| 1. |
- Ahlberg, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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"Vi klimatforskare stödjer Greta och skolungdomarna"
- 2019
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Ingår i: Dagens nyheter (DN debatt). - 1101-2447.
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Tidskriftsartikel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- DN DEBATT 15/3. Sedan industrialiseringens början har vi använt omkring fyra femtedelar av den mängd fossilt kol som får förbrännas för att vi ska klara Parisavtalet. Vi har bara en femtedel kvar och det är bråttom att kraftigt reducera utsläppen. Det har Greta Thunberg och de strejkande ungdomarna förstått. Därför stödjer vi deras krav, skriver 270 klimatforskare.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Kuklane, Kalev, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of BARRIER® EasyWarm on Healthy Volunteers in Three Different Climates and Verification of the Degree of Correlation Between Tests Performed on Healthy Volunteers and in a standardized bench test
- 2015
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- INTRODUCTION Anaesthesia induced hypothermia is a common serious but preventable condition associated with increased bleeding and blood transfusion, increased risk for surgical site infections and increased risk for morbid cardiac events. Active warming is effective in preventing hypothermia but there is a need for more easy to use cost-effective products making active warming available to more patients. Establishing how the environment affects skin temperature and total body heat content (TBHC) as well as the correlation between standardized bench tests and healthy volunteer skin temperature is an important aspect in developing new, more effective warming products to prevent or treat hypothermia as this means fewer healthy volunteers are needed as changes to skin temperature could be estimated based on data from bench tests. OBJECTIVES This investigation was undertaken in order to investigate the safety and efficacy of Active warming with BARRIER® EasyWarm when used in three different climate settings and using different test methods; standardized bench test T-1127 measuring temperatures on a wooden board and measuring skin and core temperature on healthy volunteers. An additional objective in this investigation was to determine the degree of correlation between these test methods. OUTCOME A statistically significant increase in TBHC is seen when comparing TBHC over time in all three climates, respectively. With this investigation design we cannot show that there is a difference in TBHC between the different climates though, i.e. the heat generated from the blanket to the subject is not significantly different in the different climates. Based on this investigation the active warming blanket managed to maintain or increase the temperature of the subjects without any adverse thermal effects. Thermal comfort and the mean thermal sensation were maintained between slightly cold and warm throughout the whole exposure length. The active self-warming blanket was well tolerated in healthy male volunteers. None of the six Adverse Events (AE) reported were serious and none of them were related to the investigational device but rather to the immobilisation or the tension of participating in the investigation. All AEs were resolved at end of test. Skin temperature reached maximally 42.2°C, and thus, it never reached the lowest pain threshold of 43°C under any conditions. Increase of core temperature over time in climate 18°C and 24°C was in average 0.1°C to 0.2°C leading to mean final core temperatures of 36.9 (SD 0.2) and 37.1 (SD 0.4) °C for 18°C and 24°C exposures, respectively.
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| 4. |
- Alametsä, Jarmo, et al.
(författare)
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Age-related circulatory responses to whole body cooling: observations by ballistocardiographic EMFi sensors
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of Ambience 14&10i3m : Scientific Conference for Smart and Functional Textiles, Well-Being, Thermal Comfort in Clothing, Design, Thermal Manikins and Modellin, 7-9 September 2014, Tampere, Finland - Scientific Conference for Smart and Functional Textiles, Well-Being, Thermal Comfort in Clothing, Design, Thermal Manikins and Modellin, 7-9 September 2014, Tampere, Finland. - 2342-4540. - 9789521532696 ; 1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose was to study age related changes in circulatory system via Ballistocardiography (BCG) by utilizing Electromechanical Film (EMFi) sensors by gradually changing the ambient temperature from a thermoneutral area to cold direction. ECG and BCG were recorded from a young person (23 years) and from an older person (78 years), both males. During the tests, brachium blood pressure (BP) and pulse signals were recorded from neck and ankle (with EMFi sensor strips). Thermal camera images were taken in order to find out temperature changes in whole body and limbs. Temporal durations and amplitudes of seat BCG:s components (systolic and diastolic) as well as from pulse signals from neck and ankle were calculated. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was obtained by utilizing the time between ECG’s R wave and maximum value of the ankle pulse signal. In both persons, the ankle pulse amplitude decreased when propagating to cold direction and increased in young person when returning to warmer ambient temperature. With young and old BCG:s systolic and diastolic temporal complexes remained stable, but systolic amplitudes increased in the older person (AHI 1.02 – 2.87, AIJ 0.7 – 2.66) as well as diastolic amplitudes (old; AKL 0.47 – 2.37). In the older person, PWV increased when moving to colder side. BP increased with a young person (from 95/64 to 132/75 mmHg), and with older person (from 125/68 to 176/101 mmHg) having a prominent rise in diastolic values during the cooling. The neck pulse wave amplitude AOP rise was modest with the younger person and had variation with the older person. Older person had also more intensive shivering compared to younger one. With the older person, the limbs stayed cold in thermal images when returning from cold to thermoneutral area. The present preliminary observations indicated clear age-related differences in the circulatory response to a mild whole-body thermal challenge.
