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Fan-precooling effect on heat strain while wearing protective clothing
Ken Tokizawa1, Shinichi Sawada, Tatsuo Oka
1National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Nagao 6-21-1, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8585, Japan, tokizawa@h.jniosh.go.jp.
International Journal of Biometeorology
|January 29, 2014
Summary
Fan precooling significantly reduces heat strain in individuals wearing impermeable protective suits. This practical method lowers rectal temperature and body weight loss during prolonged exertion in hot environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Occupational Health and Safety
Background:
- Wearing impermeable protective suits in hot environments poses a significant risk of exertional heat strain.
- Effective precooling strategies are needed to mitigate heat strain for individuals working in such conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of fan precooling in reducing heat strain during walking while wearing impermeable protective suits.
Main Methods:
- Six males walked for 60 minutes at 2.5 km/h in a 37°C, 40% relative humidity environment.
- Participants were subjected to either fan precooling with water spray or no precooling before wearing suits.
Main Results:
- Precooling significantly lowered rectal temperature before and during walking (max difference 0.4°C).
- Heart rate was lower during early walking stages, and body weight loss was reduced with precooling.
- No significant differences were observed in skin temperature or perceived exertion and fatigue.
Conclusions:
- Fan precooling is a practical and effective method to attenuate exertional heat strain when wearing impermeable protective clothing.
- This intervention can reduce physiological strain during prolonged moderate exertion in hot conditions.
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