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Sharma A, Yajing K, Lin MC, Deng L, Lin YK, Chianghsieh LH, Sung FC, Wang YC. Emergency room visits (ERVs) among occupational groups associated with ambient conditions in Taiwan. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024:10.1007/s00420-024-02084-w. [PMID: 38958673 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02084-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This population-based study explored emergency room visits (ERVs) from all-causes, circulatory and respiratory diseases among different occupational groups in Taiwan associated with ambient average temperature. METHOD Daily area-age-sex specific ERVs records were obtained from the Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare from 2009 to 2018. Distributed lag-nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to estimate the exposure-response relationships between daily average temperature and ERVs for all-causes, circulatory and respiratory diseases by occupational groups. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the overall cumulative relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS The exposure-response curves showed ERVs of all-cause and respiratory diseases increased with rising temperature across all occupational groups. These effects were consistently stronger among younger (20-64 years old) and outdoor workers. In contrast, ERVs risk from circulatory diseases increased significantly during cold snaps, with a substantially higher risk for female workers. Interestingly, female workers, regardless of indoor or outdoor work, consistently showed a higher risk of respiratory ERVs during hot weather compared to males. Younger workers (20-64 years old) exhibited a higher risk of ERVs, likely due to job profiles with greater exposure to extreme temperatures. Notably, the highest risk of all-causes ERVs was observed in outdoor male laborers (union members), followed by farmers and private employees, with the lowest risk among indoor workers. Conversely, female indoor workers and female farmers faced the highest risk of respiratory ERVs. Again, female farmers with consistent outdoor exposure had the highest risk of circulatory ERVs during cold conditions. CONCLUSION Our findings highlighted the complexity of temperature-related health risks associated with different occupational contexts. The population-level insights into vulnerable occupational groups could provide valuable comprehension for policymakers and healthcare practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sharma
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung-Pei Road, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung-Pei Road, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Kang Yajing
- Department of Labor and Human Resources, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chinese Culture University, No. 55, Huagang Road, Yangmingshan, Taipei City, 11114, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chun Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung-Pei Road, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Liwen Deng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung-Pei Road, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Lin
- Department of Health and Welfare, College of City Management, University of Taipei, 101, Sec. 2, Zhongcheng Road, Taipei, 111, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Han Chianghsieh
- Institute of Environmental Engineering & Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Chang Sung
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, 200 Chung-Pei Road, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan.
- Research center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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Mirzaei E, Kouhnavard B, Daneshmandi H, Seif M, Zamanian Z. Determining the effect of environmental factors, work postures and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders in rescue workers and accidents of one of the water and sewage companies in Iran. Work 2024; 78:969-981. [PMID: 38217559 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220372] [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: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important problems faced by ergonomists today. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of weather conditions, working conditions and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders of rescuers and water and sewage company accidents in hot and cold seasons. METHODS The present study was a longitudinal study that was performed on all employees of rescue and disaster teams of Shiraz Water and Sewerage Company in Iran (184 people) by census. Demographic and Nordic questionnaires, NASA Load Index (NASA-TLX), work environment assessment with temperature screening checklist and workplace ergonomic risk factor (WERA) assessment method were performed by the researcher. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. RESULTS The results showed that the highest and lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to knee and back in winter and thigh in summer with prevalence of 57.1, 55.4 and 6%. The comparison of exposure to heat stress factors in summer and winter seasons showed that the temperature factors and work clothes of the workers in both seasons are in worse conditions than other factors (P < 0968). The results of the mental workload of people in two seasons showed that the highest and lowest mental workload is related to physical changes in the winter season and frustration in the summer season, and this relationship was significant (P < 0.001). Using multiple logistic regression model, the potential risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries including age, height, BMI, level of education and work experience in both hot and cold seasons were compared. The results showed that in summer, work experience (OR = 1.16 (1.06-1.28.)) and height (OR = 1.03(0.98-1.08) had a direct effect on the prevalence of pain and discomfort arranged in the back areas. One year of increase in work experience significantly increases the chance of a disorder in the back by 16% and a one centimeter increase in height increases the chance of a disorder in the lumbar region by 3%, although this relationship is significant. CONCLUSION It is recommended that suitable solutions such as using appropriate and up-to-date mechanical tools, reducing activity time, increasing rest time, increasing the number of personnel in order to reduce mental workload, using work clothes suitable for the season and type of work, and ergonomics training for workers are on the agenda of company officials. Water and sewage should be placed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emadeddin Mirzaei
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahram Kouhnavard
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Daneshmandi
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhgansadat Seif
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Biostatistics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Zamanian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Srinivasan K, Boulton CG, Bhattacharjee M, Sinha A, Loganathan S, Seethy A, Alam SM, Hanse B. Impact of heat stress on thermal balance, hydration and cortical response among outdoor workers in hot environment - an exploratory report from North East India. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 35:79-84. [PMID: 38468505 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2024-0003] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to assess the impact of heat stress on hydration and cognition among outdoor workers in hot environment. METHODS Area heat stress assessments were measured using Quest Temp WBGT monitor. Sweat rate for dehydration and reaction time for acute cognitive processing were recorded using standard procedures. RESULTS Heat stress measurements ranged from 23.8 °C - 42 °C. More than 50 % of the workers had high sweat rate (>1.2 L/h) when exposed to high environmental temperatures. Positive correlation was obtained between WBGT, sweat rate and reaction time which indicates that hyperthermia has an impact on neural network processing. Heart rate and reaction time also increased with rise in WBGT and heavy physical activity. CONCLUSIONS There was impairment of cognitive functions (reaction time) under heat stress conditions. Hence, reaction time can be used to assess the short-term impact of heat stress on neural modulation and will help to plan effective intervention strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality among workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ashikh Seethy
- Department of Biochemistry, AIIMS, Guwahati, Assam, India
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4
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AlSahow A. The Impact of Hot Ambient Temperature and Prolonged Fasting Duration during Ramadan on Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Literature Review. Int J Nephrol 2023; 2023:2636507. [PMID: 38106546 PMCID: PMC10725313 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2636507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Islamic (lunar) calendar has 11 fewer days each year than the Gregorian (solar) calendar. Consequently, ambient temperatures during the month of Ramadan and the duration of the presunrise-to-sunset fast will change each year. At some point, individuals observing Ramadan will experience prolonged periods of fasting during the hot summer months. In this manuscript, findings published in the English-language medical literature that address the impact of prolonged fasting during the warmer summer months on patients with chronic kidney disease, including dialysis and transplantation patients, are reviewed. This is of particular concern given the accelerated pace of global warming. The limitations of the evidence that is currently available are also discussed, and an approach that might be used to standardize future evaluations of the impact of fasting on kidney health is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali AlSahow
- Division of Nephrology, Jahra Hospital, Jahra, Kuwait
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5
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Ehnes CM, Scarlett MP, Adams EM, Dreger RW, Petersen SR. Physiological responses to treadmill exercise in size- and fitness-matched male and female firefighter applicants. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:1582-1593. [PMID: 36503410 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2157494] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Physiological responses during a standardised treadmill test for structural firefighting employment were compared in 41 pairs of size-matched, male and female applicants. Applicants wore personal exercise clothing, running shoes, and fire protective ensemble with self-contained breathing apparatus (added mass 21.2 ± 1.0 kg). Applicants walked at 1.56 m·s-1, completing a 5-min warm-up, 8-min at 10% grade, and then, progressive 1-min stages to exhaustion. The cut-score required completion of 13-min of exercise. Up to the cut-score, no differences in heart rate, oxygen uptake or minute ventilation were detected between sexes. At time 12:30-13:00 min, V̇O2 was 45.7 ± 0.6 vs. 44.2 ± 0.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 (body mass) for males and females, respectively. Despite similar physiological responses at minute 13, females worked at higher fractions of peak than males (p < 0.05). A second analysis compared a subset of 27 fitness-matched (V̇O2peak) male-female pairs. Fitness-matching further reduced or eliminated most observed differences in physiological responses, except small differences in breathing pattern. Practitioner Summary: Physiological responses during a standardised treadmill test for firefighter applicants were investigated in male and female applicants matched on size and fitness. Absolute responses to exercise were the same for both sexes when size-matched, but relative intensity was higher for females. Fitness-matching reduced or eliminated most previously observed differences. Abbreviations: NFPA: National Fire Protection Association; V̇O2: rate of oxygen consumption; V̇O2peak: rate of oxygen consumption at peak exercise; PAR-Q+: Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus; SCBA: self-contained breathing apparatus; ANOVA: analysis of variance; V̇E: minute ventilation; V̇Epeak: minute ventilation at peak exercise; V̇E/V̇O2: ventilatory equivalent for oxygen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron M Ehnes
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael P Scarlett
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric M Adams
- Faculty of Law, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Randy W Dreger
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stewart R Petersen
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Fang Z, Mao Y, Zhu Y, Lu J, Zheng Z, Chen X. Human thermal physiological response of wearing personal protective equipment: An educational building semi-open space experimental investigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162779. [PMID: 36924973 PMCID: PMC10014506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
