The thermal state of body when using personal protective equipment against biological factors

Abstract

Introduction. The article presents the study results of the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) from biological factors on the functional state of the medical workers’ body and thermoregulatory reactions when working in the “biohazard zone” of the infectious department. Materials and methods. The study involved twenty five volunteers (doctors and paramedical staff of the infectious diseases department) performing official duties for 5 hours in the “biohazard zone” with an air temperature of 23.9 ± 1.6 ○C and a relative humidity of 39.2 ± 11.8%. Measurements were carried out before the work shift start, during and within 30 minutes after leaving the “biohazard zone” in a room with a comfortable climatic conditions. Recorded indicators were skin temperature, heat, and moisture sensations on 11 areas of the body surface, body temperature (measured in the armpit), heart rate. Based on the obtained data, there were calculated the following parameters including body surface area, average skin, and body temperature, the change in the body’s heat content for each hour of work, moisture loss, and energy consumption. Results. The use of PPE from biological factors leads to a heat and moisture exchange disorder of the human body with the environment, which is expressed in an increase in “shell” and “core” temperature, moisture loss, energy consumption, and, consequently, overheating, the appearance of uncomfortable sensations, as well as working capacity decrease. Limitations. When studying the thermal state of the body of 25 medical workers, the tension of thermoregulatory mechanisms when using biological PPE was established, depending on the type of work performed, and the severity of the labour process, gender, age, and weight. Conclusion. The obtained results showed the greatest impact on the thermal state during work duties in a comfortable climatic conditions to be exerted by the design and thermophysical properties of PPE from biological factors made of vapour resistant and airtight fabrics, as well as a long stay in the “biohazard zone” along with a high degree of psychological stress of their occupational activities.