This summer, breath easy indoors

ACs do not purify air. Dr Abhay Kumar writes about what we can do about it

Most of us who suffered from winter allergies look forward to summers, when the watery eyelids, sniffing, sneezing, swelling of the throat seem to dribble away. But if you think that onset of summer is a respite to allergies, you may have to change your mind. Allergens are still on the rampage and attacking your system.

As summer rolls in and the temperature rises, most children and working professionals prefer to spend their time indoors, nestled within the confines of their homes and offices. People install air conditioners and aircoolers to beat the scorching heat, not knowing that it does more harm than good. ACs keep running all day long, recirculating the same air which contain small particles and pollutants such as molds, smoke, house dust and pet dander. Air conditioners do not filter the air nor purify it. It is true that ACs are technological comforts but it can do little to fight the microorganisms present in the air.

What most of us don’t realise is that air conditioners have pre-filters in them which can only trap larger pollutants and are not effective against all micro-organisms. Unlike air conditioners that only have a 3-stage filtration system, an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA) filter can trap small particles and pollutants. This can benefit overall health as these pollutants cause asthma as well as eye, nose and throat irritation that can lead to respiratory infections among vulnerable people. In fact, breathing in an air-conditioned room can be more dangerous since it only re-circulates the same air. Constant exposure to air conditioning dries out the mucus membranes, causing sore throat and sneezing, and makes us more susceptible to colds and upper respiratory tract infections. It is also associated with a condition called Sick Building Syndrome.

It is essential to examine the air we breathe, and identify sources that cause them.

• Humidity in homes permit the growth of molds. These microorganisms act as irritants in both allergic and non-allergic people
• Humid conditions foster the growth of dustmites which are usually found in mattresses, upholstery, pillows and carpets giving rise to dust allergies. It may cause breathing problems and trigger asthmatic symptoms
• A few precautionary measures can go a long way in protecting you and your family from allergies and asthmas
• Firstly, vacuum your home regularly and get it tested by an air quality testing expert to determine the presence of indoor pollutants
• It’s important to understand that humid or unventilated homes can breed mold and mites
• Avoid using air fresheners or scented candles in your home as they can trigger allergy symptoms and aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma
• Wash all bed linens regularly, using hot water
• Keep all unrefrigerated food covered; dispose of food waste in a tightly sealed garbage can
• Consult doctors for nasal dripping, watery & itchy eyes, constant coughing and circled around the eyes and allergic conjunctivitis
• Choose an air purifier with ultra-precision purification process that has double the efficiency of purifiers to eliminate sub-micron respirable particles and infection-carrying microbes in the air
• Regularly change air filters. Preferably switch to HEPA
• Make sure to consider the room size while opting for an air purifier. There are variety of technologically advanced air purifiers available in the market that offer customised solutions. Choose an air purifier with a recommended room size larger than your room dimension
• Keep surroundings clean and clutter free during summer

Good indoor air quality in homes, schools, offices can reduce negative health effects, reduce costs associated with illness and improve quality of life.

The writer is with the Eureka Forbes Institute of Environment