A comprehensive evaluation of heat stress and heat strain in a sample of sugarcane cutters in Brazil.

Abstract

Sugarcane cutters are vulnerable to extreme heat and are at risk for heat-related illness and chronic kidney disease, potentially due to high heat strain. We performed a comprehensive assessment of the physiological demands of sugarcane cutters via measurements of metabolic, thermal, and cardiovascular responses. In addition, we assessed cross-shift changes in markers of kidney function. Nine male sugarcane cutters were monitored while working during the spring harvest season in Brazil. Core temperature (Tcore) and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded, and oxygen consumption was measured during the work shift. Urine and blood samples were collected pre- and postwork shifts. Total sweat loss was calculated using body weight changes and adjusting for water ingestion and urine output. A wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) station was used to monitor environmental heat stress. WBGT was ≥30°C on 7 of the 8 study days. Mean and peak Tcore during the work shift were 37.96 ± 0.47°C and 38.60 ± 0.41°C, respectively, with all participants surpassing a Tcore of 38°C. Mean and peak HR during the work shift were 137 ± 14 and 164 ± 11 beats/min, respectively. Percent of maximal oxygen consumption was, on average, 53 ± 11%. Workers had a total sweat loss of 7.63 ± 2.31 L and ingested 6.04 ± 1.95 L of fluid. Kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) was reduced from pre- to postwork shift (Δ -20 ± 18 mL·min·1.73 m2). We demonstrated that sugarcane cutters performing prolonged work during a period of high environmental heat stress display high levels of heat strain, high water turnover, and reduced kidney function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that a shift of sugarcane cutting performed outdoors during the spring harvest season results in a high level of heat strain. In fact, all the studied workers sustained core temperatures above 38°C and heart rates above 75% of the measured maximum heart rate. Additionally, workers displayed a high water turnover with sweat loss close to 10% of their body weight. Finally, we report elevated muscle damage and reductions in kidney function following the work shift.