With the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, HCWs are frequently required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for nucleic acid sample collection in semi-open transition spaces. Wearing PPE causes significant psychological and physical stress in HCWs. In this study, operative temperature (Top) and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) were used to assess thermal conditions through field experiments, while multiple physiological parameters were measured in the subjects. The results indicated that the subjects showed statistically significant differences in thermal perception and physiological parameters with and without PPE. Using observed increases in heart rate (HR), auditory canal temperature (Tac), mean skin temperature (MST), and end-tidal CO2 pressure, subjects were shown to have an increased metabolic rate and heat storage while wearing PPE. Additionally, a decrease in oxygen concentration was also observed, and this decrease may be linked to fatigue and cognitive impairment. Moreover, HR, MST, and Tac showed a significant linear relationship, which increased with temperature and operative temperature, and the HR response was stronger with PPE than without PPE. The neutral, preferred, and acceptable temperatures were significantly lower with PPE than without PPE, and the deviations for neutral Top/WBGT were 9.5/7.1 °C and preferred Top/WBGT was 2.2/4.0 °C, respectively. Moreover, the upper limits of acceptable WBGT, 29.4 °C with PPE and 20.4 °C without PPE, differed significantly between the two phases. Furthermore, the recorded physiological parameter responses and thermal perception responses of the subjects while wearing PPE indicated that they were at risk of thermal stress. Overall, these results suggest that people who wear PPE should focus on their health and thermal stress. This study provides a reference for the development of strategies to counteract heat stress and improve thermal comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaosong Fang
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yudong Mao
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongcheng Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Lu
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Zheng
- School of Civil Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Di Blasi C, Marinaccio A, Gariazzo C, Taiano L, Bonafede M, Leva A, Morabito M, Michelozzi P, de’ Donato FK. Effects of Temperatures and Heatwaves on Occupational Injuries in the Agricultural Sector in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2781. [PMID: 36833478 PMCID: PMC9957348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of heat on health have been well documented, while less is known about the effects among agricultural workers. Our aim is to estimate the effects and impacts of heat on occupational injuries in the agricultural sector in Italy. Occupational injuries in the agricultural sector from the Italian national workers' compensation authority (INAIL) and daily mean air temperatures from Copernicus ERA5-land for a five-year period (2014-2018) were considered. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were used to estimate the relative risk and attributable injuries for increases in daily mean air temperatures between the 75th and 99th percentile and during heatwaves. Analyses were stratified by age, professional qualification, and severity of injury. A total of 150,422 agricultural injuries were considered and the overall relative risk of injury for exposure to high temperatures was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08; 1.18). A higher risk was observed among younger workers (15-34 years) (1.23 95% CI: 1.14; 1.34) and occasional workers (1.25 95% CI: 1.03; 1.52). A total of 2050 heat-attributable injuries were estimated in the study period. Workers engaged in outdoor and labour-intensive activities in the agricultural sector are at greater risk of injury and these results can help target prevention actions for climate change adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Blasi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gariazzo
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Taiano
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Leva
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Michelozzi
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy
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Laohaudomchok W, Phanprasit W, Konthonbut P, Tangtong C, Sripaiboonkij P, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK, Näyhä S. Self-Assessed Threshold Temperature for Cold among Poultry Industry Workers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2067. [PMID: 36767437 PMCID: PMC9914996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032067] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The self-assessed threshold temperature for cold in the workplace is not well known. We asked 392 chicken industry workers in Thailand what they regard as the cold threshold (CT) and compared subgroups of workers using linear and quantile regressions by CT sextiles (percentiles P17, P33, P50, P67, and P83, from warmest to coldest). The variables of interest were sex, office work, and sedentary work, with age, clothing thermal insulation, and alcohol consumption as adjustment factors. The mean CT was 14.6 °C. Office workers had a 6.8 °C higher mean CT than other workers, but the difference ranged from 3.8 °C to 10.0 °C from P17 to P83. Sedentary workers had a 2.0 °C higher mean CT than others, but the difference increased from 0.5 °C to 3.0 °C through P17-P83. The mean CT did not differ between sexes, but men had a 1.6-5.0 °C higher CT at P17-P50 (>20 °C) and a 5.0 °C lower CT at P83 (<10 °C). The CT was relatively high at warm (≥10 °C), dry (relative humidity <41%), and drafty (air velocity > 0.35 m/s) worksites. We conclude that office, sedentary, and female workers and those working at warm, dry, and draughty sites are sensitive to the coldest temperatures, whereas male workers are sensitive even to moderate temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisanti Laohaudomchok
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Phanprasit
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Konthonbut
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Chaiyanun Tangtong
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Penpatra Sripaiboonkij
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tiina M. Ikäheimo
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Simo Näyhä
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
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Robinson Y, Khorram-Manesh A, Arvidsson N, Sinai C, Taube F. Does climate change transform military medicine and defense medical support? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1099031. [PMID: 37213601 PMCID: PMC10194660 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1099031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change has effects on multiple aspects of human life, such as access to food and water, expansion of endemic diseases as well as an increase of natural disasters and related diseases. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on climate change effects on military occupational health, military healthcare in a deployed setting, and defense medical logistics. Methods Online databases and registers were searched on August 22nd, 2022 and 348 papers retrieved, published between 2000 and 2022, from which we selected 8 publications that described climate effects on military health. Papers were clustered according to a modified theoretical framework for climate change effects on health, and relevant items from each paper were summarized. Results During the last decades a growing body of climate change related publications was identified, which report that climate change has a significant impact on human physiology, mental health, water- and vector borne infectious diseases, as well as air pollution. However, regarding the specific climate effects on military health the level of evidence is low. The effects on defense medical logistics include vulnerabilities in the cold supply chain, in medical devices functioning, in need for air conditioning, and in fresh water supply. Conclusions Climate change may transform both the theoretical framework and practical implementations in military medicine and military healthcare systems. There are significant knowledge gaps on climate change effects on the health of military personnel in operations of both combat and non-combat nature, alerting the need for prevention and mitigation of climate-related health issues. Further research within the fields of disaster and military medicine is needed to explore this novel field. As climate effects on humans and the medical supply chain may degrade military capability, significant investments in military medical research and development are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Robinson
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Joint Centre for Defence Medicine, Swedish Armed Forces, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Yohan Robinson
| | | | - Niclas Arvidsson
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Joint Centre for Defence Medicine, Swedish Armed Forces, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cave Sinai
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Joint Centre for Defence Medicine, Swedish Armed Forces, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fabian Taube
- Centre for Disaster Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Joint Centre for Defence Medicine, Swedish Armed Forces, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Brisbine BR, Radcliffe CR, Jones MLH, Stirling L, Coltman CE. Does the fit of personal protective equipment affect functional performance? A systematic review across occupational domains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278174. [PMID: 36449531 PMCID: PMC9710848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) fit on functional performance across a range of occupational domains. BACKGROUND PPE introduces an ergonomic, human systems integration, and mass burden to the wearer, and these factors are thought to be amplified if PPE is ill-fitting. However, few studies have considered the role of fit (static, dynamic, and cognitive) when evaluating PPE-related performance detriments in occupational settings. METHOD A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies, which were then critically appraised based on methodological quality and collated to compare key findings and present evidence-based recommendations for future research directions across a range of occupational domains. RESULTS 16 published studies met the inclusion criteria, 88% of which found that the fit of PPE had a statistically significant effect on occupational performance. Poorly sized PPE resulted in slower or increased reaction time; decreased range of motion or mobility; decreased endurance or tolerance; decreased pulmonary function; and altered muscle activation. Limited research met the inclusion criteria and those that did had risks of bias in methodology quality. CONCLUSION Future research evaluating the effect of PPE on performance in occupational settings should aim to recruit a more representative population; consider sex as a covariate; quantify and evaluate PPE fit and performance when integrated with all relevant equipment items; include outcome measures related to all three categories of fit (static, dynamic, cognitive); and assess performance of operationally relevant tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke R. Brisbine
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ceridwen R. Radcliffe
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Monica L. H. Jones
- University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Leia Stirling
- Industrial and Operations Engineering Department, Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Celeste E. Coltman
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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11
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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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12
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Lemieux P, Roudier E, Birot O. Angiostatic freeze or angiogenic move? Acute cold stress prevents angiokine secretion from murine myotubes but primes primary endothelial cells for greater migratory capacity. Front Physiol 2022; 13:975652. [PMID: 36324307 PMCID: PMC9618727 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.975652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeletal muscle tissue can adapt to exercise and environmental stressors with a remarkable plasticity. Prolonged cold stress exposure has been associated to increased skeletal muscle capillarization. Angioadaptation refers to the coordinated molecular and cellular processes that influence the remodeling of skeletal muscle microvasculature. Two cell types are central to angioadaptation: the myocytes, representing an important source of angiokines; and the skeletal muscle endothelial cell (SMECs), targets of these angiokines and main constituents of muscle capillaries. The influence of cold stress on skeletal muscle angioadaptation remains largely unknown, particularly with respect to myocyte-specific angiokines secretion or endothelial cell angioadaptive responses. Here, we use an in vitro model to investigate the impact of cold stress (28°C versus 37°C) on C2C12 myotubes and SMECs. Our main objectives were to evaluate: 1) the direct impact of cold stress on C2C12 cellular expression of angiokines and their release in the extracellular environment; 2) the indirect impact of cold stress on SMECs migration via these C2C12-derived angiokines; and 3) the direct effect of cold stress on SMECs angioadaptive responses, including migration, proliferation, and the activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). Cold stress reduced the secretion of angiokines in C2C12 myotubes culture media irrespective their pro-angiogenic or angiostatic nature. In SMECs, cold stress abrogated cell proliferation and reduced the activation of VEGFR2 despite a greater expression of this receptor. Finally, SMECs pre-conditioned to cold stress displayed an enhanced migratory response when migration was stimulated in rewarming conditions. Altogether our results suggest that cold stress may be overall angiostatic. However, cold stress accompanied by rewarming may be seen as a pro-angiogenic stressor for SMECs. This observation questions the potential for using pre-cooling in sport-performance or therapeutic exercise prescription to enhance skeletal muscle angioadaptive responses to exercise.
