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Habibi P, Heydari A, Dehghan H, Moradi A, Moradi G. Climate Change and Occupational Heat Strain Among Women Workers: A Systematic Review. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2024; 28:4-17. [PMID: 38783874 PMCID: PMC11111142 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_320_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change increases heat stress exposure and occupational heat strain in tropical and subtropical regions with generally hot-humid climate conditions. The present systematic review was conducted to assess the effect of climate change on occupational heat strain among women workers. In this study, three main databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched to find relevant literature on climate change and its effects using subject headings and appropriate MeSh terms. This article has been written according to the PRISMA checklist. A total of 6,176 studies were identified for screening and 13 studies were eligible for data extraction. Scientific evidence reveals that there is an imprecise but positive relationship between climate change and occupational heat strain regarding women workers. Some complications associated with occupational heat strain among women workers include fatigue, discomfort, dehydration, reduced brain function, and loss of concentration. Climate change can lead to an increase in the occurrence of heat-related illnesses and the levels of injury risk. In addition, its adverse health effects on women workers are mentioned. This systematic study identifies key priorities for action to better characterize and understand how occupational heat strain among women workers may be associated with climate change events. Strong evidence indicates that climate change will continue to cause occupational heat strain among women workers. It is essential to implement preventive measures considering multidisciplinary strategies to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on women workers health in hot weather settings. This can limit the health risks and negative effects of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peymaneh Habibi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Disaster and Emergencies, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Habibollah Dehghan
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Moradi
- Safety and Risk Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Moradi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Rahimi M, Fatemi F, Rezaei Mohammdi Z. Impacts of climate change on occupational health indicators in the three climatic regions of Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:535-546. [PMID: 36548924 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2158179] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has increased the exposure risk of workers to occupational health risk factors and diseases. This study aims to investigate the impacts of climate change on the occupational health indicators at the workplaces in Iran. This study was conducted during 2021 in three climatic regions of Iran. Required data was collected from Health Deputies of Medical Universities and Iran Meteorological Organization. Stepwise linear regression model used for data analysis and predictions were done based on three scenarios of SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 during the period of 2021-2100. This indicated 2.6 and 2.9 times higher percentage of workers who were exposed to heat stress and Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, respectively, in the provinces understudy. This study suggests a holistic approach to address potential impacts of climate change on workers' health and safety that would benefit in making decisions on climate-related planning and developing the adaptation strategies at workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rahimi
- Department of Combat Desertification, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farin Fatemi
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Rony MKK, Alamgir HM. High temperatures on mental health: Recognizing the association and the need for proactive strategies-A perspective. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1729. [PMID: 38059052 PMCID: PMC10696165 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The influence of temperature on various aspects of daily life is often underestimated, and its effects on mental health are not widely recognized. Understanding and addressing the relationship between temperature and mental well-being is crucial in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. This perspective aimed to investigate the effects of high temperatures on mental health and identify proactive strategies to mitigate these effects. Methods This perspective adopted a twofold approach, including a comprehensive literature review and socioecological framework. The literature review involved extensive searches across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles, and reports from diverse disciplines. Results The perspective emphasized the significance of recognizing heat stress and its consequences on mental well-being. Chronic heat stress can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Vulnerable populations include, the very young, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Socioeconomic factors can further exacerbate vulnerability, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to manage mental health challenges during high temperatures. Additionally, the article identified and discussed proactive coping strategies to minimize both the psychological and physical impacts of heat stress. Mindfulness, stress management techniques, and therapy are suggested as effective means for individuals to manage psychological distress. Conclusion Implementing preventive measures are essential steps in promoting mental wellness in high temperatures. Proactive strategies by addressing the physiological and psychological effects of heat and considering the specific needs of vulnerable populations can help individuals and communities navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and promote resilience and preserve their mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustaq Karim Khan Rony
- Department of Public HealthBangladesh Open UniversityGazipurBangladesh
