Air conditioning safety: Risks of carbon dioxide poisoning

Due to prolonged use of air conditioning during extreme heat, experts and retailers are warning of risks associated with indoor air quality. Most modern air conditioning units utilize an internal circulation design, which reuses existing indoor air rather than introducing fresh outdoor air. This can lead to rising carbon dioxide levels, potentially causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or even carbon dioxide poisoning and cerebral hypoxia.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to open windows for approximately 10 minutes every three to four hours to facilitate air circulation. For optimal ventilation, opening two windows positioned diagonally can create more effective airflow. While some window-mounted units feature ventilation dampers to introduce fresh air, most split-type systems lack this capability, making regular manual ventilation essential.