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Carballo-Leyenda B, Villa-Vicente JG, Delogu GM, Rodríguez-Marroyo JA, Molina-Terrén DM. Perceptions of Heat Stress, Heat Strain and Mitigation Practices in Wildfire Suppression across Southern Europe and Latin America. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12288. [PMID: 36231589 PMCID: PMC9566145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess current perceptions of heat stress, heat strain, acclimatisation and recovery practices in wildland fire suppression. A total of 1459 wildfire and structural firefighters, all involved in wildland fire suppression, completed an 18-question survey. Most participants (81.3%) reported heat strain as one of the main risks faced during wildland firefighting. Thermal strain is considered an important risk for health and safety in wildland firefighting. The best-valued heat strain mitigation strategies were those traditionally recommended in wildland fire suppression: (i) an adequate work/rest ratio (79.0%), (ii) acclimatisation (71.6%), (iii) enhancing body ventilation by opening protective clothing or removing helmets or gloves (63.5%), and (iv) drinking water and food supplementation (52.1%). Despite these results, only 22% of the participants reported carrying out acclimatisation in the workplace. The vast majority of the respondents (87.4%) consider active cooling strategies (i.e., ice slurry ingestion, ice vests, etc.) impractical in combating heat strain during wildfire suppression. We identified a gap between knowledge about heat strain, its mitigation strategies and the level of actual implementation of these practices in the workplace. Our results highlight the need to improve heat strain management and implement operational directives for acclimatisation and active cooling interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Carballo-Leyenda
- VALFIS Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - José Gerardo Villa-Vicente
- VALFIS Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Giuseppe M. Delogu
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources (DipNeT), University of Sassari, Sardinia, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Jose A. Rodríguez-Marroyo
- VALFIS Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Domingo M. Molina-Terrén
- Department of Crops and Forest Sciences, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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Activation of Inflammatory Networks in the Lungs Caused by Chronic Cold Stress Is Moderately Attenuated by Glucose Supplementation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810697. [PMID: 36142633 PMCID: PMC9501069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals that live in cold climates endure months of exposure to low temperature in the winter. The incidence of respiratory diseases has increased. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic cold stress on lung inflammatory networks, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function via Yorkshire pig models, as well as the ameliorative effect of glucose as energy supplements. Here, two trials were conducted (chronic cold stress and glucose supplementation). The results showed that chronic cold stress induced obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs and damaged the lung tissue structure. Compared with the Y-Con group, the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), nucleotide-binding domain, and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ in the lungs of the Y-CS group was enhanced by chronic cold stress (p < 0.05). Moreover, chronic cold stress promoted the expression of the Bax and Mfn2 in lungs of Y-CS group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary glucose supplementation significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs. Moreover, glucose supplementation inhibited the expression of TLR4, MyD88, HMGB1, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and Bax during chronic cold stress. In conclusion, chronic cold stress promoted inflammatory networks, apoptosis, and mitochondrial fusion in the lungs. Dietary glucose supplementation inhibited the inflammatory network during chronic cold stress.
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Rykaczewski K. Thermophysiological aspects of wearable robotics: Challenges and opportunities. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 10:313-325. [PMID: 37554385 PMCID: PMC10405755 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2113725] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological advancements in the last two decades have enabled development of a variety of mechanically supporting wearable robots (i.e. exoskeletons) that are transitioning to practice in medical and industrial settings. The feedback from industry and recent controlled studies is highlighting thermal discomfort as a major reason for the disuse of the devices and a substantial barrier to their long-term adoption. Furthermore, a brief overview of the devices and their intended applications reveals that many of the potential users are likely to face thermal comfort issues because of either high exertion or medically related high heat sensitivity. The aim of this review is to discuss these emerging thermal challenges and opportunities surrounding wearable robots. This review discusses mechanisms, potential solutions, and a platform for systematically measuring heat transfer inhibition caused by wearing of an exoskeleton. Lastly, the potential for substantial metabolic rate reduction provided by exoskeletons to reduce worker thermal strain in warm-to-hot conditions is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Rykaczewski
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, US
- Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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16
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Influence of the Thermal Environment on Occupational Health and Safety in Automotive Industry: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148572. [PMID: 35886424 PMCID: PMC9324884 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Considering thermal environment aspects have a major impact not only on occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance but also on the productivity and satisfaction of the workers, the aim of the case study was to assess the thermal comfort of a group of 33 workers in an automotive industry company, starting with collecting data about the thermal environment from different workplaces, continuing with the analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using the calculation of the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) indices, according to provisions of the standard ISO 7730:2005, and comparing the results with the subjective perception of the workers revealed by applying individual questionnaires. The results of the study represent an important input element for establishing the preventive and protective measures for the analysed workplaces in correlation with the measures addressing other specific risks and, also, could serve as a model for extending and applying to other similar workplaces in future studies. Moreover, the mathematical model and the software instrument used for this study case could be used in further similar studies on larger groups of workers and in any industrial domain.
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17
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MacDonald HV, Colster EC, Mulholland AM, Holmes CJ, Bentley BC, Robinson JB, Wingo JE. Physical demands and physiological strain of American football referees while officiating. PHYSICIAN SPORTSMED 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35708121 DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2022.2090869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Certain occupations are associated with greater risk of triggering a sudden cardiac event because of high levels of physical exertion and extreme thermal environments in which they occur. The extent to which sports officials--particularly high school (HS) American football referees--experience these conditions is unknown. Forty-six male HS officials (72% White/Caucasian; age = 48 ± 12 years, body mass index = 31.7 ± 6.6 kg·m-2) were studied to quantify the physiological strain and physical demands of officiating. METHODS Referee demographics (e.g., experience, habitual exercise), pre-game urine specific gravity (USG), thermal (peak core temperature [Tcore]) and cardiovascular (average heart rate [HR]) strain, kinematic activity (e.g., total distance, speed, mechanical intensity), and environmental conditions were measured during 10 regular season varsity HS football games (≈2.5 h each) in the Southeastern United States (average wet bulb globe temperature and relative humidity: 18.9 ± 6.0 °C and 78.2% ± 12.1%). Analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and linear regression. RESULTS Referees covered 5.2 ± 1.2 km per game, eliciting average HR and peak Tcore of 71.5% ± 8.0% HRmax and 38.3 ± 0.5 °C, respectively; 38% began games dehydrated (USG = 1.026 ± 0.004). Multiple regression analyses revealed that obesity (β = 0.34), not participating in regular exercise (β = -0.36), and officiating at lower mechanical intensity (β = -0.33) predicted greater cardiovascular strain (all p ≤ 0.03). White/Caucasian race/ethnicity (β = 0.59), younger age (β = -0.46), and obesity (β = 0.28) predicted greater thermal strain (all p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION HS football referees experienced elevated levels of physiological strain while officiating, with individual factors modulating the magnitude of strain. Strategies aimed at reducing obesity, increasing exercise participation, and improving cardiovascular health should be emphasized to mitigate strain and prevent cardiac events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley V MacDonald
- Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Emily C Colster
- Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Anne M Mulholland
- Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Clifton J Holmes
- Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.,Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Brett C Bentley
- Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - James B Robinson
- Department of Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Jonathan E Wingo
- Department of Kinesiology, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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18
