Assessment of worker heat exposure using data from the CARTaGENE cohort

Status Completed
Start date 2019
Location Quebec
Researcher Noisel, Nolwenn
Associated institution CARTaGENE
Summary

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, protecting workers from heat-related health risks is becoming an important public health challenge. This project used CARTaGENE data to better understand which groups of workers are most likely to be exposed to heat and experience adverse health effects. The analyses identified several factors associated with increased vulnerability to heat, including specific working conditions, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and the use of medications that can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. The findings showed that some sectors, particularly agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, experience higher levels of heat exposure than others. The study also identified nearly 200 heat-related health events in linked health administrative data. These results contribute to a better understanding of occupational heat risks and provide valuable information to support prevention strategies and worker protection measures in the context of a changing climate.

Themes
  • Environment and lifestyle
  • Public health and epidemiology
Data types
  • Questionnaire data