SEASONAL CHANGES OF VITAL SIGNS IN RELATION TO THE WORKING THERMAL CONDITIONS AMONG WORKERS OF TEHRAN BAKERIES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the seasonal changes of vital signs (body temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure) in relation to the working thermal conditions. In this study a total number of 202 permanent workers of bakeries were studied during summer and winter. The results showed the body temperature and pulse rate raised more in summer than in winter in all workers except who worked under favorable thermal conditions and are involved in light duties too (P< 0.005). No significant seasonal changes, however, was noticed concerning systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It was concluded that acclimation does not totally eliminate the seasonal changes in thermoregulatory set point. Furthermore the results indicated that the natural acclimatization is preferred over the artificial process.