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Cole R, Ferguson L, Heaviside C, Murage P, Macintyre HL, Taylor J, Simpson CH, Brousse O, Symonds P, Davies M, Hajat S. Systemic inequalities in heat risk for greater London. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108925. [PMID: 39137688 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The temperature rise and increases in extreme heat events related to global climate change is a growing public health threat. Populations in temperate climates, including the UK, must urgently adapt to increased hot weather as current infrastructure primarily focusses on resilience to cold. As we adapt, care should be taken to ensure existing health inequalities are reduced. Lessons can be learned from regions that experience warmer climates and applied to adaptation in the UK. We identified known indicators of heat-health risk and explored their distribution across area level income for London. Understanding these indicators and their distributions across populations can support the development of interventions that have the dual aim of improving health and reducing inequalities. An exploratory analysis was conducted for each indicator at neighbourhood level to assess existence of disparities in their distributions across London. A systems-thinking approach was employed to deduce if these amount to systemic inequalities in heat risk, whereby those most exposed to heat are more susceptible and less able to adapt. Using this information, we proposed interventions and made recommendations for their implementation. We find inequalities across indicators relating to exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity. Including inequalities in urban greening and access to greenspace, physical and mental health and access to communication and support. Through a system diagram we demonstrate how these indicators interact and suggest that systemic inequalities in risk exist and will become more evident as exposure increases with rising temperatures, depending on how we adapt. We use this information to identify barriers to the effective implementation of adaptation strategies and make recommendations on the implementation of interventions. This includes effective and wide-reaching communication considering the various channels and accessibility requirements of the population and consideration of all dwelling tenures when implementing policies relating to home improvements in the context of heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Cole
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Clare Heaviside
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peninah Murage
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen L Macintyre
- Centre for Climate and Health Security, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, United Kingdom; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon Taylor
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Charles H Simpson
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Brousse
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phil Symonds
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Davies
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Gibb K, Beckman S, Vergara XP, Heinzerling A, Harrison R. Extreme Heat and Occupational Health Risks. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:315-335. [PMID: 38166501 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060222-034715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant occupational health hazard. Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are expected to cause increasing heat-related morbidity and mortality for workers across the globe. Agricultural, construction, military, firefighting, mining, and manufacturing workers are at particularly high risk for heat-related illness (HRI). Various factors, including ambient temperatures, personal protective equipment, work arrangements, physical exertion, and work with heavy equipment may put workers at higher risk for HRI. While extreme heat will impact workers across the world, workers in low- and middle-income countries will be disproportionately affected. Tracking occupational HRI will be critical to informing prevention and mitigation strategies. Renewed investment in these strategies, including workplace heat prevention programs and regulatory standards for indoor and outdoor workers, will be needed. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in order to successfully reduce the risk of HRI in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Gibb
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Stella Beckman
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | | | - Amy Heinzerling
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Robert Harrison
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
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Meltzer GY, Factor-Litvak P, Herbstman JB, Wylie BJ, Hernández D. Indoor Temperature and Energy Insecurity: Implications for Prenatal Health Disparities in Extreme Heat Events. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:35001. [PMID: 38446582 PMCID: PMC10917082 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme heat events are a major public health concern and are only expected to increase in intensity and severity as climate change continues to accelerate. Pregnant people are physiologically more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, and exposure can induce harm on both the pregnant person and the fetus. OBJECTIVES This commentary argues that there is a need for greater epidemiological research on indoor heat exposure and energy insecurity as potential drivers of maternal and child environmental health disparities. DISCUSSION While there is substantial evidence linking ambient (outdoor) high temperature to pregnancy-related outcomes, there is a lack of epidemiological evidence to date on pregnant people's exposure to high indoor temperature and adverse maternal and/or child health outcomes. Energy insecurity is disproportionately experienced by people with low incomes and/or people of color, and indoor temperature may play a role in shaping socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in maternal and child health in the United States. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between indoor heat exposure, energy insecurity, and pregnancy outcomes in both parents and children and to inform potential policies and practices to enhance resilience and reduce maternal/child health disparities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13706.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Y. Meltzer
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Blair J. Wylie
- Collaborative for Women's Environmental Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Diana Hernández
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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Sulzer M, Christen A. Climate projections of human thermal comfort for indoor workplaces. CLIMATIC CHANGE 2024; 177:28. [PMID: 38343758 PMCID: PMC10850030 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-024-03685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Climate models predict meteorological variables for outdoor spaces. Nevertheless, most people work indoors and are affected by heat indoors. We present an approach to transfer climate projections from outdoors to climate projections of indoor air temperature (Ti) and thermal comfort based on a combination of indoor sensors, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and 22 regional climate projections. Human thermal comfort and Ti measured by indoor sensors at 90 different workplaces in the Upper Rhine Valley were used as training data for ANN models predicting indoor conditions as a function of outdoor weather. Workplace-specific climate projections were modeled for the time period 2070-2099 and compared to the historical period 1970-1999 using the same ANNs, but ERA5-Land reanalysis data as input. It is shown that heat stress indoors will increase in intensity, frequency, and duration at almost all investigated workplaces. The rate of increase depends on building and room properties, the workplace purpose, and the representative concentration pathway (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, or RCP8.5). The projected increase of the mean air temperature in the summer (JJA) outdoors, by + 1.6 to + 5.1 K for the different RCPs, is higher than the increase in Ti at all 90 workplaces, which experience on average an increase of + 0.8 to + 2.5 K. The overall frequency of heat stress is higher at most workplaces than outdoors for the historical and the future period. The projected hours of indoor heat stress will increase on average by + 379 h, + 654 h, and + 1209 h under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Sulzer
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Christen
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
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Lin NW, Ramirez-Cardenas A, Wingate KC, King BS, Scott K, Hagan-Haynes K. Risk factors for heat-related illness resulting in death or hospitalization in the oil and gas extraction industry. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024; 21:58-67. [PMID: 37830911 PMCID: PMC10959173 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2268142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Many oil and gas extraction (OGE) activities occur in high-heat environments, resulting in a significant risk of heat-related illness among outdoor workers in this industry. This report highlights cases of occupational heat-related illness that resulted in death and identifies common risk factors for heat-related fatalities and hospitalizations among OGE workers. Two databases maintained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were reviewed to identify heat-related fatalities, hospitalizations, and associated risk factors among OGE workers. Nine fatalities and associated risk factors were identified during 2014-2019 from NIOSH's Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) Database. Risk factors identified included those commonly associated with heat-related fatalities: new workers not acclimatized to heat, inadequate heat stress training, and underlying hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Of particular note, substance use was identified as a significant risk factor as more than half of the fatalities included a positive postmortem test for amphetamines or methamphetamines. Fifty heat-related hospitalizations were identified from OSHA's Severe Injury Report Database during January 2015-May 2021. Heat stress has been and will continue to be an important cause of fatality and adverse health effects in OGE as hot outdoor working conditions become more common and extreme. More emphasis on heat stress training, acclimatization regimens, medical screening, and implementation of workplace-supportive recovery programs may reduce heat-related fatalities and injuries in this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy W. Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health,
Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, CU Anschutz, Aurora,
Colorado
| | | | - Kaitlin C. Wingate
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Western States Division, Denver, Colorado
| | - Bradley S. King
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Western States Division, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kenneth Scott
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Western States Division, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kyla Hagan-Haynes
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) Western States Division, Denver, Colorado
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Nabi MH, Hasan M, Chowdhury AT, Naz F, Hossian M. The impact of climate change on the lives and livelihoods of readymade garment (RMG) workers: an exploratory study in selected readymade garment factories in Bangladesh. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2292. [PMID: 37986055 PMCID: PMC10662533 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of resources focusing on the climate change experience of readymade garment (RMG) workers in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Therefore, this mixed method approach aims to understand the distinctive types of climate change experiences from a health and occupational perspective, along with the consequences of these changes among RMG workers in Bangladesh. METHODS The study was conducted from January 2022 and February 2022 where the quantitative data were collected from 200 RMG workers in 10 randomly selected garments and two focus group discussions took place with 20 conveniently selected RMG workers. The key informants were relevant stakeholders in the industry. Quantitative findings were reported using descriptive methods and qualitative findings were analysed using a content analysis approach. RESULT A total of 200 RMG workers were included in the study of which the majority belonged to the age group of 26-30 years (44%), were male (55%), worked in a compliant factory (70%), and were machine operators (79%). Half of the respondents experienced damage from natural disasters (51%), but only approximately 37% received humanitarian help. Migration and urbanisation were among the aftermath of the damage caused by e natural disasters, and 42% were forced to shift their homes due to natural disasters. Competition in the job market increased, and the owners had the opportunity to take on employees at a reduced salary. The respondents flagged climate change as a major contributor to their disease patterns. More than three-quarters of the respondents became sick because of increased heat while working; however, only half received any treatment. CONCLUSION Employee participation in hazard recognition, employer preparedness, prevention through design, research, surveillance, and upholding workplace ethics and standards can be the answers to climate change problems for readymade garment workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehedi Hasan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Farah Naz
