Heat-related Disorders Research Articles

Occupational heat exposure and its impact on kidney health among cashew workers.

Rising temperatures increase workers' risk of heat-related illnesses due to heat stress (HS). Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is rising in non-agricultural workers in hot climates. Dehydration, heat stress, and physical exertion can damage cashew workers' kidney health. In 2020-2021, 262 cashew workers in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu were assessed for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and job-specific American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists standard was used to evaluate workload. "High heat-exposed" meant heat stress exceeded the Threshold Limit Value for safe manual work (27.5°C for heavy and 28°C for moderate physical activity). Heat Strain Indicators (HSIs) such as Tympanic Temperature (Ttemp), Sweat Rate (SwR), Urine Specific Gravity (USG), and urine dipstick parameters were measured in all workers, however serum creatinine was measured only in 100 workers. Glomerular Filtration Rate(eGFR) was calculated using theCKD-EPIequation. A standardized questionnaire assessed heat-related health symptoms. Over 65% of workers experienced wet bulb globe temperature exposures exceeding the threshold limit value (Avg.- wet bulb globe temperature 30.4°C ± 1.8°C). Ninety-five percent of heat-exposed workers experienced at least one of the physiological heat strain indicators. The risk of urogenital symptoms was 7.7 times greater among high-heat-exposed workers (95% CI 3.4-17.1), which corroborates well with the measured post shift urine specific gravity (37%). Despite controlling for relevant confounders (age & gender), high-heat-exposed workers had 3.5-fold higher odds of eGFR < 90ml/min/1.73m2 compared to less-exposed workers (95% CI 1.1-10.6). Persistent heat stress promotes heat-related disorders in cashew workers and lowers eGFR. This needs further investigation to determine its longer term effects on kidney function. Workplace cooling solutions that reduce heat stress are critically needed to protect thekidneys and ensureoccupational health.

Heat-tolerant Lettuce Germplasm (Lactuca sativa L.) Identified in Romaine and Butterhead Types for Warmer Plantings

Warmer temperatures during crop production are not desirable for a cool-season crop such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lettuce is among the top 10 most consumed vegetables in the United States. Production of this vegetable is concentrated mostly in temperate areas of California, and during the wintertime in Arizona and Florida as a result of their mild climatic conditions. Heat-tolerant cultivars are needed for the leafy vegetable industry to continue thriving. However, there is very little information on heat-tolerant germplasms of lettuce that can be used as a source to improve heat tolerance in lettuce. This is particularly important in romaine and butterhead lettuce, which are two morphological types with increasing demand in the market. Therefore, research was conducted to identify germplasm that performs acceptably in warmer regions in the western United States. This investigation also aimed to understand the reaction of varieties to different environments, which could help plant breeders select and evaluate lettuce plants during the breeding process. Twenty-three and 25 accessions of romaine and butterhead lettuce, respectively, were planted in five trials near Holtville, CA, USA: Five Points, CA, USA, under warmer temperatures and Salinas, CA, USA, under cooler temperatures. Romaine genotypes Bambi, Blonde Lente a Monter, Medallion MT, and Red Eye Cos; and butterhead genotypes Butter King and Margarita had no bolting, an acceptable head weight, short cores, and acceptable head height. Head weight and related traits (including core length, height, width, etc.) and heat-related disorders were significantly different across multiple experiments, indicating genetic variation. The major component of the phenotypic variation in these experiments was a result of environmental factors. Therefore, plant breeders may still need to evaluate progeny in multiple trials and multiple locations to select heat-tolerant romaine and butterhead lettuce effectively.

Effect of air blowing inside isolated hospital clothing on perceptual and physiological heat strain in laboratory conditions.

