MODEL BARRACK FOR PREVENTION OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN THE ARMY

A study of the sick rate in camps and cantonments shows that the greatest morbidity and mortality have come from the respiratory infections, and it is undoubted that they are favored by crowding in poorly ventilated dormitories or squad rooms, which reduces resistance and directly favors irritative laryngeal and nasal reflexes whereby coughing and sneezing are promoted, which in turn spread the infection. When the opposite conditions are maintained, when men have plenty of fresh air and are separated, these diseases immediately decrease. As at present designed and administered, the army squad room will be held directly responsible for our present morbidity and mortality statistics, because it is usually a combination sleeping and lounging room. It is usually overcrowded, and at night is filled with vitiated atmosphere still further polluted and affected with men with irritative coughs.

The ventilation of the squad room, no matter what type of ventilation is