At the peak of summer, many of us are blasting our A/C units--but can it make you sick?
Gizmodo concluded after talking to several scientists that your A/C can make you sick, but that it's very rare. The problem is that air conditioners that aren't cleaned can contain mold and trigger respiratory infections.
It can also become a breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella. However, the CDC says the risk isn't the same for everyone: People over 50, current or past smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic disease at greater risk.