Environmental thermal stress.
Thermal stress from cold and heat can affect health and productivity in a wide range of environmental and workload conditions. Health risks typically occur in the outer zones of heat and cold stress, but are also related to workload. Environmental factors related to thermal stress are reviewed. Individuals undergo thermoregulatory physiologic changes to adapt and these changes are reviewed. Heat and cold related illnesses are reviewed as well as their appropriate therapy. Published standards, thresholds and recommendations regarding work practices, personal protection and types of thermal loads are reviewed.
Keim
Samuel M
SM
Department of Emergency Medicine, Arizona Health Sciences Center, PO Box 245057, Tucson, Arizona 85724-5057, USA. sam@aemrc.arizona.edu
Guisto
John A
JA
Sullivan
John B
JB
D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*