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Heat: A Primer for Public Health Researchers

McGregor, G.R.; Vanos, J.K.

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Authors

J.K. Vanos



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.

Citation

McGregor, G., & Vanos, J. (2018). Heat: A Primer for Public Health Researchers. Public Health, 161, 138-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2017.11.005

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 8, 2017
Online Publication Date Dec 28, 2017
Publication Date Aug 1, 2018
Deposit Date Jan 4, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Public Health
Print ISSN 0033-3506
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 161
Pages 138-146
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2017.11.005

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