The hottest days have been hitting lately and most of us end up running the commercial and residential air conditioning Gold Coast all day. But what many people don’t realize is that spending too long in an unhealthy AC environment can lead to sick building syndrome. Let DEEPCHILL help you find out and keep your indoor air clean and safe.
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Sick building syndrome explained 101
It’s a general term used when people start feeling unwell after spending long hours inside certain buildings, especially air-conditioned ones. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, runny or blocked nose, coughing or wheezing, skin irritation, trouble concentrating and constant tiredness.
Sick building syndrome mostly shows up in offices, but it can also happen in hospitals, schools or any place where people spend long hours indoors with recycled air. Poor ventilation, stale air and long-term exposure to air conditioning are often part of the problem.
Sick building syndrome is not rare anymore and the numbers are pretty telling.
A 2023 study in India followed 400 healthy adults over two years. Half of them worked 6 to 8 hours a day in air-conditioned offices while the other half didn’t. The result?
The AC group showed more signs of sick building syndrome, especially allergies. Medical tests also found poorer lung function and more sick days compared to people working without air conditioning. Other studies have seen the same pattern in office workers.
Top reasons that cause this syndrome
The most common reasons for sick building syndrome include poor ventilation, dirty or poorly maintained residential air conditioning Gold Coast systems. Also, indoor air pollution and long hours spent in closed spaces make this syndrome heavier.
When fresh air can’t circulate properly, dust, chemicals and microorganisms stay trapped indoors. Add constant air conditioning and dry air to the mix, and your body starts reacting. That’s when headaches, fatigue, breathing issues and irritation slowly show up.
Residential and commercial air conditioning Gold Coast: how it can put your health at risk?
Air conditioning itself isn’t the enemy. The real risk starts when systems are not working or maintained properly.
A malfunctioning AC can release what it’s meant to trap, including allergens, chemical vapours and airborne microorganisms. Leaking cleaning products or refrigerants may also release toxic chemicals, irritating the respiratory system over time.
Poorly maintained systems can become breeding grounds for bacteria such as Legionella, which thrives in water-rich AC systems and can cause serious lung infections in places like offices, hospitals and hotels. Dust and moisture inside units can also support harmful fungi, especially in healthcare settings.
Viruses can spread through air conditioning too, with some case studies linking AC systems to norovirus outbreaks. On top of that, air conditioning lowers humidity, drying out the nose and throat and weakening the body’s natural defenses.
When ACs are clean and well maintained, they help protect indoor air. When they’re not, they quietly increase health risks like sick building syndrome. If you’re unsure about your system, DEEPCHILL is here to deep clean, inspect and keep your residential and commercial air conditioning Gold Coast running safely and efficiently!
