ارزيابي مقايسه اي تش گرمايي كاركنان بندر امام خميني به دو روش پايش محيطي و پايش زيستي

Background: Heat stress is one of the most important factors in staff health. The present study was conducted on staff of Imam Khomeini Port in 1999-2000, to compare environmental and biologic markers in determination of heat stress. Materials and methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in summer and winter and 170 staff of different sections were included. Heat stress was evaluated using environmental (WBGT= wet bulb globe temperature) and biologic markers (heart rate and body temperature). Heat stress-related complications were studied, too. Results: Of 170 participants, environmental and biological monitoring revealed no cases of heat stress during winter. According to the environmental monitoring all except indoor staff experienced heat stress during summer. Biological monitoring, however, revealed heat stress in 12.5% and 16.25% of the staff based on the heart rate and body temperature, respectively. Heat-related complications were heat exhaustion, muscle cramp, and heat stoke that were observed in 23.5% and 6.6% of outdoor and indoor staff, respectively, in summer. Conclusion: Biologic markers could truly reflect heat stress. Meanwhile, heart rate and body temperature can reveal early presentations of heat stress in outdoor staff. To protect staff against heat stress, routine evaluation of heat stress using environmental and biologic markers is strongly recommended. In case of facility shortage, biologic markers can be used for screening of susceptible individuals.