Impact of Personal Protective Equipment on Human Heat Exchange: A Narrative Review

Clothing affects the heat exchange between humans and the environment through conduction, radiation, and evaporation. Therefore, using the right clothes in environments with high thermal stress increases efficiency and reduces disorders caused by heat. Like insulation, clothes can separate people from the environment and affect heat exchange processes. Additionally, clothing influences human perception of thermal stress. In dealing with the heat of the work environment, the material, shape, and color of the clothes are very important. Inadequate evaporation of sweat and lack of air flow around the skin cause heat accumulation and increase in body temperature, potentially leading to skin complications when the skin remains moist for a long time. The type of fibers and the weave of the fabric are effective on the heat exchange between humans and the environment. It is recommended that people wear comfortable, cotton clothes in environments with high thermal stress. When exposed to direct sunlight, it is advisable to wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes that cover all parts of the body, including the forehead.

کلیدواژه ها:

Heat exchange ، Protective clothing ، heat stress