Heat stress is one of the most common complaints of health care employees who wear isolation gowns to protect themselves from biological agents, particularly during the warmer seasons. This study was conducted in a climatic chamber to determine the influence of airflow within isolated hospital gowns on physiological-perceptual heat strain indices. The experiment was conducted in three trials: regular clothes (CON), an impenetrable gown without air blowing (GO), and a gown with air blowing (GO + FAN) at temperature conditions of 27°C and 25% relative humidity (RH). During the trial, physiological-perceptual response data were recorded for a half-hour on a treadmill at a speed of km/hr and a slope of 0% activity at 5-min intervals. The ASHRAE Likert scale was used to assess thermal comfort (TC), thermal sensation (TS), and skin wetness sensation (WS). As the results show, there was a significant difference in mean scores for TC and WS in both sexes when working in the CON, GO, and GO + FAN groups (P < 0.001). In women, the mean scores for TS, TC, and WS reduced considerably (P < 0.001) in the GO and GO + FAN in the amount of 10 and 12 CFM (20 [Formula: see text]/h), but in males, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores (P < 0.001) in the GO + FAN at 12 CFM (20 [Formula: see text]/h) and 14 CFM (24 [Formula: see text]/h). Also, the greatest difference between the average heart rate, chest temperature, and temperature inside the clothes in women and men in the trials GO and GO + FAN was observed in the air flow 12 CFM and 14 CFM, respectively (P < 0.001). The usage of an air blower in isolated hospital clothes has been shown to influence physiological-perceptual parameters in men and women substantially. The existence of airflow in these gowns can improve safety, performance, and thermal comfort while also decreasing the risk of heat-related disorders.

A Heart Rate Based Algorithm to Estimate Core Temperature Responses in Elite Athletes Exercising in the Heat.

PurposeNon-invasive non-obtrusive continuous and real-time monitoring of core temperature (Tc) may enhance pacing strategies, the efficacy of heat mitigation measures, and early identification of athletes at risk for heat-related disorders. The Estimated Core Temperature (ECTemp™) algorithm uses sequential heart rate (HR) values to predict Tc. We examined the validity of ECTemp™ among elite athletes exercising in the heat.Methods101 elite athletes performed an exercise test in simulated hot and humid environmental conditions (ambient temperature: 31.6 ± 1.0°C, relative humidity: 74 ± 5%). Tc was continuously measured using a validated ingestible telemetric temperature capsule system. In addition, HR was continuously measured and used to compute the estimated core temperature (Tc−est) using the ECTemp™ algorithm.ResultsAthletes exercised for 44 ± 10 min and n = 5,025 readouts of Tc (range: 35.8–40.4°C), HR (range: 45–207 bpm), and Tc−est (range: 36.7–39.9°C) were collected. Tc−est demonstrated a small yet significant bias of 0.15 ± 0.29°C (p < 0.001) compared to Tc, with a limit of agreement of ±0.45°C and a root mean square error of 0.35 ± 0.18°C. Utilizing the ECTemp™ algorithm as a diagnostic test resulted in a fair to excellent sensitivity (73–96%) and specificity (72–93%) for Tc−est thresholds between 37.75 and 38.75°C, but a low to very-low sensitivity (50–0%) for Tc−est thresholds >39.0°C, due to a high prevalence of false-negative observations.ConclusionECTemp™ provides a valuable and representative indication of thermal strain in the low- to mid-range of Tc values observed during exercise in the heat. It may, therefore, be a useful non-invasive and non-obtrusive tool to inform athletes and coaches about the estimated core temperature during controlled hyperthermia heat acclimation protocols. However, the ECTemp™ algorithm, in its current form, should not solely be used to identify athletes at risk for heat-related disorders due to low sensitivity and high false-negative rate in the upper end of the Tc spectrum.

Impact of Climate Change on the Labor Market

Greenhouse gases have far-ranging environmental and health effects. They cause climate change by trapping heat and they also contribute to respiratory disease from smog and air pollution. Extreme weather, food supply disruptions, and increased wildfires are other effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gases. In turn, climate change has increased the risk to workers’ health and safety. Workers, especially those who work outdoors or in hot indoor environments, are also at increased risk of heat stress and other heat-related disorders, besides occupational injuries and reduced productivity at work. This article aims at contributing to this discussion by means of qualitative analysis and find out how climate change affects the labor market and its various implications on the workforce.