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Fatima SH, Rothmore P, Giles LC, Bi P. Outdoor ambient temperatures and occupational injuries and illnesses: Are there risk differences in various regions within a city? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:153945. [PMID: 35189241 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153945] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Increased risk of occupational injuries and illnesses (OI) is associated with hot ambient temperatures. However, the existing evidence of risk estimation is limited to large regions at the city or provincial scales. For effective and localized occupational health risk management, spatio-temporal analysis should be carried out at the intra-city level to identify high-risk areas within cities. This study examined the exposure-response relationship between ambient temperatures and OI at the intra-city scale in Greater Adelaide, Australia. Vulnerable groups of workers, in terms of workers' characteristics, the nature of their work, and workplace characteristics were identified. Further, the projected risk of OI was quantified in various climate change scenarios. The temperature-OI association was estimated using a time-series study design combined with Distributed Lag Non-linear Models. Daily workers' compensation claims (2005-2018) were merged with 5 km gridded meteorological data of maximum temperature (°C) at Statistical Area Level 3 in Greater Adelaide. Region-wise subgroup analyses were conducted to identify vulnerable groups of workers. Future projections (2006-2100) were conducted using downscaled climate projections and the risk was quantified using log-linear extrapolation. The analyses were performed in R 4.1.0. The overall OI risk was 16.7% (95%CI: 10.8-23.0) at moderate heat (90th percentile) and increased to 25.0% (95%CI: 16.4-34.2) at extreme heat (99th percentile). Northern Adelaide had a higher risk of OI for all types of workers at moderate heat, while western regions had a high risk for indoor industries. Southern and eastern regions had a higher OI risk for males, older workers, and outdoor industries at extreme heat. The projected risk of OI is estimated to increase from 20.8% (95%CI: -0.2-46.3) in 2010s to 22.9% (95%CI: -8.0-64.1) by 2050s. Spatio-temporal risk assessment at the intra-city scale can help us identify high-risk areas, where targeted interventions can be efficiently employed to reduce the socio-economic burden of OI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Hira Fatima
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Rothmore
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lynne C Giles
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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19
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Karthick S, Kermanshachi S, Pamidimukkala A, Namian M. A Review of Construction Workforce Health Challenges and Strategies in Extreme Weather Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:773-784. [PMID: 35622383 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2082138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConstruction sites continue to operate despite inclement weather, exposing workers to unpleasant working circumstances that can lead to various physical and mental health challenges. A thorough literature review yielded 21 challenges for hot weather conditions such as heat stroke, kidney disease, heat cramps, anxiety, depression and 20 challenges for cold weather conditions like asthma, frostbite, Musculo-Skeletal disorders, hallucination. Workers vulnerable to hot and cold weather based on demographic characteristics were identified. The study also provides 27 strategies to address the challenges experienced in hot and cold weather conditions. Some of these include ensuring that workers stay hydrated, scheduling sufficient rest periods, and allowing workers to self-pace. The results of this study will help construction decision-makers and project managers understand the difficulties faced by a field workforce who labors in extreme working conditions on construction sites and will facilitate adoption of strategies that can prevent weather-related physical and mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjgna Karthick
- Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Sharareh Kermanshachi
- Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Apurva Pamidimukkala
- Ph.D. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, 76019; E-mail:
| | - Mostafa Namian
- Assistant Professor, Department of Construction Management, East Carolina University
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20
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Orysiak J, Młynarczyk M, Tomaszewski P. Hydration Status in Men Working in Different Thermal Environments: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095627. [PMID: 35565019 PMCID: PMC9104106 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different seasons of the year and the time of day (before work vs. after work) on hydration status in men. The study involved sixty foresters who spent most of the work outdoors. During three seasons of the year (summer, autumn, and winter), indices of hydration status (body mass (BM) and percentage change of BM, total body water (TBW) and percentage change of TBW, serum osmolality (Sosm) and percentage change of Sosm, urine osmolality, urine-specific gravity (USG), urine color, and thirst) were determined before work on the first day (time point 1 used as baseline), immediately after work on the first day (time point 2), and before work on the following day (time point 3). USG decreased at time point 2 compared to time point 1 (p < 0.001) and time point 3 (p = 0.03). At time point 2 (p = 0.002) in winter and time point 3 in autumn (p = 0.049), serum osmolality was higher than in summer. In conclusion, the differences in hydration status depended on the time of day and season. A large percentage of foresters come to work inadequately hydrated, especially in colder seasons compared to summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Orysiak
- Department of Ergonomics, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, Czerniakowska St. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Magdalena Młynarczyk
- Department of Ergonomics, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, Czerniakowska St. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paweł Tomaszewski
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education, Marymoncka St. 34, 00-968 Warsaw, Poland;
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21
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Otani H, Lee JKW. The use of sun-shade on safe heat exposure limit on a sunny summer day: a modelling study in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:731-740. [PMID: 35039913 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-021-02232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable methods are required to reduce the risks of thermal strain and heat-related illness without exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions. We investigated the effects of sun-shade use on safe heat exposure limit on a sunny summer day using historical climate data in Japan. We simulated a heat-acclimatised person standing at rest (metabolic heat production, 70 W·m-2) and during light work (100 W·m-2) on an asphalt pavement in the sun and sun-shade. Japan has three Köppen climate regions: tropical, temperate and cold. We analysed one city in the tropical region (24°N), three cities in the temperate region (31°N, 35°N and 39°N) and one city in the cold region (40°N). Hourly data were collected from 7 AM to 6 PM, June to September, from 2010 to 2019. The day with the longest daylight hours and the greatest solar radiation intensity was used for analysis. With sun-shade (a white polyester tarpaulin/awning), ambient temperature, global solar radiation and ground surface temperature were assumed to be 0.5°C, 45% and 6°C lower than in the sun, respectively. Sun-shade use eliminated the days with at least 1 hour exceeding safe heat exposure limit at rest in all cities. The same was observed for light work in the temperate and cold cities, although the tropical city had 2 days exceeding safe heat exposure limit during the decade. Sun-shade use on a sunny summer day can be an effective and sustainable method to reduce heat exposure hazard at rest and during light work in tropical, temperate and cold climate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Otani
- Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, Himeji, Japan.
| | - Jason K W Lee
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Sulzer M, Christen A, Matzarakis A. A Low-Cost Sensor Network for Real-Time Thermal Stress Monitoring and Communication in Occupational Contexts. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051828. [PMID: 35270974 PMCID: PMC8914846 DOI: 10.3390/s22051828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The MoBiMet (Mobile Biometeorology System) is a low-cost device for thermal comfort monitoring, designed for long-term deployment in indoor or semi-outdoor occupational contexts. It measures air temperature, humidity, globe temperature, brightness temperature, light intensity, and wind, and is capable of calculating thermal indices (e.g., physiologically equivalent temperature (PET)) on site. It visualizes its data on an integrated display and sends them continuously to a server, where web-based visualizations are available in real-time. Data from many MoBiMets deployed in real occupational settings were used to demonstrate their suitability for large-scale and continued monitoring of thermal comfort in various contexts (industrial, commercial, offices, agricultural). This article describes the design and the performance of the MoBiMet. Alternative methods to determine mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) using a light intensity sensor and a contactless infrared thermopile were tested next to a custom-made black globe thermometer. Performance was assessed by comparing the MoBiMet to an independent mid-cost thermal comfort sensor. It was demonstrated that networked MoBiMets can detect differences of thermal comfort at different workplaces within the same building, and between workplaces in different companies in the same city. The MoBiMets can capture spatial and temporal differences of thermal comfort over the diurnal cycle, as demonstrated in offices with different stories and with different solar irradiances in a single high-rise building. The strongest sustained heat stress was recorded at industrial workplaces with heavy machinery.
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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, D-79085 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-203-6822
| | - Andreas Christen
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, D-79085 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Andreas Matzarakis
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, D-79085 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (A.M.)
- Research Centre Human Biometeorology, German Meteorological Service, Stefan-Meier-Str. 4, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
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23
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The Impact of Protective Gloves on Manual Dexterity in Cold Environments-A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031637. [PMID: 35162660 PMCID: PMC8835575 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our research aimed to determine the impact of two types of protective gloves. The research tested the glove performance on men exposed to a range of temperatures reflecting the working conditions in fruit and vegetable processing. The gloves were assessed for performance within the time required to complete a specific manual task and for performance relative to the subjective thermal sensations in the male subjects. Six males participated in a total of 3 study variants: at +5 °C (with double gloves and single glove), at -1 °C (with double gloves and single glove) and in reference conditions +20 °C (without gloves), in which they performed manual tasks. The measurement of manual task performance time was used to assess manual dexterity. Subjective thermal sensations were determined. Differences in the time required to complete specific tasks were observed between the variants with gloves (both at a temperature of +5 °C and -1 °C), and without gloves (p < 0.05). The type of protective gloves had an impact on the time needed to complete manual tasks and therefore may affect manual dexterity.