- Department of Physiology, Green Life Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mosharop Hossian
- Public Health Promotion and Development Society (PPDS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Kim H, Yoo YJ, Yun JH, Heo SY, Song YM, Yeo WH. Outdoor Worker Stress Monitoring Electronics with Nanofabric Radiative Cooler-Based Thermal Management. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301104. [PMID: 37548604 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe stress endangers outdoor workers who are in an exceedingly hot workplace. Although recent studies quantify stress levels on the human skin, they still rely on rigid, bulky sensor modules, causing data loss from motion artifacts and limited field-deployability for continuous health monitoring. Moreover, no prior work shows a wearable device that can endure heat exposure while showing continuous monitoring of a subject's stress under realistic working environments. Herein, a soft, field-deployable, wearable bioelectronic system is introduced for detecting outdoor workers' stress levels with negligible motion artifacts and controllable thermal management. A nanofabric radiative cooler (NFRC) and miniaturized sensors with a nanomembrane soft electronic platform are integrated to measure stable electrodermal activities and temperature in hot outdoor conditions. The NFRC exhibits outstanding cooling performance in sub-ambient air with high solar reflectivity and high thermal emissivity. The integrated wearable device with all embedded electronic components and the NFRC shows a lower temperature (41.1%) in sub-ambient air than the NFRC-less device while capturing improved operation time (18.2%). In vivo human study of the bioelectronics with agricultural activities demonstrates the device's capability for portable, continuous, real-time health monitoring of outdoor workers with field deployability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojoong Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Young Jin Yoo
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Ho Yun
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Yeon Heo
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Min Song
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
- Anti-Viral Research Center, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
- AI Graduate School, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Hong Yeo
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- IEN Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering, Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Institute for Materials, Neural Engineering Center, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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McDermott BP, Atkins WC. Whole-body cooling effectiveness of cold intravenous saline following exercise hyperthermia: a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 72:188-192. [PMID: 37562177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In some athletic, occupational, military and emergency settings, cold intravenous (IV) fluids are used to facilitate whole-body cooling in an effort to treat heat illness. This treatment has anecdotal support, but currently lacks evidence supporting it as a whole-body cooling modality. Other modalities may offer superior cooling rates, and thus, patient outcomes following treatment. We sought to evaluate cooling rates of cold-IV normal saline immediately following exercise-induced hyperthermia. METHODS Eight healthy participants (3 females; 25 ± 2y; 72.9 ± 10.9 kg) completed 2 trials in random order. Prior to exercise, participants provided a small urine sample to confirm hydration status via urine specific gravity. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was assessed throughout trials. In both trials, participants exercised outdoors until rectal temperature (Tre) reached ∼38.9 °C, or volitional exhaustion, and then were cooled. In cooling, participants received either cold-IV (∼5 °C 0.9% NaCl fluids) or no treatment (sat in the shade; passive). Throughout exercise and treatment, Tre and heart rate (HR) were monitored. During exercise and every 10 min throughout cooling, participants were asked to assess thermal sensation. RESULTS Hydration status (P = .847) was not significantly different prior to exercise between trials. WBGT throughout was not different between trials (P = .426). Maximum Tre reached was not different between cold-IV (38.88 ± 0.30 °C) and passive cooling (38.76 ± 0.28 °C) trials (P = .184). Mean cooling rate for cold-IV (0.039 ± 0.005 °C·min-1) was significantly greater than for passive cooling (0.028 ± 0.005 °C·min-1; P = .002). Tre throughout cooling was not different between trials (P = .707), but did decrease throughout (P = .008), regardless of trial. HR was decreased over time (P < .001), but cold-IV and passive cooling were not different throughout HR recovery (P = .141). Thermal sensation decreased throughout cooling (P < .001), but was not different between trials (p = .278). CONCLUSION Emergency medical personnel should adopt treatment protocols that employ documented effective treatments for exertional heat stroke. In isolation, our data casts significant doubt for the use of cold-IV saline infusion for whole-body cooling of hyperthermic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon P McDermott
- Exercise Science Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
| | - Whitley C Atkins
- Exercise Science Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA; Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA.
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De Sario M, de'Donato FK, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A, Levi M, Ariani F, Morabito M, Michelozzi P. Occupational heat stress, heat-related effects and the related social and economic loss: a scoping literature review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1173553. [PMID: 37601227 PMCID: PMC10434255 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While there is consistent evidence on the effects of heat on workers' health and safety, the evidence on the resulting social and economic impacts is still limited. A scoping literature review was carried out to update the knowledge about social and economic impacts related to workplace heat exposure. Methods The literature search was conducted in two bibliographic databases (Web of Science and PubMed), to select publications from 2010 to April 2022. Results A total of 89 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis (32 field studies, 8 studies estimating healthcare-related costs, and 49 economic studies). Overall, consistent evidence of the socioeconomic impacts of heat exposure in the workplace emerges. Actual productivity losses at the global level are nearly 10% and are expected to increase up to 30-40% under the worst climate change scenario by the end of the century. Vulnerable regions are mainly low-latitude and low- and middle-income countries with a greater proportion of outdoor workers but include also areas from developed countries such as southern Europe. The most affected sectors are agriculture and construction. There is limited evidence regarding the role of cooling measures and changes in the work/rest schedule in mitigating heat-related productivity loss. Conclusion The available evidence highlights the need for strengthening prevention efforts to enhance workers' awareness and resilience toward occupational heat exposure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries but also in some areas of developed countries where an increase in frequency and intensity of heat waves is expected under future climate change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela De Sario
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Levi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Prevention, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Ariani
- Regional Centre for the Analysis of Data on Occupational and Work-Related Injuries and Diseases, Central Tuscany Local Health Authority, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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Cleland SE, Steinhardt W, Neas LM, Jason West J, Rappold AG. Urban heat island impacts on heat-related cardiovascular morbidity: A time series analysis of older adults in US metropolitan areas. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108005. [PMID: 37437316 PMCID: PMC10599453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Many United States (US) cities are experiencing urban heat islands (UHIs) and climate change-driven temperature increases. Extreme heat increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet little is known about how this association varies with UHI intensity (UHII) within and between cities. We aimed to identify the urban populations most at-risk of and burdened by heat-related CVD morbidity in UHI-affected areas compared to unaffected areas. ZIP code-level daily counts of CVD hospitalizations among Medicare enrollees, aged 65-114, were obtained for 120 US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) between 2000 and 2017. Mean ambient temperature exposure was estimated by interpolating daily weather station observations. ZIP codes were classified as low and high UHII using the first and fourth quartiles of an existing surface UHII metric, weighted to each have 25% of all CVD hospitalizations. MSA-specific associations between ambient temperature and CVD hospitalization were estimated using quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models and pooled via multivariate meta-analyses. Across the US, extreme heat (MSA-specific 99th percentile, on average 28.6 °C) increased the risk of CVD hospitalization by 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4%, 2.6%), with considerable variation among MSAs. Extreme heat-related CVD hospitalization risk in high UHII areas (2.4% [95% CI: 0.4%, 4.3%]) exceeded that in low UHII areas (1.0% [95% CI: -0.8%, 2.8%]), with upwards of a 10% difference in some MSAs. During the 18-year study period, there were an estimated 37,028 (95% CI: 35,741, 37,988) heat-attributable CVD admissions. High UHII areas accounted for 35% of the total heat-related CVD burden, while low UHII areas accounted for 4%. High UHII disproportionately impacted already heat-vulnerable populations; females, individuals aged 75-114, and those with chronic conditions living in high UHII areas experienced the largest heat-related CVD impacts. Overall, extreme heat increased cardiovascular morbidity risk and burden in older urban populations, with UHIs exacerbating these impacts among those with existing vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Cleland
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - William Steinhardt
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lucas M Neas
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - J Jason West
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ana G Rappold
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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11
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Kiarsi M, Amiresmaili M, Mahmoodi MR, Farahmandnia H, Nakhaee N, Zareiyan A, Aghababaeian H. Heat waves and adaptation: A global systematic review. J Therm Biol 2023; 116:103588. [PMID: 37499408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increasing trend of global warming and extreme weather conditions, including heat waves and its effects on health, the present study was done to investigate adaptive behaviors of communities in the world for combating heat waves. METHOD ology: In this systematic review, out of 1529 results, 57 relevant and authoritative English papers on adaptation to heat waves hazard were extracted and evaluated using valid keywords from valid databases (PubMed, WOS, EMBASE, and Scopus). In addition, multiple screening steps were done and then, the selected papers were qualitatively assessed. Evaluation results were summarized using an Extraction Table. RESULTS In this paper, the adaptive behaviors for combating heat waves hazard were summarized into 11 categories: Education and awareness raising, Adaptation of critical infrastructure, Governments measures, Health-related measures, Application of early warning system, Protective behaviors in workplace, Physical condition, Adaptive individual behaviors, Design and architecture of the building, Green infrastructure (green cover), and Urban design. CONCLUSION The findings of this study showed that community actions have significant effects on adaptation to heat wave. Therefore, for reducing heat wave-related negative health effects and vulnerability, more attention should be paid to the above-mentioned actions for mitigation, preparation, and responding regarding heat waves. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021257747.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kiarsi
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran; Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Amiresmaili
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoodi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Hojjat Farahmandnia
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Nouzar Nakhaee
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Health Services Management Research Center, Institute of Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Armin Zareiyan
- Public Health Department, Health in Emergencies and Disasters Department, Nursing Faculty, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Aghababaeian
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran; Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran.
