7 Shocking Side Effects of Air Conditioner on Your Health

Do you work in an air-conditioned office and feel fortunate that you don’t have to face the scorching heat outdoors?

Do you also feel the need for an air conditioner at home? If yes, it might be time to rethink that choice.

Recent studies suggest that air conditioners—often seen as symbols of comfort and luxury in modern life—may not be as beneficial for our health as we assume.

With rising pollution levels and the impact of global warming, summers have become increasingly intense and difficult to bear. As a result, those who can afford it often install air conditioners in their homes and workplaces without a second thought.

Today, most offices are equipped with centralized air-conditioning systems to ensure employee comfort. However, what many people fail to realize is that air conditioning creates artificial temperature variations, which can have adverse effects on the human immune system.

If you find yourself falling sick frequently without any clear reason, prolonged exposure to an air-conditioned environment could be a contributing factor.

Let’s take a look at some of the health risks associated with excessive use of air conditioning:

# Sinusitis

Experts believe that individuals who spend more than four hours in air-conditioned spaces are more prone to sinus infections, as cold air can cause the mucous glands to harden.

# Constant Fatigue

Extremely low AC temperatures can trigger internal shivering, forcing the body to work harder to maintain warmth, which may lead to persistent fatigue.

# Viral Infections

Spending long hours in closed, air-conditioned environments with poor ventilation increases the risk of viral infections such as the flu and common cold spreading from person to person.

# Dry Eyes

Air conditioning is a major cause of dry eyes, often resulting in irritation, itching, and discomfort.

# Dry Skin

The cold, artificial air from ACs strips moisture from the skin, making it dry, rough, and dehydrated over time.

# Allergies

Unclean AC ducts can accumulate dust, mold, and allergens. Air circulated through these contaminated ducts may trigger allergic reactions.

# Weakened Immune System

Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can weaken immunity, causing people to fall ill more frequently and recover more slowly.