Changes in wet bulb globe temperature and risk to heat-related hazards in Bangladesh.

The rise in temperatures and changes in other meteorological variables have exposed millions of people to health risks in Bangladesh, a densely populated, hot, and humid country. To better assess the threats climate change poses to human health, the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is an important indicator of human heat stress. This study utilized high-resolution reanalysis data from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF ERA5) to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in outdoor WBGT across Bangladesh from 1979 to 2021, employing Liljegren's model. The study revealed an increase in the annual average WBGT by 0.08-0.5 °C per decade throughout the country, with a more pronounced rise in the southeast and northeast regions. Additionally, the number of days with WBGT levels associated with high and extreme risks of heat-related illnesses has shown an upward trend. Specifically, during the monsoon period (June to September), there has been an increase of 2-4 days per decade, and during the pre-monsoon period (March to May), an increase of 1-3 days per decade from 1979 to 2021. Furthermore, the results indicated that the escalation in WBGT has led to a five-fold increase in affected areas and a three-fold increase in days of high and extreme heat stress during the monsoon season in recent years compared to the earlier period. Trend and relative importance analyses of various meteorological variables demonstrated that air temperature is the primary driver behind Bangladesh's rising WBGT and related health risks, followed by specific humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke among active component members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 2019-2023.

The most serious types of heat illnesses, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are occupational hazards associated with many of the military's training and operational environments. These illnesses can typically be prevented by appropriate situational awareness, risk management strategies, along with effective countermeasures. In 2023, the crude incidence of heat stroke and heat exhaustion were 31.7 and 172.7 cases per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The rates of incident heat stroke declined during the 2019 to 2023 surveillance period, but rates of incident heat exhaustion increased over the same period. In 2023, higher rates of heat stroke were observed among male service members compared to their female counterparts, and female service members experienced higher rates of heat exhaustion compared to male personnel. Heat illness rates were also higher among those younger than age 20, Marine Corps and Army service members, non-Hispanic Black service members, and recruits. Leaders, training cadres, and supporting medical and safety personnel must inform their subordinate and supported service members of heat illness risks, preventive measures, early signs and symptoms of illness, and appropriate interventions.

The influence of occupational heat stress on serum inflammatory cytokines among traditional bakery workers in Iran.

Heat exposure exceeding the ISO7243:1989 standard limit can contribute to health problems among employees in a variety of workplaces. Ignoring heat standard requirements in hot working conditions such as bakeries results in physiologic and health problems, as well as an elevated risk of later illnesses. In this analytical case-control study, the serum levels of four inflammatory factors (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein) were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 105 male artisan bakers (in four job classifications in bakeries and staff) were compared based on demographic characteristics and inflammatory factors. The findings of the study showed correlations between serum interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein levels and thermal exposure in the occupational environment and employment type. Moreover, some differences in serum level of interleukin-1ß and job type were observed. Heat overexposure affected the increase of interleukin-1ß and C-reactive protein secretion. As a result of years of working in high-temperature conditions, inflammation can lead to subsequent diseases in workers. To protect their health from this occupational hazard, additional safeguards are needed. Our recommendations could also be applied to overly hot work environments that may cause heat stress in workers.

[Hot weather and health risks in the focus of the Hessian health authorities : Inspection and consultation of residential care and nursing facilities since 2004]. / Hitzeschutz im Fokus der hessischen Betreuungs- und Pflegeaufsicht : Beratung und Prüfung stationärer Einrichtungen seit dem Jahr 2004.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Heat extremes are associated with considerable health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. To counteract these risks, public health policy calls for protective measures to be linked to heat warnings. Such links do not generally exist in Germany, with the exception of the heat inspections and consultations carried out by the Hessian health authorities since 2004. The aims of this work were to identify the structures and processes of the Hessian heat inspections and heat consultations and to derive findings for acute response to heat in residential care and nursing facilities. METHODS: We conducted 14 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with experts from the Hessian health authorities as well as with managers of residential care and nursing facilities. The analysis of the interview protocols was carried out using content-structuring qualitative content analysis. In addition, documents from the supervisory authority were analyzed. RESULTS: Every year, up to 370 heat inspections are carried out in the approximately 2500 inpatient facilities in Hesse. They are either integrated into already planned inspections or carried out separately; they focus on preventive and acute measures. In principle, heat protection can be easily integrated into the daily routine of residential health facilities. High staff turnover and lack of resources pose challenges. DISCUSSION: Inspections and consultations on heat management raise awareness of hot weather health risks and support the establishment of preventive measures. The Hessian system is a suitable orientation for other federal states.