Investigating age and regional effects on the relation between the incidence of heat-related ambulance transport and daily maximum temperature or WBGT

BackgroundAlthough age and regional climate are considered to have effects on the incidence ratio of heat-related illness, quantitative estimation of age or region on the effect of occurring temperature for heat stroke is limited.MethodsBy utilizing data on the number of daily heat-related ambulance transport (HAT) in each of three age groups (7–17, 18–64, 65 years old, or older) and 47 prefectures in Japan, and daily maximum temperature (DMT) or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (DMW) of each prefecture for the summer season, the effects of age and region on heat-related illness were studied. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the significance of the effect of age and 10 regions in Japan on HAT. The population-weighted average of DMT or DMW measured at weather stations in each prefecture was used as DMT or DMW for each prefecture. DMT or DMW when HAT is one in 100,000 people (T1 and W1, respectively) was calculated for each age category and prefecture as an indicator of heat acclimatization. The relation between T1 or W1 and average DMT or DMW of each age category and prefecture were also analyzed.ResultsHAT of each age category and prefecture was plotted nearly on the exponential function of corresponding DMT or DMW. Average R2 of the regression function in 47 prefectures in terms of DMW was 0.86, 0.93, and 0.94 for juveniles, adults, and elderly, respectively. The largest regional difference of W1 in 47 prefectures was 4.5 and 4.8 °C for juveniles and adults, respectively between Hokkaido and Tokyo, 3.9 °C for elderly between Hokkaido and Okinawa. Estimated W1 and average DMT or DMW during the summer season for 47 prefectures was linearly related. Regarding age difference, the regression line showed that W1 of the prefecture for DMW at 30 °C of WBGT was 31.1 °C, 32.4 °C, and 29.8 °C for juveniles, adults, and elderly, respectively.ConclusionsAge and regional differences affected the incidence of HAT. Thus, it is recommended that public prevention measures for heat-related disorders take into consideration age and regional variability.

Worker protection at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change: lessons learned through industry partnership

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Center for Health, Work &amp; Environment began a collaborative project to address Total Worker Health® (TWH) with a Latin American sugarcane agribusiness. TWH is an approach which integrates hazard protection with promotion of injury and illness prevention. TWH strategies are especially relevant when addressing a complex mix of occupational, environmental, social, and personal risk factors that impact health, such as those related to climate change. Climate change has increased the risk to workers’ health and safety. Workers are at increased risk of heat-related disorders, occupational injuries and illnesses, and reduced work capacity. METHODS: The CHWE conducted a TWH needs assessment across all levels of the organization, in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico. The assessment was conducted through in person and online Employee Health and Safety Culture surveys, Employee Health Risk Assessments, a Leadership Self-Assessment, as well as through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with top leaders and managers at the company. RESULTS:We will present preliminary results of the needs assessment. The priority areas identified were 1) chronic disease prevention &amp; management, 2) sleep hygiene, and 3) stress management and mental health. This collaboration aimed to address climate-related hazards such as heat stress and dehydration, while also evaluating and addressing other risks including chronic disease, fatigue, stress and mental health that have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS:This project represents one of the first examples of international TWH in practice within the agricultural industry. Workers face both new and existing risks that require an integrated approach to protect health, safety and well-being to address the dual crisis of climate change and a global pandemic. TWH programs, policies and practices can be utilized and adapted by employers to meet the health, safety and well-being needs of workers. KEYWORDS: Climate, Occupational exposures, International collaboration, Health co-benefits, Mental health outcomes

Exploring the Potential of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as an Early Crop in Florida’s Sandy Soils

