“international health organizations and nursing organizations”

1. Air/ventilation and housing
By
SHAHINA BANO
Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
1)Define ventilation.
2)Discuss the importance of air and ventilation.
3)Discuss effects of poor ventilation on health.
4)Describe the types, standard and needs of housing.
5)Discuss effects of poor housing on haelth.
Ventilation
The exchange of air between the lungs and the atmosphere so that oxygen can be exchanged for carbon
dioxide in the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs).
OR
The act or process of ventilating or the state of being ventilated.
The systematic removal and replacement of heated air, smoke, and gases from a structure with cooler
air

2. Importance of air and ventilation
Advantages
• Rescue
• Increases survivability of trapped victims
• Improves visibility, and reduces heat levels
• Reduction of flashover and backdraft potential
• Fire attack
• Fire spread control
• Property Conservation
Disadvantages or Improper Ventilation
 Fire spread
 Accelerated burning
 Puts firefighters in danger
 Triggers Backdraft
 Structural Integrity
Dangers of ventilations
 Light weight construction.
 Can cause fire to intensify and spread.
 Places firefighters in danger.
 Backdrafts.
 Weather conditions.
Effects of poor ventilation on health
Major outcomes and hazards of poor ventilation include:
• Elevated levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen due to low ventilation rate.
• Build up of chemical and biological contaminants that cause poor indoor air quality.
• Legionnaire’s disease, Pontiac fever and Humidifier fever caused by contaminated
standing water in poorly maintained HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning)
systems.
• Extremes in temperature causing fatigue, discomfort and distraction.

3. • Low humidity causing dry throat, dry skin and static electricity build-up. High humidity
contributing to bacterial and mould growth.
• Excessive and irritating workplace odours causing worker discomfort.
• Accumulation of dust and dirt caused by poor HVAC(heating, ventilating and air
conditioning) maintenance.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, fatigue,
and a susceptibility to colds and flu. Symptoms are less severe away from the
workplace.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): A debilitating illness triggered by exposure to one
chemical or a combination of chemicals. MCS sufferers experience skin rashes, irregular
breathing, central nervous system problems, and eye, nose and throat irritations.
Types of housing
detached house
Semi - detached house

4. Terraced house
Flat
Bungalow

5. Standard of housing
Sanitary facilities Food preparation and refuse disposal Space and security Thermal environment Illumination and electricity
Structure and materials Interior air quality Water supply Lead-based paint Access Site and neighborhood Sanitary conditions
and Smoke detectors
Effects of poor housing on health
Physical health risks of poor housing
Overcrowding Increased risk of infectious or respiratory disease Possible link with stomach cancer Reduced stature BME
households particularly at risk Damp and mould Respiratory problems e.g. wheeze Asthma, rhinitis and alveolitis
Eczema Ventilation Tobacco smokeRadon Condensation and mould Pests Indoor pollutants and
infestation Asthma
Physical health risks of poor housing
Homelessness – rooflessness Problems resulting from facing the elements without protectionHomelessness – temporary
accommodation Problems resulting from overcrowding, noise, inadequate cooking and washing facilities
Overcrowding Risk of emotional problems, developmental delay and bed-wetting, poorer educational attainment and mental
adjustment in children Relationship tensions, irritability, impairment of social relations Flatted accommodation Increased GP
consultation by women for emotional symptoms Social isolation and psychiatric disturbance among women