Heat-Related Emergency Department Visits - United States, May-September 2023.

Unprecedented heat waves can affect all persons, but some are more sensitive to the effects of heat, including children and adults with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. Many regions of the United States experienced record-breaking high temperatures in 2023, with populations exposed to extremely high temperatures for prolonged periods. CDC examined emergency department (ED) visits associated with heat-related illness (HRI) from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program and compared daily HRI ED visit rates during the warm-season months (May-September) of 2023 with those during 2018-2022. In the 2023 warm-season months, daily HRI ED visit rates peaked in several regions and remained elevated for a prolonged duration. More males than females sought care in EDs for HRI, especially males aged 18-64 years. CDC issued multiple public health alerts using the Epidemic Information Exchange system to bring attention to increases in ED utilization for HRI. Deaths and illnesses associated with heat exposure are a continuing public health concern as climate change results in longer, hotter, and more frequent episodes of extreme heat. Near real-time monitoring of weather conditions and adverse health outcomes can guide public health practitioners' timing of risk communication and implementation of prevention measures associated with extreme heat.

Association Between Acute Kidney Injury Hospital Visits and Environmental Heat Stress at a Nicaraguan Sugarcane Plantation.

BACKGROUND: Mesoamerican sugarcane cutters are at a high risk of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin, a disease likely linked to heat-related acute kidney injury (AKI). Studies in general populations have described a positive association between high environmental temperatures and clinically assessed kidney outcomes, but there are no studies in occupational settings. METHOD: We accessed routine records of clinically diagnosed AKI (AKI-CD) and wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) at a large Nicaraguan sugarcane plantation and modeled the relationship between these using negative binomial regression. A rest-shade-hydration intervention was gradually enhanced during the study period, and efforts were made to increase the referral of workers with suspected AKI to healthcare. RESULTS: Each 1°C WBGT was associated with an 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [4, 33%]) higher AKI-CD rate on the same day and a 14% (95% CI [-5, 37%]) higher rate over a week. AKI-CD rates and severity, and time between symptoms onset and diagnosis decreased during the study period, that is, with increasing rest-shade-hydration intervention. Symptoms and biochemical signs of systemic inflammation were common among AKI-CD cases. DISCUSSION: Occupational heat stress, resulting from heavy work in environmental heat, was associated with a higher rate of clinically diagnosed AKI in a population at risk of CKDnt. Promoting rest-shade-hydration may have contributed to reducing AKI rates during the study period. Occupational health and safety personnel have key roles to play in enforcing rest, shade, and hydration practices, referring workers with suspected AKI to healthcare as well as collecting and analyzing the data needed to support workplace heat stress interventions.

Prevalence of occupational heat stress across the seasons and its management amongst healthcare professionals in the UK.

Occupational heat stress (OHS) is an issue in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in the United Kingdom (UK). The aims of this study were to evaluate perceived levels of OHS during two seasons and its perceived consequences on healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to assess the efficacy of heat stress management (HSM) policies. An anonymous online survey was distributed to HCPs working in HCFs in the UK. The survey returned 1014 responses (87% women). Descriptive statistics and content analysis of survey data identified that OHS in HCFs is frequently experienced throughout the year and concerned most HCPs. Over 90% perceived OHS impairs their performance and 20% reported heat-related absenteeism. Awareness of HSM policies was poor and 73% deemed them not adequate. To help reduce the financial loss and impact on staff performance, health and well-being and patient safety, it is recommended that revisions and widespread dissemination of HSM policies are made.

Heat exposure as a cause of injury and illness in mine industry workers.