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24
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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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Chassé É, Théoret D, Poirier MP, Lalonde F. Physiological Demands of Basic Fire Management Tasks in Members of the Canadian Armed Forces: A Pilot Study. Mil Med 2021; 188:e942-e948. [PMID: 34652444 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are required to meet the minimum standards of the Fitness for Operational Requirements of CAF Employment (FORCE) job-based simulation test (JBST) and must possess the capacity to perform other common essential tasks. One of those tasks is to perform basic fire management tasks during fire emergencies to mitigate damage and reduce the risk of injuries and/or death until professional firefighters arrive at the scene. To date however, the physiological demands of common firefighting tasks have mostly been performed on professional firefighters, thus rendering the transferability of the demands to the general military population unclear. This pilot study aimed to quantify, for the first time, the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks in the military, to determine if they are reflected in the FORCE JBST minimum standard. We hypothesized that the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks within the CAF are below the physiological demands of the FORCE JBST minimum standard, and as such, be lower than the demands of professional firefighting. MATERIALS AND METHODS To achieve this, 21 CAF members (8 females; 13 males; mean [SD] age: 33 [10] years; height: 174.5 [10.5] cm; weight: 85.4 [22.1] kg, estimated maximal oxygen uptake [$\dot V$O2peak]: 44.4 (7.4) mL kg-1 min-1) participated in a realistic, but physically demanding, JBST developed by CAF professional firefighting subject matter experts. The actions included lifting, carrying, and manipulating a 13-kg powder fire extinguisher and connecting, coupling, and dragging a 38-mm fire hose over 30 m. The rate of oxygen uptake ($\dot V$O2), heart rate, and percentage of heart rate reserve were measured continuously during two task simulation trials, which were interspersed by a recovery period. Rating of perceived exertion (6-no exertion; 20-maximal exertion) was measured upon completion of both task simulations. Peak $\dot V$O2 ($\dot V$O2peak) was estimated based on the results of the FORCE JBST. RESULTS The mean (SD) duration of both task simulation trials was 3:39 (0:19) min:s, whereas the rest period in between both trials was 62 (19) minutes. The mean O2 was 21.1 (4.7) mL kg-1 min-1 across trials, which represented 52.1 (12.2) %$\dot V$O2peak and ∼81% of the FORCE JBST. This was paralleled by a mean heart rate of 136 (18) beats min-1, mean percentage of heart rate reserve of 61.2 (10.8), and mean rating of perceived exertion of 11 ± 2. Other physical components of the JBST consisted of lifting, carrying, and manipulating a 13-kg load for ∼59 seconds, which represents 65% of the load of the FORCE JBST. The external resistance of the fire hose drag portion increased up to 316 N, translating to a total of 6205 N over 30 m, which represents 96% of the drag force measured during the FORCE JBST. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the physiological demands of basic fire management tasks in the CAF are of moderate intensity, which are reflected in the CAF physical fitness standard. As such, CAF members who achieve the minimum standard on the FORCE JBST are deemed capable of physically performing basic fire management tasks during fire emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Étienne Chassé
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Daniel Théoret
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - Martin P Poirier
- Human Performance Research and Development, Ottawa, ON K1J 1J8, Canada
| | - François Lalonde
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Quebec in Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H2X 1Y4, Canada
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Abstract
Increased extreme heat exposure from both climate change and the urban heat island effect threatens rapidly growing urban settlements worldwide. Yet, because we do not know where urban population growth and extreme heat intersect, we have limited capacity to reduce the impacts of urban extreme heat exposure. Here, we leverage fine-resolution temperature and population data to measure urban extreme heat exposure for 13,115 cities from 1983 to 2016. Globally, urban exposure increased nearly 200%, affecting 1.7 billion people. Total urban warming elevated exposure rates 52% above population growth alone. However, spatially heterogeneous exposure patterns highlight an urgent need for locally tailored adaptations and early warning systems to reduce harm from urban extreme heat exposure across the planet’s diverse urban settlements. Increased exposure to extreme heat from both climate change and the urban heat island effect—total urban warming—threatens the sustainability of rapidly growing urban settlements worldwide. Extreme heat exposure is highly unequal and severely impacts the urban poor. While previous studies have quantified global exposure to extreme heat, the lack of a globally accurate, fine-resolution temporal analysis of urban exposure crucially limits our ability to deploy adaptations. Here, we estimate daily urban population exposure to extreme heat for 13,115 urban settlements from 1983 to 2016. We harmonize global, fine-resolution (0.05°), daily temperature maxima and relative humidity estimates with geolocated and longitudinal global urban population data. We measure the average annual rate of increase in exposure (person-days/year−1) at the global, regional, national, and municipality levels, separating the contribution to exposure trajectories from urban population growth versus total urban warming. Using a daily maximum wet bulb globe temperature threshold of 30 °C, global exposure increased nearly 200% from 1983 to 2016. Total urban warming elevated the annual increase in exposure by 52% compared to urban population growth alone. Exposure trajectories increased for 46% of urban settlements, which together in 2016 comprised 23% of the planet’s population (1.7 billion people). However, how total urban warming and population growth drove exposure trajectories is spatially heterogeneous. This study reinforces the importance of employing multiple extreme heat exposure metrics to identify local patterns and compare exposure trends across geographies. Our results suggest that previous research underestimates extreme heat exposure, highlighting the urgency for targeted adaptations and early warning systems to reduce harm from urban extreme heat exposure.
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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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Nainggolan G, Soemarko D, Siregar P, Sutranto AL, Bardosono S, Prijanti AR, Aulia D. Diagnostic role of urine specific gravity to detect kidney impairment on heat-exposed workers in a shoe factory in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047328. [PMID: 34588241 PMCID: PMC8483020 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Globally, there are increasing cases of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin among heat-exposed workers. We aimed to see the kidney damages of indoor heat-exposed workers and whether urine specific gravity can predict any kidney damages. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING A shoe-making factory in West Java, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS 119 subjects were included. Minimum total sample size was 62. Subjects were indoor heat-exposed workers who were exposed to occupational wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 28°C-30°C for 8 hours daily with 1 hour break, 5 days a week. The inclusion criterion was healthy subjects according to the result from annual medical check-up in 2019. The exclusion criteria were subjects who were taking vitamins and/or supplements that might cause disturbance in urine specific gravity and/or hydration status, pregnant and fasting. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of urine specific gravity for the detection of urinary nephrin and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were analysed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and quantitative albuminuria were also measured. RESULTS WBGT in the work area of the subject was 28°C-30°C. There were 15 (12.6%) subjects who had eGFR <90 mL/min, but ≥60 mL/min. High serum vasopressin levels were found in 79 subjects with a mean of 6.54 (95% CI 5.94 to 7.14) ng/mL. Most subjects had nephrinuria (87.4%) with preserved renal function (87.4%). Several subjects had elevated urinary KIM-1 (10.9%) and albuminuria (7.6%). AUC of urine specific gravity for increased urinary nephrin was 81.7% (95% CI 68.8% to 94.6%) and statistically significant (p<0.001). Cut-off value of ≥1.018 for urine specific gravity has sensitivity of 71.2% and specificity of 80% for detecting elevation of urinary nephrin levels. CONCLUSION Urine specific gravity with a cut-off value of ≥1.018 could be used to detect nephrinuria among heat-exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginova Nainggolan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dewi Soemarko
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Parlindungan Siregar
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aida Lydia Sutranto
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Saptawati Bardosono
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ani Retno Prijanti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Diana Aulia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Fullagar HHK, Schwarz E, Richardson A, Notley SR, Lu D, Duffield R. Australian firefighters perceptions of heat stress, fatigue and recovery practices during fire-fighting tasks in extreme environments. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 95:103449. [PMID: 34015663 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess current perceptions of heat stress, fatigue and recovery practices during active duty in Australian firefighters. DESIGN Prospective survey. METHODS 473 firefighters from Fire and Rescue New South Wales completed a two-part, 16-item survey. Questions included perceptions of the operational activities and body areas associated with the most heat stress, the most mentally and physically demanding activities, and levels of fatigue felt. Further questions focussed on the use and importance of recovery practices, effectiveness of currently used heat-mitigation strategies and additional cooling strategies for future use. RESULTS Around a third of firefighters (62%) reported structural fire-fighting as the hottest operational activities experienced, followed by bushfire-fighting (51%) and rescue operations (38%). The top three responses for which body-parts get the hottest ranked as 'the head' (58%), 'the whole body' (54%) and 'the upper back' (40%), respectively. The majority of firefighters (~90%) stated they always or sometimes use the opportunity to recover at an incident, with the top three being 'sit in the shade' (93%), 'cold water ingestion (drinking)' (90%) and 'removing your helmet, flash hood and jacket' (89%). Firefighters reported higher usefulness for more easily deployed strategies compared to more advanced strategies. Limited age and gender differences were found, although location of active service differences were present. CONCLUSION These findings may inform future research, and translation to operational directives for recovery interventions; including exploration of protective gear and clothing, education, resources and provision of cooling methods, as well as recovery aid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh H K Fullagar
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Edgar Schwarz
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Campus, Geb. B8 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany. https://twitter.com/edgarschwarz
| | | | - Sean R Notley
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. https://twitter.com/seannotley
| | - Donna Lu
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Rob Duffield
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
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Bose-O'Reilly S, Daanen H, Deering K, Gerrett N, Huynen MMTE, Lee J, Karrasch S, Matthies-Wiesler F, Mertes H, Schoierer J, Shumake-Guillemot J, van den Hazel P, Frank van Loenhout JA, Nowak D. COVID-19 and heat waves: New challenges for healthcare systems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111153. [PMID: 33857461 PMCID: PMC8056477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Heat waves and Covid-19 overlap, as this pandemic continues into summer 2021. Using a narrative review, we identified overlapping risk groups and propose coping strategies. The high-risk groups for heat-related health problems as well as for high-risk COVID-19 groups overlap considerably (elderly with pre-existing health conditions). Health care facilities will again be challenged by Covid-19 during heat waves. Health care personnel are also at risk of developing heat related health problems during hot periods due to the use of personal protective equipment to shield themselves from SARS-CoV-2 and must therefore be protected from excessive heat periods. Some existing recommendations for heat health protection contradict recommendations for COVID-19 protection. This paper provides a preliminary overview of possible strategies and interventions to tackle these ambiguities. The existing recommendations for protection against heat-related illnesses need revisions to determine whether they include essential aspects of infection control and occupational safety and how they may be supplemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany; Institute for Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HTA, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard-Wallnöfer Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall i.T., Austria; University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO) at the Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John and the University Hospital, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Hein Daanen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences. Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Katharina Deering
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicola Gerrett
- Department of Human Movement Sciences. Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jason Lee
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Dr, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute for Digital Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Stefan Karrasch
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Centre for Environment and Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Matthies-Wiesler
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Centre for Environment and Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hanna Mertes
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Schoierer
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter van den Hazel
- International Network on Children's Health, Environment and Safety (INCHES), Ellecom, the Netherlands
| | - Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Institute of Health and Society, UCLouvain, Clos Chapelle-Aux-Champs 30, 1200, Woluwé-Saint-Lambert (Brussels), Belgium
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
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Sol JA, West MR, Domitrovich JW, Ruby BC. Evaluation of Environmental Conditions on Self-Selected Work and Heat Stress in Wildland Firefighting. Wilderness Environ Med 2021; 32:149-159. [PMID: 34053883 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate heat stress occurring in wildfire management activities with variable environmental conditions. METHODS Direct observation and real-time wireless physiological monitoring allowed for weather and physiological metrics, including heart rate, core temperature (Tc), skin temperature, and physiological strain index (PSI), of male (n=193) and female (n=28) wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to be recorded during wildfire management activities. Accelerometry data were used to categorize intensity level of activity. RESULTS Ambient temperature and relative humidity values were used to compute the heat index (HI; n=3891 h) and divided into quartiles (Q1: 13.3-25.1°C; Q2: 25.2-26.4°C; Q3: 26.5-28.9°C; Q4: 29.0-49.1°C). Activity levels remained relatively constant across all HI quartiles. The percentage of time spent performing moderate/vigorous activities was lowest during the hotter Q4 (Q1: 3%; Q2: 2%; Q3: 2%; Q4: 1%). Heart rate, Tc, PSI, and skin temperature associations with HI varied by resource type. Sixty-one percent of WLFFs (n=134) experienced a Tc ≥38.0°C, and 50% of WLFFs (n=111) experienced a PSI ≥6.0. CONCLUSIONS Heat stress was prevalent as WLFFs performed job tasks of varying intensities in all ambient conditions. Spontaneous bouts of arduous labor, duration of work shifts, and other occupation characteristics present the possibility for substantial durations of hyperthermia, although no heat-related injuries occurred in this study. Despite chronic exposure to rugged sloped terrain, load carriage, and environmental conditions, self-regulation and individual attention to managing work:rest appears to be the primary management strategy in mitigating excessive accumulation of body heat in this occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Sol
- United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, Montana
| | - Molly R West
- United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, Montana
| | - Joseph W Domitrovich
- United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, Montana.