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| 5. |
- Alametsä, Jarmo, et al.
(författare)
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Age‐related circulatory responses to whole body cooling: observations by heart rate variability
- 2015
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Ingår i: Finnish Journal of eHealth and eWelfare. - 1798-0798. ; 7:2-3, s. 57-64
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose was to study potential age ‐ related changes in the circulatory system via heart rate variability (HRV) by gradually lowering ambient temperature (0.2°C/min) from thermoneutral (32 C°) towards cold (18 C°). ECG was recorded from a young (31 years) and from an older subject (78 years), both males. During the tests, brachium blood pressure (BP) was recorded. During the cooling, BP increased in both subjects (young from 95/69 to 132/75 mmHg, old from 125/68 to 176/101 mmHg), the latter exhibiting a prominent rise in diastolic values after cooling. HRV parameters increased in both subjects during the cold exposure being modest in the younger subject as compared to the older one. Also, recovery from the cold in terms of HRV was faster in the younger subject. The present preliminary observations indicate that older age is coupled with altered HRV response to a mild whole‐body skin cooling.
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| 6. |
- Dabaieh, Marwa, et al.
(författare)
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A Comparative Monitoring Study of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Stress in Four Different Urban Typologies in Cairo
- 2020
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Ingår i: Planning Post Carbon Cities: 35th PLEA Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, A Coruña, 1st-3rd September 2020: Proceedings. - : University of A Coruna and Asoc. - 9788497497947 ; , s. 1161-1166
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rapid urbanization and increasing heat exposure from climate change in combination with the urban heat island effect has become a contemporary pervasive threat to human health. We monitored four urban typologies with temperature and humidity sensors during the 2015 summer peak in Cairo, Egypt to evaluate which typologies could potentially reduce adverse impacts on human health. Our mixed methods approach included qualitative surveys to gauge how people perceived heat stress. While our monitoring revealed that indoor temperatures were cooler by 1.64°C in the low-density typology relative to outdoor temperatures, the minor indoor temperature differences revealed that building envelopes had little impact on protecting inhabitants. The study points to the urgent need for more comprehensive empirical monitoring of indoor heat stress in urban areas. Future research would benefit from greater interdisciplinarity so that a more inclusive range of heat stress scenarios, particularly in urban areas in the Global South, can be anticipated, and thereby monitored, mitigated and potentially avoided in order to reduce human health insecurity impacts from climate change.
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| 7. |
- Delin, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Ascending evacuation - Walking speed in stairs as a function of height
- 2015
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Ingår i: Human Behaviour in fire : 6th International Symposium - 6th International Symposium. - 9780993393303 ; , s. 155-160
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- During ascending evacuation in long stairs, there is reason to believe that factors such as fatigue, and change in human behaviour will influence the possibility of satisfactory evacuation and affect the ascending walking speed. Based on these assumption, a 2-year research project was initiated at Lund University. This paper gives a brief description of the project and highlight some initial findings according ascending walking speed and effects of fatigue.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Havenith, George, et al.
(författare)
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A Database of Static Clothing Thermal Insulation and Vapor Permeability Values of Non-Western Ensembles for Use in ASHRAE Standard 55, ISO 7730 and ISO 9920
- 2015
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Ingår i: ASHRAE Transactions. - 2378-2129. ; 121:Part 1, s. 197-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Four different thermal manikins (male and female shapes)in three different laboratories (UK, Sweden, and China) were used to determine the clothing thermal insulation values of 52 non-Western, mainly indoor clothing ensembles in order to expand the existing clothing database for use with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2013, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy (ASHRAE 2013a), ISO Standard 7730-2005, Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment -- Analytical Determination and Interpretation of Thermal Comfort Using Calculation of the PMV and PPD Indices and LocalThermal Comfort Criteria (ISO 2005), and ISO Standard 9920-2009, Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment -- Estimation of Thermal Insulation and Water Vapour Resistance of a Clothing Ensemble (ISO 2009). Insulation values varied over manikins, which is attributed to their different shapes and the different fit of the clothing. The mean value over three manikins is reported (with standard deviation) to include this potential real-life variation in the results. The relation of the clothing surface area factor to intrinsic clothing insulation was found to be different from that published for Western clothing. Prediction equations for the clothing surface area factor fcl based on the new data had only limited predictive power, which,however, was also the case for those obtained in the past for Western clothing. This issue seems to be commonly overlooked, as the use of these prediction equations is widespread. It has to be concluded that reliable fcl values can only be obtained when they are actually measured, as in the present work. However, we suggest that the concept of the fcl factor for the non-Western clothing may not be appropriate and may require further attention in research, as wide-falling-robes and gowns do not match the cylindrical clothing and air layer model on which the fcl concept is based. In summary, the results provide an extensive database of insulation values of non-Western clothing that is expected to be a valuable addition to ASHRAE Standard 55-2013 (ASHRAE 2013a), ISO Standard 7730-2005 (ISO 2005), and ISO Standard 9920-2009 (ISO 2009).