The objective of this study was to explore the association between ambient temperature and injuries and illnesses experienced by mine industry workers. Eleven years of de-identified data from a mine industry company in Australia was explored in regards to injuries and illnesses occurring due to outdoor exposure. Each case was filtered for reported symptoms, and meteorological data to match the location of the mine site and date reported were sourced. Of the 18 931 injuries and illnesses observed over the 11-year period, 151 cases of heat-related illness due to outdoor exposure were reported. Twenty-five conditions/symptoms of heat-illness were found, with the most prevalent being dehydration (n = 81), followed by heat rash (n = 40), dizziness (n = 24), and headache (n = 23). The mean number of symptoms reported by each worker was 2 ± 1. There was a positive correlation between ambient temperature and injuries/illnesses (r2 = 0.89, P < 0.001), where, as temperature increased so did the number of reported heat-related illnesses. Underreporting of heat-related illness and injury in the mining industry is likely, which is a risk to the health and wellbeing of employees. Workers require industry specific training about the severity of heat stress and the associated prevention strategies.

Impact of heat stress on health-related symptoms and physiological changes among workers at a palm oil mill in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: The palm oil (PO) industry is one of the most important sectors in the Malaysian economy. Workers at PO mills are, however, at risk for a number of health and safety issues, including heat stress, as the PO is one of the industries with high heat exposure. Heat stress occurs when a person's body cannot get rid of excess heat. Heat stress can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and heat stroke. It also results in physiological and psychological changes that can have an impact on a worker's performance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of heat stress on health-related symptoms and physiological changes among workers in a PO mill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a PO mill located in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Thirty-one workers from the four workstations (sterilizer, boiler, oil, and engine rooms) were selected as the respondents in this study. Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer was used in this study to measure the environmental temperature (WBGTin). Body core temperature (BCT), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded both before and after working in order to assess the physiological effects of heat stress on workers. A set of questionnaires were used to determine sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and their symptoms related to heat stress. Data were then analyzed using SPSS Ver28. RESULTS: The WBGTin was found to be above the ACGIH threshold limit value of heat stress exposure in the engine room, sterilizer, and boiler workstations (>28.0°C). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the worker's BCT in these three workstations before and after work (p<0.05). Only the systolic BP and HR of those working at the boiler workstation showed significant difference between before and after work (p<0.05). The most typical symptoms that workers experience as a result of being exposed to heat at work include headache and fatigue. However, statistical analysis using Spearman Rho's test showed that there is no correlation between heat stress level with physiological changes and health-related symptoms among study respondents (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of the present study confirmed that workers in PO mill were exposed to high temperatures while at work. Although the evidence indicates the physiological parameters in general are not significantly affected while working, it also demonstrated that worker's body adapts and acclimates to the level of heat. Even so, precautions should still be taken to reduce future heat exposure. It is recommended that a physiological study be carried out that focuses on cognitive function impairment to support the evidence regarding the effects of heat stress on PO mill workers.

Association between the experience of exertional heat illness (EHI) and living conditions of collegiate student athletes.

Exertional heatstroke (EHS), a severe form of exertional heat illness (EHI), is the third leading cause of death in athletes; thus, early detection and prevention of EHI can help prevent EHS, which is a life-threatening condition. This study aimed to clarify the association between the cognizance of experiencing EHI and living conditions and specific EHI symptoms among collegiate athletes. This study was conducted in October 2022 by administering a questionnaire to 237 male collegiate athletes. Of the 215 (90.7%) respondents, 197 (91.6%) provided valid responses; among them, 88 (44.7%) responded they had experienced EHI, while 109 (55.3%) had not. A history of medical examinations due to EHI, having experienced headaches during summer activities, and having read the EHI manual were factors indicating cognizance of EHI. The number of times meals containing a staple food, main dish, and side dish were eaten in a day was a factor in preventing EHI. Early detection of EHI is important for its prevention, and it is important that athletes themselves have knowledge of symptoms and can correctly self-diagnose EHI. Emphasizing the potential of a well-balanced dietary intake has the potential to prevent EHI is crucial.

An assessment of WRF-urban schemes in simulating local meteorology for heat stress analysis in a tropical sub-Saharan African city, Lagos, Nigeria.

