Human Need of Air
Fresh air is required for respiration and for transport of heat and vapor emitted from the human body.
Respiration
An adult at rest breathes 15 - 18 respiration per minute - exchanging 0.5 liter - approximately 0.5 m3/h. With harder work the rate is 3 to 6 times more (1.5 - 3 m3/h).
The average composition of exhaled air is
- Oxygen 16.5%
- Carbon dioxide 4.0%
- Nitrogen and Argon 79.5%
The quantity of carbon dioxide exhaled in 24 hrs is about 1 kg.
Equilibrium of Heat
Heat is generated within the human body by the combustion of food. The heat is lost from the body by
- Conduction and convection - about 25%
- Radiation - about 43%
- Evaporation and moisture - about 30%
- Exhaled air - about 2%
Evaporation prevails at high ambient temperatures. Conduction and convection prevails at low ambient temperatures. Heat is liberated in a rate maintaining the internal body temperature at 37oC.
Heat loss from human body
The total heat loss from an adult at normal activity is approximately 118 W (2 Met) in at room with temperatures between 19oC and 34oC.
Dry bulb temperature (oC) | 10 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 34 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sensible heat (W) | 135 | 112 | 100 | 95 | 84 | 59 | 29 |
Latent heat (W) | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 34 | 59 | 90 |
Total heat (W) | 157 | 134 | 122 | 118 | 118 | 118 | 119 |
Related Topics
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Physiology
Human physiology vs. air quality, comfort temperatures, activity and metabolic rates. Health effects of gases adn polutions like carbon monoxide and more.
Related Documents
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Age and Physical Growth - Weight and Height
Age and typical physical growth of boys and girls - age 2 to 18 years. -
Air Contaminants - Exposure Limits
Exposure limits for various air contaminants. -
Ammonia - NH3 - Concentration in Air and Health Effects
Ammonia and health symptoms - smell and threat to life. -
Bodies - Weight vs. Height
Typical ideal body weight versus height. -
Carbon Dioxide Concentration - Comfort Levels
CO2 acceptance and comfort level. -
Carbon Dioxide Concentration in Rooms Occupied with People
Carbon dioxide concentration in a room may indicate air quality and ventilation system efficiency. -
Carbon Monoxide and Health Effects
Exposure to Carbon Monoxide - CO and health effects. -
Emissions from the Human Body
Gaseous polutants emissions from human bodies. -
Human Body - Specific Heat
Specific heat of the human body - compared to substances like protein and wood. -
Human Body Composition
Composition of the human body. -
Human Heat Gain
Heat gain from persons in air conditioned spaces - in btu/hr. -
Human Life Expectancy
Age and life expectancy for men and women. -
Humans - Required Rest Time
Relaxation rest time vs. working time and activity. -
Met - Human Metabolic Rates
Metabiolic Rate - Met - is used as a measuring unit for human body heat or power production. -
Outdoor Makeup Air
Acceptable indoor air quality and required make up air. -
pH in Human Biological Material
pH in human materials like blood, salvia and more. -
Physiology - Activity and Metabolic Rates
Heat production from the human body vs. activity. -
Recommended Relative Humidity
Recommended relative humidity level. -
Required Building Space per Person
Room area per person - may be used to calculate typical indoor climate loads.