- Department of Institute of Social Welfare and ResearchUniversity of DhakaDhakaBangladesh
| | - Hasnat M. Alamgir
- Department of Career & Professional Development Services (CPDS)Southeast UniversityDhakaBangladesh
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Wu W, Liu Q, Li H, Huang C. Spatiotemporal Distribution of Heatwave Hazards in the Chinese Mainland for the Period 1990-2019. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1532. [PMID: 36674288 PMCID: PMC9864734 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Heatwaves occur frequently in summer, severely harming the natural environment and human society. While a few long-term spatiotemporal heatwave studies have been conducted in China at the grid scale, their shortcomings involve their discrete distribution and poor spatiotemporal continuity. We used daily data from 691 meteorological stations to obtain torridity index (TI) and heatwave index (HWI) datasets (0.01°) in order to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of heatwaves in the Chinese mainland for the period of 1990-2019. The results were as follows: (1) The TI values rose but with fluctuations, with the largest increase occurring in North China in July. The areas with hazard levels of medium and above accounted for 22.16% of the total, mainly in the eastern and southern provinces of China, South Tibet, East and South Xinjiang, and Chongqing. (2) The study areas were divided into four categories according to the spatiotemporal distribution of hazards. The "high hazard and rapidly increasing" and "low hazard and continually increasing" areas accounted for 8.71% and 41.33% of the total, respectively. (3) The "ten furnaces" at the top of the provincial capitals were Zhengzhou, Nanchang, Wuhan, Changsha, Shijiazhuang, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Haikou, Chongqing, and Hefei. While the urbanization level and population aging in the developed areas were further increased, the continuously increasing heatwave hazard should be fully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingsheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Ferrari GN, Leal GCL, Thom de Souza RC, Galdamez EVC. Impact of climate change on occupational health and safety: A review of methodological approaches. Work 2022; 74:485-499. [PMID: 36314181 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The working population is exposed daily to unavoidable climatic conditions due to their occupational settings. Effects of the weather such as rain, heat, and air pollution may increase the risk of diseases, injuries, accidents, and even death during labor. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to summarize the impacts of climate change on workers' health, safety and performance, identifying the risks, affected workplaces and the range of methodological approaches used to assess this problem. METHODS A thorough systematic mapping was conducted in seven scientific international databases: Emerald, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Scielo, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Three research questions guided the extraction process resulting in 170 articles regarding the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety. RESULTS We found an accentuated trend in observational studies applying primary and secondary data collection. Many studies focused on the association between rising temperatures and occupational hazards, mainly in outdoor work settings such as agriculture. The variation of temperature was the most investigated impact of climate change. CONCLUSIONS We established a knowledge base on how to explore the impacts of climate change on workers' well-being and health. Researchers and policymakers benefit from this review, which explores the suitable methods found in the literature and highlights the most recurring risks and their consequences to occupational health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Neto Ferrari
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Camila Lapasini Leal
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Edwin Vladimir Cardoza Galdamez
- Postgraduate Program in Production Engineering, Production Engineering Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
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Yermakova II, Potter AW, Raimundo AM, Xu X, Hancock JW, Oliveira AVM. Use of Thermoregulatory Models to Evaluate Heat Stress in Industrial Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:7950. [PMID: 35805626 PMCID: PMC9265684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137950] [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: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress in many industrial workplaces imposes significant risk of injury to individuals. As a means of quantifying these risks, a comparison of four rationally developed thermoregulatory models was conducted. The health-risk prediction (HRP) model, the human thermal regulation model (HuTheReg), the SCENARIO model, and the six-cylinder thermoregulatory model (SCTM) each used the same inputs for an individual, clothing, activity rates, and environment based on previously observed conditions within the Portuguese glass industry. An analysis of model correlations was conducted for predicted temperatures (°C) of brain (TBrain), skin (TSkin), core body (TCore), as well as sweat evaporation rate (ER; Watts). Close agreement was observed between each model (0.81-0.98). Predicted mean ± SD of active phases of exposure for both moderate (TBrain 37.8 ± 0.25, TSkin 36.7 ± 0.49, TCore 37.8 ± 0.45 °C, and ER 207.7 ± 60.4 W) and extreme heat (TBrain 39.1 ± 0.58, TSkin, 38.6 ± 0.71, TCore 38.7 ± 0.65 °C, and ER 468.2 ± 80.2 W) were assessed. This analysis quantifies these heat-risk conditions and provides a platform for comparison of methods to more fully predict heat stress during exposures to hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena I. Yermakova
- International Scientific-Training Centre for Information Technologies and Systems, UNESCO, National Academy of Sciences, 03187 Kyiv, Ukraine;
| | - Adam W. Potter
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Avenue, Bldg 42, Natick, MA 01760, USA; (X.X.); (J.W.H.)
| | - António M. Raimundo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, ADAI-LAETA, University of Coimbra, Pólo II da Universidade de Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.M.R.); (A.V.M.O.)