Megacities, such as Lagos, Nigeria, face significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and climate change, resulting in a higher intensity of the urban heat island effect, coupled with high population density, making the city fall under the category of moderate to high heat stress/risk. Despite this, very few studies have analyzed the urban impact on heat stress over the coastal city, albeit with poor resolution data. In this study, we assessed the performance of an integrated high-resolution WRF-urban scheme driven by the readily available urban canopy information of the local climate zone (LCZ) to simulate local meteorological data for analyzing the spatiotemporal pattern of heat stress over the megacity. Our results show that the WRF-BEP scheme outperformed the other evaluated urban schemes, reducing the normalized root mean squared error by 25%. Furthermore, using humidex, we found a generally high incidence of intense discomfort in highly urbanized areas and noted the significant influence of urban morphology on the pattern of heat stress, particularly at night due to the combined effect of urban warming and higher relative humidity. The most socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas, LCZ7, were most affected, with "hot" heat stress conditions observed over 90% of the time. However, during the afternoon, we found reduced heat stress in the core urban areas which might be due to the shading effect and/or cold air advection. Our findings would be relevant in the development of the urgently needed climate/heat adaptation plans for the city and other sub-Saharan African cities.

Outcomes for a Heat Illness Prevention Program in Outdoor Workers: A 9-Year Overview.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes effect of removing the medical surveillance component from a heat illness prevention program (HIPP) for outdoor workers from a Central Texas municipality. METHODS: Heat-related illness (HRI) frequency and workers' compensation (WC) cost were assessed retrospectively in a cohort of 329 workers from 2011-2019. During 2011-2017, the HIPP included training, acclimatization, and medical surveillance. In 2018-2019, a modified (mHIPP) was implemented that included training and acclimatization, but without medical surveillance. RESULTS: The HRI rate during HIPP averaged 19.5 per 1000 workers during the first 4 years, dropped to 1.01 per 1,000 workers over the next 3 years, (2015-2017), and increased during mHIPP, to 7.6 per 1,000 workers. DISCUSSION: Although the case increase during the mHIPP was small, medical surveillance may be an important component in lowering workforce HRI.

Heat wave exposure and increased heat-related hospitalizations in young children in South Korea: A time-series study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the association between heat wave exposure increased heat-related hospitalizations in the general population. However, little is known about heat-related morbidity in young children who are more vulnerable than the general population. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between hospitalization for heat-related illness in children and heat wave exposure in South Korea. METHODS: We used the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, which provides medical records from 2015 to 2019 in South Korea. We defined daily hospitalizations for heat-related illness of children younger than five years during the summer period (June to August). We considered the definition of heat waves considering the absolute temperature and percentile. A total of 12 different heat waves were used. A time-series analysis was used to investigate the association between heat wave exposure and heat-related hospitalization among children younger than five years. We used a two-stage design involving a meta-analysis after modeling by each region. RESULTS: We included 16,879 daily heat-related hospitalizations among children younger than five years. Overall, heat wave exposure within two days was most related for heat-related hospitalizations in young children. The relative risk (RR) due to heat wave exposure within two days (lag2) (12 definitions: 70th to 90th percentile of maximum temperature) ranged from 1.038 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.971, 1.110) to 1.083 (95% CI: 1.036, 1.133). We found that boys were more vulnerable to heat exposure than girls. In addition, we found that urban areas were more vulnerable to heat exposure than rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, heat wave exposure during summer was found to be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for heat-related illness among children younger than five years. Our findings suggest the need for summer heat wave management and prevention for children.

Heat exposure and chronic kidney disease: a temporal link in a Taiwanese agricultural county.

Heat stress-related kidney injury has drawn public health attention. This study explored the temporal relationships between impaired kidney function and preceding outdoor heat exposure Taiwan. Data of participants collected through a health screening program was used to assess the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and average ambient temperature with various time lag structures. A total of 1,243 CKD cases and 38,831 non-CKD participants were included in the study. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities, CKD was positively associated with the ambient temperature within 1-9 months. The 9-month average ambient temperature yielded the highest odds ratio of CKD (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.09-1.37). Furthermore, females and farmers were found to be more vulnerable to CKD risk after outdoor heat exposure. These findings suggest that the prevention of heat stress-related kidney injury should consider relevant time frames and focus on vulnerable populations.

Exertional Heat Stroke Survival at the Falmouth Road Race: 180 New Cases With Expanded Analysis.

