Abstract
A growing tourism industry in Antarctica raises concerns about occupational health risks. Risks associated with cold exposure were explored during three voyages of an Antarctic cruise vessel. Eight expedition leaders were monitored for skin temperature, physical activity, and subjective cold perception and comfort during 35 excursions. Results showed that those participants involved in zodiac boat sightseeing excursions with low activity and high wind chill had significantly greater body cooling than other participants involved in kayaking or snorkeling (down 2°F). However those involved in kayaking reported the greatest cold awareness and subjective cold discomfort. Prior experience with the Antarctic occupations was not indicative of cold tolerance. Findings suggest that the type of activity engaged in will vary the amount of occupational risk associated with cold exposure. This study is one of the first of its kind to provide pragmatic information for the occupational safety sector of the Antarctic tourism industry.
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