Thermal climate

Abstract

This report resulted from a Nordic seminar on “Thermal Climate—Research Needs”, held at the University of Stockholm, Sweden, March 19–21, 1986. The reason for the seminar was that climatic discomfort is an environmental problem highly ranked by most people in industrialized countries. At the same time, there are economical and practical limits to what countermeasures can be taken. Furthermore, demands on energy conservation require a cost-benefit assessment. For that purpose, the biological consequences of thermal distress/discomfort must be examined and evaluated regarding its importance for health, performance, and well-being. This document is a review which evaluates available information on the biological effects of thermal distress/discomfort, identifies research needs, and provides scientific priorities. The report directs itself to both authorities and researchers interested in climate control and in environmental health. It may serve as a basis for priorities in research support. Subsequent to the Nordic seminar, a meeting was held to discuss suggested guidelines on thermal climate in dwellings, sponsored by the Swedish Board of Social Welfare and Health, and a final discussion took place among agency representatives and the seminar participants. The seminar was organized by the Karolinska Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Medicine, in cooperation with the University of Stockholm. The seminar was sponsored by the Swedish Council for Building Research, the Swedish Board of Occupational Health, and the Swedish Board of Social Welfare and Health.