| Keywords |
Personal protective equipment; Discomfort level; Thermal sensation; Thermal comfort; Shortness of breath |
| Abstract |
We aimed to evaluate discomfort levels while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) of healthcare workers to protect from COVID-19 in a hot and humid environment. Six types of PPE (0.18~1.77 clo in thermal insulation; 0.227 ~ 0.319 kPa·m2·W-1 in water evaporative resistance) were chosen and eight subjects (23.1 ± 3.3 y in age) were participated in a neutral (25oC, 50%RH) and a hot and humid environment (33oC, 70%RH). A trial consisted of 90 min (10-min rest, 60-min walking and 20-min recovery). Thermal sensation, thermal comfort, humidity sensation, shortness of breath and ratings of perceived exertions (RPE) were recorded. The results showed that the PPE were classified as three levels in terms of discomfort in 33oC and 70%RH (Low, Middle, and High). Local thermal comfort, shortness of breath and RPE were more valid to classify the discomfort level, rather than overall thermal sensation or comfort. Furthermore, there were no relationships between thermal insulation (or water evaporative resistance) and overall thermal sensation or comfort. Using a powered air purifying respirator was beneficial in the neutral environment only. To conclude, the three levels of discomfort can be applied to improve subjective perceptions of healthcare workers who wear PPE in hot and humid environments. |