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Avenue, Bldg 42, Natick, MA 01760, USA; (X.X.); (J.W.H.)
| | - Jason W. Hancock
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, 10 General Greene Avenue, Bldg 42, Natick, MA 01760, USA; (X.X.); (J.W.H.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), 1299 Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - A. Virgilio M. Oliveira
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, ADAI-LAETA, University of Coimbra, Pólo II da Universidade de Coimbra, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.M.R.); (A.V.M.O.)
- Coimbra Polytechnic-ISEC, Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal
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Alayyannur PA, Ramdhan DH. Relationship of heat stress with acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease: A literature review. J Public Health Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/22799036221104149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Heat stress is a physical hazard and a potential health risk which can result in various conditions ranging from discomfort, headaches, psychological disorders, heat stroke and even death in extreme cases. Factors which cause heat stress include high ambient temperature, limited air movement, strenuous physical work and direct exposure to the heat of the engine/ sun. Continuous heat stress, exacerbated by dehydration, can lead to kidney disease. This study is a literature review conducted to explore factors that influence heat stress and the relationship of heat stress with acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease. Methods: Literature search was conducted in September 2021. Research sources were taken from several databases, namely Science Direct, ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar. From the databases, 23,316 articles were from Science Direct, 140,319 articles were from ProQuest, 670 articles were from PubMed, and 288,000 articles were from Google Scholars. Out of the total database only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. The variables in this study were heat stress, acute kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease. Results: This literature review shows that several factors which can affect heat stress are heat exposure, workload, rehydration, and rest period arrangements. Heat stress experienced by workers can cause decreased kidney function and chronic kidney disease. Heat stress conditions that are continuously experienced by workers can cause chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: Heat stress can be experienced by workers due to heat exposure, heavy workload, poor rehydration, and poor rest period arrangements. Heat stress can cause acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putri Ayuni Alayyannur
- Student of Doctoral Program, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Doni Hikmat Ramdhan
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
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Ioannou LG, Dinas PC, Notley SR, Gofa F, Gourzoulidis GA, Brearley M, Epstein Y, Havenith G, Sawka MN, Bröde P, Mekjavic IB, Kenny GP, Bernard TE, Nybo L, Flouris AD. Indicators to assess physiological heat strain - Part 2: Delphi exercise. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 9:263-273. [PMID: 36211947 PMCID: PMC9542877 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2044738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In a series of three companion papers published in this Journal, we identify and validate the available thermal stress indicators (TSIs). In this second paper of the series, we identified the criteria to consider when adopting a TSI to protect individuals who work in the heat, and we weighed their relative importance using a Delphi exercise with 20 experts. Two Delphi iterations were adequate to reach consensus within the expert panel (Cronbach's α = 0.86) for a set of 17 criteria with varying weights that should be considered when adopting a TSI to protect individuals who work in the heat. These criteria considered physiological parameters such as core/skin/mean body temperature, heart rate, and hydration status, as well as practicality, cost effectiveness, and health guidance issues. The 17 criteria were distributed across three occupational health-and-safety pillars: (i) contribution to improving occupational health (55% of total importance), (ii) mitigation of worker physiological strain (35.5% of total importance), and (iii) cost-effectiveness (9.5% of total importance). Three criteria [(i) relationship of a TSI with core temperature, (ii) having categories indicating the level of heat stress experienced by workers, and (iii) using its heat stress categories to provide recommendations for occupational safety and health] were considered significantly more important when selecting a TSI for protecting individuals who work in the heat, accumulating 37.2 percentage points. These 17 criteria allow the validation and comparison of TSIs that presently exist as well as those that may be developed in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas G. Ioannou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Petros C. Dinas
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Sean R. Notley
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Flora Gofa
- Hellenic National Meteorological Service, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Matt Brearley
- National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Thermal Hyperformance, Pty Ltd, Takura, Australia
| | - Yoram Epstein
- Heller Institute of Medical Research, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Michael N. Sawka
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter Bröde
