Parameters of human discomfort in warm environments
The relationship between thermoregulatory responses during exposure to warm and hot environments and the associated subjective perceptions, e.g., comfort, thermal sensation, etc., have been studied by numerous investigators over a considerable span of time, i.e., roughly 50 years. Skin temperature, mean body temperature, sweating, and percent of skin wettedness have been shown to have a role in comfort, thermal sensation, and perception of skin moisture. This paper reviews studies concerned with the physical and physiological parameters relative to these subjective responses and their level of magnitude, with primary emphasis on warm discomfort and skin moisture. The review indicates that, while utilizing different methodologies for quantification of skin moisture under a wide range of ambient conditions and experimental protocols, the relationship between skin wettedness and discomfort or unpleasantness is consistent and experimentally supported.
- Research Organization:
- John B. Pierce Foundation Lab., New Haven, CT
- OSTI ID:
- 6457890
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8606125-
- Journal Information:
- ASHRAE Trans.; (United States), Journal Name: ASHRAE Trans.; (United States) Vol. 92:2B; ISSN ASHTA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIOLOGICAL WASTES
BODY FLUIDS
BODY TEMPERATURE
BUILDINGS
CONTROL
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
HUMAN POPULATIONS
MATERIALS
OCCUPANTS
POPULATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SPACE HVAC SYSTEMS
SWEAT
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THERMAL COMFORT
THERMOREGULATION
WASTES