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Kuklane, Kalev, et al.
(författare)
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Insulation of traditional Indian clothing: Estimation of climate change impact on productivity from PHS (predicted heat strain) model
- 2014
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Ingår i: Achieving Sustainable Construction Health and Safety : proceedings of CIB W099 International Conference, 2-3 June 2014, Lund University, Sweden - proceedings of CIB W099 International Conference, 2-3 June 2014, Lund University, Sweden. - 9789176230053 ; , s. 234-244
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Major databases on western clothing and their thermal properties are available, but information on non-western clothing is lacking. A recent ASHRAE project 1504 TRP, Extension of the Clothing Insulation Database for Standard 55 and ISO 7730 dealt with the issue. Simultaneously, a co-operation study at Indian workplaces allowed us to acquire some sets of the traditional clothes used at construction sites in Chennai area. The work was related to mapping of present work conditions in order to allow predictions and measures to be taken if the mean temperature of the work environment would rise. We selected ISO 7933 on predicted heat strain (PHS) as a tool to estimate productivity loss in physical work. PHS criteria are related to reaching safe body core temperature limit of 38 °C or excess water loss. 3 sets of clothing were investigated: 2 female sets of traditional clothes (churidar and saree) modified as used at construction site (added shirt and towel to protect traditional clothes and hair), and a male set commonly used at the construction sites. The clothing insulation and evaporative resistance were measured on thermal manikins. The climatic conditions were based on weather statistics, and metabolic heat production was based on field observations at work places and the ISO 8996:2004 tables (Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Determination of metabolic rate). For the future scenarios all basic parameters were left the same except the air temperature was increased by 2 °C. Adding the protective layer on female clothing did increase clothing insulation by 25-31 % and evaporative resistance by 10-18 % respectively. This affected the performance showing lower capacity to maintain work pace already under present climatic conditions. Further increase in mean air temperature may decrease the productivity by 30-80 % depending on the parameter that is observed (limited exposure time or lower work load), and on the earlier capacity to carry out the tasks. The present evaluation may have several limitations related to the PHS model's boundaries, and validation of the presented method application is needed.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Challenges of using air conditioning in an increasingly hot climate
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biometeorology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0020-7128 .- 1432-1254. ; 62, s. 401-401
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This paper explores the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. A literature review was conducted applying a transdisciplinary approach. It was further complemented by examples from cities in hot climates. To analyse the findings, an analytical framework was developed which considers four societal levels—individual, community, city, and national. The main challenges identified from the literature review are as follows: environmental, organisational, socio-economical, biophysical and behavioural. The paper also identifies several measures that could be taken to reduce the fast growth of AC use. However, due to the complex nature of the problem, there is no single solution to provide sustainable cooling. Alternative solutions were categorised in three broad categories: climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, alternative cooling technologies, and climate-sensitive attitudes and behaviour. The main findings concern the problems arising from leaving the responsibility to come up with cooling solutions entirely to the individual, and how different societal levels can work towards more sustainable cooling options. It is concluded that there is a need for a more holistic view both when it comes to combining various solutions as well as involving various levels in society.
