@article{41b162b0db844514a8d05c1dc90ae738,
title = "Heat: a primer for public health researchers",
abstract = "Objectives: To provide a primer on the physical characteristics of heat from a biometeorological perspective for those interested in the epidemiology of extreme heat. Study design: A literature search design was used. Methods: A review of the concepts of heat, heat stress and human heat balance was conducted using Web of Sciences, Scopus and PubMed. Results: Heat, as recognised in the field of human biometeorology, is a complex phenomenon resulting from the synergistic effects of air temperature, humidity and ventilation levels, radiation loads and metabolic activity. Heat should therefore not be conflated with high temperatures. A range of empirical, direct and rational heat stress indices have been developed to assess heat stress. Conclusion: The conceptualisation of heat stress is best described with reference to the human heat balance which describes the various avenues for heat gain to and heat loss from the body. Air temperature alone is seldom the reason for heat stress and thus heat-related health effects.",
keywords = "Epidemiology of extreme heat, Heat strain, Heat stress, Human biometeorology, Human heat balance, Personal heat exposure",
author = "McGregor, {Glenn R.} and Vanos, {Jennifer K.}",
note = "Funding Information: The HHB refers to the balance between all heat gains (losses) to (from) the body.26 This is conceptualized in Fig. 2. It is a key concept for understanding the flows of heat that influence BCT. In relation to this, heat tolerance, defined as the ability of the body to maintain a safe BCT, is both the reason for and the result of thermoregulation27 and is controlled by a combination of physiological and environmental variables. In addition to the atmospheric variables aforementioned, the interplay of behavioural parameters of metabolic rate and clothing are crucial in determining the HHB and thus BCT. 28,29 Common average metabolic rates (and MET equivalents) include sleeping (46 W/m2; 0.8METs), standing (87 W/m2; 1.5METs); walking (114 W/m2; 2.0METs); running (542 W/m2; 9.5METs), with more accurate estimates possible with advanced personal measurements.30 The intricate balance of these environmental and behavioural factors supports the definition of PHE (defined above) and also reinforces the reality that the commonly-used predictors of air temperature and humidity alone are seldom the reason for an individual entering into classical or exertional heat stress. Rational indices that make use of the HHB establish the balance of simultaneous transfers (fluxes) of heat to and from the body effectively balancing to give a surplus (+?S), deficit (??S), or a balance (?S = 0) of energy storage per unit area of the human body per time (W/m2).[Figure presented] Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health",
year = "2018",
month = aug,
doi = "10.1016/j.puhe.2017.11.005",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "161",
pages = "138--146",
journal = "Public Health",
issn = "0033-3506",
publisher = "Elsevier",
}