Appropriate Heat Stress Index to Assess Heat Stress in Built Environment in India

Abstract

Global warming is on the rise, and the occurrence of heat stroke due to exposure to high temperature and humidity has become more prevalent. The country over the years has experienced severe heat wave with implications of illness and death. Most of the studies on heat stress have been assessed in urban areas. In contrast, there is very less research on the impact and significance of heat stress on rural habitations. The United Nations and Red Cross have warned that due to heat wave, human life may become unsustainable in the coming years. This study aims to look at the impact of heat stress on human life and the appropriate index to measure heat stress. A detailed study has been made to understand the current Indian scenario. Various methods of assessing heat stress and indices such as rational, empirical, and direct indices are studied to understand the best assessing method for assessing its impact in rural homes. An extensive assessment should be made for various geographical locations to understand the climate parameters and physiological needs to combat heat stress as heat stress indicators cannot be generic. It is found that Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is the best index for measuring that stress.