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Petropoulos ZE, Keogh SA, Jarquín E, López-Pilarte D, Amador Velázquez JJ, García-Trabanino R, Amador Sánchez MR, Guevara R, Gruener A, Allen DR, Leibler JH, Delgado IS, McClean MD, Friedman DJ, Brooks DR, Scammell MK. Heat stress and heat strain among outdoor workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:622-630. [PMID: 37041408 PMCID: PMC10403352 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00537-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing attention on occupational heat stress in Central America, as workers in this region are affected by a unique form of chronic kidney disease. Previous studies have examined wet bulb globe temperatures and estimated metabolic rates to assess heat stress, but there are limited data characterizing heat strain among these workers. OBJECTIVE The aims were to characterize heat stress and heat strain and examine whether job task, break duration, hydration practices, and kidney function were associated with heat strain. METHODS We used data from the MesoAmerican Nephropathy Occupational Study, a cohort of 569 outdoor workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua who underwent workplace exposure monitoring, including continuous measurement of core body temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), physical activity, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), over the course of three days in January 2018 - May 2018. Participants represented five industries: sugarcane, corn, plantain, brickmaking, and construction. RESULTS Median WBGTs were relatively high (>27 °C) at most sites, particularly when work shifts spanned the afternoon hours (e.g., 29.2 °C among plantain workers). Sugarcane workers, especially cane cutters in both countries and Nicaraguan agrichemical applicators, had the highest estimated metabolic rates (medians: 299-318 kcal/hr). Most workers spent little time on break (<10% of the shift), as determined by physical activity data. Overall, sugarcane workers-particularly those in Nicaragua-experienced the highest Tc and HR values. However, a few workers in other industries reached high Tc (>39 °C) as well. Impaired kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 mL/min/1.73 m2) was associated with higher Tc and HR values, even after adjustment. SIGNIFICANCE This is the largest study to-date examining heat stress and strain among outdoor workers in Central America. Workers at sugar companies regularly experienced Tc > 38°C (76.9% of monitored person-days at Nicaraguan companies; 46.5% at Salvadoran companies). Workers with impaired kidney function had higher measures of Tc and HR. IMPACT STATEMENT This study examined levels of occupational heat stress and heat strain experienced among outdoor workers in five industries in El Salvador and Nicaragua. We characterized heat stress using wet bulb globe temperatures and estimated metabolic rate and heat strain using core body temperature and heart rate. Sugarcane workers, particularly cane cutters and Nicaraguan agrichemical applicators, performed more strenuous work and experienced greater levels of heat strain. Impaired kidney function was associated with higher heart rates and core body temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe E Petropoulos
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sinead A Keogh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Jarquín
- Agencia para el Desarrollo y la Salud Agropecuaria (AGDYSA), San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Damaris López-Pilarte
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ramón García-Trabanino
- Agencia para el Desarrollo y la Salud Agropecuaria (AGDYSA), San Salvador, El Salvador
- Centro de Hemodiálisis, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Emergency Social Fund for Health, Tierra Blanca, El Salvador
| | | | - Raúl Guevara
- Agencia para el Desarrollo y la Salud Agropecuaria (AGDYSA), San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Alexa Gruener
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dustin R Allen
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica H Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Iris S Delgado
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Friedman
- Division of Nephrology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel R Brooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeleine K Scammell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Morrissey MC, Langan SP, Brewer GJ, Struder JF, Navarro JS, Nye MN, Casa DJ. Limitations associated with thermoregulation and cardiovascular research assessing laborers performing work in the heat. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:267-280. [PMID: 36748881 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the current literature and limitations associated with research examining thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain in laborers working in the heat. METHODS PubMed, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus were searched for terms related to the cardiovascular system, heat stress, and physical work. Qualifying studies included adult participants (18-65 years old), a labor-intensive environment or exercise protocol simulating a labor environment, a minimum duration of 120 min of physical work, and environmental heat stress (ambient temperature ≥26.0°C and ≥30% relative humidity). Studies included at least one of the following outcomes: pre- and peak physical work, core temperature, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HR variability, and rate pressure product. RESULTS Twenty-one out of 1559 potential studies qualified from our search. There was a total of 598 participants (mean = 28 ± 50 participants per study, range = 4-238 participants per study), which included 51 females (8.5%) and 547 males (91.5%). Of the participants, 3.8% had cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes: n = 10; hypertension: n = 13) and 96.2% were characterized as "healthy". Fifty-seven percent of the included studies were performed in a laboratory setting. CONCLUSIONS Studies were predominantly in men (91.5%), laboratory settings (57%), and "healthy" individuals (96.2%). To advance equity in protection against occupational heat stress and better inform future heat safety recommendations to protect all workers, future studies must focus on addressing these limitations. Employers, supervisors, and other safety stakeholders should consider these limitations while implementing current heat safety recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean P Langan
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gabrielle J Brewer
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeb F Struder
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - John S Navarro
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Megan N Nye
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Douglas J Casa
- Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Morrissey MC, Kerr ZY, Brewer GJ, Tishukaj F, Casa DJ, Stearns RL. Analysis of Exertion-Related Injuries and Fatalities in Laborers in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2683. [PMID: 36768049 PMCID: PMC9916328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Laborers are particularly vulnerable to exertional injuries and illnesses, as they often engage in heavy physical work for prolonged hours, yet no studies have examined the top causes of catastrophic exertional injuries and fatalities among this population. The purpose of the investigation was to characterize the top causes of exertional injury and fatality within open access, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reportable data. A secondary analysis of OSHA reported injury and fatality data was performed through open access records from OSHA Severe Injury Reports (2015-2022) and OSHA fatality inspection data (2017-2020), respectively. The research team characterized each reported injury and fatality as "exertion-related" or "non-exertion-related. Injury and fatality rates were reported per 100,000 equivalent full-time worker years and included 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Of 58,648 cases in the OSHA Severe Injury Report database from 2015-2020, 1682 cases (2.9%) were characterized as exertional (0.20 injuries per 100,000 full-time worker years, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.22). Heat-related injuries encompassed 91.9% of the exertional injuries (n = 1546). From the 2017-2022 OSHA fatality inspection database, 89 (1.9%) of 4598 fatalities were characterized as exertion-related (fatality rate: 0.0160 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.0134). The exertion-related fatalities primarily consisted of heat-related cases (87.6%). Exertion-related injuries and fatalities were most reported in Southeast states, in the construction and excavation industry, and among nonunionized workers. As heat stress continues to be recognized as an occupational health and safety hazard, this analysis further highlights the need for targeted interventions or further evaluation of the impact of heat stress on construction and excavation workers, nonunionized workers, and workers in Southeastern states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Morrissey
- Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Zachary Yukio Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gabrielle J. Brewer
- Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Faton Tishukaj
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Prishtina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Stearns
- Korey Stringer Institute, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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15
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Kiarsi M, Amiresmaili M, Mahmoodi M, Farahmandnia H, Nakhaee N, Zareiyan A, Aghababaeian H. Heat wave adaptation paradigm and adaptation strategies of community: A qualitative phenomenological study in Iran. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:408. [PMID: 36824085 PMCID: PMC9942165 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_440_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat wave adaptation is a new concept related to experiencing heat. The present study aims at investigating a conceptual definition, that is, the mental framework of heat wave adaptation and its strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A phenomenological study was performed to explain the mental concept. At the same time with the data collection process, data analysis was also performed using Colaizzi method. Semi-structured interview method and purposeful sampling with maximum variety were used. Interviews were conducted with 23 different subjects in the community. The accuracy of the data was guaranteed using Lincoln & Guba scientific accuracy criteria. RESULTS The two main themes of the adaptation paradigm as well as its strategies were divided into the main categories of theoretical and operational concepts, as well as personal care measures and government measures. Under the category of individual measures, we obtained "clothing, nutrition, building, place of residence and lifestyle," and under the category of governance actions, the "managerial, research, health, organizational" subcategories were obtained. CONCLUSION According to the results of the conceptual-operational definition, heat wave adaptation is an active process and an effort to reduce the adverse effects of heat waves on individual and social life, and striking a balance that will not only result in individual awareness and actions that will lead to lifestyle changes, but also mostly requires integrated and comprehensive planning in the community. On the one hand, heat waves could not only be regarded as a threat or danger, but can also become an opportunity for the development of a community through identification and smart measures, and for adaptation, the community must take it as a risk. The community should have a plan in advance, apply the necessary rules and training, and use the new facilities and rules where necessary. This practical concept definition includes the main features of heat wave adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kiarsi
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Amiresmaili
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Mahmoodi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hojjat Farahmandnia
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Nouzar Nakhaee
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Health Services Management Research Center, Institute of Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Armin Zareiyan
- Public Health Department, Health in Emergencies and Disasters Department, Nursing Faculty, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Aghababaeian
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
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16
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Wang F, Zhang Y, Li J, Xia H, Zhang D, Yao S. The pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of heat stroke-induced liver injury. Crit Care 2022; 26:391. [PMID: 36528615 PMCID: PMC9758799 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04273-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stroke (HS) is a life-threatening systemic disease characterized by an elevated core body temperature of more than 40 ℃ and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. With the growing frequency of global heatwaves, the incidence rate of HS has increased significantly, which has caused a huge burden on people's lives and health. Liver injury is a well-documented complication of HS and usually constitutes the direct cause of patient death. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out on the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of HS-induced liver injury. In this review, we summarized the important pathogenesis of HS-induced liver injury that has been confirmed so far. In addition to the comprehensive effect of systemic factors such as heat cytotoxicity, coagulopathy, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, excessive hepatocyte cell pyroptosis, dysfunction of Kupffer cells, abnormal expression of heat shock protein expression, and other factors are also involved in the pathogenesis of HS-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we have also established the current therapeutic strategies for HS-induced liver injury. Our study is of great significance in promoting the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of HS-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuquan Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Yan Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jianhua Li
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Chongqing university Jiangjin hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Haifa Xia
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Dingyu Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.507952.c0000 0004 1764 577XWuhan Jinyintan Hospital, Wuhan, 430023 China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022 China
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17
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Tieskens KF, Smith IA, Jimenez RB, Hutyra LR, Fabian MP. Mapping the gaps between cooling benefits of urban greenspace and population heat vulnerability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157283. [PMID: 35820520 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We provide a novel method to assess the heat mitigation impacts of greenspace though studying the mechanisms of ecosystems responsible for benefits and connecting them to heat exposure metrics. We demonstrate how the ecosystem services framework can be integrated into current practices of environmental health research using supply/demand state-of-the-art methods of ecological modeling of urban greenspace. We compared the supply of cooling ecosystem services in Boston measured through an indicator of high resolution evapotranspiration modeling, with the demand for benefits from cooling measured as a heat exposure risk score based on exposure, hazard and population characteristics. The resulting evapotranspiration indicator follows a pattern similar to conventional greenspace indicators based on vegetation abundance, except in warmer areas such as those with higher levels of impervious surface. We identified demand-supply mismatch areas across the city of Boston, some coinciding with affordable housing complexes and long term care facilities. This novel ES-framework provides cross-disciplinary methods to prioritize urban areas where greenspace interventions can have the most impact based on heat-related demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen F Tieskens
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Ian A Smith
- Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Raquel B Jimenez
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Lucy R Hutyra
- Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - M Patricia Fabian
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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18
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Ferrari GN, Leal GCL, Thom de Souza RC, Galdamez EVC. Impact of climate change on occupational health and safety: A review of methodological approaches. Work 2022; 74:485-499. [PMID: 36314181 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The working population is exposed daily to unavoidable climatic conditions due to their occupational settings. Effects of the weather such as rain, heat, and air pollution may increase the risk of diseases, injuries, accidents, and even death during labor. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to summarize the impacts of climate change on workers' health, safety and performance, identifying the risks, affected workplaces and the range of methodological approaches used to assess this problem. METHODS A thorough systematic mapping was conducted in seven scientific international databases: Emerald, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Three research questions guided the extraction process resulting in 170 articles regarding the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety. RESULTS We found an accentuated trend in observational studies applying primary and secondary data collection. Many studies focused on the association between rising temperatures and occupational hazards, mainly in outdoor work settings such as agriculture. The variation of temperature was the most investigated impact of climate change. CONCLUSIONS We established a knowledge base on how to explore the impacts of climate change on workers' well-being and health. Researchers and policymakers benefit from this review, which explores the suitable methods found in the literature and highlights the most recurring risks and their consequences to occupational health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Neto Ferrari
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Camila Lapasini Leal
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Edwin Vladimir Cardoza Galdamez
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
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19
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Saidi A, Gauvin C. Towards real-time thermal stress prediction systems for workers. J Therm Biol 2022; 113:103405. [PMID: 37055098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces implies serious physical hazards to workers. In addition, a poorly acclimatized worker can have reduced performance and alertness. It may therefore be more vulnerable to the risk of accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of standards and regulations with some work environments and a lack of thermal exchange in many personal protective equipment, heat stress remains among the most common physical risks in many industrial sectors. Furthermore, conventional methods of measuring physiological parameters in order to calculate personal thermophysiological constraints are not practical to use during work tasks. However, the emergence of wearable technologies can contribute to real-time measurement of body temperature and the biometric signals needed to assess thermophysiological constraints while actively working. Thus, the present study was carried out in order to scrutinize the current knowledge of these types of technologies by analyzing the available systems and the advances made in previous studies, as well as to discuss the efforts required to develop devices for the prevention of the occurrence of heat stress in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Saidi
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, IRSST, Canada.
| | - Chantal Gauvin
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail, IRSST, Canada
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Sorensen
- From the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (C.S.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia Irving Medical Center (C.S.) - both in New York; and the Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine (J.H.), the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health (J.H.), and the Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health (J.H.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jeremy Hess
- From the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University (C.S.), and the Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia Irving Medical Center (C.S.) - both in New York; and the Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine (J.H.), the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health (J.H.), and the Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health (J.H.), University of Washington, Seattle
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21
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Jung W, Kim H. Evaluation of Heat Stress Levels Inside Greenhouses during Summer in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12497. [PMID: 36231793 PMCID: PMC9564540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Farmers working inside greenhouses during summer are at risk of heat-related illness. In this study, we compared the dry-bulb temperatures (DTs) and the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index inside and outside greenhouses. We then determined the criteria for appropriate working and resting times inside greenhouses. The measurements were performed during the hottest period in 2020 and 2021 for two greenhouses, representative of those commonly found in rural areas. A direct-reading WBGT index meter was used for these measurements, and Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) data were used to obtain regional DT data. DTs inside the greenhouses were significantly higher than the ASOS DTs (p < 0.001). In addition, the August WBGT index inside was significantly higher than that outside the greenhouses (p < 0.001). We found that the temperature during the period between 08:00 and 19:00 exceeded the international threshold of 28 °C for heat-acclimatized workers performing moderate-intensity work, above which heat stress becomes a concern. Our results revealed that the thermal index inside can be significantly higher than that found outside greenhouses. Therefore, when work is required inside greenhouses during the summer, stricter standards and safety measures should be considered.
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Ioannou LG, Foster J, Morris NB, Piil JF, Havenith G, Mekjavic IB, Kenny GP, Nybo L, Flouris AD. Occupational heat strain in outdoor workers: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 9:67-102. [PMID: 35655665 PMCID: PMC9154804 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2030634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present comprehensive review (i) summarizes the current knowledge on the impacts of occupational heat stress on outdoor workers, (ii) provides a historical background on this issue, (iii) presents a meta-analysis of published data, (iv) explores inter-individual and intra-individual factors, (v) discusses the available heat mitigation strategies, (vi) estimates physical work capacity, labour productivity, and metabolic rate for the year 2030, and (vii) provides an overview of existing policy and legal frameworks on occupational heat exposure. Meta-analytic findings from 38 field studies that involved monitoring 2,409 outdoor workers across 41 jobs in 21 countries suggest that occupational heat stress increases the core (r = 0.44) and skin (r = 0.44) temperatures, as well as the heart rate (r = 0.38) and urine specific gravity (r = 0.13) of outdoor workers (all p < 0.05). Moreover, it diminishes the capacity of outdoor workers for manual labour (r = -0.82; p < 0.001) and is responsible for more than two thirds of the reduction in their metabolic rate. Importantly, our analysis shows that physical work capacity is projected to be highly affected by the ongoing anthropogenic global warming. Nevertheless, the metabolic rate and, therefore, labour productivity are projected to remain at levels higher than the workers' physical work capacity, indicating that people will continue to work more intensely than they should to meet their financial obligations for food and shelter. In this respect, complementary measures targeting self-pacing, hydration, work-rest regimes, ventilated garments, and mechanization can be adopted to protect outdoor workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas G. Ioannou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Josh Foster
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan B. Morris
- Department of Human Physiology & Nutrition, University of Colorado, Springs, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacob F. Piil
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Igor B. Mekjavic
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kim Y, Kim J, Chicas R, Xiuhtecutli N, Matthews J, Zavanelli N, Kwon S, Lee SH, Hertzberg VS, Yeo W. Soft Wireless Bioelectronics Designed for Real-Time, Continuous Health Monitoring of Farmworkers. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200170. [PMID: 35306761 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hotter summers caused by global warming and increased workload and duration are endangering the health of farmworkers, a high-risk population for heat-related illness (HRI), and deaths. Although prior studies using wearable sensors show the feasibility of employing field-collected data for HRI monitoring, existing devices still have limitations, such as data loss from motion artifacts, device discomfort from rigid electronics, difficulties with administering ingestible sensors, and low temporal resolution. Here, this paper introduces a wireless, wearable bioelectronic system with functionalities for continuous monitoring of skin temperature, electrocardiograms (ECG), heart rates (HR), and activities, configured in a single integrated package. Advanced nanomanufacturing based on laser machining allows rapid device fabrication and direct incorporation of sensors with a highly breathable substrate, allowing for managing excessive sweating and multimodal stresses. To validate the device's performance in agricultural settings, the device is applied to multiple farmworkers at various operations, including fernery, nursery, and crop. The accurate data recording, including high-fidelity ECG (signal-to-noise ratio: >20 dB), accurate HR (r = 0.89, r2 = 0.65 in linear correlation), and reliable temperature/activity, confirms the device's capability for multiparameter health monitoring of farmworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun‐Soung Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Jihoon Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Roxana Chicas
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli
- Farmworker Association of Florida Apopka FL 32703 USA
- Department of Anthropology Tulane University New Orleans LA 70118 USA
| | - Jared Matthews
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Nathan Zavanelli
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Shinjae Kwon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Vicki S. Hertzberg
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
| | - Woon‐Hong Yeo
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and IEN Center for Human‐Centric Interfaces and Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech and Emory University Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Institute for Materials Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
- Neural Engineering Center Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta GA 30332 USA
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24
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Sabo K, Starodub R, Smoller S, Quinn L, Kelly D, Flaherty K, Nicholas PK. Occupational Heat Stress: An Overview for Nurse Practitioners. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2022; 34:597-603. [PMID: 38011500 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The health impacts of climate change are pervasive and complex. The role of nurse practitioners is a key in addressing these emerging health challenges. However, few health care providers are aware of the extensive signs and symptoms that accompany climate-related health sequelae. This article explores the increasing prevalence of occupational heat stress and best practices for nurse practitioners in addressing this problem. The A CLIMATE mnemonic is a clinical tool applied to occupational heat stress and aims to address a comprehensive health assessment and proactive management. Two clinical case studies will be offered as exemplars of occupational heat stress. The cases are framed within the A CLIMATE mnemonic for health assessment and physical examination for nurse practitioner practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Sabo
- Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - R Starodub
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Smoller
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa Quinn
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Debra Kelly
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Flaherty
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Patrice K Nicholas
- Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Policy and Advocacy at the MGH Center for the Environment and Health, MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Herpertz GU, Nykamp L, Radke OC. [Lethal Heatstroke with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy]. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2022; 57:68-78. [PMID: 35021241 DOI: 10.1055/a-1508-0726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We report on a case of severe heat stroke due to extended exposure to the sun in an enclosed glass cabin of an agricultural vehicle. Patient treatment, lab results and complications are reported and we examine the current literature on heat stroke.Heat stroke is a very rare and highly severe condition mostly suffered by vulnerable individuals or individuals exposed to extreme physical strain. Per definition a heat stroke is characterized by neurological deficit (especially loss of consciousness), and a high body temperature. Most important treatment is to lower the body temperature below 40 °C as quickly as possible. The best method is cold water immersion, but there are several other physical and invasive means that can be used. If performed within 30 minutes after the beginning of the incident this treatment decreases mortality considerably.Heat damage affects every organ and organ system. Most important are neurologic deficits, cardiovascular failure, liver failure and kidney failure. The excessive heat triggers a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which can lead to a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Haemostasis is also directly affected by the elevated temperature.Besides physical cooling, there is no known specific treatment to prevent secondary damage from heat stroke. Additionally, supportive care and ICU monitoring should be applied.
