The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-08-30
2WS AND GOSSIP OF INTEREST TO TYR.
Ventilation and Good Health

It is the purpose of the writer of this article to bring before the general public some of the chief reasons why the general public and individuals should demand the most sanitary and aygienic methods of heating and ven- tllating.
 In Alabama during the year Of 1s14, tlIe board of censors received a total report of Ss60 deaths caused by tuher- culoss and pneumonia alone. III venti- lation was directly the caus, of a very large per cent of these deaths. A very eminent specialist of one of our north ern cities has estimated that 40 per cent of the deaths caused by tubercu- iosis and pneumonia, can be traced di rectly to Ill ventilation.
 Can you imagine picture more hor- rble than homicide caused by ignor- ance? This Is the case in many of our public schools having poor ventila- ton, and a heater supplying heat to the little child. But you have asked; What of poor ventilation and radia- tion?" Humidity In air Is more neces- sary than heat, and in room with poor ventilation L>ving heater or direct radiation, the tendency is to increase the temperature as the humidity be- comes low which is due to heat Thus sensitive temperature is obtained which is abnormal to the body, In a majority of rooms as above described. the humidity is often times less than one-half that of the desert of Saharah, or the dryest part of the earth. This, of course, being so dry and inhumid that vegetation will not grow. Can you sec how young children can grow to become strong men and women, labor ing under such conditions?
 Breathing the dry air of stuffy room causes headaches, lassitude, a drying and cracking of the mucous membrane causing the irritating parching sensation of the nose and throat commonly noticed during the winter months According to our best authorities, each occupant of an aver age schoolroom should have about 30 cubic feet of air per minute for good ventilation. Although, this is an arbi- trary constant depending on the cubic space per individual, or other existing conditions.
 But few of us know what is good
 
 every one will agree that a dry stuffy room will make them sleepy, and in most cases produce an Ill tempera- ment To say the least. a dry room causes the pulse to quicken and the skin become dry, all of which causes the nerve centers to become abnormal and disobedient to nature: thus. pre- paring the system for disease. Dur ing the winter months. have you a dry room; if so, how are you affected?
 If you were able to see the small particles of matter that are constantly flying in the air of our streets, you would be startled at their density. and would ask yourself the question. how do people live In inclosed buildings in the midst of such air conditions, with little or no ventilation" Yet, buildings are being constructed every day with out ventilating means. Is 1t not time that the general public >'ld individ- ua1s should denounce the second great destroyer that Is in their midst; one that will continue to come unless turned away by knowledge and pre- Ventative means of his evils?
 In one of our northern states, the owner of cotton mill who was a very progressive and efficient man, made an installation in his factory which would humidity the air and thus make tho cotton work faster and better
 This owner did not know that he was doing great good for his operators in making this installation, but he did The operators found themselves less liable to take cold. they found that ir- ritating dryness of the mucous mem b1 ane absent. and the operators af - ilicted with catarrh and asthma were greatly relieved by the absence of the dIyness heretofore present. With the new installation. a temperature of 6S D.~. -sa pleasant with higher humidity, which was afforded by the new installation. Without the humidifying apparatus, the temperature necessary to produce an agreeable sensitive temperature ranged from 70 to 75 degrees Fahren- lleit. depending on the relative humid ity in the room. Excessive evapora- ton of the skin caused by low humid ity produces a low chilly sensation. while an increase in humidity gives us a sensation of oppressive heat. This mill was increased several per cent in efficiency. the cotton worked better and faster. the operators were several per cent more efficient. and health condl- tions much improved.
 In the case above mentioned, the writer wishes to say that factories op- erating in that state at the present are dlrectly under the commissioner of Ia : bor. This commissioners business Is to inspect factories and other public buildings, and to see that operators are not exposed to i'll conditions, sucb as dust, gases. etc It Is likewise his duty to see that such air Is properly conveyed from the operators by means Of conveying apparatus.
 Have you ever watched the thou sands of little dust particles that flit- ter through the rays of the sun en- tering into room early in the morn- Ing, when the air currents were ab sent? If you have. you have noticed thousands of little bits of matter In motion. It has been estimated that