirt accumulated in the filters of the air conditioner can negatively affect the air quality in indoor spaces, Dr. Lecturer Member Üşen continued as follows:
“In addition, the large temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor environments caused by air conditioning can cause headaches and fatigue. Do not set your air conditioner lower than 20 degrees, especially when the temperature outside is over 30 degrees. Avoid constantly switching from a cooled room to an uncooled room. This puts a strain on your circulatory system. When using air conditioning, be sure to keep a sufficient distance and use it for short periods. Opening doors and windows to cool down and using air conditioners are common methods for relaxing indoors in the summer months. However, it is important to understand the effects of these methods on our health and to use them correctly. We can create a healthy cooling environment in homes and offices with methods such as balanced ventilation, natural shading and increasing indoor air circulation. When choosing the most appropriate method to cool down in the summer months, let’s take care to create a healthier environment indoors by following the recommendations of experts.” (İHA)
