Is your air conditioner germ free?

May 31, 2006

Shalini Pant

CNN-IBN

Posted Tuesday , May 30, 2006 at 08:57

video

Updated Tuesday , May 30, 2006 at 11:37

New Delhi: Everyday we travel in air-conditioned cars to air

conditioned offices, shop in air-conditioned malls and live in air-

conditioned homes. The AC has changed our life and made it

comfortably sweat free.

But if runny noses, red eyes and sneezes are making you miserable,

then you might have your AC to blame. The culprits are the mould and

fungi growing in your AC's water tray.

" People with asthma or allergies can have exacerbations when they

are exposed to air from air conditioners, especially if the filters

have not been cleaned well or if there is fungus or mould within the

filters. When this air gets circulated within the room and people

with allergies get exposed to these mould or fungi, then they can

get cough or wheezing, breathlessness or broncho-spasm, and even

attacks of asthma, " says Chest Specialist, Max Healthcare, Dr Nevin

Kishore.

Central air-conditioning in offices increases the chances of

infectious respiratory diseases spreading because the same air is re-

circulated and no fresh air ventilation is provided.

Any foul smell coming from the AC vents could be a sign of fungal

growth, so it's advisable to immediately inform maintenance.

Although there isn't much you can do to avoid inhaling germs at

office or in the malls, there are a few things which you can do to

make sure your AC at home is not harming you.

For starters, don't chill your room as it's not good for your blood

circulation and bones. Let in sunlight and fresh air every morning

in your room.

Clean the AC filters at least once a month to get rid of dust and

contaminants and get your AC serviced at least twice a year.

Taking care of your AC and keeping it germ free will go a long way

in ensuring that you have a comfortable and healthy summer

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