Optimal low-cost cooling strategies for infant strollers during hot weather.
Ergonomics
; 66(12): 1935-1949, 2023 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36688597
ABSTRACT
The current study aimed to identity the optimal low-cost stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid summer weather. A commercially available stroller was instrumented to assess the key parameters of the thermal environment. The cooling efficacy of eight different stroller configurations was examined in a counterbalanced order across 16 hot summer days (air temperature (Ta) = 33.3 ± 4.1 °C; relative humidity = 36.7 ± 15%; black globe temperature = 43.9 ± 4.6 °C). Compared with a standard-practice stroller configuration, combining a moist muslin draping with a battery-operated clip-on fan provided optimal in-stroller cooling, reducing the end-trial air temperature by 4.7 °C and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) by 1.4 °C. In contrast, in-stroller temperatures were substantially increased by draping a dry muslin (Ta = +2.6 °C; WBGT = +0.9 °C) or flannelette (Ta = +3.7 °C; WBGT = +1.4 °C) cloth over the stroller carriage. These findings provide empirical evidence which may inform guidance aimed at protecting infants during hot weather.Practitioner summary:
This study examined the efficacy of traditional and novel stroller cooling strategies for use in hot and moderately humid weather. Covering the carriage with a dry muslin cloth substantially increased stroller temperatures and should be avoided. Evaporative cooling methods reduced in-stroller temperatures. A moist muslin cloth draping combined with a fan provided optimal stroller cooling.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Equipamentos para Lactente
/
Transtornos de Estresse por Calor
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Health_economic_evaluation
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article