• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.1399-1405
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• 2017

We compared the spatial distribution of several heat stress indices (the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature(WBGT) index, Environmental Stress Index (ESI), and Modified Discomfort Index(MDI)) for the heat wave of June 6~August 26, 2016, in Daegu. We calculated the heat stress indices using data from the high density urban climate observation network in Daegu. The observation system was established in February. 2013. We used data from a total of 38 air temperature observation points (23 thermometers and 18 automatic weather stations). The values of the heat stress indices indicated that the danger level was very high from 0900-2000h in downtown Daegu. The daily maximum value of the WBGT was greater than or equal to $35^{\circ}C$. The differences in the heat stress indices from downtown and rural areas were higher in the daytime than at nighttime. The maximum difference was about 4 before and after 1400h, and the time variations of the heat stress indices corresponded well. Thus, we were able to confirm that the ESI and MDI can be substituted with the WBGT index.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.92-101
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• 2016

Objectives: Outdoor workers are exposed to thermally stressful work environments. In this study, heat stress indices for harbor workers in summer were calculated to evaluate thermal comfort based on a human heat balance model. These indices are Physiological Subjective Temperature (PST), Dehydration Risk (DhR), and Overheating Risk (OhR) according to respective stage of cargo work in a harbor. In addition, we constructed a forecast system to provide heat stress information. Methods: Thermophysiological indices in this study were calculated using the MENEX model (i.e. the human heat balance model), which used as inputs the meteorological parameters, clothing insulation, and metabolic rate for each stage of cargo work in the harbor of Masan over the course of seven days, including a four-day heat wave. The forecast heat stress information constructed for Masan harbor was based on meteorological data supported by the Dong-Nae Forecast from the KMA (Korea Metrological Administration) and other input parameters. Results: According to higher metabolic rate, thermophysiological indices showed a critical level. In particular, PST was evaluated as reaching the 'Very hot' or 'Hot' level during all seven days, despite the heat occurring over only four. It is important in a regard to consider the work environment conditions (i.e. labor intensity and clothing in harbor). On a webpage, the forecast thermophysiological indices show as infographics to be easily understand. This webpage is comprised of indices for both current conditions and the forecast, with brief guidance. Conclusion: Thermophysiological indices show the risk level to health during a heat wave period. Heat stress information could help to protect the health of harbor workers. Further, this study could extend the applicability of these indices to a variety of outdoor workers in consideration of work environments.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.232-235
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• 2018

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the heat stress and semen quality among male workers in a steel industry in Iran and investigate the relationship between heat stress indices and semen parameters. Methods: The study was conducted on workers exposed (n = 30) and unexposed (n = 14) to heat in a steel industry. After obtaining a brief biography of the selected employees, scrotal temperature, oral temperature, and environmental parameters were measured, and their semen samples were analyzed according to the procedure recommended by the World Health Organization. The heat stress indices, including wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and predicted heat strain (PHS), in their workplace were calculated according to environmental parameters (ISO 7243:1989 and 7933:2004, respectively). Results: Time-weighted averages of WBGT and PHS ($35.76^{\circ}C$ and 491.56 $w/m^2{\frac{w}{m^2}}$, respectively) for the exposed group were higher than threshold limit values. The mean difference of environmental, physiological, and semen parameters (exception: pH of semen), and also WBGT and PHS indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean semen parameters were in the normozoospermic range. WBGT and PHS indices showed significantly "negative" correlation with physiological parameters (scrotal and oral temperature) and most semen parameters (semen volume, sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count; p < 0.05); moreover, the correlation of WBGT with these parameters was stronger than PHS. Conclusion: Semen parameters of the studied workers exposed to heat were in the borderline level of normozoospermic range, and their semen parameters were significantly lower than controls. For better assessment of occupational environment concerning physiological and semen parameters in steel industries, WBGT can be a more useful index.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2018