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| 18. |
- Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Climate change-induced heat risks for migrant populations working at brick kilns in India : a transdisciplinary approach
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biometeorology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0020-7128 .- 1432-1254. ; 62:3, s. 347-358
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During the summer of 2015, India was hit by a scorching heat wave that melted pavements in Delhi and caused thousands of deaths, mainly among the most marginalized populations. One such group facing growing heat risks from both occupational and meteorological causes are migrant brick kiln workers. This study evaluates both current heat risks and the potential future impacts of heat caused by climate change, for the people working at brick kilns in India. A case study of heat stress faced by people working at brick kilns near Chennai, India, is the anchor point around which a transdisciplinary approach was applied. Around Chennai, the situation is alarming since occupational heat exposure in the hot season from March to July is already at the upper limits of what humans can tolerate before risking serious impairment. The aim of the study was to identify new pathways for change and soft solutions by both reframing the problem and expanding the solution space being considered in order to improve the quality of life for the migrant populations at the brick kilns. Technical solutions evaluated include the use of sun-dried mud bricks and other locally “appropriate technologies” that could mitigate the worsening of climate change-induced heat. Socio-cultural solutions discussed for empowering the people who work at the brick kilns include participatory approaches such as open re-localization, and rights-based approaches including the environmental sustainability and the human rights-based approach framework. Our analysis suggests that an integrative, transdisciplinary approach could incorporate a more holistic range of technical and socio-culturally informed solutions in order to protect the health of people threatened by India’s brick kiln industry.
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| 19. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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CLOTHING INSULATION AND THERMAL COMFORT IN AFRICA: CURRENT STANDARDS AND APPLICABILITY
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of Ambience 14&10i3m : Scientific Conference for Smart and Functional Textiles, Well-Being, Thermal Comfort in Clothing, Design, Thermal Manikins and Modellin, 7-9 September 2014, Tampere, Finland - Scientific Conference for Smart and Functional Textiles, Well-Being, Thermal Comfort in Clothing, Design, Thermal Manikins and Modellin, 7-9 September 2014, Tampere, Finland. - 2342-4540. - 9789521532696 ; 1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The adoption of air conditioning (AC) is growing rapidly in developing countries across the world which puts a high burden on electricity distribution systems. This development is mostly driven by income growth and building design, but also due to increasing outdoor temperatures and to provide indoor thermal comfort. Current indoor thermal comfort standards are based on western clothing (in terms of the ASHRAE Standard 55 and ISO 7730). However, due to different clothing practices in regions such as Africa, providing comfortable indoor environments may differ significantly. For optimal design and achieving energy savings of AC systems, accounting for different clothing practices is fundamental. Methods: The research presented is based on a project aimed at the extension of the ASHRAE Standard 55 database to include non-western clothing. The paper focuses on the African clothing tested on thermal manikins. Three sets of female clothing and five sets of male clothing were measured. The ISO7730:2004 standard which uses the PMV/PPD indices was used to assess the optimal indoor temperature (assessed between 20-30 °C). The occupant was considered acclimatized with low activity (120 W), with an air velocity of 0.2 m/s, no additional heat radiation and a relative humidity of 50 %. Results and Conclusion: The optimal indoor temperature for both women (PMV: -0.09, PPD: 5 %) and men (PMV: 0.1, PPD: 5 %) was found to be 24 °C. Considering better ventilation and evaporation in African clothing the comfort temperatures could be even higher. In conclusion, sub-optimal indoor thermal conditions are being adopted in Africa resulting in lower indoor air temperatures than required, causing an unnecessary waste of energy from AC systems and affecting the thermal comfort of the occupants.
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| 20. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Correspondence to the supplementary opinions on alternative cooling technologies in hot climate
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Biometeorology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0020-7128 .- 1432-1254. ; 62:10, s. 1929-1929
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This is a correspondence to the supplementary opinion provided by Dr. Bin Yang, Dr. Stefano Schiavon, and Dr. Faming Wang to our paper titled “Challenges of using air conditioning in an increasingly hot climate.” The paper explored the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. The supplementary opinion provides a great technical complement to our paper. However, there is a need for a more holistic view both when it comes to combining various solutions and involving various levels in society.
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| 21. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Does a building renovation improve the indoor thermal comfort? : A thermal environment evaluation before and after renovation
- 2019
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- A sustainable renovation results in both a good indoor environment and high-energy efficiency. However, contemporary renovations often focus on energy and environmental performance, leaving out other aspects, such as the thermal comfort. The aim of the ongoing study is to compare the results of an extensive thermal environment evaluation before and after major renovation of ten typical 1970’s rental apartments in multi-family buildings located in Southern Sweden. The data collected is comprehensive and includes measurements of air temperature, relative humidity (RH), air velocity, plane radiant and globe temperature, draught rate, turbulence intensity, operative temperature, PMV/PPD indices and thermal sensation (thermal comfort evaluation) using a LumaSense INNOVA 1221 Thermal Comfort data logger. MSR Temp/RH data logger sensors were also placed at four different heights. The outside weather data and individual factors such as clothing, activity, gender, age were also collected. Measurements were taken in the living room of each apartment for 2 hours during three winter seasons: one measurement session before and two after renovation resulting in 30 measurements in total. The preliminary results from the first two winter seasons for draught rate, PMV/PPD, RH and radiant temperature all showed slight improvements after renovation. Further, the study results show that the individual perceived thermal comfort does not always agree with the measured and calculated thermal comfort. The data is currently under analysis and final results will be presented.