| | - Brent C Ruby
- Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
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Borg MA, Xiang J, Anikeeva O, Pisaniello D, Hansen A, Zander K, Dear K, Sim MR, Bi P. Occupational heat stress and economic burden: A review of global evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110781. [PMID: 33516686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adverse effects of heat on workers' health and work productivity are well documented. However, the resultant economic consequences and productivity loss are less understood. This review aims to summarize the retrospective and potential future economic burden of workplace heat exposure in the context of climate change. METHODS Literature was searched from database inception to October 2020 using Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles were limited to original human studies investigating costs from occupational heat stress in English. RESULTS Twenty studies met criteria for inclusion. Eighteen studies estimated costs secondary to heat-induced labor productivity loss. Predicted global costs from lost worktime, in US$, were 280 billion in 1995, 311 billion in 2010 (≈0.5% of GDP), 2.4-2.5 trillion in 2030 (>1% of GDP) and up to 4.0% of GDP by 2100. Three studies estimated heat-related healthcare expenses from occupational injuries with averaged annual costs (US$) exceeding 1 million in Spain, 1 million in Guangzhou, China and 250,000 in Adelaide, Australia. Low- and middle-income countries and countries with warmer climates had greater losses as a proportion of GDP. Greater costs per worker were observed in outdoor industries, medium-sized businesses, amongst males, and workers aged 25-44 years. CONCLUSIONS The estimated global economic burden of occupational heat stress is substantial. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies should be implemented to likely minimize future costs. Further research exploring the relationship between occupational heat stress and related expenses from lost productivity, decreased work efficiency and healthcare, and costs stratified by demographic factors, is warranted. Key messages. The estimated retrospective and future economic burden from occupational heat stress is large. Responding to climate change is crucial to minimize this burden. Analyzing heat-attributable occupational costs may guide the development of workplace heat management policies and practices as part of global warming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Olga Anikeeva
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Alana Hansen
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Kerstin Zander
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
| | - Keith Dear
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, 57 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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Fatima SH, Rothmore P, Giles LC, Varghese BM, Bi P. Extreme heat and occupational injuries in different climate zones: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 148:106384. [PMID: 33472088 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The link between heat exposure and adverse health outcomes in workers is well documented and a growing body of epidemiological evidence from various countries suggests that extreme heat may also contribute to increased risk of occupational injuries (OI). Previously, there have been no comparative reviews assessing the risk of OI due to extreme heat within a wide range of global climate zones. The present review therefore aims to summarise the existing epidemiological evidence on the impact of extreme heat (hot temperatures and heatwaves (HW)) on OI in different climate zones and to assess the individual risk factors associated with workers and workplace that contribute to heat-associated OI risks. METHODS A systematic review of published peer-reviewed articles that assessed the effects of extreme heat on OI among non-military workers was undertaken using three databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) without temporal or geographical limits from database inception until July 2020. Extreme heat exposure was assessed in terms of hot temperatures and HW periods. For hot temperatures, the effect estimates were converted to relative risks (RR) associated with 1 °C increase in temperature above reference values, while for HW, effect estimates were RR comparing heatwave with non-heatwave periods. The patterns of heat associated OI risk were investigated in different climate zones (according to Köppen Geiger classification) based on the study locations and were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis models. Subgroup analyses according to workers' characteristics (e.g. gender, age group, experience), nature of work (e.g. physical demands, location of work i.e. indoor/outdoor) and workplace characteristics (e.g. industries, business size) were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 24 studies published between 2005 and 2020 were included in the review. Among these, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria, representing almost 22 million OI across six countries (Australia, Canada, China, Italy, Spain, and USA) and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested that the overall risk of OI increased by 1% (RR 1.010, 95% CI: 1.009-1.011) for 1 °C increase in temperature above reference values and 17.4% (RR 1.174, 95% CI: 1.057-1.291) during HW. Among different climate zones, the highest risk of OI during hot temperatures was identified in Humid Subtropical Climates (RR 1.017, 95% CI: 1.014-1.020) followed by Oceanic (RR 1.010, 95% CI: 1.008-1.012) and Hot Mediterranean Climates (RR 1.009, 95% CI: 1.008-1.011). Similarly, Oceanic (RR 1.218, 95% CI: 1.093-1.343) and Humid Subtropical Climates (RR 1.213, 95% CI: 0.995-1.431) had the highest risk of OI during HW periods. No studies assessing the risk of OI in Tropical regions were found. The effects of hot temperatures on the risk of OI were acute with a lag effect of 1-2 days in all climate zones. Young workers (age < 35 years), male workers and workers in agriculture, forestry or fishing, construction and manufacturing industries were at high risk of OI during hot temperatures. Further young workers (age < 35 years), male workers and those working in electricity, gas and water and manufacturing industries were found to be at high risk of OI during HW. CONCLUSIONS This review strengthens the evidence on the risk of heat-associated OI in different climate zones. The risk of OI associated with extreme heat is not evenly distributed and is dependent on underlying climatic conditions, workers' attributes, the nature of work and workplace characteristics. The differences in the risk of OI across different climate zones and worker subgroups warrant further investigation along with the development of climate and work-specific intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Rothmore
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lynne C Giles
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Individual Anthropometric, Aerobic Capacity and Demographic Characteristics as Predictors of Heat Intolerance in Military Populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57020173. [PMID: 33671414 PMCID: PMC7922340 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The Australian Defence Force (ADF) engages in combat-related activities in hot climatic conditions, which exposes ADF members to the threat of exertional heat illness (EHI). After an episode of EHI, the heat tolerance test (HTT) is conducted to determine heat tolerance. Heat intolerance is the inability to maintain thermal balance while exercising in a hot environment. This study investigated the predictive roles of individual characteristics (age, gender, aerobic capacity (VO2max) and body composition) on physiological responses to the HTT in a group comprising ADF personnel and civilian volunteers. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used and 52 (38 males and 14 females) participants were recruited from the ADF and the general population for the HTT. Heat intolerance was defined following the standard criteria for the HTT (temperature and heart rate). Data were analysed using inferential statistics. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.1 ± 11.6 years, and 44% (23 people: 19 males and 4 females) of the participants were heat intolerant. Independent samples T-test showed that body mass index (p = 0.011) and body fat% (p = 0.034) of heat-intolerant participants were significantly higher than their heat-tolerant counterparts. Body surface area to mass ratio (p = 0.005) and aerobic capacity (p = 0.001) were significantly lower in heat-intolerant participants. Regression analyses showed that age, gender, aerobic capacity and body fat% were significant (p < 0.001) predictors of heat tolerance outcomes, with R2 values ranging from 0.505 to 0.636. Conclusions: This study showed that aerobic capacity, body fat%, age and gender are predictors of heat intolerance among military and non-military populations. However, there may be a need for future studies to consider identifying other indicators such as clinical biomarkers of heat intolerance, which could be used to develop a more reliable HTT protocol.