CONTEXT: A high number of exertional heat stroke (EHS) cases occur during the Falmouth Road Race. OBJECTIVES: To extend previous analyses of EHS cases during the Falmouth Road Race by assessing or describing (1) EHS and heat exhaustion (HE) incidence rates, (2) EHS outcomes as they relate to survival, (3) the effect of the environment on these outcomes, and (4) how this influences medical provider planning and preparedness. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study. SETTING: Falmouth Road Race. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Patients with EHS or HE admitted to the medical tent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We obtained 8 years (2012 to 2019) of Falmouth Road Race anonymous EHS and HE medical records. Meteorologic data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions on the heat illness incidence (exertional heat illness [EHI] = EHS + HE). The EHS treatment and outcomes (ie, cooling time, survival, and discharge outcome), number of HE patients, and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for each race were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 180 EHS and 239 HE cases were identified. Overall incidence rates per 1000 participants were 2.07 for EHS and 2.76 for HE. The EHI incidence rate was 4.83 per 1000 participants. Of the 180 EHS cases, 100% survived, and 20% were transported to the emergency department. The WBGT was strongly correlated with the incidence of both EHS (r2 = 0.904, P = .026) and EHI (r2 = 0.912, P = .023). CONCLUSIONS: This is the second-largest civilian database of EHS cases reported. When combined with the previous dataset of EHS survivors from this race, it amounts to 454 EHS cases resulting in 100% survival. The WBGT remained a strong predictor of EHS and EHI cases. These findings support 100% survival from EHS when patients over a wide range of ages and sexes are treated with cold-water immersion.

Perceived challenges and barriers for females working in the heat.

Given rising temperatures, globally, heat exposures and catastrophic heat illnesses are a major concern in laborer and industrial sectors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of females laboring in the heat regarding challenges and barriers encountered in their respective industries while working in the heat. A consensual qualitative research (CQR) design was employed to gain information related to participant occupational and job characteristics, feelings while working in the heat, adjustments made by employers when they work in the heat, and their experience working in the heat specific to their identified sex. Females were eligible to participate if they were currently employed in an environment that required them to work in the heat. Twelve females participated in a single, 45-60 min one-on-one semi-structured interview. Participants reported working in the manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and railroad industries. Upon completion of data analysis, one primary theme was identified: heat stress mitigation strategies, which were further broken down into two subthemes of formal strategies provided by the employer and informal strategies driven by the employees. Participants indicated there was a lack of heat stress prevention strategies implemented by their employers, which resulted in employees creating their own strategies to protect themselves and their coworkers from heat stress. Results indicated there are limited heat stress prevention strategies that are provided in industries that include females working in the heat. Unique considerations should be made to protect this population from the dangers of heat stress and must go beyond workers protecting themselves.

Heat illness presentations to emergency departments in Western Sydney: surveillance for environmental, personal and behavioural risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To pilot surveillance to describe environmental, personal and behavioural risk factors for people presenting to hospital emergency departments (EDs) with heat illness. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series and telephone interview study of people presenting to EDs across South Western Sydney, Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts with heat illness over the 2017/18 and 2018/19 summer periods (1 December to 28 February). We used the Public Health Rapid Emergency Disease Syndromic Surveillance (PHREDSS) 'heat problems' syndrome to identify people with heat illness and medical records to find contact details. We developed a detailed questionnaire instrument to guide the telephone interview. RESULTS: A total of 129 individuals presented with 'heat problems' (57 in 2017/18 and 72 in 2018/19). The median age was 44 years (range 1-89 years). Most attended hospitals via the NSW Ambulance Service (58%) or private car (40%). Of the total, 53% were classified as triage category 3 (potentially life-threatening), 27% as category 4 (potentially serious) and 16% as category 2 (imminently life-threatening). The main supplementary codes were heat exhaustion (35%), heat syncope (39%), and heat stroke (30%). The majority were discharged from the emergency department after completing treatment (73%), with 21% requiring admission. A total of 38 follow-up interviews were completed (29% response rate). Almost all individuals were exposed to heat outside their home environment: 11 (29%) were engaged in paid work, 5 (13%) in outdoor housework, and 10 (26%) in outdoor recreational activities. CONCLUSION: Our pilot surveillance study successfully collected home, local environment and behavioural risk factors on a small cohort presenting with 'heat problems' to EDs in Western Sydney during the summer months. Most were exposed to heat outdoors while engaged in work or recreation outside the home, and were preventable.