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| 22. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of Heat Stress on Working Populations when facing Climate Change
- 2013
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Ingår i: Industrial Health. - : National Institute of Industrial Health. - 1880-8026 .- 0019-8366. ; 51:1, s. 3-15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It is accepted that the earth’s climate is changing in an accelerating pace, with already documented implications for human health and the environment. This literature review provides an overview of existing research findings about the effects of heat stress on the working population in relation to climate change. In the light of climate change adaptation, the purpose of the literature review was to explore recent and previous research into the impacts of heat stress on humans in an occupational setting. Heat stress in the workplace has been researched extensively in the past however, in the contemporary context of climate change, information is lacking on its extent and implications. The main factors found to exacerbate heat stress in the current and future workplace are the urban ‘heat island effect’, physical work, individual differences, and the developing country context where technological fixes are often not applicable. There is also a lack of information on the effects on vulnerable groups such as elderly people and pregnant women. As increasing temperatures reduce work productivity, world economic productivity could be condensed, affecting developing countries in the tropical climate zone disproportionately. Future research is needed taking an interdisciplinary approach, including social, economic, environmental and technical aspects.
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| 23. |
- Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Exploring how a traditional diluted yoghurt drink may mitigate heat strain during medium-intensity intermittent work: a multidisciplinary study of occupational heat strain
- 2018
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Ingår i: Industrial Health. - : National Institute of Industrial Health. - 0019-8366 .- 1880-8026. ; 56:2, s. 106-121
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It is common practice in India to consume the dairy drink buttermilk as a way of mitigating occupational heat strain. This paper explores the thermoregulatory and hydration benefits of drinking buttermilk but also the impacts of work in a hot environment on the gut microbiota, renal and cognitive function. Twelve healthy participants were subjected to a 3-h period of medium load physical intermittent work in a climatic chamber (34 degrees C, 60% RH). The subjects were given water, buttermilk (700 ml) or no rehydration at random. Mean body temperatures when no rehydration was given were significantly higher (p <= 0.001). When subjects drank water or buttermilk they had a lower sweat rate than with no rehydration (p <= 0.05) and the perception of feeling hot, uncomfortable, thirsty and physically exerted was significantly reduced (p <= 0.05). A hormonal stress response at the end of the exposure was seen when not drinking (p <= 0.05). No differences in cognitive abilities and gut microbiota were found. The exposure lowered the renal blood flow suggesting an acute impact of short term heat exposure. It was also found that buttermilk has a protective effect on this impact. Our results demonstrated that keeping hydrated by water/buttermilk consumption mitigates heat strain in well-nourished subjects.
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| 24. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Heat stress in indoor environments of Scandinavian urban areas : A literature review
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 16:560
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Climate change increases the risks of heat stress, especially in urban areas where urban heat islands can develop. This literature review aims to describe how severe heat can occur and be identified in urban indoor environments, and what actions can be taken on the local scale. There is a connection between the outdoor and the indoor climate in buildings without air conditioning, but the pathways leading to the development of severe heat levels indoors are complex. These depend, for example, on the type of building, window placement, the residential area’s thermal outdoor conditions, and the residents’ influence and behavior. This review shows that only few studies have focused on the thermal environment indoors during heat waves, despite the fact that peoplecommonly spend most of their time indoors and are likely to experience increased heat stress Indoors in the future. Among reviewed studies, it was found that the indoor temperature can reach levels 50% higher in C than the outdoor temperature, which highlights the importance of assessment and remediation of heat indoors. Further, most Heat-Health Warning Systems (HHWS) are based on the outdoor climate only, which can lead to a misleading interpretation of the health effects and associated solutions. In order to identify severe heat, six factors need to be taken into account, including air temperature, heat radiation, humidity, and air movement as well as the physical activity and the clothes worn by the individual. Heat stress can be identified using a heat index that includes these six factors. This paper presents some examples of practical and easy to use heat indices that are relevant for indoor environments as well as models that can be applied in indoor environments at the city level. However, existing indexes are developed for healthy workers and do not account for vulnerable groups, different uses, and daily variations. As a result, this paper highlights the needfor the development of a heat index or the adjustment of current thresholds to apply specifically to indoor environments, its different uses, and vulnerable groups. There are several actions that can be taken to reduce heat indoors and thus improve the health and well-being of the population in urbanareas. Examples of effective measures to reduce heat stress indoors include the use of shading devices such as blinds and vegetation as well as personal cooling techniques such as the use of fans and cooling vests. Additionally, the integration of innovative Phase Change Materials (PCM) into facades, roofs, floors, and windows can be a promising alternative once no negative health and environmental effects of PCM can be ensured.
