Human Need of Air (original) (raw)
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 37 oC.
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 19 oC and 34 oC.
Heat Loss from Human Body
| 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 |
My Short List
Related Topics
Human physiology vs. air quality, comfort temperatures, activity and metabolic rates. Health effects of gases adn polutions like carbon monoxide and more.
Related Documents
Human Heat Gain
Heat gain from persons in air conditioned spaces - in btu/hr.