Hoda Rahimifard, Hamidreza Heidari, Abolfazl Mohamadbeigi, Ahmad Soltanzadeh, Mohsen Mahdinia, D Hamed Jalilian,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (1-2021)
Abstract
Background:This study aims to evaluate the thermal conditions of periodic local markets and determine the thermal comfort and sensation of sellers, as well as the prevalence of heat-related diseases in the hot and dry climate of Iran. Methods:In this study, thermal comfort and sensation of 330 sellers from periodic markets in Qom city, a dry and hot climate in Iran, were evaluated. Measurements were performed for 15 days, from July 16 to August 1. To assess environmental thermal condition, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index and discomfort index (DI) were determined, and participants' tympanic temperature was determined to consistency assessment with thermal indices. Finally, the effects of environmental, personal, and working conditions on the prevalence of heat-related diseases among sellers were determined. Results:The environmental indices, including DI and WBGT index, had the most association with heat-related illnesses and tympanic temperature (P<0.05). The sellers perceived the environmental conditions as warm to hot after 1:00 pm. Besides, they expressed an uncomfortable or very uncomfortable situation after 12:00 pm. The findings showed that environmental parameters play a more important role in the prevalence of heat-related diseases and heat strain than individual and occupational factors. Conclusion:The sellers may be at risk of heat stress in outdoor markets in nearly half of the workday in the summer months. Therefore, it is very important that these people receive the necessary training in the prevention of heat illness in order to take appropriate protective measures in accordance with local conditions.
Danial Mohammadi, Simin Nasrabadi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background: One way to achieve a standard heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system with maximum satisfaction is to use a thermal index to identify and determine the thermal comfort of people. In this study we intend to evaluate thermal comfort based on PMV-PPD (Predicted Mean Vote/Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) model in workers of screening center for COVID-19. Methods: The study period was from March 1 to October 31, 2020. In this study, we used the ISO 7730 model to determinate PMV-PPD index. PMV index was used to determine thermal comfort at different scales in Birjand city with arid and hot climate. All data were analyzed using R software (version 3.3.0) and IBM SPSS statistics softwares. Results: The maximum and minimum recorded physical PMV values in the study period were observed in June as (2.09 ± 0.03) and March as (-1.27 ± 0.14), respectively. The amplitude of the thermal sense in the study period was varied between slightly cool (-1.5) and warm (+2.5). The PPD in spring was 40% which indicated slightly warm to hot condition. Conclusions: The October was the only month during the study in which thermal stress was in comfort or neutral thermal condition. Our results suggest that thermal comfort has dimensions and indices which are helpful in managing energy consumption.
