The havoc of scorching heat and heat waves is not stopping. In such a situation, turning on the AC for cool air while driving has become a compulsion. As soon as you sit in the car, everyone craves the cool air of the AC, but do you know that with the help of this cool air, you are unknowingly harming your lungs?
The habit of turning on the AC in a hurry to get relief from the scorching heat can take a toll on your health. Let us know from the experts why you should not get into the habit of turning on the AC as soon as you sit in the car and what can you do instead.
Dr. Basavaraj S. Kumbhar, Internal Medicine Consultant at Astor Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, told The Indian Express that when you park your car outside in the sun and sit in it after a while, you immediately turn on the air conditioner to avoid the heat. But as a doctor, I would not recommend doing so. The temperature inside your car is higher than the normal temperature of your lungs (and body) and this can cause your lungs to dry out.
The air in the car is dry
He said that the air inside the car was not only dry but also full of dust. If the AC vent is not cleaned regularly, the chances of dust accumulation increase, and when you sit in the car, you may get a strong smell. Prolonged exposure to such polluted air can cause problems like sneezing, allergies, dryness in the nose and throat, and the long run, can also cause serious diseases like asthma and bronchitis.
What to do?
Dr. Basavaraj advised that after sitting in the car, roll down the windows and let the temperature become normal, wait for about 5 minutes. Then turn on the AC. He said that the quality of air inside the car also depends on which brand of car you are using. Premium cars have cleaner vents and dust-repellent technology, however, in regular models, there is a risk of chemical release when the air conditioner is turned on.
(PC: Freepik)