A pilot heat-health warning system co-designed for a subtropical city.

Significant heat-related casualties underlie the urgency of establishing a heat-health warning system (HHWS). This paper presents an evidence-based pilot HHWS developed for Taipei City, Taiwan, through a co-design process engaging stakeholders. In the co-design process, policy concerns related to biometeorology, epidemiology and public health, and risk communication aspects were identified, with knowledge gaps being filled by subsequent findings. The biometeorological results revealed that Taipei residents were exposed to wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) levels of health concern for at least 100 days in 2016. The hot spots and periods identified using WBGT would be missed out if using temperature, underlining the importance of adopting an appropriate heat indicator. Significant increases in heat-related emergency were found in Taipei at WBGT exceeding 36°C with reference-adjusted risk ratio (RaRR) of 2.42, taking 30°C as the reference; and residents aged 0-14 had the highest risk enhancement (RaRR = 7.70). As for risk communication, occurring frequency was evaluated to avoid too frequent warnings, which would numb the public and exhaust resources. After integrating knowledge and reconciling the different preferences and perspectives, the pilot HHWS was co-implemented in 2018 by the science team and Taipei City officials; accompanying responsive measures were formulated for execution by ten city government departments/offices. The results of this pilot served as a useful reference for establishing a nationwide heat-alert app in 2021/2022. The lessons learnt during the interactive co-design processes provide valuable insights for establishing HHWSs worldwide.

A 43-year of human thermal comfort in Central Africa.

In this study, the human thermal stress was quantified across Central Africa (C.A.) using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Although many of the documented studies on the use of UTCI in relation to human health are currently restricted to countries in the northern hemisphere, this contribution constitutes a prerequisite of information for future research in the region. To mitigate the problem of lack of field data in the Central African sub-region, we downloaded UTCI data via the ERA5 reanalysis portal. Based on this data source, we have explored the spatiotemporal characteristics and the resulting behaviour at annual, seasonal and monthly scales in Central Africa over the period 1982 to 2022. On these different scales, 4 of the 10 UTCI thermal stress categories were experienced, ranging from mild cold stress to strong heat stress. Spatially, cases of moderate heat stress were the most widespread, with cases of strong intensity occurring in a few isolated areas in the centre, east and west. Slight cold stress is confined to the south-east domain, particularly in autumn and winter. From 1982 to 2022, heat stress has increased significantly in the region, with peaks observed in January and October; very few areas have been spared the phenomenon of thermal stress. However, a slight decreasing trend was noticed along coastal regions and the south of C.A. Thereafter, the trend values showed the degree of C.A. vulnerability to global warming, and thus appropriate measures should be taken in relation to outdoor occupations and its impacts on the population of this region.

The Effects Of Heat Stress On Haematological Parameters In Production Department Of Food Industry Employees.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of heat stress on some haematological parameters among food industry employees working in the production department. METHODS: The ambispective, single-centre, case-control study was conducted from December 1, 2016, to June 6, 2018, at Istanbul Gedik University and the Okan University, Istanbul, which is part of the Marmara region of Turkey. The study comprised subjects of either gender aged 22-57 years. Those working in the food industry were the cases in group A, while healthy controls formed group B. Within group A, subjects who were office workers formed subgroup A1, while those in the production department working in the heat treatment areas exposed to high temperatures formed subgroup A2. Heat stress in the environment was evaluated using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index. Peripheral blood haemoglobin and platelet levels, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were compared between the cases and the controls. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 257 subjects, 139(54.1%) were women and 118 (45.9%) were men. The overall mean age was 35.07±7.32 years. There were 143(55.6%) subjects in group A and 114(44.4%) in group B. Within group A, 19(13.3%) subjects were in subgroup A1 and 124(86.7%) in subgroup A2. The mean working duration for group A was 9.95±4.37 years (range 5-24 years). Haemoglobin and platelet levels were significantly lower and the neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in subgroup A2 compared to those in subgroup A1 and group B (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of platelet-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.486). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in haematological parameters were significantly different in individuals who worked in the production department and were exposed to heat stress compared to those who did not.