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| 25. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin
(författare)
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How will climate change working life?
- 2014
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Heat stress has been studied extensively. However, in the contemporary context of climate change there is a lack of information on the extent of future heat stress and its consequences, especially in occupational settings. The main aim of the research was to identify the current knowledge gaps by conducting a literature review (paper I) together with the collection of empirical data to examine the implications for labour productivity and occupational health in already hot workplaces in Chennai, India (paper II). Finally, it also looked at adaptation options for cooling and sustainability challenges from air conditioning use (paper III). The literature review found the main factors to exacerbate heat stress in current and future workplaces to be the urban heat island effect, physical work, individual differences, and the developing country context, where technological fixes and certain control measures are often not applicable. There is also a lack of information regarding the effects on vulnerable groups such as the poor, elderly and pregnant women. The field study in Chennai gathered data from measurements, observations and questionnaires. Climate measurements were combined with estimations of workload and measurements of the properties of the work clothing. Health risks, preventive methods, productivity impacts and the links to climate change were also explored. All workplaces surveyed, representing the industrial, service and agricultural sectors, had very high heat exposure, often reaching the international standard threshold (ISO 7243:1989) for working safely. Most workers had moderate to high workloads, some in direct sun exposure. Females were found to be more vulnerable due to the extra insulation added from wearing a protective shirt on top of traditional clothing when working. Most workers reported health problems due to heat exposure, including tiredness, dizziness and headaches. Problems in meeting production targets in the hotter months were usually compensated for by overtime work. When analyzing productivity loss and heat strain in a physiological model – the Predicted Heat Strain Model (ISO 7933:2004) – the parameters showed significant impacts, especially when a couple of extra degrees were added to the climate change scenario. Water provision and rehydration were critical parameters in the outcome. 2 Locally in workplaces, there were numerous approaches used to reduce heat exposure. Apart from taking rests, traditional methods, which included mainly drinks and diet, dominated the coping mechanisms. Air conditioning as a technical solution has experienced high growth in India as a means of protection from heat exposure. It is effective in reducing heat exposure but creates many sustainability challenges. In paper III, it was found that air conditioning use triggers an increase in energy consumption when the outdoor temperature increases, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions and therefore affecting climate change. In addition, the direct heat rejected from the air conditioning units adds to street level heat and thus, the urban heat island effect. If not abated, it has the potential to intensify climate change, and place extra loads on future energy supplies, especially during heat waves. The issue of increasing heat and associated productivity loss could impact working people’s health and livelihood. Further research needs to look at all aspects and impacts, taking an interdisciplinary perspective.
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| 26. |
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| 27. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Human responses in heat – comparison of the Predicted Heat Strain and the Fiala multi-node model for a case of intermittent work.
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Thermal Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4565. ; 70, s. 45-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Two mathematical models of human thermal regulation include the rational Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) and the thermophysiological model by Fiala. The approaches of the models are different, however, they both aim at providing predictions of the thermophysiological responses to thermal environments of an average person. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze predictions of the two models against experimental data. The analysis also includes a gender comparison. The experimental data comprised of ten participants (5 males, 5 females, average anthropometric values were used as input) conducting an intermittent protocol of rotating tasks (cycling, stacking, stepping and arm crank) of moderate metabolic activities (134-291 W/m2) with breaks in-between in a controlled environmental condition (34°C, 60% RH). The validation consisted of the predictions’ comparison against experimental data from 2.5 hours of data of rectal temperature and mean skin temperature based on contact thermometry from four body locations. The PHS model over-predicted rectal temperatures during the first activity for males and the cooling effectiveness of sweat in the recovery periods, for both males and females. As a result, the PHS simulation underestimated the thermal strain in this context. The Fiala model accurately predicted the rectal temperature throughout the exposure. The fluctuation of the experimental mean skin temperature was not reflected in any of the models. However, the PHS simulation model showed better agreement than the Fiala model. As both models predicted responses more accurately for males than females, we suggest that in future development of the models it is important to take this result into account. The paper further discusses possible sources of the observed discrepancies and concludes with some suggestions for modifications.
