Chapter 16 the Effects of Moderate Heat Stress on Mental Performance

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of moderate heat stress on mental performance. Asystematic relationship between heat stress and mental performance has been demonstrated at intervals of only 1 °C, despite the low numbers of subjects exposed to each temperature. Moderate heat stress, only a few degrees centigrade above the optimum, has a marked effect on mental performance when temperatures rise slowly. Tasks demanding concentration and clear thinking are adversely affected, but memory and reutilization can be improved by temperatures up to 26 °C, declining rapidly thereafter. In hot weather, concentrated work should, therefore, be carried out early in the day. Memory and tasks requiring an increased breadth of attention can with advantage be postponed until the temperature has risen, provided that it does not rise above 27 °C. The positive and negative effects of these moderate levels of heat stress are likely to be greater for men than for women.