The motivational statement of the theme. Most people spend more than 70% of time indoors (in their houses, educational, therapeutic establishments

Most people spend more than 70% of time indoors (in their houses, educational, therapeutic establishments, etc.). Therefore, their setting conditions should be up to the physical needs of the body as well as be conducive to both efficient labour and good rest. Comfortable indoor conditions are provided by the layout of the building, type of construction materials, quality of the air in the room, lighting, noise, indicators of microclimate, etc. At this practical class we shall speak in detail about the air environment, about the factors contributing to its formation and measures which should be taken to optimize the quality of the air in the room.

The problem of the quality of the indoor environment has become especially pressing nowadays. It is exacerbated by the use of modern construction and decoration materials which may be responsible for the accumulation of chemical toxic and radioactive substances in the room. One aspect of this problem, i.e. “sick building syndrome” is of great significance to us. The term “sick building syndrome” refers to a number of complaints and symptoms developed by a person and caused by the chemical and physical factors of the indoor environment. The clinical manifestations of the syndrome are as follows: drowsiness, difficulty in swallowing, headache, irritation and dryness of the mucous membranes, suppressed non-specific immunity. As a result, the general disease incidence, in particular of catarrhal diseases, has increased considerably over the past years.

Thus, providing optimum hygienic conditions in the room is considered as one of the basic ways of primary prevention of diseases.

The objective: to give an idea of the air environment as a factor which has a favourable effect on the health and work capacity and productivity of people; to consider the indoor environment as a factor which has an unfavourable effect on the human health causing non-specific symptoms and pre-pathologic conditions in the human body and developing certain diseases.

Students’ independent classroom activities

1. Estimating the system of ventilation and its efficiency in the room:

1.1. Calculation and estimation of the aeration coefficient in a classroom.

1.2. Calculation of ventilation capacity and air change rate in a classroom.

1.3. Calculation of the time necessary for airing the classroom.

1.4. Making a conclusion and recommendations for optimizing the quality of the air environment in a classroom.

2. Situational problems. Two situational problems must be solved. The solution of the situational problems should be reported in writing.

3. Presentation and discussion of individual students’ reports.