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is planted in Florida starting late fall at the end of September and continuing through the last harvest in May. In recent years, the season has shortened because of warm temperatures and weather-related events, such as rainfall at the beginning and the end of the season. During the transition between summer production in the Western U.S. lettuce season and the beginning of Florida’s winter production, there may be shortages of lettuce and other leafy vegetables in U.S. East Coast markets. In this research, we evaluated a set of lettuce breeding lines and cultivars in both sand and muck soils and a subset of romaine lettuces to determine whether lettuce planted in Florida’s sandy soils could help meet the supply shortage in the delay between the Western and Eastern U.S. lettuce seasons. Significant genetic variation and genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were observed among lettuce genotypes when planted in both sand and muck soils, suggesting that lettuce cultivars should be adapted and bred specifically for sandy soils. Romaine and butterhead lettuce lines produced higher yield in sandy soils; a particular romaine breeding line (BG18-0588) had good yield and less heat-related disorders when planted in warmer temperatures. Producing lettuce in sandy soils may have a higher production cost because of additional specific practices such as transplant production, plastic mulch, and fertigation, but these costs may be offset by increased productivity due to better weed control and nutrient timing. However, a future analysis should be conducted to elucidate the economic feasibility of producing lettuce in sandy soils.

Climate Change and Public Health Challenges in the Horn of Africa: The Need for Sustainable Leadership and Institutions

Accumulated indigenous knowledge and scientific data prove that climate change is real. In the Horn of Africa, climate change is unmistakably visible. Instead of rain coming seasonally, it comes more sporadically. Frequently, the region experiences either severe flooding or drought. Lakes, rivers, and ponds are drying out, and forest fires are becoming more prevalent and intense. The highland regions of the Horn of Africa are fast losing their biodiversity. Climate change is aggravating food insecurity, water scarcity, and increasing the rate of water-food-borne diseases. It causes anthropogenic and zoonosis disease transmission to be more prevalent and aggravates heat-related disorders, such as respiratory and seasonal allergies. These conditions are fostering competition for resources and leading to conflicts. Climate change is becoming a major public health challenge of the century. Objectives: This paper's primary objective is raising awareness of the risks that climate change poses and advancing the need to develop sustainable leadership and institutions. The secondary aim is exploring the role of sustainable leadership and institutions in transforming society, mitigating and adapting to climate change and managing emerging public health problems. Methods: Using the “upstream” public health metaphor, I explore the relationships between climate change and public health problems and provide theoretical reasoning for developing sustainable leadership and institutions. Findings: For the Horn of Africa, climate change is the major public health challenge of the century. Climate change affects health in three major pathways: a) changing the severity or frequency of health problems; b) creating unprecedented or unanticipated health problems; c) multiplying health threats in places where they have not been known. Conclusions: Preventing those complex public health problems requires the development of sustainable leadership and institutions. Effective ways of adapting and mitigating climate change are fostering sustainable development and sustainable culture. The pursuits of public health goals are supported and supplemented by institutional and leadership development. Hence, public health needs to advance the development of sustainable leadership and institutions.

Climatic Parameters and Outdoor Workers Safety and Health: A Case Study of Sabzevar City (2011-2017)

Background: Climate change and global warming present a significant threat to outdoor workers. Climatic parameters change has increased the risk of outdoor workers' safety and health. The objective of this paper was to examine the hypothesis of an association between six years data of climatic parameters and outdoor workers' safety and health. Methods: A variety of approaches have been produced to assess and measure workers' occupational heat exposure and the risk of heat-related disorders. In this study, maximum, mean, and minimum daily temperatures were used in the heat wave models to compare the sensitivity of predictions according to different climatic parameters in the case study of Sabzevar, settled in the north east of Iran, Khorasan Razavi Province. In this perusal, we used a 6-year data (from March 2011 to June 2017) on medical attendance because of outdoor workers disorders and also daily values of different climatically parameters to investigate the hypothesis of an association between heat indices and outdoor workers disorders. Results: Mean temperature in the case study period was 18.95(0.21) °C. The minimum and maximum recorded temperature in the perusal period was -11.2 °C and 45.4 °C, respectively. The highest and lowest number of outdoor workers disorders was observed for the 11th (max daily air temperature &gt; 35°C for ≥ 1 day) and 4th (mean daily air temperature &gt; 99th percentile for ≥ 2 sequential days) definition of the heat wave in 16 definitions (17.75(4.80) and 0, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that extreme temperature was associated with outdoor worker disorders in Sabzevar. Research into the future likelihood, existence and magnitude of safety and health consequences of global warming and climate change represent an important input to national policy debates.

