Why do we measure Ambient Light and Atmospheric Pressure?
Ambient Light
Ambient light can have a significant impact on a person's concentration, mood, and overall health. Here are some ways it can influence these factors:
Natural Light: Exposure to natural light during the day has been shown to improve mood and cognitive performance. The natural light stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps you focus and feel calm.
Brightness Level: Inadequate lighting can strain the eyes and make it difficult to focus, whereas too bright artificial light can cause glare, also reducing the ability to focus on tasks.
Different environments (e.g., home, office, school) require different types of lighting to meet the specific needs of those spaces. However, the importance of good quality, appropriate lighting should not be underestimated, as it can have a profound impact on one's ability to concentrate and on overall well-being.
It's worth noting that while a general guideline exists for how ambient light can affect a person's health and concentration, individual preferences and sensitivities can vary. Some people may find that they prefer different types of lighting depending on the task at hand or the time of day.
The recommended ambient light levels can vary depending on the specific task or environment. Here are some general guidelines for various settings:
Home
Living Room: 150-300 lux
Kitchen: 300-750 lux
Bedroom: 100-200 lux
Bathroom: 500-800 lux
Office and Workspaces
General Office Area: 500 lux
Computer Work: 300-500 lux
Conference Room: 300-500 lux
Reception Area: 200-300 lux
Reading and Writing: 500-800 lux
Educational Institutions
Classrooms: 500 lux
Library: 300-500 lux for general areas and 500-800 lux for reading tables
Laboratories: 750-1200 lux
Gymnasium: 300-750 lux
Industrial Settings
Fine Mechanical Work: 1500-2000 lux
Medium Work: 750-1000 lux
Rough Work: 200-750 lux
Healthcare Settings
Operating Theatres: 1000-3000 lux
Wards: 100-200 lux
Examination Rooms: 500-1000 lux
Outdoors
Full Daylight: 10,000-25,000 lux
Overcast Day: 1,000 lux
Twilight: 10 lux
Deep Twilight: 1 lux
Full Moon: 0.1 lux
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and individual preferences may vary. For instance, older adults often require higher levels of light for comfort and safety. Similarly, specific tasks may require tailored lighting solutions to prevent eye strain and increase efficiency.
Pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the air above that surface in the atmosphere of Earth (or any other planet). At sea level, the average atmospheric pressure is approximately 101,325 pascals (or about 14.7 pounds per square inch). This pressure decreases as one ascends in altitude.
Air Quality: Atmospheric pressure can influence air circulation and, by extension, air quality. In high-pressure systems, the air is typically stable and clear, but it can lead to the accumulation of pollutants near ground level.
Ventilation: In modern buildings with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, changes in atmospheric pressure can affect ventilation efficiency. Proper ventilation is crucial for comfort, productivity, and health.
Physical Discomfort: Significant changes in atmospheric pressure can cause physical discomfort such as headaches, joint pain, or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions like arthritis.
Cooking: At higher altitudes where atmospheric pressure is lower, water boils at lower temperatures, which can affect cooking times and effectiveness. While this is not a concern for most people in their daily lives, it can be relevant in specific situations
While the effects of atmospheric pressure are usually subtle in everyday home and work environments, they can become more pronounced under specific conditions or over extended periods. For the most part, our buildings and activities are designed to be comfortable and efficient within the range of pressures we commonly encounter.