- Department of Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADO), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Igor B. Mekjavic
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas E. Bernard
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Adams J, Brumby S, Kloot K, Baker T, Mohebbi M. High-Heat Days and Presentations to Emergency Departments in Regional Victoria, Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042131. [PMID: 35206318 PMCID: PMC8872328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster. Previous Australian research has identified increases in Emergency Department presentations in capital cities; however, little research has examined the effects of heat in rural/regional locations. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine if Emergency Department (ED) presentations across the south-west region of Victoria, Australia, increased on high-heat days (1 February 2017 to 31 January 2020) using the Rural Acute Hospital Data Register (RAHDaR). The study also explored differences in presentations between farming towns and non-farming towns. High-heat days were defined as days over the 95th temperature percentile. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes associated with heat-related illness were identified from previous studies. As the region has a large agricultural sector, a framework was developed to identify towns estimated to have 70% or more of the population involved in farming. Overall, there were 61,631 presentations from individuals residing in the nine Local Government Areas. Of these presentations, 3064 (5.0%) were on days of high-heat, and 58,567 (95.0%) were of days of non-high-heat. Unlike previous metropolitan studies, ED presentations in rural south-west Victoria decrease on high-heat days. This decrease was more prominent in the farming cohort; a potential explanation for this may be behavioural adaption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Adams
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-5551-8533
| | - Susan Brumby
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia;
| | - Kate Kloot
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia;
| | - Tim Baker
- Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia;
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
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Morris NB, Piil JF, Morabito M, Messeri A, Levi M, Ioannou LG, Ciuha U, Pogačar T, Kajfež Bogataj L, Kingma B, Casanueva A, Kotlarski S, Spirig C, Foster J, Havenith G, Sotto Mayor T, Flouris AD, Nybo L. The HEAT-SHIELD project — Perspectives from an inter-sectoral approach to occupational heat stress. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:747-755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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van Loenhout JAF, Vanderplanken K, Kashibadze T, Giuashvili N, Gamkrelidze A, Siman-Tov M, Adini B, Guha-Sapir D. Heatwave-protective knowledge and behaviour among urban populations: a multi-country study in Tunisia, Georgia and Israel. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:834. [PMID: 33931063 PMCID: PMC8088049 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an expected increase in heatwaves globally. As such, it is imperative to have sufficient levels of heatwave-protective knowledge and behaviour in areas regularly affected by heatwaves. Our study assessed this among urban populations in Tunisia, Georgia and Israel. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional population survey in the three countries. The questionnaire focused on obtaining information on respondents’ knowledge level regarding 1) symptoms due to overheating, 2) risk groups for heatwaves, 3) actions to take when someone is overheated, and 4) heatwave-protective measures. Furthermore, we asked respondents about protective measures they applied during the last heatwave. We compared the results between the countries. Results Heatwave-protective knowledge was highest in Israel, and lowest in Georgia, for all indicators except for heatwave-protective measures, for which knowledge was highest in Tunisia. Most respondents who named certain protective measures had also applied these during the last heatwave: more than 90% for all measures except for one in Tunisia and Israel, and more than 80% for all measures in Georgia. Conclusion There is a need to further improve heatwave-protective knowledge in Tunisia, Georgia and Israel. One potential solution to achieve this is by implementing a National Heat Health Action Plan. Improving knowledge is a vital step before adaptive behaviour can take place. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10865-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kirsten Vanderplanken
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamari Kashibadze
- L. Sakvarelidze National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), Ministry of IDP from the occupied territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nia Giuashvili
- L. Sakvarelidze National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), Ministry of IDP from the occupied territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Amiran Gamkrelidze
- L. Sakvarelidze National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), Ministry of IDP from the occupied territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Maya Siman-Tov
- Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine department, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine department, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Debarati Guha-Sapir
- Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