Infographic. Keep it cool and beat the heat: cooling strategies for exercise in hot and humid conditions

Environmental conditions for the upcoming Tokyo Summer Olympics (32th Olympiad) are expected to be extremely challenging for athletes.1 The high ambient temperature, radiant temperature and absolute humidity, in combination with...

Insulation and Evaporative Resistance of Clothing for Sugarcane Harvesters and Chemical Sprayers, and Their Application in PHS Model-Based Exposure Predictions.

Many workers are exposed to heat stress that can be exacerbated by the type of clothing they wear. The resulted heat strain can lead to short or long-term heat-related disorders. This study aimed to measure clothing properties of sugarcane field workers and evaluate the heat strain by an international standard, predicted heat strain model (PHS). The clothing thermal insulation and evaporative resistance values of sugarcane cutter and chemical sprayer outfits were acquired for the whole body, body regions and specific body parts via thermal manikin measurements. The detailed clothing insulation values of body parts can be utilized in advanced thermo-physiological models, while in this study, the values for the whole body together with weather data were used in PHS. Estimated duration limited exposure times (DLE) for an hour-by-hour prediction over a workday and for a range of high humidity scenarios were calculated. Such evaluation tools can be used for risk assessment and management to support organizational measures and prepare equipment and materials in the case of hot weather events in order to avoid dehydration and other heat-related disorders.

Risk perception of heat related disorders on the workplaces: a survey among health and safety representatives from the autonomous province of Trento, Northeastern Italy.

SummaryIntroductionThis study will investigate knowledge, attitude and practices towards heat-related health issues in a sample of safety representatives from Northern Italy (H&SRs).MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2016-2017 among 298 H&SR. Knowledge status was measured both in general but as well and focusing on first-aid issues. Assessment of risk perception included severity and frequency of heat-related events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed individual and work-related characteristics associated with H&SRs’ risk perception.Results258 questionnaires were retrieved (participation rate 86.6%; mean age 48.2 ± 8.4 years). Knowledge status was relatively good on technical/preventive issues (62.3% ± 16.8) and first aid measures (72.6% ± 27.2), but a large share of respondents ignored the risk from exertional heat stroke (35.9%), and for heat strokes elicited by non-environmental heat (e.g. machineries, use of protective equipment, etc. 47.9%). The majority of respondents acknowledged the high frequency of extreme events like heat waves (62.0%), but only 44.6% agreed on their potential health threat, with an unsatisfying cumulative risk perception score (55.4% ± 23.5). A specific first-aid formation course was reported by 49.2% of respondents, while 10.9% had any previous interaction with heat-related disorders. Specific countermeasures for heat waves had been put in place by parent company in 20.1% of cases. Eventually, higher educational achievements (mOR 2.239, 95% CI 1.184-4.233) and a better general knowledge status (mOR 1.703, 95% CI 1.073-2.979) were positive predictors for higher risk perception.ConclusionsAlthough H&SRs exhibited a good understanding of heat-related health issues, stakeholders should improve the implementation of specific countermeasures on the workplaces.

Preventing heat stroke and heat illness on the workplace: a study on knowledge, attitudes and practices of safety representatives from Northern Italy (2016-2017)

Abstract Introduction Heatwaves (HWs) and rising environmental temperatures are significant health threats also for workplaces. This study will investigate knowledge, attitude and practices towards heat-related health issues in a sample of safety representatives from Northern Italy (SRs). Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2016-2017 among 327 SRs. Knowledge status was measured both in general and focusing on first-aid issues. Assessment of risk perception included severity and frequency of heat-related events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed individual and work-related characteristics associated with SRs’ risk perception. Results 258 questionnaires were retrieved (participation rate 78.9%; mean age 48.2±25.2 years). Knowledge status was relatively good on technical/preventive issues (62.3%%±16.8) and first aid measures (67.1%±25.2), but a large share of respondents ignored the risk from exertional heat stroke (35.7%), and for heat strokes elicited by non-environmental heat (e.g. machineries, use of protective equipment, etc. 47.7%). The majority of respondents acknowledged the high frequency of HW events (90.7%), but only 44.6% agreed on their potential health threat. had received A specific first-aid formation was reported by 49.2% of respondents, while 10.9% had any previous interaction with heat-related disorders. Specific countermeasures had been put in place by parent company in 3.9% of cases. Eventually, previous participation to formation courses was associated with higher risk perception regarding severity and frequency of HW (OR 3.18 95%CI 1.40-7.23, OR 5.54 95%CI 1.59-19.23 respectively), while previous interaction with heat-related disorders apparently raised the perceived severity of heat-related health risk (OR 3.92 95%I 1.10-13.14). Conclusions Although SRs exhibited a fairly good understanding of heat-related health issues on the workplaces, our findings also suggest the need to enforce specific countermeasures.

