Dirty ACs Predispose People to Asthma, Allergies – Pulmonologists
Pulmonologists have raised concerns over the state of air conditioners used in offices, homes and vehicles, noting that they can predispose individuals to serious respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases if they are dirty.
They said dirty air conditioners can harbour a variety of pollutants, including mould, and dust, which can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems.
According to them, dirty air conditioners can increase the risk of pneumonia and other serious respiratory diseases.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) described pneumonia as a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria.
The global health organisation noted that pneumonia could cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages, and is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.
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According to the WHO, pneumonia killed over 808, 000 children under the age of five in 2017, adding that the figure accounted for 15 per cent of all deaths of children under five years.
People at risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with pre-existing health problems.
Experts further mentioned that various irritants in dirty ACs can especially, trigger asthma attacks, or cause allergies.
A pulmonologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Olusola Adeyelu, said when the hair in the lungs is matted with dust coming from dirty ACs, it attracts dangerous particles that are harmful to the respiratory system.
The physician added that dirty AC affects the lungs and also obstructs the free flow of air, stressing that this could lead to coughing and sneezing.
While describing asthma as an obstructive respiratory disease, the expert said inhaling dust from dirty AC could lead to people developing allergies and suffering from other respiratory problems.
