Heat index in migrant farmworker housing: implications for rest and recovery from work-related heat stress

Am J Public Health. 2013 Aug;103(8):e24-6. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301135. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Abstract

Although the health risk to farmworkers of working in hot conditions is recognized, potential for excessive heat exposure in housing affecting rest and recovery has been ignored. We assessed heat index in common and sleeping rooms in 170 North Carolina farmworker camps across a summer and examined associations with time of summer and air conditioning use. We recorded dangerous heat indexes in most rooms, regardless of time or air conditioning. Policies to reduce heat indexes in farmworker housing should be developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / prevention & control
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Heat Stress Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Heat Stress Disorders / prevention & control
  • Hot Temperature*
  • Housing*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • North Carolina / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Transients and Migrants*