Bedroom ventilation: Attitudes and policies

Abstract
A behavioural study by Brundrett in 1977 indicated that in the U.K. a substantial number of persons slept with their bedroom windows open. Such a habit, if it prevailed during cold weather, could lead to considerable energy losses. However Brundrett's sample was small and the data, which were gathered in the summer, might reflect behaviour which varied with the seasons and so were biased. The present investigation questioned a larger sample during the winter. The questionnaire also invited respondents to cite the ill‐effects from which they might suffer if their bedroom window were closed all night. The results generally confirmed Brundrett's indications regarding the prevalence of window opening. The reasons for it appear to be related to beliefs regarding ventilation and health. These could have their origins in the writings of Florence Nightingale.

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