Why can it plug your health? – My health

In France, episodes of extreme heat are no longer exceptions. However, According to Météo France. why can it plug your Consequently, the heat wave of 2022 was the most intense ever measured in Europe, with 33 days of hot weather and peaks greater than 40 ° C in more than 200 municipalities. However, The summer of 2023 was also marked by an excess mortality of nearly 5. Moreover, 000 additional heat -related deaths, according to Public Health France.

In this context, air conditioning is no longer a simple comfort, it saves lives. Nevertheless, The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us. Similarly, an inner temperature beyond 26 ° C significantly increases the risk of dehydration, heart failure and stroke, especially in the elderly or chronic patients.

So. Therefore, in France, a quarter of households is now equipped with an air conditioning system according to ADEME (Environment and Energy Management Agency). For example, And sales increased by 8 to 10 % per year in urban areas, according to figures from the energy-environment why can it plug your federation.

The benefits of air conditioning during a heat wave – Why can it plug your

Air conditioning. when used well, provides undeniable benefits:

• Reduction of mortality: international studies show that air conditioning reduces mortality linked to heat waves from 30 to 40 % in equipped countries (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020 newspaper).
• Improvement of sleep: cooler air facilitates falling asleep, reduces insomnia and improves physical recovery.
• Concentration. productivity: from 30 ° C, cognitive performance drops from 15 to 20 % in adults, according to a study by Harvard University published in 2018.
• Protection of the most fragile: for seniors, children and people with chronic diseases, air conditioning becomes a “public health measure”. In France, EHPAD must have refreshed parts since the deadly heat wave of 2003 (15,000 additional deaths).

When the air conditioning disturbs our organization – Why can it plug your

Thermal shocks

However, doctors warn why can it plug your against excessive or unsuitable use. Glutally pass from 38 ° C outdoors to 20 ° C indoors our body. This “thermal stress” can cause:

The Ministry of Health recommends limiting the gap between interior. outside to 5 to 7 ° C maximum.

Air drought and irritation

A air conditioning is often drier. Result: irritated nasal mucosa, dry throat, red eyes, dry cough. Asthmatic and allergic people suffer more.

According to the French Pneumology Association. up to 20 % of asthmatics see their symptoms aggravated during prolonged exposure to poorly adjusted air.

Infectious risks

A poorly maintained air conditioner can become a microbes nest. The best known example is legionellosis, a serious pulmonary infection transmitted by bacteria proliferating in stagnant water systems.

In France. 1,500 cases are identified each year, some of which are linked to defective air conditioning systems according to Public Health France.

A collective issue: air conditioner, health and environment

Beyond individual health, air conditioning is raising a collective challenge.

• Energy: an air conditioner consumes on average 2.5 kWh per hour. At the national level. this weighs heavily during periods of heat wave, increasing the risk of tensions on the electrical network (RTE, 2022).
• Climate: air conditioners use refrigerants (HFC), whose warming power is up to 1,000 times higher than CO₂. The European Union has also voted their gradual ban by 2035.
• Social inequalities: only 25 % of French households are equipped, often the easiest. Precarious populations, more exposed to heat (poorly insulated housing, no access to air -conditioned public spaces), are the most vulnerable.

Air conditioning: user manual to use it

To take advantage of its advantages without risking your health. some simple rules:

1. Do not go down why can it plug your within 25 ° C inside.
2. Limit the gap with the outside to 5–7 ° C.
3. Maintain filters and conduits regularly (at least 1 time a year).
4. Avoid direct cold air flows on the face or body.
5. Hydrate the air or use a humidifier if necessary.
6. Favor natural ventilations in the morning and evening to reduce dependence on air conditioning.

During a heat wave, air conditioning remains a precious, sometimes vital ally. But, you will understand, it is neither without health risks nor neutral for the environment.

NAMELY

According to Public Health France. the heat wave at the beginning of summer 2025 has already caused 480 additional deaths in more than 60 departments.