Buckets in AC rooms? More risk, zero reward, says expert

India Today

15 hours ago

In the midst of rising concerns about dry indoor air and its impact on respiratory health, particularly during peak summer months, a growing number of social media posts and home remedies have recommended keeping a bucket of water in an air-conditioned room to 'balance' humidity levels. But is this really effective, or even safe?To separate fact from fiction, we spoke with Dr Vikas Mittal, a seasoned Pulmonologist at Wellness Home Clinic & Sleep Center, Delhi, who strongly dismisses this age-old hack as both 'ineffective and potentially hazardous.'advertisement'No, I don't think so,' Dr Mittal said when asked if keeping a bucket of water in an AC room helps retain humidity. I don't believe that placing a bucket of water in an AC room really helps to maintain humidity. To help with this, the water needs to be in vapor form, which is typically achieved through a humidifier. This cannot happen just by keeping a bucket of water in a room.'WHY DRY AIR IS A PROBLEM FOR YOUR LUNGS?
Explaining how air-conditioning systems work, Dr Mittal highlighted that ACs actively remove moisture from the air, which leads to lower humidity and, in turn, drier respiratory passages.'An air conditioner works on the principle of removing moisture from the air to cool it. It circulates the air and extracts moisture, which results in dry air. "This dryness can cause thickening of respiratory secretions and dryness of the air passages,' he explained.advertisementThis can be especially problematic for people with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, or sinusitis, as thickened mucus can lead to sputum retention and even secondary infections.'In people with chronic lung disease, this can increase stress on the airways and sputum retention, potentially leading to infections,' he warned. 'Prolonged exposure to dry air can also exacerbate symptoms of conditions like sinusitis and allergies, further contributing to respiratory discomfort.'HIDDEN DANGERS OF THAT WATER BUCKETApart from being ineffective, keeping a bucket of water in an enclosed space comes with serious safety risks, especially in homes with young children or elderly family members.'The stagnant water can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, especially in an environment with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. This could potentially lead to health problems, including respiratory infections and allergic reactions,' said Dr Mittal.Even leading home safety organisations caution against leaving open water containers in living areas for extended periods, not just due to slip hazards but because of the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya in the Indian subcontinent, especially during monsoons.WHY HUMIDITY MATTERS?Beyond respiratory issues, Dr Mittal pointed out that humidity affects multiple aspects of well-being and comfort in indoor spaces.advertisement'Low humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and sore throats. It can also affect wooden furniture and instruments, causing them to crack. Proper humidification is essential in maintaining an optimal indoor climate, especially in environments where air conditioning is heavily used,' he said.SMARTER ALTERNATIVEDr Mittal's advice is clear, He says ditch the bucket and buy a proper humidifier.'A better solution would be to invest in a commercial humidifier or a cool mist humidifier that is designed to safely and effectively add moisture to the air,' he said. 'These devices are specifically built to disperse water vapor into the air, which is the most effective way to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40-60%.'What's more, modern humidifiers come equipped with filters and purifying technology, which help in reducing allergens, dust, and pollutants, which is a major bonus for those suffering from asthma or seasonal allergies.'Humidifiers come with filters that help in purifying the air, which could further assist in reducing airborne irritants, pollen, and dust,' said Dr Mittal. 'Regular cleaning and maintenance of these humidifiers are necessary to prevent bacterial growth and ensure they continue to function effectively.'Placing a bucket of water in an air-conditioned room is neither a scientifically sound nor safe practice. If you're concerned about dryness, especially due to respiratory conditions or general discomfort, Dr Mittal along with decades of indoor air research strongly recommends using a humidifier instead.advertisement'So, I believe that using a bucket of water is neither a practical nor safe alternative to proper humidification,' Dr Mittal reiterated. 'There are many affordable, commercially available humidifiers and cool mist humidifiers that can be used to retain moisture in the air.'For anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality this summer, it's time to move from jugaad to smart, safe solutions.- EndsMust Watch