THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT Capacity and Overcrowding 4.106 While certain prison buildings were dilapidated,153 the Commission observed that others were materially unsuited for the confinement of large numbers of individuals.154 Ventilation 4.107 Adequate ventilation and lighting, including access to daylight, are among the basic elements required to ensure the health and well-being of prisoners. Quality air and adequate light contribute to the prevention of certain diseases, in particular air-borne diseases such as tuberculosis. 4.108 According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the purpose of ventilation is also to evacuate the carbon dioxide produced by breathing and the humidity resulting from perspiration.155 4.109 The Commission observed that ventilation in almost all prisons was poor as windows were not large enough to allow for the entry of fresh air. This in the Commission’s view may aggravate the occurrence of skin and respiratory diseases. 4.110 The Commission notes that in Taiping, the Prison Authorities are considering replacing the existing solid cell and dormitory doors with barred doors for better ventilation. 4.111 The Commission also advises that prisoners placed in solitary confinement (i.e. prisoners on death row) should benefit from the same ventilation and lighting conditions as other prisoners. Taiping, Miri Taiping Prison 155 Water, sanitation, hygiene and habitat in prisons by Pier Giorgio Nembrini. Accessed via https://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/ files/other/icrc_002_0823.pdf on 3/3/16. 153 154 89