The Intensity of Elementary Schools' Lighting in Ahvaz City Compared with the Standard Values in 2017

Abstract

Introduction: Desirable lighting is of the main factors in educational spaces. It is clear that schools with inadequate lighting cause great musculoskeletal injuries, vision problems, neurological and learning problems in students. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the lighting intensity of elementary schools in Ahvaz city and to compare it with the standard values in 2017.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the elementary schools in the eastern area of Ahvaz. A number of classes and halls were selected from each school by cluster sampling method. Then, the intensity of general lighting was measured using a network method. The 1339 Tes brightness measuring instrument was used to measure the general and local illumination. Finally, data were analyzed by Excel software.

Results: The results showed that the average brightness intensity was lower than the recommended standard in 75 percent of classes and 62.5 percent of  halls. In terms of lighting conditions, girls' schools were more undesirable compared with boys' schools. Moreover, measurement of localized lighting on boards and tables showed that only 12.5 percent of classrooms had a good condition.

Conclusion: The inappropriate and faulty sources of lighting systems have led to a non-uniform distribution of lighting in schools. Therefore, in order to improve the level of students' health and learning, lighting systems should be corrected to achieve appropriate illumination in accordance with the standard values in schools.