Heat exposure in sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica.
Am J Ind Med
; 56(10): 1157-64, 2013 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23775893
BACKGROUND: Occupational heat stress is a major concern in sugarcane production and has been hypothesized as a causal factor of a chronic kidney disease epidemic in Central America. This study described working conditions of sugarcane harvesters in Costa Rica and quantified their exposure to heat. METHODS: Non-participatory observation and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) according to Spanish NTP (Technical Prevention Notes) guidelines were utilized to quantify the risk of heat stress. OSHA recommendations were used to identify corresponding exposure limit values. RESULTS: Sugarcane harvesters carried out labor-intensive work with a metabolic load of 261 W/m² (6.8 kcal/min), corresponding to a limit value of 26° WBGT which was reached by 7:30 am on most days. After 9:15 am, OSHA recommendations would require that workers only work 25% of each hour to avoid health risks from heat. CONCLUSIONS: Sugarcane harvesters are at risk for heat stress for the majority of the work shift. Immediate action is warranted to reduce such exposures.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Exposição Ocupacional
/
Transtornos de Estresse por Calor
/
Agricultura
/
Temperatura Alta
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America central
/
Costa rica
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Ind Med
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Costa Rica
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos