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Otani H, Goto T, Kobayashi Y, Goto H, Hosokawa Y, Tokizawa K, Shirato M. The fan cooling vest use reduces thermal and perceptual strain during outdoor exercise in the heat on a sunny summer day. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024; 68:1625-1635. [PMID: 38771319 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02690-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The fan cooling vest is coming into very common use by Japanese outdoor manual workers. We examined that to what extent using this vest reduces thermal strain and perception during outdoor exercise in the heat on a sunny summer day. Ten male baseball players in high school conducted two baseball training sessions for 2-h with (VEST) or without (CON) a commercially available fan cooling vest on a baseball uniform. These sessions commenced at 10 a.m. on separate days in early August. The fan airflow rate attached the vest was 62 L·s-1. Neither ambient temperature (Mean ± SD: VEST 31.9 ± 0.2°C; CON 31.8 ± 0.7°C), wet-bulb globe temperature (VEST 31.2 ± 0.4°C; CON 31.4 ± 0.5°C) nor solar radiation (VEST 1008 ± 136 W·m-2; CON 1042 ± 66 W·m-2) was different between trials. Mean skin temperature (VEST 34.5 ± 1.1°C; CON 35.1 ± 1.4°C), infrared tympanic temperature (VEST 38.9 ± 0.9°C; CON 39.2 ± 1.2°C), heart rate (VEST 127 ± 31 bpm; CON 139 ± 33 bpm), body heat storage (VEST 140 ± 34 W·m-2; CON 160 ± 22 W·m-2), thermal sensation (- 4-4: VEST 0 ± 2; CON 3 ± 1) and rating of perceived exertion (6-20: VEST 11 ± 2; CON 14 ± 2) were lower in VEST than CON (all P < 0.05). Total distance measured with a global positioning system (VEST 3704 ± 293 m; CON 3936 ± 501 m) and body fluid variables were not different between trials. This study indicates that the fan cooling vest use can reduce thermal strain and perception during outdoor exercise in the heat on a sunny summer day. Cooling with this vest would be effective to mitigate thermal risks and perceptual stress in athletes and sports participants under such settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Otani
- Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiono, Himeji, Hyogo, 670-8524, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Goto
- National Institute of Technology, Akashi College, Uozumi-Cho, 679-3 Nishioka, Akashi, Hyogo, 674-0084, Japan
| | - Yuki Kobayashi
- National Institute of Technology, Akashi College, Uozumi-Cho, 679-3 Nishioka, Akashi, Hyogo, 674-0084, Japan
| | - Heita Goto
- Kyushu Kyoritsu University, 1-8 Jiyugaoka, Yahatanishi-Ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 807-8585, Japan
| | - Yuri Hosokawa
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1164, Japan
| | - Ken Tokizawa
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 1-4-6 Umezono, Kiyose, Tokyo, 204-0024, Japan
| | - Minayuki Shirato
- Meiji Gakuin University, 1-2-37 Shiroganedai, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8636, Japan
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Del Ferraro S, Falcone T, Morabito M, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A, Gao C, Molinaro V. Mitigating heat effects in the workplace with a ventilation jacket: Simulations of the whole-body and local human thermophysiological response with a sweating thermal manikin in a warm-dry environment. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103772. [PMID: 38145612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103772] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly affecting human well-being and will inevitably impact on occupational sectors in terms of costs, productivity, workers' health and injuries. Among the cooling garment developed to reduce heat strain, the ventilation jacket could be considered for possible use in workplaces, as it is wearable without limiting the user's mobility and autonomy. In this study, simulations with a sweating manikin are carried out to investigate the effects of a short-sleeved ventilation jacket on human thermophysiological responses in a warm-dry scenario. Simulations were performed in a climatic chamber (air temperature = 30.1 °C; air velocity = 0.29 m/s; relative humidity = 30.0 %), considering two constant levels of metabolic rate M (M1 = 2.4 MET; M2 = 3.2 MET), a sequence of these two (Work), and three levels of fan velocities (lf = 0; lf=2; lf=4). The results revealed a more evident impact on the mean skin temperature (Tsk) compared to the rectal temperature (Tre), with significant decreases (compared to fan-off) at all M levels, for Tsk from the beginning and for Tre from the 61st minute. Skin temperatures of the torso zones decreased significantly (compared to fan-off) at all M levels, and a greater drop was registered for the Back. The fans at the highest level (lf=4) were significantly effective in improving whole-body and local thermal sensations when compared to fan-off, at all M levels. At the intermediate level (lf=2), the statistical significance varied with thermal zone, M and time interval considered. The results of the simulations also showed that the Lower Torso needs to be monitored at M2 level, as the drop in skin temperature could lead to local overcooling and thermal discomfort. Simulations showed the potential effectiveness of the ventilation jacket, but human trials are needed to verify its cooling power in real working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Del Ferraro
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Falcone
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy (IBE), National Research Council, Via Madonna Del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Piazzale Delle Cascine 18, 50144, Florence, Italy.
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chuansi Gao
- Aerosol and Climate Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Sölvegatan 26, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Molinaro
- Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
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Ding Y, Zhang Z, Chen Z. Effect of local ventilation temperature and speed under garments on the thermal response of humans at different metabolic rates. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 113:104102. [PMID: 37506619 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104102] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Ventilation under garments is one of the effective solutions to alleviate heat stress in the human body, but ventilation preferences and cooling effects in different body segments at different metabolic rates are not thoroughly studied. Eighteen participants performed three metabolic intensities of cycling exercise at 30 °C, RH 35%, where five body segments underwent adjustable ventilation. The ventilation preferences, psychological and physiological responses, and energy consumption were analyzed. The preferred ventilation temperature was approximately 24.5 ± 1.9 °C and the preferred ventilation speed was 1.56 ± 0.29-1.68 ± 0.27 m s-1. At low and moderate metabolic intensities, the five body segments preferred similar ventilation temperatures. At high metabolic intensity, the back preferred lower ventilation temperatures and higher ventilation speeds than the lower limbs. Additionally, the lower back and chest are considered optimal ventilation body segments to achieve higher overall thermal comfort. This study contributes to the optimization of personal ventilated cooling garments for different metabolism scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Ding
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200051, China.
| | - Zhaohua Zhang
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200051, China; Key Laboratory of Clothing Design & Technology (Donghua University), Ministry of Education, West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200051, China.
| | - Zhirui Chen
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan'an Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200051, China.
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4
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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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Del Ferraro S, Falcone T, Morabito M, Messeri A, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A, Gao C, Molinaro V. A potential wearable solution for preventing heat strain in workplaces: The cooling effect and the total evaporative resistance of a ventilation jacket. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113475. [PMID: 35588774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The increase in average seasonal temperatures has an impact in the occupational field, especially for those sectors whose work activities are performed outdoors (agricultural, road and construction sectors). Among the adaptation measures and solutions developed to counteract occupational heat strain, personal cooling garments represent a wearable technology designed to remove heat from the human body, enhancing human performance. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and the cooling power of a specific cooling garment, i.e. a ventilation jacket, by quantifying the evaporative heat losses and the total evaporative resistance both when worn alone and in combination with a work ensemble, at three adjustments of air ventilation speed. Standardised "wet" tests in a climatic chamber were performed on a sweating manikin in isothermal conditions considering three clothing ensembles (single jacket, work ensemble and a combination of both) and three adjustments of fan velocity. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in evaporative heat loss values when the fan velocity increased, particularly within the trunk zones for all the considered clothing ensembles, showing that fans enhanced the dissipation by evaporation. The cooling power, quantified in terms of percent changes of evaporative heat loss, showed values exceeding 100% when fans were on, in respect to the condition of fans-off, for the trunk zones except for the Chest. A significant (p < 0.01) decrease (up to 42.3%) in the total evaporative resistance values of the jacket, coupled with the work ensemble, was found compared to the fans-off condition. Results confirmed and quantified the cooling effect of the ventilation jacket which enhanced the evaporative heat losses of the trunk zones, helping the body to dissipate heat and showing the potential for a heat adaptation measure to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Del Ferraro
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Falcone
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy; Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy (IBE), National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Messeri
- Tuscany Region, LaMMA Consortium - Weather Forecaster and Researcher at Laboratory of Monitoring and Environmental Modelling for Sustainable Development, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy; Fondazione per il Clima e la Sostenibilità, Via G.Caproni 8, 50145, Florence, Italy.
| | - Michela Bonafede
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Laboratory of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Via Stefano Gradi 55, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chuansi Gao
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Vincenzo Molinaro
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Laboratory of Ergonomics and Physiology, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Li L, Sun B, Hu Z, Zhang J, Gao S, Bian H, Wu J. Heat Strain Evaluation of Power Grid Outdoor Workers Based on a Human Bioheat Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137843. [PMID: 35805501 PMCID: PMC9266139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Power grid outdoor workers are usually exposed to hot environments and could suffer the threats to occupational health and safety like heat strain and injury. In order to predict and assess the thermophysiological responses of grid workers in the heat, the clothing thermal insulation of grid worker ensembles was measured by a thermal manikin and a multi-segment human bioheat model was employed to evaluate the thermophysiological response parameters of grid workers such as core temperature, skin temperature and sweat loss. The results show that working in a hot environment can cause a obvious increase in core temperature and skin temperature of grid workers, and the acceptable maximum working time of grid workers varies greatly in different hot environments. A reasonable work organization strategy can effectively decrease the core temperature and sweat loss, increasing the duration of acceptable maximum working time for grid workers. This study is helpful to assess heat-related risks of grid workers and support power grid companies to rationalize work organization strategies and personal protection guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letian Li
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (L.L.); (B.S.); (Z.H.)
| | - Boyang Sun
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (L.L.); (B.S.); (Z.H.)
| | - Zhuqiang Hu
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (L.L.); (B.S.); (Z.H.)
| | - Jun Zhang
- Grid Development Integrated Research Department, State Grid Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China; (J.Z.); (H.B.)
| | - Song Gao
- Safety Supervision and Quality Department, State Grid Liaoning Electric Power Supply Co., Ltd., Shenyang 110006, China;
| | - Haifeng Bian
- Grid Development Integrated Research Department, State Grid Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China; (J.Z.); (H.B.)
| | - Jiansong Wu
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (L.L.); (B.S.); (Z.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Saidi A, Gauvin C, Ladhari S, Nguyen-Tri P. Advanced Functional Materials for Intelligent Thermoregulation in Personal Protective Equipment. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3711. [PMID: 34771268 PMCID: PMC8587695 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The exposure to extreme temperatures in workplaces involves physical hazards for workers. A poorly acclimated worker may have lower performance and vigilance and therefore may be more exposed to accidents and injuries. Due to the incompatibility of the existing standards implemented in some workplaces and the lack of thermoregulation in many types of protective equipment that are commonly fabricated using various types of polymeric materials, thermal stress remains one of the most frequent physical hazards in many work sectors. However, many of these problems can be overcome with the use of smart textile technologies that enable intelligent thermoregulation in personal protective equipment. Being based on conductive and functional polymeric materials, smart textiles can detect many external stimuli and react to them. Interconnected sensors and actuators that interact and react to existing risks can provide the wearer with increased safety, protection, and comfort. Thus, the skills of smart protective equipment can contribute to the reduction of errors and the number and severity of accidents in the workplace and thus promote improved performance, efficiency, and productivity. This review provides an overview and opinions of authors on the current state of knowledge on these types of technologies by reviewing and discussing the state of the art of commercially available systems and the advances made in previous research works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Saidi
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), 505 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada;
| | - Chantal Gauvin
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et en Sécurité du Travail (IRSST), 505 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada;
| | - Safa Ladhari
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
| | - Phuong Nguyen-Tri
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Laboratory of Advanced Materials for Energy and Environment, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada;
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Lim CL. Fundamental Concepts of Human Thermoregulation and Adaptation to Heat: A Review in the Context of Global Warming. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7795. [PMID: 33114437 PMCID: PMC7662600 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The international community has recognized global warming as an impending catastrophe that poses significant threat to life on earth. In response, the signatories of the Paris Agreement (2015) have committed to limit the increase in global mean temperature to < 1.5 °C from pre-industry period, which is defined as 1950-1890. Considering that the protection of human life is a central focus in the Paris Agreement, the naturally endowed properties of the human body to protect itself from environmental extremes should form the core of an integrated and multifaceted solution against global warming. Scholars believe that heat and thermoregulation played important roles in the evolution of life and continue to be a central mechanism that allows humans to explore, labor and live in extreme conditions. However, the international effort against global warming has focused primarily on protecting the environment and on the reduction of greenhouse gases by changing human behavior, industrial practices and government policies, with limited consideration given to the nature and design of the human thermoregulatory system. Global warming is projected to challenge the limits of human thermoregulation, which can be enhanced by complementing innate human thermo-plasticity with the appropriate behavioral changes and technological innovations. Therefore, the primary aim of this review is to discuss the fundamental concepts and physiology of human thermoregulation as the underlying bases for human adaptation to global warming. Potential strategies to extend human tolerance against environmental heat through behavioral adaptations and technological innovations will also be discussed. An important behavioral adaptation postulated by this review is that sleep/wake cycles would gravitate towards a sub-nocturnal pattern, especially for outdoor activities, to avoid the heat in the day. Technologically, the current concept of air conditioning the space in the room would likely steer towards the concept of targeted body surface cooling. The current review was conducted using materials that were derived from PubMed search engine and the personal library of the author. The PubMed search was conducted using combinations of keywords that are related to the theme and topics in the respective sections of the review. The final set of articles selected were considered "state of the art," based on their contributions to the strength of scientific evidence and novelty in the domain knowledge on human thermoregulation and global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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Yang J, Wang F, Song G, Li R, Raj U. Effects of clothing size and air ventilation rate on cooling performance of air ventilation clothing in a warm condition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:354-363. [PMID: 32345151 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1762316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Effects of clothing size and air ventilation rate on the cooling performance of three air ventilation jackets (size small, medium and large) were investigated. Two ventilation rates were chosen: low ventilation (12 L/s) and high ventilation (20 L/s). A significant difference in the dry heat loss at the upper body excluding the head and hands (UBody) was noted among the three sizes (p < 0.05). The ventilation rate significantly increased the total UBody heat loss and thereby reduced UBody's apparent evaporative resistance (p < 0.05). Clothing size showed varied impact on the UBody heat loss and the impact varied with air ventilation rates. Air ventilation could greatly reduce predicted core temperatures, mean skin and UBody temperatures in both sizes small and large . In contrast, clothing size had almost no impact on predicted thermophysiological responses in high ventilation. This work may be useful for designing and improving high-performance air ventilation clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- College of Safety Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, China.,Events and Hospitality Management (AESHM), Iowa State University, USA
| | - Faming Wang
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, China
| | - Guowen Song
- Events and Hospitality Management (AESHM), Iowa State University, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Events and Hospitality Management (AESHM), Iowa State University, USA
| | - Uday Raj
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai, India
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10
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The Effect of an Optimized Cooling Vest for Controlling the Women’s Thermal Strain in the Hot Laboratory Conditions. HEALTH SCOPE 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope.94739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Kuklane K, Toma R, Lucas RA. Insulation and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing for Sugarcane Harvesters and Chemical Sprayers, and Their Application in PHS Model-Based Exposure Predictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093074. [PMID: 32354137 PMCID: PMC7246872 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Many workers are exposed to heat stress that can be exacerbated by the type of clothing they wear. The resulted heat strain can lead to short or long-term heat-related disorders. This study aimed to measure clothing properties of sugarcane field workers and evaluate the heat strain by an international standard, predicted heat strain model (PHS). The clothing thermal insulation and evaporative resistance values of sugarcane cutter and chemical sprayer outfits were acquired for the whole body, body regions and specific body parts via thermal manikin measurements. The detailed clothing insulation values of body parts can be utilized in advanced thermo-physiological models, while in this study, the values for the whole body together with weather data were used in PHS. Estimated duration limited exposure times (DLE) for an hour-by-hour prediction over a workday and for a range of high humidity scenarios were calculated. Such evaluation tools can be used for risk assessment and management to support organizational measures and prepare equipment and materials in the case of hot weather events in order to avoid dehydration and other heat-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalev Kuklane
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Lund University, Box 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
- Institute for Safety (IFV), P.O. Box 7112, 2701 AC Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-640-640-125
| | - Róbert Toma
- Energy Institute, Brno University of Technology, 601 90 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Rebekah A.I. Lucas
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- La Isla Network, Washington, P.O. Box 816, District of Columbia, MI 49301, USA
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12
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Using a Qualitative Phenomenological Approach to Inform the Etiology and Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Injuries in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030846. [PMID: 32013180 PMCID: PMC7036960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between exposure to high temperatures and occupational injuries, an issue gaining importance with environmental change. The aim of this study was to better understand contributing risk factors and preventive actions based on personal experiences. Interviews were conducted with 21 workers from five Australian states using a critical phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of participants, whilst exploring contextual factors that surround these experiences. Two case studies are presented: a cerebrovascular injury and injuries among seasonal horticulture workers. Other accounts of heat-related injuries and heat stress are also presented. Risk factors were classified as individual, interpersonal and organizational. In terms of prevention, participants recommended greater awareness of heat risks and peer-support for co-workers. Adding value to current evidence, we have provided new insights into the etiology of the health consequences of workplace heat exposure with workers identifying a range of influencing factors, prevention measures and adaptation strategies. Underpinning the importance of these are future climate change scenarios, suggesting that extended hot seasons will lead to increasing numbers of workers at risk of heat-stress and associated occupational injuries.
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Gao C, Kuklane K, Östergren PO, Kjellstrom T. Occupational heat stress assessment and protective strategies in the context of climate change. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2018; 62:359-371. [PMID: 28444505 PMCID: PMC5854720 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1352-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Global warming will unquestionably increase the impact of heat on individuals who work in already hot workplaces in hot climate areas. The increasing prevalence of this environmental health risk requires the improvement of assessment methods linked to meteorological data. Such new methods will help to reveal the size of the problem and design appropriate interventions at individual, workplace and societal level. The evaluation of occupational heat stress requires measurement of four thermal climate factors (air temperature, humidity, air velocity and heat radiation); available weather station data may serve this purpose. However, the use of meteorological data for occupational heat stress assessment is limited because weather stations do not traditionally and directly measure some important climate factors, e.g. solar radiation. In addition, local workplace environmental conditions such as local heat sources, metabolic heat production within the human body, and clothing properties, all affect the exchange of heat between the body and the environment. A robust occupational heat stress index should properly address all these factors. This article reviews and highlights a number of selected heat stress indices, indicating their advantages and disadvantages in relation to meteorological data, local workplace environments, body heat production and the use of protective clothing. These heat stress and heat strain indices include Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, Discomfort Index, Predicted Heat Strain index, and Universal Thermal Climate Index. In some cases, individuals may be monitored for heat strain through physiological measurements and medical supervision prior to and during exposure. Relevant protective and preventive strategies for alleviating heat strain are also reviewed and proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuansi Gao
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Kalev Kuklane
- Thermal Environment Laboratory, Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Östergren
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tord Kjellstrom
- Centre for Technology Research and Innovation (CETRI Ltd), Lemesos, Cyprus
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Shirish A, Kapadia V, Kumar S, Kumar S, Mishra S, Singh G. Effectiveness of a cooling jacket with reference to physiological responses in iron foundry workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2016; 22:487-493. [PMID: 27229302 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1181484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Personal cooling garments (PCGs) have gained increased attention in recent years due to heat stress and strain in the working environment. The present study was conducted in hot environments of an iron foundry to evaluate the efficacy of a battery-operated PCG. Twenty-four workers were exposed to climatic conditions of 35.89 ± 1.25 °C, 35% relative humidity during 90-min work with PCG and habitual clothing (HC). Mean weighted skin temperature was significantly lower by 4.84 ± 1.05 °C compared with HC 0.38 ± 1.02 °C (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also observed for 0.492 ± 0.26 g mean sweat loss in the PCG group compared with 0.775 ± 0.42 g in the HC group (p < 0.05). Heart rate, and back and chest skin temperatures were comparatively more reduced in the PCG group compared with the HC group. PCG provides a practical and economical way of alleviating the physiological effects of heat stress when environmental control is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vishal Kapadia
- a National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR) , India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- a National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR) , India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- a National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR) , India
| | - Sukhdev Mishra
- a National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR) , India
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