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The narrator
While AC keeps us cool, it can also cause dry skin and irritation. Here are some tips to stay comfortable this summer.
Summer is here and temperatures are rising across the northern hemisphere, where nearly 90 percent of the world’s people live. The heat is forcing people to rely on air conditioners to stay comfortable.
Even air conditioners provide relief from very hotthey also remove moisture from the air, which can cause skin dryness and irritation.
In this commentary, Al Jazeera breaks down how air conditioners work, what they can do for your health and practical tips to protect yourself from the cold.
How does an air conditioner work?
Air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from indoor air and moving it outside.
The process begins when the indoor unit draws in warm air and sends it over the cold evaporator coils. Inside the cages, the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat, turns into air and cools the air. The fan also blows cool air into the room.
The heated gas in the refrigerator goes to the outside room, which releases the heat through the condenser coil which turns it back into water.
The liquid refrigerant goes back into the house to repeat the cycle.
When was AC invented?
The invention of modern air conditioning is often attributed to the American engineer Willis Carrier, who in 1902 developed a humidity control system in a printing factory in New York using cooling coils.
Window units followed in 1931, and after World War II, mass production brought AC into homes and offices.
By the 1990s, growing environmental concerns led to the phase-out of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, in favor of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
In the 2010s, new refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-290 (propane), showed improvements in low-gas cooling.
Where are air conditioners needed the most?
As temperatures rise, many countries around the world are using air conditioning systems. Without effective or accessible cooling, many people are at risk of heatstroke and other illnesses.
According to the World Health Organization, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related deaths and can increase the risk of developing diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, mental illness and asthma, as well as increasing the risk and transmission of several infectious diseases.
Areas with high temperatures usually have high temperatures, high humidity and high levels of sunlight.
Heatstroke is a serious form of heat stress – a serious medical condition that occurs when the body’s internal temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) – and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
The pictures and list below summarize 10 tips to help reduce the risk of heat stroke:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Wear cotton and loose clothing.
- Do not leave anyone in a parked vehicle.
- Stay out of the sun, especially during the day.
- Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day.
- Ventilate and cool your living space.
- Wash with cold water.
- Eat lightly.
- Be careful with the medicine.
How to help someone with heatstroke
If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of heatstroke, such as rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, body temperature, dehydration or nausea, here are some ways to reduce body temperature while waiting for emergency help:
- Get out of the sun.
- Lie down and raise your feet.
- Remove tight clothing.
- Use a fan or air conditioner to reduce body temperature.
- Apply cold compresses.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
What do air conditioners do in the body?
Although air conditioners protect us from overheating, long-term use and improper maintenance can cause negative effects on the body.
Here are some ways air conditioning can affect different parts of the body along with effective treatments:
- Dry skin and eyes: AC removes moisture from the air, leaving the skin tight and smooth and the eyes irritated or itchy. Avoid this by using a regular moisturizer and keeping eye cream on hand.
- Head: Prolonged exposure to cold, dry air can cause headaches, which are often exacerbated by dehydration. Drink water regularly throughout the day and rest in cool air if possible.
- Dry nose and throat: Low humidity in the AC environment dries up the mucous membrane, causing pain, swelling or scratching in the throat. Saline nasal sprays or throat lozenges can provide immediate relief, and moisture helps over time.
- Difficulty breathing: Poorly maintained AC units circulate dust, mold spores and bacteria, increasing air quality and worsening asthma. Clean or replace the filters regularly, and make sure the unit is serviced once a year.
- Muscle stiffness and joint pain: Cold air causes the muscles to contract and tighten, especially in the neck, shoulders and back. Gentle stretching, keeping warm with a light layer and avoiding sitting under an air vent will reduce the discomfort.
- Sleep: A cool room promotes deep sleep by lowering the body’s core temperature, but too cold or too dry air can cause disruption. For most people, setting the thermostat between 16C and 18C (60-65F) and using a light blanket will do the trick.
How to make your own air conditioner
If you don’t have an air conditioner or are trying to save money on energy bills, here are some steps you can take to make your own air conditioner out of a styrofoam cooler, ice and a fan.
While this won’t really help with humidity, it can provide temporary relief on hot summer days.