Heat-related morbidity: real-time surveillance via rescue service operations data from the interdisciplinary care capacity proof system (IVENA)

In addition to mortality data, hospital admission, emergency department visits, and emergency service calls data are used for the surveillance of heat-related morbidity. We report on heat-associated morbidity in Frankfurt am Main from 2014-2018 using the web-based care capacity proof system (IVENA) of the rescue service operations. In the web-based IVENA system, all patients with prehospital emergency care are recorded in real time. The rescue service operations were evaluated in the summer months (June-August) from 2014-2018 in Frankfurt am Main as awhole and separately according to various heat-related diagnoses. The current temperature data of the Frankfurt East measuring station were obtained online as hourly values from the website of the Hessian Institute for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology ( www.hlnug.de ). Temperature maxima ≥32 ℃ for at least 5 days were defined as a "heatwave." From 2014-2018, three heatwaves occurred according to the definition above: in 2015, 2016, and 2018, with an extremely long heat period in 2018 (17days). During the heatwave in 2015, the highest excess morbidity was noted: +17% total ambulance service operations and +198% emergency service operations due to heat-related disease disorders. The evaluation of the long heat period in 2018 showed that with increasing duration of the heat period, the emergency rescue service operations due to total heat-associated morbidity remained high with increasing emergency service operations due to exsiccosis and unclear fever. The data obtained by the IVENA system enable acurrent and complete assessment of severe acute diseases in the city or in the respective rescue service area in real time. Health effects of heat events can thus be investigated in real time and the system can be used as an early warning system for prevention.

Heat Acclimation Program for Firefighters Reduced Heat Stress and Improved Thermal Sensation and Thermal Comfort during Exercise Wearing a Firefighting Suit

IntroductionFirefighters are exposed to an excessive heat stress and at the risk of heat‐related disorders and heat stroke during firefighting because they are wearing a firefighting suit with high insulation. Heat acclimation for firefighters would reduce the heat stress and the risk of heat‐related disorders during firefighting. Typical programs of heat acclimation require a few hours per day for 5 to 10 consecutive days and an artificial hot environment, those are unrealistic and impossible for them during their daily duty. In this study, we tested whether a heat acclimation program for firefighters performed in fire stations during daily duty with a simple exercise protocol wearing thermal insulation clothes would reduce heat stress and improve thermal sensation (TS) and thermal comfort (TC) during exercise wearing with a firefighting suit.MethodsTwenty male active firefighters (age; 20–50 years old) underwent a ~1‐month heat acclimation program (interval stair stepping exercise for 32 min, 4 sets of 5 min at high‐intensity – 3 min at low‐intensity, ~9 times/month) wearing a rain coat (9 subjects, RC group) or a firefighting suit (11 subjects, FS group) in addition to their regular training at their fire stations. Before and after intervention, they underwent a graded walking test (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 km/hour for 9 min each with 5% grade) wearing a firefighting suit in a climate chamber (25°C ambient temperature, 40% relative humidity). Heart rate (HR), esophageal (Tes) and mean skin temperatures (Tsk), skin blood flow (SkBF) and sweat rate (SR) at chest were continuously monitored and TS and TC were determined every minute. When Tes reached 38.5 °C, test was terminated before the end.ResultsAfter intervention, at rest, Tes and Tsk decreased and TS improved only in FS group, while TC improved in both groups (all, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, Tes, Tsk, and also HR decreased and TS and TC improved during exercise in both groups (all, p &lt; 0.05), though the reduction after intervention in these variables were prominent in FS group compared with RC group. SkBF and SR at chest in response to increased Tes were enhanced more in FS group than RC group.ConclusionsThe heat acclimation program performed in fire stations during daily duty in firefighters wearing thermal insulation clothes reduced heat stress with enhanced thermoregulatory responses and improve thermal sensation and comfort during exercise wearing a firefighting suit. Clothes that have higher thermal insulation (firefighting suit) would be more effective for the heat acclimation program.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Heat Strain and Hydration of Japanese Construction Workers during Work in Summer.