Background: A detailed evaluation of the underground mine climate requires extensive measurements to be performed coupled to climatic modeling work. This can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, and consequently impractical for daily work comfort assessments. Therefore, a simple indicator like a heat stress index is needed to enable a quick, valid, and acceptable evaluation of underground climatic conditions on a regular basis. This can be explained by the unending quest to develop a "universal index," which has led to the proliferation of many proposed heat stress indices. Methods: The aim of this research study is to discuss the challenges in identifying and selecting an appropriate heat stress index for thermal planning and management purposes in underground mines. A method is proposed coupled to a defined strategy for selecting and recommending heat stress indices to be used in underground metal mines in the United States and worldwide based on a thermal comfort model. Results: The performance of current heat stress indices used in underground mines varies based on the climatic conditions and the level of activities. Therefore, carefully selecting or establishing an appropriate heat stress index is of paramount importance to ensure the safety, health, and increasing productivity of the underground workers. Conclusion: This method presents an important tool to assess and select the most appropriate index for certain climatic conditions to protect the underground workers from heat-related illnesses. Although complex, the method presents results that are easy to interpret and understand than any of the currently available evaluation methods.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.5
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• pp.970-984
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• 2022

Thermal stress is a tremendous health predicament encountered by poultry farmers with adverse effects on the performance, product stature, health condition, survival, and overall welfare of poultry birds, and so requires urgent dietary user-friendly strategy to curb. This study was conducted with 200-day old broilers for the purpose of investigating the potential of phytogenics in refining the negative effects of heat stress on broiler chicken. Moringa, Phyllanthus and mistletoe leaves were processed as phytogenic supplements and incorporated into standard ration for broilers as treatments B1 (control), B2, B3 and B4 diet during the peak of thermal discomfort in humid tropics. Growth and carcass indices were monitored in a 49-day trial and blood samples were harvested at the end of the ordeal period to assess haematology, serum biochemical and oxidative stress markers with the use of standard procedures. The results obtained showed that the prevailing environmental condition in the study site indicated that the birds were exposed to heat stress. Birds fed on moringa and mistletoe supplements had higher performance index than birds without supplementation during heat stress condition, while birds fed on mistletoe supplement had the highest survival rate across the treatments. The liveweight, slaughter weight, dressed weight and eviscerated weight of heat stressed birds fed on moringa, phyllanthus and mistletoe supplements were significantly higher than birds on control treatment. Heterophyl/lymphocyte ratio of heat stressed birds without supplement were higher than birds on phytogenic supplements, with least values recorded in phyllanthus and mistletoe fed birds. Birds on phytogenic supplement tend to have lower cholesterol profile, lipid peroxidation and better antioxidant profile than birds on control treatment during heat stress conditions. Mistletoe supplementation in broiler ration enhances the survival rate, as well as promotes growth indices better among the phytogenic supplements. However, phytogenic supplements did ameliorate the negative effects of thermal discomfort on performance, physiological and oxidative stress in heat-stressed broiler chicken.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.464-470
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• 2023

Objectives: This study evaluated occupational exposures to noise and heat stress during routine non-outage works in three coal-fired power plants in the Republic of Korea. Methods: The data were collected during the summer of 2020. Full shift noise exposure of 52 workers were measured using noise dosimeters. Heat stress of 16 worksites were measured for 70 minutes using wet-bulb globe temperature monitors. Results: The noise dosimetry results revealed time-weighted averages that ranged from 47.5 to 88.9 dBA. 2 out of 52 noise measurements exceeded 85 dBA. Based on the arithmetic mean, the coal service group showed the highest level at 80.2 dBA by job tasks. Noise exposures exceeding 85 dBA were measured in the coal service and plant operator group. Heat stress index measurements ranged from 20.3℃ to 37.2℃. 1 out of 9 indices measured in coal facilities and 4 out of 7 indices measured in boiler house exceeded 1 hour TWA during moderate work. Heat stress indices measured from boiler houses were significantly higher than those measured from coal equipment. Conclusions: The results show that overexposure to noise and heat stress may be encountered during routine non-outage work activities in coal-fired power plants. Appropriate actions should be taken to reduce future health outcome from occupational exposure to noise and heat stress in the industry.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.85-91
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• 2016

