Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the health risks associated with air conditioning, commonly referred to as "air conditioning disease," and provides preventive measures and remedies to maintain comfort and health during hot weather [1]. Group 1: Proper Use of Air Conditioning - Recommended temperature setting for air conditioning is around 26°C to prevent sudden temperature changes that can harm the body [4]. - It is advised to take breaks from air conditioning by stepping outside or into non-air-conditioned spaces to avoid prolonged exposure to cold air and dry conditions [6]. - Regular ventilation is crucial; it is suggested to open windows for 10 minutes every 2 hours to ensure fresh air circulation and reduce the risk of bacteria buildup [10]. Group 2: Health Remedies for Air Conditioning Effects - For symptoms like neck pain and chills, acupressure on specific points such as Fengchi and Fengfu can help alleviate discomfort [13]. - For back pain, treatments like scraping or moxibustion on the back, along with herbal teas like Kudzu root tea, are recommended [14]. - For nasal congestion, acupressure on the Yingxiang point and consuming herbal teas like Perilla and Magnolia flower tea can provide relief [15]. Group 3: Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups - Elderly individuals should maintain air conditioning at no lower than 26°C and avoid direct airflow to the head and back [17]. - Children require protection for their abdomen and back to prevent respiratory issues and digestive problems caused by cold air [18]. - Pregnant women should avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning to prevent abdominal cooling and ensure proper air circulation [19].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the appropriate use of air conditioning during hot summer months, emphasizing the balance between comfort and health risks associated with temperature settings and prolonged exposure to cold air [2][3][4][5][6]. Group 1: Air Conditioning Temperature Recommendations - Recommended indoor air conditioning temperature for public spaces is not lower than 26 degrees Celsius, balancing health, comfort, and energy efficiency [3]. - A reasonable temperature range for home use is between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, with adjustments based on age and activity levels [3]. - For sleep, it is suggested to set the temperature 1 to 2 degrees higher than daytime settings to avoid disrupting deep sleep [3]. Group 2: Health Risks Associated with Air Conditioning - Rapid temperature changes between indoor and outdoor environments can lead to discomfort; maintaining a temperature difference of no more than 10 degrees Celsius is advisable [4]. - High humidity levels (above 60%) can lead to discomfort and health risks, while low humidity (below 40%) can cause dryness and respiratory issues [4]. - The concept of "air conditioning disease" is discussed, highlighting that prolonged exposure to closed environments can lead to a buildup of CO2 and pathogens, causing symptoms like dizziness and fatigue [5]. Group 3: Dietary Considerations in Hot Weather - Consumption of cold foods and drinks can lead to digestive issues, especially in summer when the body is already under heat stress [6]. - Natural foods like watermelon and cucumber are recommended for hydration without burdening the digestive system, while artificial frozen foods should be limited [6]. Group 4: Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations - Infants, pregnant women, and the elderly require specific temperature settings and precautions when using air conditioning to ensure comfort and safety [8][9]. - Chronic illness patients, such as those with asthma or skin conditions, need to be cautious with temperature settings to avoid exacerbating their symptoms [9].

Group 1 - The concept of "air conditioning disease" refers to discomfort symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, dry eyes, and respiratory infections caused by prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments [2] - Recommended air conditioning settings are 25℃—26℃ during the day for comfort, and 27℃—28℃ at night for sleep [4] - In southern regions, it is advised to use cooling mode initially and switch to dehumidification mode after the room temperature drops, while in dry northern areas, dehumidification mode is not recommended to avoid respiratory discomfort [7] Group 2 - Combining air conditioning with fans can enhance air circulation and lower perceived temperature by 2℃—3℃, for example, setting the air conditioning at 28℃ with a fan can feel like 26℃ [9] - It is advised not to frequently turn the air conditioning on and off, as restarting consumes energy equivalent to running it for 20—30 minutes continuously [12] - From a health perspective, it is important to ventilate the room by opening windows for 10—15 minutes after 2—3 hours of air conditioning use, without turning off the air conditioning [13]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of cleaning air conditioning units before use to prevent health issues caused by accumulated dust and microorganisms [2][4][18] Group 1: Health Risks - Long periods of inactivity or poor indoor air quality can lead to significant dust accumulation in air conditioning units, fostering microbial growth that can adversely affect human health [2][4] - Microorganisms from unclean air conditioning systems can spread into indoor air, potentially causing skin allergies, asthma, pneumonia, and other diseases [2][3][4] - There have been numerous reports of severe health incidents related to air conditioning, prompting government attention and regulation [4] Group 2: Cleaning Importance - The hygiene status of air conditioning systems has a substantial impact on health, necessitating regular maintenance and cleaning by users to prevent disease [4][18] - A dirty air conditioning filter can harbor a significant amount of dust and microorganisms, which can be harmful when the unit is turned on [5][7] Group 3: Cleaning Procedures - Recommended cleaning steps include turning off the power, removing the filter, washing it with a specialized cleaning agent, and allowing it to dry naturally [8][10][12] - Experimental results indicate that using disinfectant solutions for cleaning air conditioning filters can significantly reduce bacterial counts, achieving undetectable levels [14] Group 4: Additional Recommendations - It is advised to maintain proper ventilation by opening windows while using air conditioning to improve air exchange and avoid prolonged closure [17] - Vehicle air conditioning systems also require regular maintenance and filter replacement to ensure cleanliness [17][18]