THE TEMPERATURE
The problem of temperature inside the working places is not
both a problem of temperature and airing of a certain place.
We have to face it when we substitute or integrate the natural
airing with the artificial one.
Each place must have a proper window surface (1/10 of the total
of the place), so as to permit a sufficient return of air (at
least 2/3 returns a hour).
The windows must be easily opened from bottom to top and placed
so as their opening do not cause draughts to the workers.
Anyway, in our offices we often have air-conditioner to warm the
places in the winter and to cool them in the summer.
A system is adequate when:
- during the running it produces an air speed not superior to 0.2
m/sec.;
- it keeps a level of umidity in the air between 18% and 20%;
- it does not affect in a certain way the level of noise;
- the small opening of the extraction of air is placed at the
bottom;
- it does not contribute to the pollution both chemical and
biological.
It does exists a syndrome called sick building syndrome that
hurts the people staying in places provided with
air-conditioners.
We can talk of the syndrome if the 20% of the people suffers from
irritation to the skin or mucosa, and perception of unpleasant
smells.
We suppose it is the result of a synergy of different substances
in a place, even in small quantity.
The synergic action also occurs for the organic volatile
compounds present in the offices, in smaller concentrations than
in industry.
Anyway the control of the indoor pollution is not easy to obtain,
because the substances present in small but noxious doses are
numerous.