Evaluating the 35°C wet-bulb temperature adaptability threshold for young, healthy subjects (PSU HEAT Project)
Daniel J. Vecellio, S. Tony Wolf, Rachel M. Cottle, W. Larry Kenney
Abstract
This study is the first to use empirical physiological observations to examine the well-publicized theoretical 35°C wet-bulb temperature limit for human to extreme environments. We find that uncompensable heat stress in humid environments occurs in young, healthy adults at wet-bulb temperatures significantly lower than 35°C. In addition, uncompensable heat stress occurs at widely different wet-bulb temperatures as a function of ambient vapor pressure.
Topics & Concepts
AdaptabilityWet-bulb temperatureDry-bulb temperatureHeat stressHumidityAnimal scienceRelative humidityEvaporative coolerSkin temperatureEnvironmental scienceBiologyMedicineEcologyThermodynamicsPhysicsBiomedical engineeringThermoregulation and physiological responsesClimate Change and Health ImpactsExercise and Physiological Responses