Review of health implications of hot humid environment on indoor and outdoor workers

The workers working in hot humid summer environment outdoor as well as those working indoor in various industrial, governments, private or domestic establishments have increase risk of suffering with heat related illness. Those working indoor also experience equal adverse effects as they have frequent change in exposure to hot outdoor climate and hot and humid indoor temperatures while reporting on duty, during lunch breaks and at end of the shift. These indoor workers may be affected with heat stroke related illness. Our earlier study on hydration status in indoor workers of an academic institution revealed hypo-hydrated status of majority of the working staff both pre and post shift. Proper hydration status of workers, well ventilated indoor premises, adequate cooling zones indoor as well as rest zones for food and relaxation of workers during shift breaks and adequate safe drinking water will help to reduce the adverse effect of heat illness. The above fact gave us an impetus to review the literature and ascertain the effects s of hot environment on indoor and outdoor work employees.