Why do lockers have holes?

Those small holes (ventilation holes) on the locker aren't just randomly placed; they serve a practical purpose, primarily addressing several issues that often arise in enclosed spaces like lockers:

■ Preventing stuffiness, allowing air to "breathe":

Odor dissipation and moisture control: Imagine putting your sweaty workout clothes inside after a workout, or a lunchbox you forgot to take out. If it's stuffy inside the locker, moisture and odors can't escape, leading to unpleasant smells and potential mold and bacteria growth over time. These small holes allow air to enter and exit, preventing the locker from becoming damp and smelly.
Preventing "sweating": In cold weather, the temperature inside the locker is high (e.g., from storing hot items), while the outside temperature is low, causing condensation to form on the inner walls (like "sweating" on the outside of a cup). Ventilation holes help balance the temperature and humidity, reducing this "sweating" and protecting books, documents, or moisture-sensitive items stored inside.

■ Safety considerations, just in case:

Breathability ensures safety (one of the most important reasons): This is crucial! In case a child misbehaves or accidentally locks themselves inside the locker (though rare, this is a design consideration), these small holes ensure airflow and prevent suffocation. A completely sealed space without holes is extremely dangerous.
Balancing "Air Pressure": When you forcefully close a locker door, if the locker is completely sealed, the air inside is forced out, potentially creating a suction force that makes the door difficult to close tightly or feels very tight when opening. The small holes allow air to circulate, making closing and opening much smoother, without a loud "bang" and a small gap.

■Protecting Stored Items:

Items susceptible to suffocation: Some items you might temporarily store in the locker, such as fruit, a slightly damp umbrella, or certain chemicals (like cleaning spray), may emit odors or gases. Ventilation holes allow these gases to dissipate slowly, preventing them from accumulating inside the locker and affecting other items or even the locker itself (e.g., corroding metal).
Heat dissipation (in specific situations): Although ordinary storage lockers are not refrigerators, if you put items that generate heat (such as a recently used power bank or small appliances) inside for a while, the ventilation holes can help dissipate some of the heat, making it safer.