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26
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Tustin A, Sayeed Y, Berenji M, Fagan K, McCarthy RB, Green-McKenzie J, McNicholas J, Onigbogi CB, Perkison WB, Butler JW. Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Illnesses. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e737-e744. [PMID: 34597285 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
High ambient temperatures and strenuous physical activity put workers at risk for a variety of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Through primary prevention, secondary prevention, and treatment, OEM health providers can protect workers from the adverse effects of heat. This statement by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine provides guidance for OEM providers who serve workers and employers in industries where heat exposure occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Tustin
- American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Elk Grove, Illinois
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27
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Mora DC, Daniel SS. Structural Vulnerability and Occupational Injury Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina. New Solut 2021; 31:125-140. [PMID: 33982609 PMCID: PMC9075681 DOI: 10.1177/10482911211017556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Children as young as ten-years-old can legally work as hired farm labor in the United States. In North Carolina, many hired children are part of the Latinx farmworker community. Agriculture is a hazardous industry, and child workers experience high rates of injury, illness, and mortality. As part of a community-based participatory research study, we draw from thirty in-depth interviews with Latinx child farmworkers aged ten to seventeen to describe their experiences of personal and observed workplace injury and close calls. Nearly all child workers had experienced or observed some form of injury, with several reporting close calls that could have resulted in severe injury or fatality. Overall, children reported a reactive approach to injury prevention and normalized pain as part of the job. Highlighting Latinx child farmworkers' structural "vulnerability, this analysis contextualizes understanding of workplace injury among this largely hidden population. We offer policy recommendations to protect and support these vulnerable workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J. Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Thomas A. Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara A. Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dana C. Mora
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Stephanie S. Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine—Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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28
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Langer CE, Mitchell DC, Armitage TL, Moyce SC, Tancredi DJ, Castro J, Vega-Arroyo AJ, Bennett DH, Schenker MB. Are Cal/OSHA Regulations Protecting Farmworkers in California From Heat-Related Illness? J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:532-539. [PMID: 33741829 PMCID: PMC8893044 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine compliance with and effectiveness of California regulations in reducing farmworkers' heat-related illness (HRI) risk and identify main factors contributing to HRI. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of Latino farmworkers, core body temperature (CBT), work rate, and environmental temperature (WBGT) were monitored over a work shift by individual ingestible thermistors, accelerometers, and weather stations, respectively. Multiple logistic modeling was used to identify risk factors for elevated CBT. RESULTS Although farms complied with Cal/OSHA regulations, worker training of HRI prevention and hydration replacement rates were insufficient. In modeling (AOR [95% CI]) male sex (3.74 [1.22 - 11.54]), WBGT (1.22 [1.08 - 1.38]), work rate (1.004 [1.002 - 1.006]), and increased BMI (1.11 [1.10 - 1.29]) were all independently associated with elevated CBT. CONCLUSION Risk of HRI was exacerbated by work rate and environmental temperature despite farms following Cal/OSHA regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Eastman Langer
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Langer, Castro); Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Mitchell, Armitage, Dr Vega-Arroyo, Dr Bennett, Dr Schenker); Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA (Dr Moyce); College of Nursing, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA (Dr Moyce); Department of Pediatrics , Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA (Dr Tancredi)
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29
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Sabrin S, Zech WC, Nazari R, Karimi M. Understanding occupational heat exposure in the United States and proposing a quantifying stress index. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:1983-2000. [PMID: 34036432 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Millions of workers exposed to the outdoor environment are extremely susceptible to extreme heat. Although several articles analyzed heat-related illnesses, injuries, fatalities at the country level, few investigated regional and state statistics especially for OSHA Region 4 and the state of Alabama, U.S, which we explored in this study. METHODS We studied the number of heat-days over 90 °F (32.2 °C) heat-index within our study area, analyzed heat-related injury and illnesses to calculate their incidence rate during 2015 to 2019, observed the nature of such incidents, their monthly occurrence, and incidence trend over average air temperature. We conducted a comparative analysis of heat-related fatalities between construction and all industries. The existing heat regulations by OSHA and some state agencies have also been summarized. RESULTS We observed the highest mean, maximum heat-days and injury-illness rate in the south and southeast part of Region 4; increase in incidence rate from 0.03 in 2017 to 0.28 per 10,000 employees in 2018 for the contiguous U.S; highest injury-illness rate (HIR) in OSHA Region 1, 4 and 6; highest HIR in Lee, Montgomery, Mobile and Madison counties of Alabama; 34.7% (construction) and 31.3% (all industries) of all cases experiencing nonclassifiable heat-light effects; high fatalities in construction industry with a trend of 1 death/5 years; increased mortality in all occupations with 1 death/2.4 years. We also proposed a Heat-Stress Index (HSI) as a routine heat-stress measure on jobsite. CONCLUSION The findings from this research and the proposed index can help in understanding heat-related risk at a regional level and implementing workplace interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samain Sabrin
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Hoehn Engineering Building, Room Number 140, 1075 13th Street South, Birmingham, 35294-4440, AL, USA.
| | - Wesley C Zech
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Hoehn Engineering Building, Room Number 140, 1075 13th Street South, Birmingham, 35294-4440, AL, USA
| | - Rouzbeh Nazari
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Hoehn Engineering Building, Room Number 140, 1075 13th Street South, Birmingham, 35294-4440, AL, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Ryals Public Health Building (RPHB), 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, 35294-0022, AL, USA
| | - Maryam Karimi
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Hoehn Engineering Building, Room Number 140, 1075 13th Street South, Birmingham, 35294-4440, AL, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama At Birmingham, Ryals Public Health Building (RPHB), 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, 35294-0022, AL, USA
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30
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Mac V, Elon L, Mix J, Tovar-Aguilar A, Flocks J, Economos E, Hertzberg V, McCauley L. Risk Factors for Reaching Core Body Temperature Thresholds in Florida Agricultural Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:395-402. [PMID: 33560064 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a compelling need to identify agricultural workers at risk for heat related illness (HRI). METHODS Data from Florida agricultural workers (N = 221) were collected over 3 summer workdays (2015 to 2017) to examine risk factors for exceeding NIOSH-recommended core temperature (Tc) thresholds (38 °C [Tc38] and 38.5 °C [Tc38.5]) using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS On an average workday, 49% of participants exceeded Tc38 and 10% exceeded Tc38.5. On average, participants first exceeded both thresholds early in the day; the Tc38 threshold mid-morning (10:38 AM), and Tc38.5 about a half hour later (11:10 AM). Risk factors associated with exceeding Tc38 included years working in US agriculture, body mass index, time performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, increasing heat index, and field crop work. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of core temperatures exceeding recommended limits emphasizes the serious need for mandated HRI prevention programs for outdoor workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Mac
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Dr Mac, Dr Mix, Dr Hertzberg, Dr McCauley); Rollins School of Public Health (Ms Elon), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; Farmworkers Association of Florida, Apopka (Dr Tovar-Aguilar, Ms Economos); and Levine College of Law, University of Florida, Gainesville (Mrs Flocks), Florida
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31
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Expression profiles of genes associated with inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in lung after heat stroke. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:224901. [PMID: 32436952 PMCID: PMC7276522 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stroke (HS) is a physically dysfunctional illness caused by hyperthermia. Lung, as the important place for gas-exchange and heat-dissipation organ, is often first to be injured. Lung injury caused by HS impairs the ventilation function of lung, which will subsequently cause damage to other tissues and organs. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism of lung injury in heat stroke is still unknown. METHODS Rat lung tissues from controls or HS models were harvested. The gene expression profile was identified by high-throughput sequencing. DEGs were calculated using R and validated by qRT-PCR. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and cell-enrichment were performed using differential expression genes (DEGs). Finally, lung histopathology was accessed by H&E staining. RESULTS About 471 genes were identified to be DEGs, of which 257 genes were up-regulated, and 214 genes were down-regulated. The most up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs were validated by qRT-PCR, which confirmed the tendency of expression. GO, KEGG, and protein-protein interaction (PPI)-network analyses disclosed DEGs were significantly enriched in leukocyte migration, response to lipopolysaccharide, NIK/NF-kappaB signaling, response to reactive oxygen species, response to heat, and the hub genes were Tnf, Il1b, Cxcl2, Ccl2, Mmp9, Timp1, Hmox1, Serpine1, Mmp8 and Csf1, most of which were closely related to inflammagenesis and oxidative stress. Finally, cell-enrichment analysis and histopathologic analysis showed Monocytes, Megakaryotyes, and Macrophages were enriched in response to heat stress. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified key genes, signal pathways and infiltrated-cell types in lung after heat stress, which will deepen our understanding of transcriptional response to heat stress, and might provide new ideas for the treatment of HS.
