Industrial Health
Online ISSN : 1880-8026
Print ISSN : 0019-8366
ISSN-L : 0019-8366

This article has now been updated. Please use the final version.

Prevalence of cold-related symptoms among Thai chicken meat industry workers: association with workplace temperature and thermal insulation of clothing
Chotirot CHOTIPHANNipaporn AUTTANATESuchinda Jarupat MARUOSimo NÄYHÄKirsi JUSSILASirkka RISSANENPenpatra SRIPAIBOONKIJTiina M IKÄHEIMOJouni Jk JAAKKOLAWantanee PHANPRASIT
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 2019-0214

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Abstract

This study determined the association of cold-related symptoms with workplace temperature and thermal insulation of clothing among Thai chicken industry workers. Three hundred workers were interviewed regarding cold-related symptoms, which were regressed on worksite temperature and protective clothing. In total, 80% of workers reported respiratory symptoms; 23%, cardiac symptoms; 62%, circulation disturbances; 42%, thirst; 56%, drying of the mouth; and 82%, degradation of their performance. When adjusted for personal characteristics, respiratory symptoms were 1.1–2.2 times more prevalent at –22–10°C than at 10–23°C. At –22–10°C, cardiac symptoms increased by 45%, chest pain by 91%, peripheral circulation disturbances by 25%, and drying of the mouth by 57%. Wearing protective clothing with at least 1.1 clo units was associated with marked reductions in symptom prevalence. Therefore, temperatures lower than 10°C increased prevalence of cold-related symptoms, which are largely preventable by appropriate clothing use.

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© 2020 by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
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