The risk of heat exhaustion at a deep underground metalliferous mine in relation to body-mass index and predicted VO2max.

Abstract

The risk of heat exhaustion at a deep underground metalliferous mine was assessed in relation to the body-mass index (BMI) and predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of miners, using case-control methodology. Sixty-five cases of acute heat exhaustion and 119 controls were studied. Heat exhaustion cases had a significantly higher BMI than controls (P = 0.006). The odds ratios increased with BMI. For a BMI of 32.00-36.99, compared to a BMI of less than 27.00 the odds ratio was 3.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.42-9.36). VO2max was not significantly lower in cases than controls. The odds ratios for heat exhaustion increased with decreasing VO2max, but not significantly. The sample size provided 80% power of detecting an odds ratio of 2.5 or greater. Deep underground miners should be advised to maintain a BMI of 24-27. Selection of miners on the basis of BMI should not be used as an alternative to satisfactory engineering controls such as ventilation and refrigeration.

• Authors: A M Donoghue, G P Bates
• Journal: Occupational medicine (Oxford, England) (Occup Med (Lond)) Vol. 50 Issue 4 Pg. 259-63 (May 2000) ISSN: 0962-7480 [Print] England
• PMID: 10912377 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Australia (epidemiology)
• Body Mass Index
• Case-Control Studies
• Heat Exhaustion (epidemiology, etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Metallurgy
• Mining
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Oxygen Consumption
• Physical Fitness
• Risk Assessment