Staying under air condition for too long, especially very cold AC, can affect your health. In Accra’s heat, many people keep AC at 16-18°C all day, but health experts say this can cause problems.
Common Effects:
1. Breathing, Nose and Throat:
– Dry nose, dry throat and dry cough
– Sneezing, cold and headache, especially if AC filter is dusty and not cleaned
– Can worsen asthma and sinus for some people
2. Skin and Eyes:
– Dry skin and cracked lips
– Dry, itchy and red eyes
3. Body Pains:
– Stiff neck, joint pain and muscle cramps because cold makes muscles tight
– Headache if temperature is too low for long hours
4. Low Immunity:
– Moving constantly from very cold room to very hot outside stresses the body and makes it easy to catch cold or flu
5. Fatigue and Dehydration:
– AC removes moisture from the air. You lose water without feeling sweaty, so you become dehydrated and tired
How To Stay Safe In AC:
– Keep temperature at 24-26°C, not 16-18°C
– Clean AC filter every 2-4 weeks
– Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty
– Take breaks, go outside for fresh air every 2-3 hours
– Use light blanket or jacket when sleeping in AC
– Put a small bowl of water in the room or use a humidifier if the room feels too dry
If you work in AC all day, try to keep it moderate and stay hydrated. If symptoms persist, visit a health facility for proper advice.