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| 28. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Increasing heat creates hardship for brick kiln workers in Chennai, India and the alternative pathways reducing it
- 2019
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Ingår i: Climanosco Research Articles. - : Climanosco. - 2673-1568. ; 2, s. 1-13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Climate change brings new burdens to people working outdoors. Migrant populations working at brick kilns in India are one such group facing dangerously overheated working conditions. Many migrate to the kilns from rural areas under bonded labor conditions. We argue that solutions need to go beyond industry-oriented technology-based solutions and focus on the social problem and take a people focused stance. In addition to adopting more locally appropriate technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and heat in the work environment, solutions focusing on the workers situation must be considered from a human rights perspective.
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| 29. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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India livelihood case study
- 2015
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Ingår i: [Publication information missing]. ; , s. 14-14
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Sustainability Challenges from Climate Change and Air Conditioning Use in Urban Areas
- 2013
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 5:7, s. 3116-3128
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Global climate change increases heat loads in urban areas causing health and productivity risks for millions of people. Inhabitants in tropical and subtropical urban areas are at especial risk due to high population density, already high temperatures, and temperature increases due to climate change. Air conditioning is growing rapidly, especially in South and South-East Asia due to income growth and the need to protect from high heat exposures. Studies have linked increased total hourly electricity use to outdoor temperatures and humidity; modeled future predictions when facing additional heat due to climate change, related air conditioning with increased street level heat and estimated future air conditioning use in major urban areas. However, global and localized studies linking climate variables with air conditioning alone are lacking. More research and detailed data is needed looking at the effects of increasing air conditioning use, electricity consumption, climate change and interactions with the urban heat island effect. Climate change mitigation, for example using renewable energy sources, particularly photovoltaic electricity generation, to power air conditioning, and other sustainable methods to reduce heat exposure are needed to make future urban areas more climate resilient.
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| 32. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin
(författare)
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The heat is on : Evaluation of workplace heat stress under a changing climate
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: There are several scientific indications that increasing heat due to climate change is going to become the next big societal and scientific challenge. Climate change is recognized as a significant public health threat. However, there is a lack of research on its impacts on occupational safety and health. Aims and Objectives: The general aim of the research presented in this thesis was to identify impacts, evaluate assessment tools and explore solutions to the effects of increasing heat at different workplaces. The research had four specific objectives: 1) To identify gaps in the existing knowledge of occupational heat stress and its links with a changing climate (Papers I, II, V). 2) To carry out a field study in workplaces situated in already hot areas of the world, namely in Chennai, India, in order to assess the current and future impacts of increasing local heat due to climate change (Papers II, V). 3) To evaluate the current standard assessment tools for hot environments (Papers II, III). 4) To investigate site-specific sustainable solutions to increasing heat, including technical, managerial and socio-cultural solutions (Papers II, IV, V). Methods: To address the specific objectives, a wide array of research techniques and qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The methods included literature reviews, case studies, heat stress assessment techniques, questionnaire surveys, thermal manikin measurements, application of thermophysiological models and an experimental study conducted in a climatic chamber.Results: This research showed that occupational heat exposure is already a problem in Chennai, India, affecting workers’ health and productivity. The problems are set to worsen due to climate change. Female workers are more prone to heat stress due to the use of clothing that inhibit heat dissipation. Physiological models are also less accurate in predicting heat strain for females. The Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model (ISO 7933:2004a) can be applied to estimate thermal physiological responses and indirectly to estimate labour productivity loss due to heat exposure. However, caution has to be taken when analysing intermittent work as the PHS over-predicts body cooling at low activity. Traditional methods of coping with heat stress were analysed and the traditional Indian fermented dairy drink, ‘buttermilk’, proved to be as effective as water in reducing thermal strain. Buttermilk also had a protective effect on renal function. The analysis and evaluation of solutions require transdisciplinary and holistic approaches, including not only technical solutions but also a mix of locally appropriate technologies integrated with a human rights and environmental justice frame.Conclusion: Occupational heat stress is already a problem, affecting workers’ health and productivity. The situation is bound to worsen due to climate change. Because of this, it is important to assess and validate current assessment tools and develop sustainable solutions.
