Concerns have been voiced by pulmonologists over the cleanliness of air conditioners used in homes, workplaces, and cars, pointing out that if they are unclean, they can put people at risk for major respiratory conditions such allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary illnesses.
They said that dust and mold, among other contaminants, can grow in dirty air conditioners and cause or worsen respiratory issues.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is a type of acute respiratory illness that is often brought on by bacteria or viruses.
The global health organisation noted that pneumonia could cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages, and is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.
WHO adds that pneumonia killed over 808, 000 children under the age of five in 2017, adding that the figure accounted for 15 per cent of all deaths of children under five years.
People at risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with pre-existing health problems.
Experts further mentioned that various irritants in dirty ACs can especially, trigger asthma attacks, or cause allergies.
A pulmonologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olusola Adeyelu, said when the hair in the lungs is matted with dust coming from dirty ACs, it attracts dangerous particles that are harmful to the respiratory system.
The physician added that dirty AC affects the lungs and also obstructs the free flow of air, stressing that this could lead to coughing and sneezing.
