Legionnaires'disease

Health implications

A poorly maintained air-conditioning system can occasionally promote the growth and spread of microorganisms, such as Legionella pneumophila, the infectious agent responsible for Legionnaires' disease , or thermophilic actinomycetes. Conversely, air conditioning, including filtration, humidification, cooling, disinfection, etc., can be used to provide a clean, safe, hypoallergenic atmosphere in hospital operating rooms and other environments where an appropriate atmosphere is critical to patient safety and well-being.

Air conditioning can have a positive effect on sufferers of allergies and asthma .

Legionellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. ...

In serious heat waves , air conditioning can save the lives of the elderly. Some local authorities even set up public cooling centers for the benefit of those without air conditioning at home. For other uses, see Heat wave (disambiguation). ... A cooling center is a temporary air-conditioned public space set up by local authorities to deal with the health effects of a heat wave. ...

Poorly operating air conditioning systems can generate sound levels that contribute to hearing loss, if exposures are endured over a long term. These levels are similar to the exposure of living near a busy highway or airport for a considerable length of time. Properly functioning air conditioners are much qui