• 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.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.1672-1681
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• 2002

To evaluate the thermal environments and the workload of farmers in the rice field in summer, this study investigated rice farmers' physiological, psychological responses, work postures, work clothes, air temperature and air humidity during the spraying pesticide in the rice field. Five career farmers (3 males, 2 females) volunteered as the subjects. During the spraying pesticide in the rice field, physiological responses were monitored continuously. The results were as follows. l. Farmers wore only raincoats not pesticide-proof clothing. 2. The value of WBGT, rectal temperature($T_{re}$), mean skin temperature(${\={T}}_{sk}$) were $24.9∼28.9^{\circ}C,\;37.8({\pm}0.3)^{\circ}C\;and\;33.6({\pm}0.6)^{\circ}C$, respectively. Clothing microclimate temperature($T_{cl}$) on the chest and back were $32.5({\pm}2.6)^{\circ}C\;and\;33.6({\pm}2.6)^{\circ}C$, respectively(p<0.00l). Humidity inside of the clothing ($H_{cl}$) was over 80%RH and heart rate(HR) was 112(${\pm}27$)bpm. We evaluated that the spraying pesticide was 'heavy work' by the Tre and HR. To four subjective questionnaires, all farmers expressed 'hard, hot, humid and uncomfortable' without individual difference at the end of works. We suggested that 1) the spraying pesticide in the rice field was a heavy work, 2) because the workload of farmers in the raincoat/pesticide-proof clothing can't be evaluated by only WBGT, assessors should measure physiological, psychological responses as well as thermal environments, 3) to alleviate farmers' heat strain, clothing manufacturers must consider not only the improvement of textile materials and clothing weight but also the designing of personal cooling equipment.

• 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 Policy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.3-25
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• 2015

Our goal is to verify how changes in water's hydraulic characteristics after urban regeneration stream can affect any possible transformation of its thermal environment. To that end, we analyzed changes in numerous physical characteristics the subject stream along with the meteorological factors and thermal environment affected by it. Cheonggyecheon was selected as our subject as it is a great example of successful urban regeneration stream. As for physical characteristics, we allocated Type I (0.0%) and Type II (20.2%), depending on the green coverage ratio. As for numerical characteristics, at the point of Ba in which the riffle ends, the water temperature fell by $0.2^{\circ}C$ and the flow increased from 0.7m/s to 0.9 m/s with the dissolved oxygen increasing from 0.5mg/L to 0.6mg/L. As for meteorological factors surrounding the subject stream, the temperature dropped from $1.1^{\circ}C$ to $1.4^{\circ}C$ on average and relative humidity increased from 6.6% to 8.7%. Furthermore, there was an irregular change in wind velocity. According to the result of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), the change in the values of Type I and II inside and on the surface of the subject stream was negligible. The downstream temperature in Type I fell from $0.3^{\circ}C$ to $0.6^{\circ}C$ and by $0.8^{\circ}C$ in Type II. As for vertical cooling effect, the change of water level was 120cm in Type I and 140cm in Type II. As for horizontal cooling effects, the value of Type I was increased from the point of Ba where the riffle ends and the value of Type II was on a steady decline.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.543-552
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• 2013

Physiological and subjective responses of the farmers and thermal environment during chili harvest in the open field were investigated to evaluate the thermal environments and farmers's workload. Eight career female farmers in their sixties participated as subjects both in morning work(MW, AM 9:00~10:30) and in afternoon work(AW, PM 15:00~16:30) with each lasting about 90 minutes. The results were as follows. 1) Air temperature, air humidity, globe temperature and WBGT of MW were mean $25.54^{\circ}C$, 81.82%RH, $37.72^{\circ}C$, $26.27^{\circ}C$ and AW were mean $30.63^{\circ}C$ 82.50%RH, $40.11^{\circ}C$, $30.02^{\circ}C$, respectively. By the WBGT, we evaluated that the thermal environment in the afternoon in the open field gave a thermal burden to farmers. 2) Mean skin temperature of AW($34.8{\pm}0.8^{\circ}C$) was higher than MW($33.5{\pm}1.2^{\circ}C$)(p<0.05). Clothing microclimate temperature on the chest of each work time were $31.3^{\circ}C$(MW) and $32.7^{\circ}C$(AW). Clothing microclimate humidity on the chest of each work time were over 80%RH. Heart rate were 88.5bpm(MW) and 91.7bpm(AW) respectively. 3) Farmers working in the afternoon felt uncomfortable after 45~60 min. of work and in the morning they felt uncomfortable after 90 min. of work. We evaluated that the harvesting of chilies in the open field was 'moderate work' by the physiological responses but the level of thermal burden increased over time especially in the afternoon work. It is suggested that farm workers should drink fluids between work to stay in homeostasis by sweating and to take frequent rests. Active clothing ventilation and wearing functional garments would help farm workers excrete sweat effectively.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Community Living Science Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.152-152
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• 2003

본 연구의 목적은 고추 수확과 같은 여름철 농작업 시 농민의 온열 스트레스 경감을 위한 피복 장비 개발 연구의 일환으로 두 종류의 기능성 모자를 개발하고 그 성능을 비교 검토하는 것이다. 피험자로는 건강한 남자 대학생 열 두 명이 참가하였다. 인공기후실 실험 조건은 네 가지로 모자를 쓰지 않은 경우 (Control), 챙이 넓은 시판 농작업모를 착용한 경우 (Hat A), 반사 소재의 냉각 모자를 착용한 경우 (Hat B), 반사소재이면서 통기 구조를 갖는 냉각 모자를 착용한 경우 (Hat C)이다. 인공 기후실 내 환경 조건은 기온 33$\pm$0.5$^{\circ}C$, 습도 65$\pm$5%RH, 복사 온도 39$\pm$1$^{\circ}C$로 WBGT 33$^{\circ}C$를 유지하였고, 피험자들은 120분(50분 작업, 10분 휴식, 50분 작업, 10분 휴식) 동안 모델화된 고추 수확 작업을 수행하였다.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.35-41
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• 2018

