Can air con make you ill!?

Pulsedriver · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:52

NOT A MEDICAL THREAD!

In the office we have an air con unit on the wall that my colleague seems obsessed with using on full blast.
Monday night I felt numb and was shivering in bed and I blame the A/C

The problem is I can wear a coat at my desk ( i do!) but it's the air im breathing that im concerned about rather than the coldness itself...

It's on now and im freezing, it was met with a 'its not cold' response!

stevenazari1 · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:55

if you are the majority tell them to stfu and turn it to an acceptable level for both sides. if he says anything get the keyboard out.

lookitsjonno · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:55

bring a portable heater into work, he'll get the idea!

Seft · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:55

to answer your question: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionellosis

More seriously, ask to move desk :/

EDIT: Or tell him to open a window. There is absolutely no need for aircon in January in this country.

Column Matrix · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:57

Air Conditioning.. the number one cause of office arguments

after who hasn't contributed to the biscuit club funds of course

Tefal · 18 Jan 2008 at 14:57

Seft said:
to answer your question: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionellosis

More seriously, ask to move desk :/

You think he has legionnaires disease?

Berserker · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:00

Yes, well, in your case sort of. Dry air doesn't help, and neither do whatever bugs happen to be in the office at the time.

While it's unlikely with a small system, in the case of larger office air con systems, poor maintenance and cleaning can result in a breeding ground for bacteria, including Legionella, which can lead to potentially fatal Legionnaires Disease.

Muffin` · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:00

Tefal said:
You think he has legionnaires disease?

No but it stops people dead in their tracks when they reach for the button. "Murder!" "Legionnaires fan boy!" etc.

GeX · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:01

tell him to stop being a prat, failing that - go and break it.

Seft · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:01

Tefal said:
You think he has legionnaires disease?

No, but the OP asked 'Can air con make you ill!?'

EDIT: Actually I'm offering no medical opinion whatsoever

stevenazari1 · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:02

that link says it is found in temperatures above 25 degrees.... good luck on that one in this country lol

Pottsey · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:05

"that link says it is found in temperatures above 25 degrees.... good luck on that one in this country lol"
Dont you have hot water pipes? Schools and other place's need there hot water checking for Legionnaires often. We often get summers over 25c.

Tefal · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:07

Seft said:
No, but the OP asked 'Can air con make you ill!?'

yes but this sounds like a small unit directly through a wall, not a giant system in a prison, or other large enclosed environment. Also its winter so it would be unlikely for there to be any in the air in the first place.

Pulsedriver · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:09

There is no windows!
I can feel my throat fuzzing up! There isnt any need for air con at any time in this country other than a blazing summer.
it's a small unit on the wall mounted.

chesterstu · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:13

SeanyK said:
There is no windows!
I can feel my throat fuzzing up! There isnt any need for air con at any time in this country other than a blazing summer.
it's a small unit on the wall mounted.

TBH you sound like a girl

yermum · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:14

Personally speaking, aircon gives me a really dry throat and I always feel bunged (up in my nose............before anyone comments) so I hate it. We only have ours on in the shop when it is getting a little warm as the fridges give off so much heat.

SeanyK, does yours have the fins on it that can determine the direction of flow? If it does, you should be able to get them to swing away from your desk and then turn it off so they stay in that position.

Pulsedriver · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:15

lol!
Not sure that constitutes a reply like that but fair enough lol

Can't help it if I get like that with air con, I don't call people girls for saying they have asthma and need fresh air etc etc

Pulsedriver · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:16

yermum said:
Personally speaking, aircon gives me a really dry throat and I always feel bunged (up in my nose............before anyone comments) so I hate it. We only have ours on in the shop when it is getting a little warm as the fridges give off so much heat.

SeanyK, does yours have the fins on it that can determine the direction of flow? If it does, you should be able to get them to swing away from your desk and then turn it off so they stay in that position.

It did, although im pretty sure I was still ill from it when it was pointing the other way!
Although now its on a alternative moving thing!

Fourstar · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:18

Are you cold because of the overall room temperate is low or the aircon blows on you?

MHayes · 18 Jan 2008 at 15:18

From someone who has had legionnaires disease from air conditioning my vote is HELL YES.