[slightly OT] Dressed to kill

G'day guys,

Thought a few of you may find this interesting (then again maybe not),
given the recent discussion of weather and its effects on the
battlefield.

Beth

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Authors 
Young AJ. O'Brien C. Sawka MN. Gonzalez RR. 
Title 
Physiological problems associated with wearing NBC protective clothing 
during cold weather 
Source 
Aviation Space & Environmental Medicine. 71(2):184-189, 2000 Feb. 
Abstract 
This report considers how thermal balance of soldiers wearing nuclear, 
biological and chemical (NBC) protective clothing in combination with
the 
Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is affected during work in 
cold weather. A review of published reports concerning physiological 
consequences of wearing NBC protective clothing during cold exposure was

completed. The findings reported in the experimental literature were too

limited to adequately forecast the effects of adding NBC clothing to 
ECWCS. To remedy the information gap, simulation modeling was employed
to 
predict body temperature changes during alternating bouts of exercise
and 
rest throughout 8 h of exposure to three different severely cold 
conditions. Published findings indicate that NBC protective clothing may

inadequately protect against hand and finger cooling, especially during 
rest following strenuous activity. No evidence substantiates suggestions

that wearing NBC protective masks increases susceptibility to facial 
frostbite. Collectively, die limited experimental work and the results
of 
simulation modeling argue against any increased risk of hypothermia 
associated with wearing NBC protective clothing while working in the
cold. 
However, wearing NBC protective clothing during strenuous activity in
cold 
weather may increase the risk of hyperthermia, and cause sweat 
accumulation in clothing which may compromise insulation and increase
the 
risk of hypothermia during subsequent periods of inactivity.
[References: 
19]

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Elizabeth Fulton
c/o CSIRO Division of Marine Research
GPO Box 1538
HOBART 
TASMANIA 7001
AUSTRALIA
Phone (03) 6232 5018 International +61 3 6232 5018
Fax 03 6232 5053 International +61 3 6232 5053

email: beth.fulton@marine.csiro.au