With the start of the full-fledged rainy season, it is time to face high humidity. High humidity not only increases the discomfort index but also requires attention to its adverse effects on health. July is the most humid month of the year, with the average relative humidity in Seoul and Busan reaching 81% in July of last year, the highest of the year. Considering that the most suitable humidity range for physical health is 40-60%, the hot and humid rainy season weather inevitably raises the discomfort index. The reproduction rate of various microorganisms such as bacteria and mold also accelerates, making food poisoning and respiratory diseases more likely.
Food poisoning can be classified according to its cause, including bacterial food poisoning caused by bacteria themselves, as well as food poisoning caused by toxins produced by microorganisms in food or toxins naturally present in animal and plant-based ingredients, and chemical food poisoning caused by chemicals. The type of food poisoning that requires particular caution during the rainy season is bacterial food poisoning, with common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
Relative humidity of 81% in July last year was the highest of the year
Suitable range for physical health is 40% to 60%.
Bacterial food poisoning to watch out for during the summer season
Food and ingredients must be stored at 4°C or below.
Ensure adequate hydration during vomiting and diarrhea
Bacteria and mold grow in air conditioners and dehumidifiers
Ventilate for about 5 minutes after operation for 'help'
Dry the interior using the blower mode after use.
The fastest symptoms to appear are caused by staphylococcal food poisoning. Eating food contaminated with this bacteria's toxins can cause vomiting and diarrhea within 1 to 6 hours. In this case, it is better to first provide sufficient hydration rather than taking antibiotics or antidiarrheal medications. Salmonella bacteria are most commonly transmitted through poultry such as chicken and duck, and eggs can also be a source of infection. Salmonella bacteria are sensitive to heat and are destroyed when heated at 62-65°C for 30 minutes. Cooking eggs can prevent infection, but care must be taken because contamination can spread to other foods during food preparation.
To prevent food poisoning, proper management during food preparation and storage is necessary. It is recommended to keep both raw ingredients and cooked foods below 4°C, and heating should be done at temperatures above 60°C. Thorough personal hygiene is also important. Washing hands is essential after going out or using the restroom. Professor Jung Ji-won said, "During the summer when food poisoning incidents are frequent, the water you drink is also important," and added, "When visiting mountains, valleys, or beaches, groundwater, mineral water, or well water are not chlorinated like tap water, so there is a risk of contamination with various food poisoning bacteria, and it is better not to drink them."
If a musty smell occurs when the air conditioner is turned on, it is likely due to mold. In particular, Aspergillus mold does not significantly affect healthy individuals, but for those with weakened immune systems or asthma, it can worsen chronic respiratory diseases. Symptoms mainly include chills, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up phlegm. Lee Hye-seung, head of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, explained, "Microorganisms tend to thrive on filters and heat exchangers of air conditioners and dehumidifiers, and when they become airborne and enter the human body, they can trigger allergic reactions, asthma, rhinitis, and various other respiratory diseases."
Another common harmful bacteria that proliferate in air conditioners is Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria are often transmitted when the cooling water inside central air conditioning systems in buildings becomes contaminated. Spending long hours in office spaces equipped with such central cooling systems can lead to easy exposure, so regular cleaning of air conditioner filters and other preventive measures are necessary. Infection with Legionella bacteria can cause respiratory symptoms similar to the flu, or symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, high fever, and chills, resembling pneumonia. Healthy individuals may recover without special treatment, but it can be mistaken for other illnesses, and in cases where immunity is weakened, it can be fatal. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain an accurate diagnosis early and receive appropriate antibiotic treatment.
To use air conditioners and dehumidifiers healthily without worrying about bacteria and mold, it is important to clean them regularly both when first using and during use. Filters should be cleaned consistently at least once every two weeks. When cleaning, first remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or a toothbrush, then wipe with a neutral detergent dissolved in lukewarm water, and dry completely in the shade. Since mold spores attached to the filter can spread through the air, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves and keep the windows open while cleaning.
It is also good to remember healthy usage habits for air conditioners. Since mold tends to spread rapidly immediately after turning on the air conditioner, it is recommended to open the windows for ventilation for about 5 minutes after operation. Leaving it on for a long time can dry out the respiratory mucous membranes, reducing resistance to bacteria, so regular ventilation should be done even during operation. After use, drying the interior with the fan mode for about 10 to 20 minutes can minimize mold growth. Director Ryu Hye-seung said, "If symptoms such as heat, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, or joint pain occur after using the air conditioner, do not dismiss them as simple colds and seek proper medical treatment."
<Reporter Kim Tae-hoon anarq@kyunghyang.com>
