Ind Health. 2006 Apr;44(2):302-3.

Air conditioning systems as non-infectious health hazards inducing acute respiratory symptoms.

Gerber A, Fischer A, Willig KH, Groneberg DA.

Charite School of Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Division of Allergy Research, Free University and Humboldt University, Augustenburger Platz 1 OR-1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.

Chronic and acute exposure to toxic aerosols belongs to frequent causes of airway diseases. However, asthma attacks due to long-distance inhalative exposure to organic solvents, transmitted via an air condition system, have not been reported so far. The present case illustrates the possibility of air conditioning systems as non-infectious health hazards in occupational medicine. So far, only infectious diseases such as legionella pneumophila pneumonia have commonly been associated to air-conditioning exposures but physicians should be alert to the potential of transmission of toxic volatile substances via air conditioning systems. In view of the events of the 11th of September 2001 with a growing danger of large building terrorism which may even use air conditioning systems to transmit toxins, facility management security staff should be alerted to possible non-infectious toxic health hazards arising from air-conditioning systems.

PMID: 16716008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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written by Karin Cargill, May 05, 2008

I am a 54 year old female, caucasian, living and working in Jamaica, tropical climate with very high humidity. I have installed a 13,000 BTU Pioneer AC unit in my bedroom, measuring 12 x 14 inches. I am keeping the temperature at around 26 degrees Celsius. Are there any pre-cautions I need to take and what are the ill-effects on health. I am feeling very good right now in my room at 26 degrees Celsius ! I am also interested in energy efficiency. I am working in the day outside of my home, should I turn off the unit and only turn it on in the evening when I need it ? Any input is greately appreciated.
Karin

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