Heat Gain and Heat Loss: Metabolism, Physical Activity and Environmental Factors

Abstract

This chapter defines heat gain and heat loss during metabolism and physical activity. The metabolic heat generated by a person increases as a function of the physical work performed. Metabolic heat can be estimated based on actual measurement of oxygen consumption of a worker, or estimated using detailed calculations and tabulations. Metabolism, physical activity, digestion, and environmental elements including high outside temperature, humidity, sun radiation, lack of shade, physical activity, clothing, indoor climate, and urban heat island effect all contribute to heat gain. Convection, radiation, evaporation, respiration, and conduction are the ways in which heat is lost.