Effect of Solar Radiation on Human Response during Block Laying in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Musa A.I, Ismaila SO
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5048466
ABSTRACT
Considerable numbers of outdoor workers worldwide are exposed to solar radiation and this exposure induces various adverse health effects on the workers. This study was conducted to determine the effect of solar radiation on human response during block laying in Ogun State, Nigeria. Two hundred and four masons performing block laying in outdoor environment were investigated between January and December. The meteorological parameters were measured and recorded around the mason which included the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and radiant temperature respectively. Similarly, physiological parameters of the mason were also measured and recorded such as skin and core temperature. The results showed that the mean value of 33.13±2.34 oC, 55.32±6.40, 0.48±0.03 m/sec, 662.73±100.31 w/m2 and 34.00±2.13 oC were observed for air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and radiant temperature respectively. The result also revealed that the mean skin and core temperature of the mason were 34.02±0.54 oC and 36.39±0.14 oC respectively. The study concluded that the combination of high temperature and high relative humidity serves to reduce the thermal comfort of the mason and outdoor air quality.
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, PMB 2210, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Keywords: Solar Radiation, Meteorological, Physiological, Temperature, Blocklaying, Mason, Outdoor
Published date: 2021/06/30
