Air conditioning may contribute to dry eye, dehydration and allergies warns fresh water advocate Sharon Kleyne
Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) June 02, 2015 -- With the approaching summer shaping up as long, hot and dry in most parts of the United States, people will spend an increasing amount of time in air conditioned rooms. Despite the obvious benefits of air conditioning, a recent CBS News article* warned of possible aside effects, including dry eye, dehydration and allergic reactions. Fresh water advocate Sharon Kleyne, host of the Sharon Kleyne Hour™ Power of Water® radio show, will discuss the potential side effects of air conditioning on an upcoming show, and suggest strategies to avoid them.
*Kraft, A, “The pros and cons of air conditioners,” CBS News, May 26, 2015. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-pros-and-cons-of-air-conditioners/
Kleyne will talk about air conditioner caused dry eye on her June 8, 2015.broadcast. For the live show or a podcast, go to http://www.SharonKleyneHour.com.
The syndicated Sharon Kleyne Hour™ Power of Water® radio show, hosted by Kleyne, is heard weekly on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes. The education oriented show is sponsored by Bio-Logic Aqua® Research, founded by Kleyne and specializing in fresh water, atmosphere, dehydration and vision. Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® is the Research Center’s signature product for dry eye and eye allergies.
The primary benefit of air conditioning, according to Kleyne, is that it prevents excessive perspiration, which can lead to rapid dehydration and eventual heat stroke. In hot climates, this is a huge benefit. Large desert cities such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and Dubai could not exist without air conditioning.
The drawback to air conditioning, says Kleyne, is based on the principle that cooler the air, the less humidity it is capable of holding. Thus, the maximum amount of atmospheric water vapor that 100 degree air can hold is far greater than the maximum water vapor holding capacity of air at 40 degrees.
For this reason, Kleyne explains, as air conditioners cool the air, the water content falls out. That’s why air conditioners frequently ice up and why large puddles tend to form under them. According to the CBS News article, the accumulated dampness is a breeding ground for molds and other potential allergens, many of which will affect the eyes first. That’s because the eyes are protected only by a thin layer of tears that are 99 percent water. Eyes are extremely sensitive to humidity changes.
Dry air – especially forced dry air - can dehydrating the eyes with or without mold, says Kleyne. Both low humidity air and forced air can increase the rate at which water evaporates out of the eyes into the atmosphere. As the ocular tear film loses moisture to evaporation, the body senses an injury and sends inflammatory hormones to the eyes. This causes further dryness and increases susceptibility of the eyes to allergens and airborne bacteria.
Kleyne’s solution: In rooms with forced air cooling (or heating), be aware of the relative humidity. Between 40 and 70 percent is ideal. While some air conditioners contain humidifiers, others do not. The addition of a baffle that defects the air conditioner’s cold breeze will lessen the dry eye potential. Plants and room humidifiers also help, as does keeping the area around air conditioners, vents and filters clean.
Drinking eight glasses of water a day is extremely important in hot weather, Kleyne concludes. Eight glasses (in addition to all other fluid intake) not only protects against outdoor heat and perspiration, it also protects the eyes from low indoor humidity caused by air conditioners.
©2015 Bio-Logic Aqua® Research. All rights reserved.
Mikaylah Roggasch, Bio-Logic Aqua® Research-Rogue Media, http://www.biologicaqua.com, +1 (800) 367-6478, [email protected]
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