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Pedersen KM, Busch Isaksen TM, Baker MG, Seixas N, Errett NA. Climate Change Impacts and Workforce Development Needs in Federal Region X: A Qualitative Study of Occupational Health and Safety Professionals' Perceptions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041513. [PMID: 33562700 PMCID: PMC7915234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is considered one of the top health threats in the United States. This research sought to (1) to understand the perceptions of occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals regarding the impacts of climate-related hazards on OHS in Region X, and (2) to explore the ideas of these OHS professionals regarding the content of future training programs that would better prepare OHS professionals to identify and mitigate climate-related hazards in Region X. Key informant (KI) interviews with 17 OHS professionals familiar with the climate-related hazards and impacts to OHS in Region X were coded and thematically analyzed. Climate hazards, social and economic impacts from climate-related hazards, and sector-specific worker and workplace impacts from climate-related hazards were described as having interacting relationships that influenced worker health and safety impacts. KIs further described how workplace controls could be used to mitigate OHS impacts of climate-related hazards, and how training of the OHS workforce could influence the ability to successfully implement such controls. Our findings suggest that OHS impacts are sector-specific, influenced by social and economic factors, and can be mitigated through workplace controls designed and implemented by a trained OHS workforce. The findings from this work should inform future educational and training programming and additional research and translation activities in the region, while our approach can inform other regions as they develop regionally specific OHS climate change training and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Pedersen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (K.M.P); (T.M.B.I.); (M.G.B.); (N.S.)
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, College of Built Environments, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tania M. Busch Isaksen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (K.M.P); (T.M.B.I.); (M.G.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Marissa G. Baker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (K.M.P); (T.M.B.I.); (M.G.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Noah Seixas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (K.M.P); (T.M.B.I.); (M.G.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Nicole A. Errett
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (K.M.P); (T.M.B.I.); (M.G.B.); (N.S.)
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Correspondence:
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Taylor NAS, Lee JY, Kim S, Notley SR. Physiological interactions with personal-protective clothing, physically demanding work and global warming: An Asia-Pacific perspective. J Therm Biol 2021; 97:102858. [PMID: 33863427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Asia-Pacific contains over half of the world's population, 21 countries have a Gross Domestic Product <25% of the world's largest economy, many countries have tropical climates and all suffer the impact of global warming. That 'perfect storm' exacerbates the risk of occupational heat illness, yet first responders must perform physically demanding work wearing personal-protective clothing and equipment. Unfortunately, the Eurocentric emphasis of past research has sometimes reduced its applicability to other ethnic groups. To redress that imbalance, relevant contemporary research has been reviewed, to which has been added information applicable to people of Asian, Melanesian and Polynesian ancestry. An epidemiological triad is used to identify the causal agents and host factors of work intolerance within hot-humid climates, commencing with the size dependency of resting metabolism and heat production accompanying load carriage, followed by a progression from the impact of single-layered clothing through to encapsulating ensembles. A morphological hypothesis is presented to account for inter-individual differences in heat production and heat loss, which seems to explain apparent ethnic- and gender-related differences in thermoregulation, at least within thermally compensable states. The mechanisms underlying work intolerance, cardiovascular insufficiency and heat illness are reviewed, along with epidemiological data from the Asia-Pacific. Finally, evidence-based preventative and treatment strategies are presented and updated concerning moisture-management fabrics and barriers, dehydration, pre- and post-exercise cooling, and heat adaptation. An extensive reference list is provided, with >25 recommendations enabling physiologists, occupational health specialists, policy makers, purchasing officers and manufacturers to rapidly extract interpretative outcomes pertinent to the Asia-Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel A S Taylor
- Research Institute of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joo-Young Lee
- Research Institute of Human Ecology, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Siyeon Kim
- Human Convergence Technology R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sean R Notley
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Heinzerling A, Laws RL, Frederick M, Jackson R, Windham G, Materna B, Harrison R. Risk factors for occupational heat-related illness among California workers, 2000-2017. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:1145-1154. [PMID: 33075156 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As climate change increases global temperatures, heat-related morbidity and mortality are projected to rise. Outdoor workers and those who perform exertional tasks are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness (HRI). Using workers' compensation data, we aimed to describe rates of occupational HRI in California and identify demographic and occupational risk factors to inform prevention efforts. METHODS We identified HRI cases during 2000-2017 in the California Workers' Compensation Information System (WCIS) using International Classification of Diseases Ninth and Tenth Revision codes, WCIS nature and cause of injury codes, and HRI keywords. We assigned industry and occupation codes using the NIOSH Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (NIOCCS). We calculated HRI rates by sex, age group, year, county, industry, and occupation, and estimated confidence intervals using generalized linear models. RESULTS We identified 15,996 HRI cases during 2000-2017 (6.0 cases/100,000 workers). Workers aged 16-24 years had the highest HRI rate (7.6) among age groups, and men (8.1) had a higher rate than women (3.5). Industry sectors with the highest HRI rates were Agriculture, Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (38.6), and Public Administration (35.3). Occupational groups with the highest HRI rates were Protective Services (56.6) and Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (36.6). Firefighters had the highest HRI rate (389.6) among individual occupations. CONCLUSIONS Workers in certain demographic and occupational groups are particularly susceptible to HRI. Additional prevention efforts, including outreach and enforcement targeting high-risk groups, are needed to reduce occupational HRI. Workers' compensation data can provide timely information about temporal trends and risk factors for HRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Heinzerling
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca L Laws
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matt Frederick
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Jackson
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Gayle Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Barbara Materna
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Robert Harrison
- California Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, Richmond, California, USA
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Turek-Hankins LL, Hino M, Mach KJ. Risk screening methods for extreme heat: Implications for equity-oriented adaptation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240841. [PMID: 33147245 PMCID: PMC7641348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality impacts of extreme heat amplified by climate change will be unequally distributed among communities given pre-existing differences in socioeconomic, health, and environmental conditions. Many governments are interested in adaptation policies that target those especially vulnerable to the risks, but there are important questions about how to effectively identify and support communities most in need of heat adaptations. Here, we use an equity-oriented adaptation program from the state of California as a case study to evaluate the implications of the currently used environmental justice index (CalEnviroScreen 3.0) for the identification of socially vulnerable communities with climate change adaptation needs. As CalEnviroScreen is geared towards air and water pollution, we assess how community heat risks and adaptation needs would be evaluated differently under two more adaptation-relevant vulnerability indices: the Social Vulnerability Index and the Heat-Health Action Index. Our analysis considers communities at the census tract scale, as well as the patterns emerging at the regional scale. Using the current index, the state designates 25% of its census tracts as “disadvantaged” communities eligible for special adaptation funds. However, an additional 12.6% of the state’s communities could be considered vulnerable if the two other indices were considered instead. Only 13.4% of communities are vulnerable across all three vulnerability indices studied. Choice of vulnerability index shapes statewide trends in extreme heat risk and is linked to a community’s likelihood of receiving heat-related California Climate Investments (CCI) projects. Tracts that are vulnerable under the current pollution-focused index, but not under the heat-health specific index, received four times the number of heat-related interventions as tracts vulnerable under the reverse scenario. This study demonstrates important nuances relevant to implementing equity-oriented adaptation and explores the challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities in quantifying vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynée L. Turek-Hankins
- Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Mentoring Undergraduates in Interdisciplinary Research (MUIR) Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Environmental Science and Policy Graduate Program, Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Miyuki Hino
- Department of City and Regional Planning, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Katharine J. Mach
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
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“We Force Ourselves”: Productivity, Workplace Culture, and HRI Prevention in Florida’s Citrus Groves. SAFETY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/safety6030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to disseminate heat-related illness (HRI) prevention practices among Latino farmworkers represent a critical occupational safety strategy in Florida. Targeted initiatives, however, require understanding the workplace dynamics that guide agricultural safety behaviors. This article reports focus group data collected in 2018 from citrus harvesters in central Florida and provides an in-depth perspective on the workplace culture that shapes their implementation of heat safety measures. Results indicate that citrus harvesters regularly suffered HRI symptoms yet rarely reported or sought treatment for their injuries. In some cases, the risks of developing HRI were accepted as a facet of agricultural work and harvesters blamed themselves for their illnesses. Implementation of safety practices hinged less on knowledge than on the availability of water and rest breaks and the quality of employer-employee relations and exchanges. Thus, trust was a determinant of workers’ attitudes toward management that contributed to a harvesting operation’s safety climate. Results highlight the difficulties of putting into practice measures that are not rewarded by the workplace culture and suggest that the extent to which intervention strategies promote not only individual safety behaviors but organizational accountability may predict their effectiveness.