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Wolkoff P, Azuma K, Carrer P. Health, work performance, and risk of infection in office-like environments: The role of indoor temperature, air humidity, and ventilation. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113709. [PMID: 33601136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed the effects of the room temperature, indoor air humidity, and ventilation on human health, work and cognitive performance, and risk of infection. In this overview, we integrate the influence of these important microclimatic parameters and assess their influence in offices based on literature searches. The dose-effect curves of the temperature describe a concave shape. Low temperature increases the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and elevated temperature increases the risk of acute non-specific symptoms, e.g., dry eyes, and respiratory symptoms. Cognitive and work performance is optimal between 22 °C and 24 °C for regions with temperate or cold climate, but both higher and lower temperatures may deteriorate the performances and learning efficiency. Low temperature may favor virus viability, however, depending on the status of the physiological tissue in the airways. Low indoor air humidity causes vulnerable eyes and airways from desiccation and less efficient mucociliary clearance. This causes elevation of the most common mucous membrane-related symptoms, like dry and tired eyes, which deteriorates the work performance. Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies support that intervention of dry indoor air conditions by humidification alleviates symptoms of dry eyes and airways, fatigue symptoms, less complaints about perceived dry air, and less compromised work performance. Intervention of dry air conditions by elevation of the indoor air humidity may be a non-pharmaceutical treatment of the risk of infection by reduced viability and transport of influenza virus. Relative humidity between 40 and 60% appears optimal for health, work performance, and lower risk of infection. Ventilation can reduce both acute and chronic health outcomes and improve work performance, because the exposure is reduced by the dilution of the indoor air pollutants (including pathogens, e.g., as virus droplets), and in addition to general emission source control strategies. Personal control of ventilation appears an important factor that influences the satisfaction of the thermal comfort due to its physical and positive psychological impact. However, natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation can become sources of air pollutants, allergens, and pathogens of outdoor or indoor origin and cause an increase in exposure. The "health-based ventilation rate" in a building should meet WHO's air quality guidelines and dilute human bio-effluent emissions to reach an acceptable perceived indoor air quality. Ventilation is a modifying factor that should be integrated with both the indoor air humidity and the room temperature in a strategic joint control to satisfy the perceived indoor air quality, health, working performance, and minimize the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Kenichi Azuma
- Dept Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University, Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Paolo Carrer
- Dept Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", University of Milan, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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Valenza A, Charlier H, Bianco A, Filingeri D. Independent and interactive effects of thermal stress and mental fatigue on manual dexterity. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R703-R711. [PMID: 33074012 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00226.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many occupations and sports require high levels of manual dexterity under thermal stress and mental fatigue. Yet, multistressor studies remain scarce. We quantified the interactive effects of thermal stress and mental fatigue on manual dexterity. Seven males (21.1 ± 1.3 yr) underwent six separate 60-min trials characterized by a combination of three air temperatures (hot, 37°C; neutral, 21°C; cold, 7°C) and two mental fatigue states (MF, mental fatigue induced by a 35-min cognitive battery; no-MF, no mental fatigue). Participants performed complex (O'Connor test) and simple (hand-tool test) manual tasks pre- and posttrial to determine stressor-induced performance changes. We monitored participants' rectal temperature and hand skin temperature (Thand) continuously and assessed the reaction time (hand-click test) and subjective mental fatigue (5-point scale). Thermal stress (P < 0.0001), but not mental fatigue (P = 0.290), modulated Thand (heat, +3.3°C [95% CI: +0.2, +6.5]; cold, -7.5°C [-10.7, -4.4]). Mental fatigue (P = 0.021), but not thermal stress (P = 0.646), slowed the reaction time (∼10%) and increased subjective fatigue. Thermal stress and mental fatigue had an interactive effect on the complex manual task (P = 0.040), with cold-no-MF decreasing the performance by -22% [-39, -5], whereas neutral-MF, cold-MF, and heat-MF by -36% [-53, -19], -34% [-52, -17], and -36% [-53, -19], respectively. Only mental fatigue decreased the performance in the simple manual task (-30% [-43, -16] across all thermal conditions; P = 0.002). Cold stress-induced impairments in complex manipulation increase with mental fatigue; yet combined stressors' effects are no greater than those of mental fatigue alone, which also impairs simple manipulation. Mental fatigue poses a greater challenge to manual dexterity than thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Valenza
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom.,Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Harry Charlier
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Antonino Bianco
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Filingeri
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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Morabito M, Messeri A, Crisci A, Pratali L, Bonafede M, Marinaccio A. Heat warning and public and workers' health at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:140347. [PMID: 32570084 PMCID: PMC7301811 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The humanity is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic challenge, the largest global health emergency after the Second World War. During summer months, many countries in the northern hemisphere will also have to counteract an imminent seasonal phenomenon, the management of extreme heat events. The novelty this year concerns that the world population will have to deal with a new situation that foresees the application of specific measures, including adjunctive personal protective equipment (i.e. facemasks and gloves), in order to reduce the potential transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These measures should help to decrease the risk of the infection transmission but will also represent an aggravating factor to counteract the heat effects on the population health both at occupational and environmental level. The use of a specific heat health warning system with personalized information based on individual, behavioural and environmental characteristics represents a necessary strategy to help a fast adaptation of the population at a time where the priority is to live avoiding SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council, Florence, Italy; Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Messeri
- Centre of Bioclimatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of BioEconomy, National Research Council, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pratali
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work, Rome, Italy
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Douzi W, Dugué B, Theurot D, Vinches L, Hallé S, Dupuy O. Cooling During Exercise May Induce Benefits Linked to Improved Brain Perfusion. Int J Sports Med 2020; 42:122-131. [PMID: 32920802 DOI: 10.1055/a-1213-5960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of using a cooling vest during physical exercise (per-cooling) in humid and temperate conditions (≈22°C, ≈80% relative humidity) on perceptual and physiological responses (tissue oxygenation and heart rate). 20 physically active men performed twice a 30-min cycling exercise at 70% of their theoretical maximum heart rate while using an activated (experimental condition) and a deactivated (control condition) cooling system in a randomized crossover study. Heart rate and tissue (cerebral and muscular) oxygenation were continuously measured during exercise and recovery, and skin temperature was measured every 10 min. Perception of temperature, humidity and comfort were assessed at the end of the recovery period. Results showed a decrease in trunk skin temperature (p<0.05), a faster heart rate recovery and an increase in the concentration of total hemoglobin at the brain level (p<0.05) compared with control condition. Moreover, an improved subjective rating of thermal sensations, wetness and comfort compared to control values (p<0.05) was noted. In conclusion, wearing a cooling vest during submaximal exercise improves perceptual and physiological responses in humid temperate conditions, which may be due to a better blood perfusion at the brain level and a better parasympathetic reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Douzi
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Benoit Dugué
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Dimitri Theurot
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Ludwig Vinches
- École de santé publique - Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé au Travail, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stéphane Hallé
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ecole de Technologie Supérieure, Montreal, Canada
| | - Olivier Dupuy
- Laboratoire "Mobilité, Vieillissement, Exercice (MOVE) - EA 6314" et Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation among Thai poultry industry workers with reference to vulnerable groups: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1357. [PMID: 32887559 PMCID: PMC7487455 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined cold-related symptoms among cold workplace workers in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cold-related cardiorespiratory, circulatory, and general symptoms and performance degradation among Thai chicken industry workers and identify vulnerable groups. Methods Overall, 422 workers aged from 18 to 57 years at four chicken meat factories in Thailand were interviewed for cold-related symptoms and complaints. The results were expressed in terms of model-based adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences (PDs) in percentage points (pp) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, 76.1% of the respondents reported cold-related respiratory symptoms, 24.6% reported cardiac symptoms, 68.6% reported circulatory symptoms, and 72.1% reported general symptoms. In addition, 82.7% of the respondents reported performance degradation. Cold-related respiratory symptoms increased by PD 29.0 pp. (95% CI 23.4–34.6) from the lowest to the highest educational group, with a similar pattern observed in performance degradation. Forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers complained of cold-related respiratory symptoms more than office staff (PD 22.1 pp., 95% CI 12.8–31.3; 12.0 pp., 95% CI 2.4–21.6; and 17.5 pp., 95% CI 11.5–23.6, respectively); they also reported more performance degradation (PD 24.1 pp., 95% CI 17.0–31.2; 19.8 pp., 95% CI 14.1–25.6; and 14.8 pp., 95% CI 8.0–22.6, respectively). Weekly alcohol consumers reported more performance problems owing to cold (PD 18.2 pp., 95% CI 13.9–22.6) than non-consumers of alcohol. Cardiac and circulation symptoms were more common in women than men (PD 10.0 pp., 95% CI 1.1–18.9; and 8.4 pp., 95% CI 0.5–16.4, respectively). The age trend in performance issues was curved, with the highest prevalence among those aged 35–44 years, while the oldest workers (45–57 years) perceived less cold-related symptoms, particularly thirst. Conclusions Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation were found to be common in this industry, with vulnerable groups comprising of highly educated workers, forklift drivers, storage and manufacturing workers, weekly alcohol consumers, aging workers, and women. The results demonstrate a need for further research on the adequacy of protection provided against the cold, particularly given that global warming will increase the contrast between cold workplaces and outdoor heat.