The purpose of study intends to investigate effects of repetitive work and workload for body while wearing firefighting protective clothing in hot conditions and to provide the basic data for the safety of firefighter. The experimental temperature is WBGT $30^{\circ}C$ and the work intensity is 3, 9 METs. The experiment is processed 15 minutes (Ex1), 15 minutes rest (Rest), 15 minutes (Ex2) in order of time. A comparative experiment was carried out for firefighting school students(9 persons; $24.3{\pm}0.71$ years old) wearing firefighting protective clothing. When workload is increased from 3 METs to 9 METs, mean skin temperature change (33.3%), tympanic temperature change (242.9%), heart rate (36.2%), respiration rate (53.9%), RPE (81.6%), thermal Sensation (20.8%), weight loss (60.0%), glucose (-4.4%), lactate (41.7%) are statistically significantly higher. As a result, it is considered that repetitive work and workload have a strong effect on the body when wearing firefighting protective clothing in hot conditions.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.130-139
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• 2012

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tire manufacturing work environments extensively and to identify workers' exposure to hazardous substances in various work processes. Methods: Personal air sampling was conducted to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon disulfide, 1,3-butadiene, styrene, methyl isobutyl ketone, methylcyclohexane, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, and rubber fume in tire manufacturing plants using the National Institute for Occupational Safety Health Manual of Analytical Methods. Noise, carbon monoxide, and heat stress exposure were evaluated using direct reading instruments. Past concentrations of rubber fume were assessed using regression analysis of total particulate data from 2003 to 2007, after identifying the correlation between the concentration of total particulate and rubber fume. Results: Workers were exposed to rubber fume that exceeded 0.6 mg/$m^3$, the maximum exposure limit of the UK, in curing and production management processes. Forty-seven percent of workers were exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dBA. Workers in the production management process were exposed to $28.1^{\circ}C$ (wet bulb globe temperature value, WBGT value) even when the outdoor atmosphere was $2.7^{\circ}C$ (WBGT value). Exposures to other substances were below the limit of detection or under a tenth of the threshold limit values given by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Conclusion: To better classify exposure groups and to improve work environments, examining closely at rubber fume components and temperature as risk indicators in tire manufacturing is recommended.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.713-722
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• 2004

This study examined the effects of two kinds of functional sun hats through a head-manikin test and a climatic chamber trial for farm workers in summer. Experiment was composed of four conditions. The first condition was the condition without any hat (Control). The second was the condition with a sun hat on the market (Hat A). The third was the condition with a functional sun hat made of reflective fabric (Hat B). The last was the condition with a functional sun hat having a ventilating structure as well as reflective fabric (Hat C). For the subjects in the climatic chamber trials, 12 healthy males volunteered. Air temperature, relative humidity and globe temperature in the chamber was maintained at $33{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C,\;65{\pm}5%RH\;and\;39{\pm}1^{\circ}C\;(WBGT\;33^{\circ}C)$. Subjects did a simulated red pepper-work (50-min work and 10-min rest, twice repetition) for 120 min. As the result of head-manikin test, the surface temperature on middle of back-neck was the lowest in Hat B of four conditions and the surface temperature on top of head was the lowest in Hat C. As the result of climatic chamber trials, there were apparent differences between with (Hat A, Hat B, Hat C) and without a sun hat (Control). In rectal temperature ($T_{re}$), mean skin temperature ($\={T}_{sk}$), heart rate (HR), total sweat rate (TSR), The physiological heat strain was less in the condition with hats than in the condition without a sun hat. As the increasing rate in Tre, Hat B is the most effective hat for alleviation heat strain. As the subjective responses, Hat B was the most effective hat for thermal comfort even though the difference was not significant. Hat C was less effective than Hat B and the reason might be the increase of weight due to inserting the ventilating structure.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2017

Background: Workers laboring in steel industries in tropical settings with high ambient temperatures are subjected to thermally stressful environments that can create well-known risks of heat-related illnesses and limit workers' productivity. Methods: A cross-sectional study undertaken in a steel industry in a city nicknamed "Steel City" in Southern India assessed thermal stress by wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and level of dehydration from urine color and urine specific gravity. A structured questionnaire captured self-reported heat-related health symptoms of workers. Results: Some 90% WBGT measurements were higher than recommended threshold limit values ($27.2-41.7^{\circ}C$) for heavy and moderate workloads and radiational heat from processes were very high in blooming-mill/coke-oven ($67.6^{\circ}C$ globe temperature). Widespread heat-related health concerns were prevalent among workers, including excessive sweating, fatigue, and tiredness reported by 50% workers. Productivity loss was significantly reported high in workers with direct heat exposures compared to those with indirect heat exposures ($x^2=26.1258$, degrees of freedom = 1, p < 0.001). Change in urine color was 7.4 times higher among workers exposed to WBGTs above threshold limit values (TLVs). Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that high heat exposures and heavy workload adversely affect the workers' health and reduce their work capacities. Health and productivity risks in developing tropical country work settings can be further aggravated by the predicted temperature rise due to climate change, without appropriate interventions. Apart from industries enhancing welfare facilities and designing control interventions, further physiological studies with a seasonal approach and interventional studies are needed to strengthen evidence for developing comprehensive policies to protect workers employed in high heat industries.