The importance of a well-functioning ventilation system was shown in a recent story by U.K. news source The Express. A secret scientific testing facility experienced a ventilation system failure, which ended up killing more than 1,000 mice and rats, saw a fuse blow in the cooling system.
By the time technicians discovered the problem, 787 animals were already dead.
Another 345 had to be culled because they were suffering so much.
In a separate incident at the lab, some genetically altered animals were found to be living in such poor conditions that 68 baby mice disappeared - presumed to have been eaten by their own mothers.
This report, while shocking due to the animal death toll, is not uncommon. Many ventilation systems left un-checked or un-tended for long periods of time can experience errors and failures, which can be costly to repair.
Building owners must be sure they regularly check and maintain their ventilation system to ensure it runs well for its lifespan.