A comparison of models for predicting human response to hot and cold environments

Abstract

Four influential models which make predictions of human response to hot or cold environments have been described and their predictions compared. The models considered were the Givoni and Goldman prediction equations. ISO/DIS 7933, the J. B. Pierce Lab. 2-node and the Stolwijk and Hardy 25-node models of human thermoregulation. The models integrate the important environmental variables, (air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air speed and relative humidity) with subject variables (insulation of clothing worn and metabolic heal production), in order to make predictions such as core and skin temperature response and allowable exposure times. The models' predictions have been compared for a range of hot and cold environments. This comparison has shown that while for some environments the models' predictions are similar, for other environments they are very different. These differences would result in different practical decisions being made. The models should be used with caution until further evaluation for. a wide range of subjects and environmental conditions has determined the accuracy of the models and for which environments they are most appropriate.