e. The guidelines in "d" above are desirable. However; there is no regulation or
written authority requiring that these foot-candle measurements of light be provided.
2-18. TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROL
a. The health and comfort of troops depends on temperature and humidity
control. The Army has certain standards called comfort zone standards. The inner
body temperature should range from 96.8oto 100.4oF while the exterior body skin should
hold a temperature ranging between 80o to 93oF. For optimum conditions, the
temperature in the billets should be between 68o and 73oF with the relative humidity at
30 to 70 percent.
b. Artificial dehumidification and humidification are not usually practical because
of the extensive engineering measures required. There are, however, simple measures
that can be used to add or subtract moisture in the immediate atmosphere. Measures
to add moisture include such things as placing a pan of water in the room alongside the
heating apparatus, hanging a wet blanket in the room, and spraying water or steam into
the room. Opening the windows to allow good ventilation to remove moisture from the
air is a simple dehumidification measure. The majority of these simple measures are
designed to add moisture. This is because a relative humidity of less than 30 percent is
far more dangerous, medically, than a relative humidity of more than 70 percent.
Extremely dry air causes abnormal drying of the mucous membranes of the respiratory
tract, which makes an individual vulnerable to respiratory tract infection.
2-19. GENERAL SANITATION AND SAFETY MEASURES
General sanitation and safety in billets are not just measures to please an
inspector, but are important for the health and safety of occupants.
a. Pets should not be allowed in billets. In addition to the nuisance and odor
problems they create, they can carry parasites which are harmful to man. Pets may
also serve as a source of infection.
b. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by the
incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels. When sufficient amounts of the gas are
inhaled, there can be severe, prolonged, and sometimes fatal results. This gas
destroys the ability of the red blood cells to carry the needed oxygen to the body
tissues. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning come on rapidly and in quick
succession. Dizziness, headache, noises in the ears, and throbbing in the temples are
quickly followed by a feeling of sleepiness and weakness. Vomiting and convulsions
may occur, followed by unconsciousness and death.
c. Building occupants should not tamper with, repair, or adjust equipment used
for refrigeration, air conditioning, mechanical ventilation, or space heating or with
electrical fixtures or appliances.
MD0164
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