Air-conditioning systems usually have favorable conditions for the development of harmful biological agents (mainly bacteria and fungi). They are caused by surfaces contaminated with dust particles or increased humidity caused by small-diameter air conditioning ducts, air filters, air coolers, etc.

Most of the microorganisms present in car installations do not pose a threat under normal conditions. However, some of them have pathogenic, allergenic and toxic properties.

The diseases caused by air-conditioning devices are most often associated with Gram-negative bacilli, Legionella pneumophila, which is the etiological agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Liegionellosis presents as severe pneumonia with high fever (above 40°C), chills, malaise, dry cough, diarrhoea, neurological symptoms, liver damage, bradycardia. As many as 80 species of mold fungus may be associated with respiratory allergies. Fungal allergens are the main cause of atopic diseases (chronic dermatitis – eczema).

Rules for using car air-conditioning systems

• Before starting car air conditioning in the summer, ventilate the car (open windows and sunroof).
• The air intake vents should be positioned so that the flow of cool air is not directed directly at the face, neck or feet of the car occupant.
• Car windows should be closed when using air conditioning.
• The temperature difference between the inside of the car and the outside air should not exceed 10°C
• Air conditioning should be used all year round – in the summer to lower the air temperature and in the winter to dry the air inside the car.
• The car air-conditioning system should be regularly serviced (at least once a year). Regularly replace the cabin filter, clean and disinfect air distribution channels to the interior of the cabin, the evaporator, air intakes located outside the vehicle and check the patency of the condensate drainage channel from the system evaporator.
• It is recommended to replace the air filter (pollen filter) in the spring, because in autumn and winter the air with higher humidity favors the growth of microorganisms on the filtering surface. If the car is driven more often in urban or dusty conditions (unpaved road construction), it is recommended to replace the cabin filter – regardless of the mileage – twice a year.

Source: CIOP and PIB materials

Source:https://www.seka.pl/szkodwane-czynniki-w-klitacjach/

1. How does noise affect humans?

A man living in the city is at a particular disadvantage because he is constantly attacked by harmful sounds. The main sources of noise are related to business activities, transport and entertainment and recreation.

In terms of harmfulness, the following three main areas of noise impact on the human body are distinguished:

• weakening or permanent hearing loss,
• damage to the nervous system and psyche (fatigue, drowsiness or irritability, prolonged reaction time, decreased concentration, anxiety, insomnia, aggression, stress and the resulting consequences for the whole body and psyche),
• damage to internal organs (cardiovascular, digestive and musculoskeletal systems, weakening of the immune system, the so-called post-noise syndrome).

Noise is a pollution of the natural environment characterized by a variety of sources and the prevalence of occurrence. There are many definitions of noise, for example:

Noise means sounds that disturb or hinder the performance of work or are undesirable and harmful to health in a given place and time.

Noise is a sound which in certain situations and in certain people may cause psychophysical discomfort.

Noise is any undesirable, unpleasant, irritating or harmful vibrations of the elastic medium, affecting the organ of hearing and other senses and parts of the human body.

Noise is the sounds coming from the environment that are undesirable or harmful to health, making it difficult or impossible to work and rest.

In addition to audible sounds, humans are also negatively affected by sounds inaccessible to the perception of the human ear: infrasounds and vibrations.

Noise, infrasound and vibrations, among other things, accelerating and deepening fatigue, contribute to distraction, suppress the audibility of speech and acoustic warning signals, dull visual acuity and perceptiveness, thus significantly increasing the possibility of accidents, including road accidents. Every day, many people living in noise during the day and unable to rest from it at night are potential perpetrators and victims of accidents at work and in road traffic. Also, drivers themselves often multiply the harmful effects of noise and infrasound on themselves and others by installing music equipment with strong bass in the vehicle and using it loudly.

The negative impact of noise on humans is related not only to its direct impact on the hearing organ, but also includes other health effects. The noise affects on the circulatory system, the digestive system and the nervous system, and may cause premature aging of the body. Epidemiological and clinical studies confirm the existence of a significant relationship between noise levels and the risk of myocardial infarction and hypertension. Recently, there have also been studies on the relationship between type 2 diabetes and exposure to noise – it was found that people exposed to noise above 60 dB had a 22% higher risk of diabetes. Noise exposure has also been shown to be a risk factor for early retirement due to general health,

Source: CIOP, PIB and ITD materials.

Source:https://www.seka.pl/oddzialwanie-halasu-na-clowieka/