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Tigchelaar M, Battisti DS, Spector JT. Work Adaptations Insufficient to Address Growing Heat Risk for U.S. Agricultural Workers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2020; 15:094035. [PMID: 33133229 PMCID: PMC7594196 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ab86f4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The over one million agricultural workers in the United States (U.S.) are amongst the populations most vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme heat. Climate change will further increase this vulnerability. Here we estimate the magnitude and spatial patterns of the growing heat exposure and health risk faced by U.S. crop workers and assess the effect of workplace adaptations on mitigating that risk. We find that the average number of days spent working in unsafe conditions will double by mid-century, and, without mitigation, triple by the end of it. Increases in rest time and the availability of climate-controlled recovery areas can eliminate this risk but could affect farm productivity, farm worker earnings, and/or labor costs much more than alternative measures. Safeguarding the health and well-being of U.S. crop workers will therefore require systemic change beyond the worker and workplace level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Tigchelaar
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- now at: Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - David S. Battisti
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - June T. Spector
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Maung Z, Tustin AW. The Heat Death Line: Proposed Heat Index Alert Threshold for Preventing Heat-Related Fatalities in the Civilian Workforce. New Solut 2020; 30:138-145. [PMID: 32552315 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120933819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A threshold Heat Index (HI) can serve as the basis for advising the civilian workforce about the risk of heat-related illnesses. We conducted a systematic review and compiled reports of work-related fatalities from heat-related illnesses. We calculated the HI for each fatality. Our objective was to expand upon the military's concept of a "heat death line" and identify an HI alert threshold for the civilian workforce. We identified 14 publications totaling 570 heat-related deaths. In the meta-analysis, the median HI was 101 with a range of 62 to 137. Almost all deaths (96 percent and 99 percent of civilian and military fatalities, respectively) occurred when HI ≥80, which is our proposed heat death line. Some existing HI-based heat advisories are set at a higher temperature value. However, many occupational heat-related illnesses occur below these thresholds, resulting in low sensitivity and a false sense of security. In at-risk outdoor industries, HI ≥80 should trigger hazard awareness and protective actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaw Maung
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aaron W Tustin
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
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Arnold TJ, Arcury TA, Sandberg JC, Quandt SA, Talton JW, Mora DC, Kearney GD, Chen H, Wiggins MF, Daniel SS. Heat-Related Illness Among Latinx Child Farmworkers in North Carolina: A Mixed-Methods Study. New Solut 2020; 30:111-126. [PMID: 32349618 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120920571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Children as young as ten are legally hired for farm work. In North Carolina, many of these hired children are Latinx; they often work long hours during hot and humid summer conditions. Heat-related illness occurs along a continuum of severity ranging from heat cramps and rashes to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. The literature on the negative health effects of occupational heat exposure is growing; however, few studies have examined this exposure and health outcomes among child agricultural workers. To understand Latinx child farmworkers' experiences of working in heat, we conducted in-depth interviews (n = 30). To estimate the prevalence of heat-related illness symptoms and associated factors, we conducted survey interviews (n = 165). Heat-related illness is common among these child farmworkers. While children often understand the dangers of working in heat, work organization often prevents their taking precautions. Formal workplace protections to prevent heat-related illness are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Arnold
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Thomas A Arcury
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Joanne C Sandberg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Sara A Quandt
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jennifer W Talton
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Dana C Mora
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Gregory D Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | | | - Stephanie S Daniel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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RICCò M, RAZIO B, POLETTI L, PANATO C, BALZARINI F, MEZZOIUSO A, VEZZOSI L. Risk perception of heat related disorders on the workplaces: a survey among health and safety representatives from the autonomous province of Trento, Northeastern Italy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E48-E59. [PMID: 32490269 PMCID: PMC7225649 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.1.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction This study will investigate knowledge, attitude and practices towards heat-related health issues in a sample of safety representatives from Northern Italy (H&SRs). Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2016-2017 among 298 H&SR. Knowledge status was measured both in general but as well and focusing on first-aid issues. Assessment of risk perception included severity and frequency of heat-related events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed individual and work-related characteristics associated with H&SRs’ risk perception. Results 258 questionnaires were retrieved (participation rate 86.6%; mean age 48.2 ± 8.4 years). Knowledge status was relatively good on technical/preventive issues (62.3% ± 16.8) and first aid measures (72.6% ± 27.2), but a large share of respondents ignored the risk from exertional heat stroke (35.9%), and for heat strokes elicited by non-environmental heat (e.g. machineries, use of protective equipment, etc. 47.9%). The majority of respondents acknowledged the high frequency of extreme events like heat waves (62.0%), but only 44.6% agreed on their potential health threat, with an unsatisfying cumulative risk perception score (55.4% ± 23.5). A specific first-aid formation course was reported by 49.2% of respondents, while 10.9% had any previous interaction with heat-related disorders. Specific countermeasures for heat waves had been put in place by parent company in 20.1% of cases. Eventually, higher educational achievements (mOR 2.239, 95% CI 1.184-4.233) and a better general knowledge status (mOR 1.703, 95% CI 1.073-2.979) were positive predictors for higher risk perception. Conclusions Although H&SRs exhibited a good understanding of heat-related health issues, stakeholders should improve the implementation of specific countermeasures on the workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. RICCò
- AUSL- IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Public Health, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy
- Provincial Agency for Health Services (APSS) of the Autonomous Province of Trento; Department of Prevention, Operative Unit for Health and Safety in the Workplaces, Trento (TN), Italy
- Correspondence: Matteo Riccò, Department of Public Health, Service for Health and Safety in the Workplace, via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy - Tel. +39 0522 837 587 - E-mail: /
| | - B. RAZIO
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - L. POLETTI
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - C. PANATO
- University of Trento, First cycle degree in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques, Trento (TN), Italy
| | - F. BALZARINI
- University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - A.G. MEZZOIUSO
- University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - L. VEZZOSI
- ASST di Cremona; Direzione Medica di Presidio, Cremona (Italy)
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Hesketh M, Wuellner S, Robinson A, Adams D, Smith C, Bonauto D. Heat related illness among workers in Washington State: A descriptive study using workers' compensation claims, 2006-2017. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:300-311. [PMID: 31994776 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat related illness (HRI) places a significant burden on the health and safety of working populations and its impacts will likely increase with climate change. The aim of this study was to characterize the demographic and occupational characteristics of Washington workers who suffered from HRI from 2006 to 2017 using workers' compensation claims data. METHODS We used Washington workers' compensation data linked to weather station data to identify cases of work-related HRI. We utilized Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System codes, International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes, and medical review to identify accepted and rejected Washington State (WA) workers' compensation claims for HRI from 2006 to 2017. We estimated rates of HRI by industry and evaluated patterns by ambient temperature. RESULTS We detected 918 confirmed Washington workers' compensation HRI claims from 2006 to 2017, 654 were accepted and 264 were rejected. Public Administration had the highest third quarter rate (131.3 per 100 000 full time employees [FTE]), followed by Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (102.6 per 100 000 FTE). The median maximum daytime temperature was below the Washington heat rule threshold for 45% of the accepted HRI claims. Latinos were estimated to be overrepresented in HRI cases. CONCLUSION The WA heat rule threshold may not be adequately protecting workers and racial disparities are present in occupational HRI. Employers should take additional precautions to prevent HRI depending on the intensity of heat exposure. States without heat rules and with large industry sectors disproportionately affected by HRI should consider regulations to protect outdoor workers in the face of more frequent and extreme heat waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martell Hesketh
- School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattle Washington
| | - Sara Wuellner
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention ProgramWashington State Department of Labor and IndustriesOlympia Washington
| | - Amanda Robinson
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention ProgramWashington State Department of Labor and IndustriesOlympia Washington
| | - Darrin Adams
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention ProgramWashington State Department of Labor and IndustriesOlympia Washington
| | - Caroline Smith
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention ProgramWashington State Department of Labor and IndustriesOlympia Washington
| | - David Bonauto
- School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattle Washington
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention ProgramWashington State Department of Labor and IndustriesOlympia Washington
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Brearley MB. Are Recommended Heat Stroke Treatments Adequate for Australian Workers? Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:263-266. [PMID: 30908575 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Workers that combine physical exertion with exposure to hot conditions are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke. Despite recognition of cold water immersion as the heat stroke treatment of choice in the peer-reviewed literature, it was not included within recommended treatments of leading Australian healthcare training organizations and was omitted from Safe Work Australia's recently updated 'Managing the risks of working in heat' guidance material. On this basis, the guidance material appears an opportunity lost to assist Australian industry transition their heat stroke management to reflect the evidence. It is recommended that Australian providers of healthcare training, and those reliant on such information, review the efficacy of their heat stroke treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt B Brearley
- National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Level 8 Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin NT, Australia.,Thermal Hyperformance, Howard Springs NT, Australia
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Bi X, Deising A, Frenette C. Acute Liver Failure From Exertional Heatstroke Can Result in Excellent Long-Term Survival With Liver Transplantation. Hepatology 2020; 71:1122-1123. [PMID: 31509612 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Scripps Health, San Diego, CA
| | - Adam Deising
- Department of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Catherine Frenette
- Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA
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Pham S, Yeap D, Escalera G, Basu R, Wu X, Kenyon NJ, Hertz-Picciotto I, Ko MJ, Davis CE. Wearable Sensor System to Monitor Physical Activity and the Physiological Effects of Heat Exposure. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20030855. [PMID: 32041097 PMCID: PMC7039288 DOI: 10.3390/s20030855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mobile health monitoring via non-invasive wearable sensors is poised to advance telehealth for older adults and other vulnerable populations. Extreme heat and other environmental conditions raise serious health challenges that warrant monitoring of real-time physiological data as people go about their normal activities. Mobile systems could be beneficial for many communities, including elite athletes, military special forces, and at-home geriatric monitoring. While some commercial monitors exist, they are bulky, require reconfiguration, and do not fit seamlessly as a simple wearable device. We designed, prototyped and tested an integrated sensor platform that records heart rate, oxygen saturation, physical activity levels, skin temperature, and galvanic skin response. The device uses a small microcontroller to integrate the measurements and store data directly on the device for up to 48+ h. continuously. The device was compared to clinical standards for calibration and performance benchmarking. We found that our system compared favorably with clinical measures, such as fingertip pulse oximetry and infrared thermometry, with high accuracy and correlation. Our novel platform would facilitate an individualized approach to care, particularly those whose access to healthcare facilities is limited. The platform also can be used as a research tool to study physiological responses to a variety of environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, and can be customized to incorporate new sensors to explore other lines of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Pham
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (D.Y.)
| | - Danny Yeap
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (D.Y.)
| | - Gisela Escalera
- Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Rupa Basu
- California Environmental Protection Agency, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612, USA; (R.B.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiangmei Wu
- California Environmental Protection Agency, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612, USA; (R.B.); (X.W.)
