AI Article Synopsis

  • Rising temperatures are increasing the risk of Heat Related Illnesses (HRIs) among workers, particularly women, in both outdoor and indoor sectors.
  • A study with 903 women found that outdoor workers reported more severe HRI symptoms and had higher exposure to dangerous heat levels compared to indoor workers.
  • Outdoor women workers face significant risks due to factors like direct sun exposure, intensive labor, and poor access to cooling and comfort facilities, leading to higher rates of physiological heat strain and urogenital issues.

Article Abstract

Rising temperatures and heat events may affect workers, especially women, by increasing the risk of Heat Related Illnesses (HRIs). We conducted a cross-sectional study among 903 women in outdoor and indoor sectors. We measured Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and physiological Heat Strain Indicators (HSI), as well as self-reported symptoms of HRIs using a HOTHAPS questionnaire. Multivariate Logistic Regression models were used to compare the heat risks. WBGT exposures were high in both the outdoor (Avg. WBGT = 28.8 °C ± 2.4 °C) and indoor (Avg. WBGT = 28.7 °C ± 3.5 °C) sectors. Outdoor Women Workers (OWW) reported higher HRI symptoms (94%vs.81%), and heat exposures were positively correlated with HRIs (AOR: 3.7; 95%CI: 2.4-6.1). OWW showed a 1.5-fold higher risk of measured HSI above safe limits (95%CI: 1.1-2.1) and a 2.1-fold higher risk of urogenital issues (95%CI: 2.1-3.8) than Indoor Women Workers (IWW). Due to direct sun exposure, intensive labor, and a lack of welfare facilities, OWW has a higher HRI risk.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2023.2272733DOI Listing

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