With many developing countries becoming increasingly affluent, a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that by 2050 they will be installed 1.6 billion new air conditioners. The concerns in this regard mainly concern the increase in electricity production and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. What is rarely talked about are the unintended consequences of modern cooling and heating. In an effort to maximize energy efficiency, buildings are designed to be completely isolated from the outside world, with only ventilation ducts to exchange air in and out of the buildings. The design of air conditioners creates the perfect environment for the growth of potentially harmful microbes. In sweltering climates, modern cooling and efficient building design have made life much more convenient and comfortable, but they may also have been the cause of some adverse health effects. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The 1973 oil crisis sparked a movement in architectural construction to maximize energy efficiency. Insulating buildings and sealing every crack to prevent air leaks has become normal. Buildings that did not have sufficient ventilation reported an increase in illnesses reported by its occupants. It is believed that volatile organic compounds, coming from ceiling tiles and carpets that would normally have been seeped through windows or adequate ventilation, were making people sick in what would be termed sick building syndrome or sick building syndrome strict. Other factors contributing to this syndrome include poorly designed and placed vents, which may have welcomed and exposed building occupants to harmful substances such as formaldehyde, asbestos and lead paint. Air conditioning units not only cool the air, but act as dehumidifiers. Water droplets collect on the evaporator coils and then drip into the drain pan. The humid, warm environment of the air conditioner makes it ideal for the growth of bacteria and mold. Some of these microbes may return to your home along with the fresh air. Office buildings equipped with air conditioning systems are associated with up to a 200% increase in respiratory disorders compared to buildings with natural ventilation. Legionnaires' disease is most commonly linked to symptoms related to the use of air conditioners. It is caused by inhaling aerosolized water containing Legionella bacteria, and the most common symptoms include dry cough, high fever, headache and shortness of breath. Proper ventilation systems are critical to combating poor indoor air quality issues. It is important to seal air leaks to maintain energy efficiency, but buildings should be designed with natural ventilation through traditional windows. When the temperature is mild, breaking the window instead of relying on central cooling and heating can adequately ventilate the building. HEPA air filters can be used when central cooling, heating and airflow are not optimal for proper ventilation. Avoid using harmful building materials that are high in volatile organic compounds. Some air conditioning units are built with microbe-resistant coils and use filters to prevent microbes from growing. As greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution increase,.