…the finding in individual studies from many studies over the last 20 years. The symptoms in these studies have included mucous membrane irritation, breathing difficulties, irritated skin, and constitutional/neurological symptoms such as headache and fatigue. This set of non-specific symptoms, often referred to as building-related symptoms or sick building syndrome, has not been linked to specific known diseases.
Furthermore, surfaces in AC systems that remain constantly moist, such as the cooling coils and drip pans, are supportive environments for the growth of undesirable micro-organisms, are directly in the path of all air supplied to occupants to breathe, and are often not well-maintained. Multiple associations were found, including increased wheeze, shortness of breath, and cough in relation to an index of moisture in the ventilation system.
Legionnaires’ Disease
The bacterium Legionella pneumophila is responsible for most cases of Legionnaires’ disease, the severe form of pneumonia — lung inflammation usually caused by infection. Outdoors, legionella bacteria survive in soil and water, but rarely cause infections. Indoors, though, legionella bacteria can multiply in all kinds of water systems — hot tubs, air conditioners and mist sprayers in grocery store produce departments.
Although it’s possible to contract Legionnaires’ disease from home plumbing systems, most outbreaks have occurred in large buildings. Most people become infected when they inhale microscopic water droplets containing legionella bacteria. This might be the spray from a shower, faucet or whirlpool, or water dispersed through the ventilation system in a large building.
SO what does this mean?
1. Be sure to get your air conditioner checked in between seasons
2. Check controls as well as venting regularly
Diseases You Can Get From Your Air Conditioner was originally published on blackdoctor.org