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Gasparetto T, Nesseler C. Diverse Effects of Thermal Conditions on Performance of Marathon Runners. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1438. [PMID: 32719639 PMCID: PMC7350124 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat exposure affects human performance in many ways. Both physiological (i.e., glycogen sparing, oxygen uptake, thermoregulation) and biomechanical mechanisms (i.e., contact time, knee flexion, muscle activity) are affected, hence reducing performance. However, the exposure affects persons differently. Not all athletes necessarily experience an identical thermal condition similarly, and this point has been overlooked to date. We analyzed endurance performances of the top 1000 runners for every year during the last 12 New York City Marathons. Thermal conditions were estimated with wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and universal thermal climate index (UTCI). Under identical thermal exposure, the fastest runners experienced a larger decline in performance than the slower ones. The empirical evidence offered here not only shows that thermal conditions affect runners differently, but also that some groups might consistently suffer more than others. Further research may inspect other factors that could be affected by thermal conditions, as pacing and race strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thadeu Gasparetto
- Department of Management, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Cornel Nesseler
- Business School, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Iftime MD, Dumitrascu AE, Ciobanu VD. Chainsaw operators' exposure to occupational risk factors and incidence of professional diseases specific to the forestry field. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:8-19. [PMID: 32126935 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1703336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. This article focuses on detailed studies regarding the analysis of occupational risk factors on health and occupational disease, namely, the influence of noise, hand-arm vibration, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index and exposure to particulates. Methods. This study measured the equivalent acoustic level (LAeq), daily vibration exposure (A(8)), WBGT index and particulate concentration in the respirable area of the worker. The inferential analysis consisted of the application of specific statistical methods: a probability plot with 95% confidence interval, the Anderson-Darling statistic and 87th percentile estimation. A sample of 107 chainsaw operators was medically evaluated, out of which 30 workers were suspected of having professional pathologies and were hospitalized in the university clinic. Results. The measurements highlight: exceeding the legal limit for noise exposure; 13% of cases exceeding the limit of 2.5 m/s2 for hand-arm vibration; dust exposure generally within legal limits; WBGT shows the thermal stress of the workers. Following the medical evaluation, osteomusculoskeletal disorders (25.23%), Raynaud's syndrome (0.93%) and bilateral hearing loss (3.74%) were identified. Conclusions. Analysis of the levels of exposure to the risk factors, the typology and the incidence of occupational diseases requires the need to adopt new preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius D Iftime
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
| | | | - Valentina D Ciobanu
- Department of Forest Engineering, Forest Management Planning and Terrestrial Measurements, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
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Parsons IT, Stacey MJ, Woods DR. Heat Adaptation in Military Personnel: Mitigating Risk, Maximizing Performance. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1485. [PMID: 31920694 PMCID: PMC6928107 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of heat adaptation in military personnel offers generalizable insights into a variety of sporting, recreational and occupational populations. Conversely, certain characteristics of military employment have few parallels in civilian life, such as the imperative to achieve mission objectives during deployed operations, the opportunity to undergo training and selection for elite units or the requirement to fulfill essential duties under prolonged thermal stress. In such settings, achieving peak individual performance can be critical to organizational success. Short-notice deployment to a hot operational or training environment, exposure to high intensity exercise and undertaking ceremonial duties during extreme weather may challenge the ability to protect personnel from excessive thermal strain, especially where heat adaptation is incomplete. Graded and progressive acclimatization can reduce morbidity substantially and impact on mortality rates, yet individual variation in adaptation has the potential to undermine empirical approaches. Incapacity under heat stress can present the military with medical, occupational and logistic challenges requiring dynamic risk stratification during initial and subsequent heat stress. Using data from large studies of military personnel observing traditional and more contemporary acclimatization practices, this review article (1) characterizes the physical challenges that military training and deployed operations present (2) considers how heat adaptation has been used to augment military performance under thermal stress and (3) identifies potential solutions to optimize the risk-performance paradigm, including those with broader relevance to other populations exposed to heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain T. Parsons
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Stacey
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Woods
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Research and Clinical Innovation, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Sport and Exercise Endocrinology, Carnegie Research Institute, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Predicting and preventing heat stress related excessive exposures and injuries: A field-friendly tool for the safety professional. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchas.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Influence of cervical spinal cord injury on thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses in the human body: Literature review. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 69:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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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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Watson C, Troynikov O, Lingard H. Design considerations for low-level risk personal protective clothing: a review. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2019; 57:306-325. [PMID: 30089764 PMCID: PMC6546585 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective clothing (PPC) is mandatory in hazardous industrial workplaces, but can increase thermophysiological strain, causing fatigue, reduced productivity, illness and injury. We systematically reviewed the literature on PPC and heat stress, focusing on research relating to working conditions of high temperature and humidity. PPC must protect industrial workers from a wide variety of hazards, including sun damage, abrasion, chemical spills and electrical burns; these competing demands inevitably compromise thermal performance. Fiber type, textile material construction and treatment need to be considered alongside garment fit and construction to design functional PPC providing wearers with adequate protection and comfort. Several approaches to materials and PPC testing-objective benchtop evaluation, mathematical modelling, and physiological testing-can be combined to provide high-quality thermal and vapor performance data. Our review provides a foundation and directions for further research in low-level risk PPC, where current research in fabrics and clothing in this category is very limited, and will help designers and manufacturers create industrial workwear with improved thermal management characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Troynikov
- Human Ecology and Clothing Science, RMIT University, Australia
| | - Helen Lingard
- Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Australia
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Mneimneh F, Ghaddar N, Ghali K, Moussalem C, Omeis I. Would personal cooling vest be effective for use during exercise by people with thoracic spinal cord injury? J Therm Biol 2019; 82:123-141. [PMID: 31128640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
People with thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI), named people with paraplegia (PA), are vulnerable to thermal heat stress during exercise due to disruption in their thermal physiology. Using personal cooling vests with phase change material (PCM) or ice presents a possible solution for PA to suppress the increase in core temperature and body heat storage. With the limited published experimental studies about effective cooling vest for PA, this work aims to develop an altered PA bioheat model combined with cooling vest model to study cooling vest performance during exercise. The integrated PA bioheat and vest models predict core and skin temperatures, latent and sensible heat losses and change in body heat storage for PA with and without a cooling vest. The models were validated with published experimental data on PA without the cooling vest and on PA with two cooling vests; one using PCM at melting temperature of 15 °C and the other using ice packets during exercise. It was observed that sensible heat losses at the four torso segments (abdomen, lower back, chest and upper back) increased with the vest case compared to the no-vest case; while, latent heat losses decreased compared to the no-vest case. However, insignificant change was seen in core temperatures and body heat storage as was also reported experimentally. The performance of each of the cooling vest during exercise on PA was dependent on skin coverage area and melting temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Mneimneh
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Nesreen Ghaddar
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Kamel Ghali
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Charbel Moussalem
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Omeis
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad El Solh Beirut, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bach AJE, Maley MJ, Minett GM, Zietek SA, Stewart KL, Stewart IB. An Evaluation of Personal Cooling Systems for Reducing Thermal Strain Whilst Working in Chemical/Biological Protective Clothing. Front Physiol 2019; 10:424. [PMID: 31031643 PMCID: PMC6474400 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The use of personal cooling systems to mitigate heat strain on first-responders achieves two potential performance benefits relative to the absence of such cooling: (1) the completion of a workload with less effort; and/or (2) the completion of a greater workload for the same effort. Currently, claims made by manufacturers regarding the capability of their products for use in conjunction with chemical/biological protective clothing remain largely unsubstantiated. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the means by which heat strain can be alleviated during uncompensable heat stress in chemical/biological clothing, using the ASTM F2300-10 methodology. Methods Eight healthy males completed five trials of continuous walking (4.5 km h-1; 35°C; 49% RH) for up to 120 min while wearing one of four cooling systems and/or a National Fire and Protection Association 1994 Class-3 chemical/biological ensemble. The four cooling methods (ice vest [IV], phase-change vest [PCM], water-perfused suit [WS], and combination ice slurry/ice vest [SLIV]) and no cooling (CON). Results We observed significant improvements in trial times for IV (18 ± 10 min), PCM (20 ± 10 min) and SLIV (22 ± 10 min), but no differences for WS (4 ± 7 min). Heart rate, rectal, mean skin, and body temperatures were significantly lower in all cooling conditions relative to control at various matched time points in the first 60 min of exercise. Thermal sensation, comfort and perceived exertion all had significant main effects for condition, and time, there were no differences in their respective interactions. Conclusion The IV, PCM, and SLIV produced lower heart rate, mean skin, rectal and mean body temperatures in addition to improved work times compared to control. The WS did not improve work times possibly as a result of the cooling capacity of the suit abating, and magnifying thermal insulation. Considering the added time and resources required to implement combination cooling in the form of ice slurry and ice vest (SLIV), there was no significant additive effect for perception, cardiovascular strain, rectal temperature and total trial time relative to the phase change vest or ice vest alone. This may be a product of a "ceiling" effect for work limit set to 120 min as part of ASTM F2300-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J E Bach
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew J Maley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey M Minett
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Zietek
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kelly L Stewart
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian B Stewart
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Wang X, Wang S, Liu W, Wang T, Wang J, Gao X, Duan R, Li Y, Pu L, Deng B, Chen Z. Epigenetic upregulation of miR-126 induced by heat stress contributes to apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes by promoting Tomm40 transcription. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 129:39-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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