3-17. VENTILATION, TEMPERATURE, AND HUMIDITY
The gentle circulation of fresh air at all times, and especially during periods of greatest
personnel activity, aids in limiting dust and bacterial contamination in the air. Extremes
of humidity and temperature are undesirable. It is suggested that, where possible, the
temperature be near 68 F during daylight and 66-68 F at night.
-- OPTIMUM CONDITIONS --
Relative humidity of 45 to 60 percent at the suggested
temperature is comfortable.
Proper humidity, comfortable temperature, sunlight, and good
ventilation reduces the hazard of contact infection.
a. Ventilation. Ventilation can be provided by either mechanical or natural
means.
Air conditioning equipment for troop housing is not always available.
Circulating fans, exhaust fans, and blowers, however, are readily
procured.
In many instances, these mechanical devices can satisfy the needs
adequately.
For proper ventilation, 600 to 900 cubic feet of air per soldier per hour
should be moving at a velocity of 45 to 50 feet per minute.
Ordinary windows, if properly adjusted in troop barracks, will normally
meet this requirement.
b. Air Circulation. Natural circulation occurs when warm air, being lighter than
cool air, rises.
Natural circulation is best obtained by admitting cool, fresh air near the
floor and allowing it to escape near the ceiling after the air has become warmed in the
room and thus rises.
It is generally desirable that the inlets and outlets of air should be on
opposite sides of the room, since this permits better mixing of fresh air with the stale air
in the room.
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