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Pogačar T, Žnidaršič Z, Kajfež Bogataj L, Črepinšek Z. Steps Towards Comprehensive Heat Communication in the Frame of a Heat Health Warning System in Slovenia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5829. [PMID: 32806556 PMCID: PMC7459531 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17165829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Occupational heat stress has an important negative impact on the well-being, health and productivity of workers and should; therefore, be recognized as a public health issue in Europe. There is no comprehensive heat health warning system in Slovenia combining public health measures with meteorological forecasts. The aim of this research was to provide insight into the development of such a system in Slovenia, turning the communication from the current meteoalarm into a broader system that has more information for different social groups. To achieve this goal, the following steps were used: Analysis of summer temperatures and issued meteoalarms, a survey of the general knowledge about heat among the public, organization and management of two stakeholder symposia, and a final survey on workers' opinions on heat stress and measures, supplemented by interviews with employers. Summer average daily temperature distributions in Slovenia changed during the investigated period (1961-2019) and the mean values increased over time by 2-3 °C. Additionally, the number of days with fulfilled yellow (potentially dangerous) and especially orange (dangerous) meteoalarm conditions increased significantly after 1990. The survey of the general public about heat stress and warnings showed that efforts to raise awareness of heat issues need to be intensified and that public health measures should effectively target vulnerable groups. Stakeholder symposia and further surveys have shown that awareness and understanding of the negative effects of heat stress on health and productivity are still quite low, so effective ways of disseminating information to different sectors while striking the best balance between efficiency, feasibility and economic cost have to be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Pogačar
- Centre of Agrometeorology, Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.K.B.); (Z.Č.)
| | - Zala Žnidaršič
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Lučka Kajfež Bogataj
- Centre of Agrometeorology, Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.K.B.); (Z.Č.)
| | - Zalika Črepinšek
- Centre of Agrometeorology, Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.K.B.); (Z.Č.)
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Morabito M, Messeri A, Noti P, Casanueva A, Crisci A, Kotlarski S, Orlandini S, Schwierz C, Spirig C, Kingma BRM, Flouris AD, Nybo L. An Occupational Heat-Health Warning System for Europe: The HEAT-SHIELD Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2890. [PMID: 31412559 PMCID: PMC6718993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Existing heat-health warning systems focus on warning vulnerable groups in order to reduce mortality. However, human health and performance are affected at much lower environmental heat strain levels than those directly associated with higher mortality. Moreover, workers are at elevated health risks when exposed to prolonged heat. This study describes the multilingual "HEAT-SHIELD occupational warning system" platform (https://heatshield.zonalab.it/) operating for Europe and developed within the framework of the HEAT-SHIELD project. This system is based on probabilistic medium-range forecasts calibrated on approximately 1800 meteorological stations in Europe and provides the ensemble forecast of the daily maximum heat stress. The platform provides a non-customized output represented by a map showing the weekly maximum probability of exceeding a specific heat stress condition, for each of the four upcoming weeks. Customized output allows the forecast of the personalized local heat-stress-risk based on workers' physical, clothing and behavioral characteristics and the work environment (outdoors in the sun or shade), also taking into account heat acclimatization. Personal daily heat stress risk levels and behavioral suggestions (hydration and work breaks recommended) to be taken into consideration in the short term (5 days) are provided together with long-term heat risk forecasts (up to 46 days), all which are useful for planning work activities. The HEAT-SHIELD platform provides adaptation strategies for "managing" the impact of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Morabito
- Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, 50019 Florence, Italy.
- Centre of Bioclimatology-University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy.
| | | | - Pascal Noti
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Casanueva
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
- Meteorology Group, Dept. Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Alfonso Crisci
- Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Sven Kotlarski
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Orlandini
- Centre of Bioclimatology-University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences and Technologies, University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Cornelia Schwierz
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Spirig
- Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, MeteoSwiss, Zurich Airport, 8058 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris R M Kingma
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Unit Defense, Safety and Security, The Netherlands Organisation of Applied Scientific Research, 3769DE Soesterberg, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas D Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Karies, Greece
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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