This document discusses air/ventilation and housing. It defines ventilation as the exchange of air between the lungs and atmosphere to allow for oxygen exchange. Proper ventilation is important for fire safety by controlling fire spread and protecting firefighters, while poor ventilation can intensify fires and endanger lives. Poor ventilation leads to various health issues like elevated carbon dioxide, indoor air pollutants, and respiratory illnesses. The document also describes different housing types and standards, noting that overcrowding, dampness, mold, and poor ventilation in housing can increase health risks such as respiratory and infectious diseases.

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
Importance of air and ventilation

2. 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.
• 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.

3. • 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
Terraced house
Flat

4. Bungalow
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

5. 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 smoke
Radon
Condensation and mould
Pests
Indoor pollutants and infestation
Asthma
Physical health risks of poor housing
Homelessness – rooflessness

6. Problems resulting from facing the elements without protection
Homelessness – temporary accommodation
Problems resulting from overcrowding, noise, inadequate cooking and washing facilities
Mental health risks of poor housing
Relatively poor quality housing in each tenure
Residents’ mental well-being reduced
Difficult-to-let housing
Poorer emotional well-being than people in better areas
Draughts
Poorer general mental health
Depression in women
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