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess heat stress, compare heat stress indices, and evaluate the usefulness of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) among outdoor workers exposed to heat during the summer season. Methods: WBGT, dry temperature, and heat index were measured using WBGT measurers (QUESTemp 32 model and QUESTemp 34 model, QUEST, WI, USA) by industrial hygienists from August 27 to September 16, 2015. Heat stress indices were measured at the workplaces of a shipbuilder in Ulsan and a construction site in Daegu. The dry temperature observed by the Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) of the Korea Meteorological Administration was also compared. Results: Dry temperature measured by WBGT is different from that by ASOS. The temperature obtained from ASOS was less than $33^{\circ}C$, above which point a heat wave is forecast by the Korea Meteorological Administration. A heat index above $32.8^{\circ}C$ as a moderate risk was not observed during measurement. WBGT was consistently higher than $22^{\circ}C$, above which the risk of heat-related illness is increased in unacclimated workers involved in work with a high metabolic rate. WBGT was sometimes higher than $28^{\circ}C$, above which the risk of heat-related illness is increased in acclimated workers involved in work with a moderate metabolic rate in September. Conclusion: According to the measurement of heat stress indices, WBGT was more sensitive than heat index and temperature. Thus, general measures to prevent heat-related diseases should be implemented in workplaces during the summer season according to WBGT.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.166-175
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• 2014

In this study, the thermal environment in a large scale coal mine located in Taebaek, Gangwondo was assessed by a field survey. In order to estimate the thermal environment, various heat stress indices such as WBGT, HSI, ESI, KATA index and effective temperature were investigated. Correlation analysis was also conducted. It was found that the thermal environment in most workplace was high. In particular, the correlation coefficient between HSI reflected in physiological fatigue characteristic and the maximum sweat evaporation heat was -0.834. This shows that the correlation coefficient have the most influence on HSI index. The factor which has the most influence on the maximum sweat evaporation heat is velocity of air. The thermal environment of high-depth coal mines is likely to be improved by installing a structure that enables the maximum prevention of extended digging, air doors, or the leakage of the inflow of air in the first shaft.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1929-1941
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• 2014

Now a days, frequency of abnormally high temperatures like heat wave by global warming and climate change is increasing constantly and the number of patient with heat related illness are jumping rapidly. In this study, we chose the case day for the heat wave in Busan area(Busan and Yangsan), 2013 which it was the most hottest year during 21th century. And then, we analysed the weather condition using automatic synoptic observing system(ASOS) data. Also, four indices, heat index(HI), wet bulb globe temperature(WBGT), Man-ENvironment heat EXchange model(MENEX)'s results like Physiological subjective temperature(PST), Physiological strain(PhS), were calculated to evaluate the thermal comfort and stress quantitatively. However, thermal comfort was different as the each station and thermal comfort index during same time. Busan's thermal indices (HI: hot, WBGT: sweltering, PST: very hot, PhS: very hot) indicated relatively higher than Yansan's (HI: very hot, WBGT: sweltering, PST: very hot, PhS: sweltering). It shows that Busan near coast is relatively more comfortable than Yangsan located in inland.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.951-961
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• 2016

To prevent increasing instances of heat-related illnesses due to heat waves generated by climate change, a customized thermal environment index should be developed for outdoor workers. In this study, we conducted sensitivity analysis of the Masan harbor during a heat wave period (August 9th to 15th, 2013) using the MENEX model with metabolic rate and clothing-insulation data, in order to obtain realistic information about the thermal environment. This study shows that accurate input data are essential to gather information for thermophysiological indices (PST, DhR, and OhR). PST is sensitive to clothing insulation as a function of clothing. OhR is more sensitive to clothing insulation during the day and to the metabolic rate at night. From these results, it appears that when exposed to high-temperature thermal environments in summer, wearing highly insulated clothing and getting enough rest (to lower the metabolic rate) can aid in preventing heat-related illnesses. Moreover, in the case of high-intensity harbor work, quantification of allowed working time (OhR) during heat waves is significant for human health sciences.