| | - Nicholas J. Kenyon
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4150 V Street, Suite 3400, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- VA Northern California Health Care System, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Department of Public Health, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Michelle J. Ko
- Center for Regional Change, Department of Public Health, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Cristina E. Davis
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.P.); (D.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Vanos J, Vecellio DJ, Kjellstrom T. Workplace heat exposure, health protection, and economic impacts: A case study in Canada. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:1024-1037. [PMID: 30912193 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational heat exposure is a serious concern for worker health, productivity, and the economy. Few studies in North America assess how on-site wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) levels and guidelines are applied in practice. METHODS We assessed the use of a WBGT sensor for localized summertime heat exposures experienced by outdoor laborers at an industrial worksite in Ontario, Canada during the warm season (May-October) from 2012 to 2018 inclusive. We further examined informed decision making, approximated workers' predicted heat strain (sweat loss, core temperature), and estimated potential financial loss (via hourly wages) due to decreased work allowance in the heat. RESULTS Significantly higher worksite WBGT levels occured compared with regional levels estimated at the airport, with an upward trend in heat warnings over the 7 years and expansion of warnings into the fall season. The maximum WBGT during warnings related strongly to predicted hourly sweat loss. On average, 22 hours per worker were lost each summer (~1% of annual work hours) as a result of taking breaks or stopping due to heat. This amount of time corresponded to an average individual loss of C$1100 Canadian dollars (~C$220,000 combined for ~200 workers) to workers or the company. The additional losses for an enterprise due to reduced product output were not estimated. CONCLUSIONS Worksite observations and actions at the microscale are essential for improving the estimates of health and economic costs of extreme heat to enterprises and society. Providing worksite heat metrics to the employees aids in appropriate decision making and health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vanos
- School of SustainabilityArizona State University Tempe Arizona
- School of Medicine & Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California San Diego La Jolla California
| | | | - Tord Kjellstrom
- Health and Environment International Trust, Climate Heat Impacts Research Program, Mapua Nelson New Zealand
- National Center for Epidemiology and Population HealthAustralian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Heat‐shield Research Program, Centre for Technology Research and Innovation (CETRI) Limassol Cyprus
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Notley SR, Flouris AD, Kenny GP. Occupational heat stress management: Does one size fit all? Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:1017-1023. [PMID: 30791115 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress is a deadly occupational hazard that is projected to increase in severity with global warming. While upper limits for heat stress designed to protect all workers have been recommended by occupational safety institutes for some time, heat stress continues to compromise health and productivity. In our view, this is largely explained by the inability of existing guidelines to consider the inter-individual (age, sex, disease, others) and intra-individual (medication use, fitness, hydration, others) factors that cause extensive variability in physiological tolerance to a given heat stress. In conditions that do not exceed the recommended limits, this 'one size fits all' approach to heat stress management can lead to reductions in productivity in more heat-tolerant workers, while compromising safety in less heat-tolerant workers who may develop heat-related illness, even in temperate conditions. Herein, we discuss future directions in occupational heat stress management that consider this individual variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R. Notley
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research UnitSchool of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa OttawaCanada
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research UnitSchool of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa OttawaCanada
- FAME LaboratoryDepartment of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly TrikalaGreece
| | - Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research UnitSchool of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa OttawaCanada
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Varghese BM, Barnett AG, Hansen AL, Bi P, Nairn J, Rowett S, Nitschke M, Hanson-Easey S, Heyworth JS, Sim MR, Pisaniello DL. Characterising the impact of heatwaves on work-related injuries and illnesses in three Australian cities using a standard heatwave definition- Excess Heat Factor (EHF). JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:821-830. [PMID: 30988389 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0138-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Heatwaves have potential health and safety implications for many workers, and heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. There is currently a lack of comparative evidence for the effects of heatwaves on workers' health and safety in different climates (sub-tropical and temperate). This study examined the relationship between heatwave severity (as defined by the Excess Heat Factor) and workers' compensation claims, to define impacts and identify workers at higher risk. METHODS Workers' compensation claims data from Australian cities with temperate (Melbourne and Perth) and subtropical (Brisbane) climates for the years 2006-2016 were analysed in relation to heatwave severity categories (low and moderate/high severity) using time-stratified case-crossover models. RESULTS Consistent impacts of heatwaves were observed in each city with either a protective or null effect during heatwaves of low-intensity while claims increased during moderate/high-severity heatwaves compared with non-heatwave days. The highest effect during moderate/high-severity heatwaves was in Brisbane (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.42-1.48). Vulnerable worker subgroups identified across the three cities included: males, workers aged under 34 years, apprentice/trainee workers, labour hire workers, those employed in medium and heavy strength occupations, and workers from outdoor and indoor industrial sectors. CONCLUSION These findings show that work-related injuries and illnesses increase during moderate/high-severity heatwaves in both sub-tropical and temperate climates. Heatwave forecasts should signal the need for heightened heat awareness and preventive measures to minimise the risks to workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blesson M Varghese
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adrian G Barnett
- School of Public Health and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alana L Hansen
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - John Nairn
- Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- The University of Adelaide, School of Biological Science, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Shelley Rowett
- SafeWork SA, Government of South Australia, 33 Richmond Road, Keswick, SA, 5035, Australia
| | - Monika Nitschke
- Department for Health and Ageing, Government of South Australia, 11 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Scott Hanson-Easey
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jane S Heyworth
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dino L Pisaniello
- The University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Impacts of Climate Change on Outdoor Workers and their Safety: Some Research Priorities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183458. [PMID: 31533360 PMCID: PMC6765781 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The literature on the potential impacts of climate change on the health of outdoor workers has received limited attention as a whole, and in sub-Saharan African countries in particular. Yet, substantial numbers of workers are experiencing the health effects of elevated temperature, in combination with changes in precipitation patterns, climate extremes and the effects of air pollution, which have a potential impact on their safety and wellbeing. With increased temperatures within urban settlements and frequent heats waves, there has been a sudden rise in the occurrence of heat-related illness leading to higher levels of mortality, as well as other adverse health impacts. This paper discusses the impacts of extreme heat exposure and health concerns among outdoor workers, and the resultant impacts on their productivity and occupational safety in tropical developing countries with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a dearth of such studies. Aside from the direct effects caused by extreme heat exposure, other indirect health hazards associated with increasing heat among this group includes exposures to hazardous chemicals and other vector-borne diseases. In addition, reduced work capacity in heat-exposed jobs will continue to rise and hinder economic and social development in such countries. There is an urgent need for further studies around the health and economic impacts of climate change in the workplace, especially in tropical developing countries, which may guide the implementation of the measures needed to address the problem.
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Runkle JD, Cui C, Fuhrmann C, Stevens S, Del Pinal J, Sugg MM. Evaluation of wearable sensors for physiologic monitoring of individually experienced temperatures in outdoor workers in southeastern U.S. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:229-238. [PMID: 31146157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Climate-related increases in global mean temperature and the intensification of heat waves present a significant threat to outdoor workers. Limited research has been completed to assess the potential differences in heat exposures that exist between individuals within similar microenvironments. Yet, there is a paucity of individual data characterizing patterns of individually experienced temperatures in workers and the associated physiologic heat strain response. The objective of this study was to apply a wearable sensor-based approach to examine the occupational, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to individual-level variations in heat strain in grounds maintenance workers. Outdoor workers from three diverse climatic locations in the southeastern United States - high temperature, high temperature + high humidity, and moderate temperature environments - participated in personal heat exposure monitoring during a 5-day work period in the summer. We performed Cox proportional hazards modeling to estimate associations between multiple heat strain events per worker and changes in individually experienced temperatures. Heat strain risk was higher among workers with a place to cool-off, higher education, and who worked in hotter temperatures. A mismatch was observed between workers' perceptions of heat strain and actual heat strain prevalence across exposure groups. We also used a quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear function to estimate the non-linear and lag effects of individually experienced temperatures on risk of heat strain. The association between increasing temperature and heat strain was nonlinear and exhibited an U-shaped relationship. Heat strain was less common during issued heat warnings demonstrating behavioral adaptive actions taken by workers. This study is one of the first temperature monitoring studies to quantify the individual-level exposure-response function in this vulnerable population and highlights the elevated risk of heat strain both immediately and several days after worker exposure to high temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America.
| | - Can Cui
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America
| | - Chris Fuhrmann
- Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, 208 Hilbun Hall, MS 39762, United States of America
| | - Scott Stevens
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, 151 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, United States of America
| | - Jeff Del Pinal
- Grounds and Building Services, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7516, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Margaret M Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 32066, Boone, NC 28608, United States of America
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50
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Ma R, Zhong S, Morabito M, Hajat S, Xu Z, He Y, Bao J, Sheng R, Li C, Fu C, Huang C. Estimation of work-related injury and economic burden attributable to heat stress in Guangzhou, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:147-154. [PMID: 30798225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has exacerbated the health effects of high ambient temperatures on occupational health and safety; however, to what extent heat stress can induce workplace injuries and economic costs is poorly studied. This study aimed to quantify the attributable fractions of injury claims and subsequent insurance payouts using data from work-related injury insurance system in Guangzhou, China. METHODS Individual workers' injury claims data were collected for the period of 2011-2012, including demographic characteristics and work-related information. Daily maximum wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT, °C) was calculated from meteorological data. To examine the association between WBGT index and work-related injury, we fit a quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear model. Then we calculated the numbers of injury claims and costs of insurance compensations attributable to days with WBGT above the heat stress limit according to the national occupational health standards. RESULTS There were 9550 work-related injury claims, resulting in an insurance payout of 282.3 million Chinese Yuan. The risks of injury claims increased with rising WBGT. 4.8% (95% eCI: 2.9%-6.9%) of work-related injuries and 4.1% (95% eCI: 0.2%-7.7%) of work-related injury insurance payouts were attributed to heat exposure for WBGT threshold above the heat stress limit. Male workers, those in small enterprises and with low educational attainment were especially sensitive to the effects of heat exposure. CONCLUSIONS Heat stress can contribute to higher risk of work-related injury and substantial economic costs. Quantified the impacts of injuries and related economic costs should be considered to develop targeted preventive measures in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Zhong
- Center for Chinese Public Administration Research, School of Government, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Biometeorology, National Research Council, Florence, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiling He
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhe Bao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Sheng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changchang Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuandong Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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