The aim was to ascertain hydration and heat strain of construction workers in Japan during the summer who are at the highest risk of heat-related disorders. The subjects were 23 construction workers, whose average age was 41, average weight was 69 kg, and average height was 170 cm. We measured thermal working conditions with a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) measurement instrument affixed to the helmet of each worker, at fixed points outdoors in the sun and indoors. Heat strain was evaluated for water intake, urine specific gravity (Usg), urine temperature (UT), heart rate (HR), and body weight during work. The average WBGT measured on the worker helmets over 3 consecutive days was 28.0 ± 0.7, 27.6 ± 0.8, and 27.6 ± 1.1°C. The average water intake was 2.6 l during a work shift. The average Usg, UT, and % HR reserve were the highest in the first half of afternoon work. Seventy-eight percent of the subjects exceeded at least one of the ACGIH TLV physiological guidelines for heat strain in terms of HR and weight loss or a clinically dehydrated level of Usg. Heat strain was the highest in the first half of afternoon work. The number of dehydrated workers increased during this shift because of insufficient water intake. Adequate hydration is required to decrease the risk of heat-related disorders among construction workers in the summer.

Consistency between Sweat Rate and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature for the Assessment of Heat Stress of People Working Outdoor in Arid and Semi-arid Regions.

Background: Heat stress is common among workers in arid and semi-arid areas. In order to take every preventive measure to protect exposed workers against heat-related disorders, it is crucial to choose an appropriate index that accurately relates environmental parameters to physiological responses. Objective: To investigate the consistency between 2 heat stress and strain indices, ie, sweat rate and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), for the assessment of heat stress of people working outdoor in arid and semi-arid regions in Iran. Methods: During spring and summer, 136 randomly selected outdoor workers were enrolled in this study. Using a defined protocol, the sweat rate of these workers was measured 3 times a day. Simultaneously, the environmental parameters including WBGT index were recorded for each working station. Results: The level of agreement between sweat rate and WBGT was poor (κ<0.2). Based on sweat rate, no case exceeding the reference value was observed during the study. WBGT overestimated the heat stress in outdoor workers compared to sweat rate. Conclusion: It seems that the sweat rate standards may need some modifications related to real condition of work in arid and semi-arid regions in Iran. Moreover, it seems that judging workers solely based on monitoring their sweat rate in such regions, can probably result in underestimation of heat stress.

Monthly survey of the thermal environments in daily life during the summer months for the prevention of heat-related disorders in the elderly

Monthly survey of the thermal environments in daily life during the summer months for the prevention of heat-related disorders in the elderly

Climate Change and Collective Violence.

Climate change is causing increases in temperature, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and other environmental impacts. It is also causing or contributing to heat-related disorders, respiratory and allergic disorders, infectious diseases, malnutrition due to food insecurity, and mental health disorders. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that climate change is causally associated with collective violence, generally in combination with other causal factors. Increased temperatures and extremes of precipitation with their associated consequences, including resultant scarcity of cropland and other key environmental resources, are major pathways by which climate change leads to collective violence. Public health professionals can help prevent collective violence due to climate change (a) by supporting mitigation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, (b) by promoting adaptation measures to address the consequences of climate change and to improve community resilience, and (c) by addressing underlying risk factors for collective violence, such as poverty and socioeconomic disparities.