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| 33. |
- Lundgren Kownacki, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Värmestress i urbana inomhusmiljöer : Förekomst och åtgärder i befintlig bebyggelse
- 2018
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Ingår i: Värmestress i urbana inomhusmiljöer - Förekomst och åtgärder i befintlig bebyggelse. ; 18060
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Bokkapitel (populärvet., debatt m.m.)abstract
- This literature review describes how heat stress can develop indoors, how it can be identified, and what actions can be taken, with a focus on property owner’s responsibilities. The review is limited to existing buildings in Sweden and includes schools, retirement homes, apartments, preschools, and non-industrial offices (those without industrial processes that produce heat). The expected climate changes increase the risks of heat stress, especially in urban areas where urban heat islands can develop. Strong heat can have several negative health outcomes, and this report has identified the risk groups as the chronically ill, people who take certain medications or have a disability, infants, pregnant women, individuals with heavy physical work, and emergency workers. There is a connection between the outdoor and the indoor climate in buildings without air conditioning, but the pathways leading to the development of severe heat levels indoors during heat waves are complex. These depend, for example, on the type of building, window placement, the residential area's thermal outdoor conditions, and the residents’ influence and behaviour. This review shows that few studies have focused on the thermal environment indoors during heat waves despite the fact that in Sweden people spend most of their time indoors and are likely to experience increased heat stress indoors in the future. Further, current Heat-Health Warning Systems (HHWS) are based on the outdoor climate, which can lead to a misleading interpretation of the health effects and hinder the development of more effective interventions. In order to identify severe heat, six factors need to be taken into account, including air temperature, heat radiation, humidity, and air movement as well as the physical activity and the clothes worn by the individual. Severe heat can be identified using a heat index that includes these six factors. However, it is noted that existing indexes do not take into account a person’s health status. This report presents some examples of heat indices that are relevant for indoor environments, as well as models that can be applied at the city level. It also highlights the need for the development of a heat index that specifically targets the identification of severe heat in indoor environments. There are a number of measures that can be taken in existing buildings to reduce heat indoors and thus improve the health and well-being of the population in urban areas. This report also describes a number of effective measures that are relevant to both property owners and its residents. Examples of effective measures to reduce heat stress indoors are the use of shading devices such as blinds and vegetation, but also personal cooling techniques such as the use of fans and cooling vests, as well as the integration of innovative Phase Change Materials (PCM) into facades, roofs, floors, and windows.
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| 34. |
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Norén, Johan, et al.
(författare)
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Ascending Stair Evacuation – effects of fatigue, walking speed & human behaviour
- 2015
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Ingår i: Human Behaviour in fire : 6th International Symposium - 6th International Symposium. - 9780993393303 ; , s. 161-172
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Field study of evacuation upwards long stairs, ascending evacuation, in two different buildings, 48 meters and 109 meters high. Measuring walking speed along the stair slope and vertical speed. Presenting values for different percentiles of the studied population. The importance of not using the same value for walking speed for different stairs since the design of the stairs has a strong impact, and that the vertical speed ought to be considered as well.
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| 37. |
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| 38. |
- Wierzbicka, Aneta, et al.
(författare)
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Healthy Indoor Environments : The Need for a Holistic Approach
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 15:9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Indoor environments have a large impact on health and well-being, so it is important to understand what makes them healthy and sustainable. There is substantial knowledge on individual factors and their effects, though understanding how factors interact and what role occupants play in these interactions (both causative and receptive) is lacking. We aimed to: (i) explore interactions between factors and potential risks if these are not considered from holistic perspective; and (ii) identify components needed to advance research on indoor environments. The paper is based on collaboration between researchers from disciplines covering technical, behavioural, and medical perspectives. Outcomes were identified through literature reviews, discussions and workshops with invited experts and representatives from various stakeholder groups. Four themes emerged and were discussed with an emphasis on occupant health: (a) the bio-psycho-social aspects of health; (b) interaction between occupants, buildings and indoor environment; (c) climate change and its impact on indoor environment quality, thermal comfort and health; and (d) energy efficiency measures and indoor environment. To advance the relevant research, the indoor environment must be considered a dynamic and complex system with multiple interactions. This calls for a transdisciplinary and holistic approach and effective collaboration with various stakeholders.
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| 39. |
- Zhao, Mengmeng, et al.
(författare)
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A Ventilated Cooling Shirt Worn at Office Work in Hot Climate: Cool or Not?
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2376-9130 .- 1080-3548. ; 21:4, s. 457-463
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the study was to identify whether a ventilated cooling shirt was effective in reducing heat strain in hot climate. 8 female volunteers (age: 26±5 years; height: 165±7 cm; body weight: 58±9 kg) were exposed in heat (38 °C, 45 % RH) for 2 hours with simulated office work. In the first hour they were in normal summer wears (total thermal insulation 0.7 clo); in the second hour a ventilated shirt was worn. After the shirt was introduced for one hour, the scapular and the chest skin temperatures were significantly reduced (p<0.05). The mean skin and the core temperatures were not significantly reduced. The subjects felt cooler and more comfortable by wearing the shirt, but the cooling effect was most conspicuous only during the initial 10 minutes. The cooling shirt reduced heat strain, but the cooling power was not very effective under the low body activity.
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