How many foot-candles of light are adequate for most routine care procedures at one meter above the floor?

The correct answer indicates that 30 foot-candles of light are adequate for most routine care procedures at one meter above the floor. This level of illumination is considered optimal for performing various tasks in a laboratory setting, allowing technicians and researchers to clearly see the animals and any equipment without causing excessive glare or stress to the animals.

Adequate lighting is crucial for both the welfare of the animals and the efficiency of the work being performed. It helps to minimize eye strain for the personnel and ensures that tasks can be completed safely and accurately. In many laboratory animal facilities, 30 foot-candles strikes a good balance between sufficient visibility and the comfort of the animals, as too much light may lead to stress responses in sensitive species.

Levels below this can result in inadequate visibility, which could compromise animal welfare and research outcomes. Therefore, the established guideline of 30 foot-candles for routine procedures aligns with best practices in the care and handling of laboratory animals.