Many problems in bioclimatology require an accurate knowledge of the variations of all meteorolog... more Many problems in bioclimatology require an accurate knowledge of the variations of all meteorological parameters which influence the thermal environment of man (i.g. short- and long-wave radiation, air temperature, wind velocity and air humidity). In addition to that a method for determining this thermal environment by a biometeorological index has to consider thermophysiologically relevant factors so as activity level and thermal resistance of the clothing. By means of the comfort equation (Fanger, 1970) it is possible, for any activity level and clothing to calculate all combinations of meteorological parameters, which will create optimal thermal comfort. The parametrization of the fluxes of short- and long-wave radiation permits to applicate this equation to outdoor conditions (Jendritzky, Sönning and Swantes, 1977). Examples for calculating some given conditions (i.g. street in the city, cross-country kinesitherapy, special land-use areas within a city) are demonstrated.
Die hohe Warmekapazitat des Wassers wirkt ausgleichend auf den Jahresgang der Temperatur der daru... more Die hohe Warmekapazitat des Wassers wirkt ausgleichend auf den Jahresgang der Temperatur der daruberlagernden Luft. Dadurch entstehen — insbesondere im Sommer und Winter — Temperaturgegensatze zwischen Meer und Kontinent. Die Zirkulation der Atmosphare ist bestrebt, diese Gegensatze durch monsunale Effekte (Flohn 1954) abzubauen. Fur den Nordseekustenbereich resultiert daraus ein ausgepragt fremdburtiger Klimatyp mit einem Maximum der Maritimitat im Sommer (Purschel u. Pahl 1978). Das Uberwiegen maritimer Luftmassen und die geographischen Gegebenheiten der Insel vor der, die Windgeschwindigkeit nur relativ gering beeinflussenden, Norddeutschen Tiefebene pragen das Klima Norderneys durch geringe Tages- und Jahresgange von Lufttemperatur und -feuchte; hohe Windgeschwindigkeiten; hohe Luftreinheit; im Vergleich zum Binnenland verbesserte Strahlungsbedingungen durch geringeren Bedeckungsgrad, weiten Horizont, Luftreinheit und Reflexstrahlung des hellen Sandes. Insbesondere im Juli und August erhohter UV-Anteil (Leistner 1966).
International Journal of Biometeorology, Feb 26, 2012
In the present study, we investigate the determination accuracy of the Universal Thermal Climate ... more In the present study, we investigate the determination accuracy of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). We study especially the UTCI uncertainties due to uncertainties in radiation fluxes, whose impacts on UTCI are evaluated via the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt). We assume "normal conditions", which means that usual meteorological information and data are available but no special additional measurements. First, the uncertainty arising only from the measurement uncertainties of the meteorological data is determined. Here, simulations show that uncertainties between 0.4 and 2 K due to the uncertainty of just one of the meteorological input parameters may be expected. We then analyse the determination accuracy when not all radiation data are available and modelling of the missing data is required. Since radiative transfer models require a lot of information that is usually not available, we concentrate only on the determination accuracy achievable with empirical models. The simulations show that uncertainties in the calculation of the diffuse irradiance may lead to Tmrt uncertainties of up to ±2.9 K. If long-wave radiation is missing, we may expect an uncertainty of ±2 K. If modelling of diffuse radiation and of longwave radiation is used for the calculation of Tmrt, we may then expect a determination uncertainty of ±3 K. If all radiative fluxes are modelled based on synoptic observation, the uncertainty in Tmrt is ±5.9 K. Because Tmrt is only one of the four input data required in the calculation of UTCI, the uncertainty in UTCI due to the uncertainty in radiation fluxes is less than ±2 K. The UTCI uncertainties due to uncertainties of the four meteorological input values are not larger than the 6 K reference intervals of the UTCI scale, which means that UTCI may only be wrong by one UTCI scale. This uncertainty may, however, be critical at the two temperature extremes, i.e. under extreme hot or extreme cold conditions.
The frequency of extreme heat events, such as the summer of 2003 in Europe, and their correspondi... more The frequency of extreme heat events, such as the summer of 2003 in Europe, and their corresponding consequences for human beings are expected to increase under a warmer climate. The joint collaboration of institutional agencies and multidisciplinary approaches is essential for a successful development of heat-health warning systems and action plans which can reduce the impacts of extreme heat on the population. The present work constitutes a state-of-the-art review of 16 European heat-health warning systems and heat-health action plans, based on the existing literature, web search (over the National Meteorological Services websites) and questionnaires. The aim of this study is to pave the way for future heat-health warning systems, such as the one currently under development in the framework of the Horizon 2020 HEAT-SHIELD project. Some aspects are highlighted among the variety of examined European warning systems. The meteorological variables that trigger the warnings should present a clear link with the impact under consideration and should be chosen depending on the purpose and target of the warnings. Setting long-term planning actions as well as pre-alert levels might prevent and reduce damages due to heat. Finally, education and communication are key elements of the success of a warning system.
... Ein weiterer Vorteil dieses Verfahren ist, dass es aufgrund der Einbeziehung relativer, dh lo... more ... Ein weiterer Vorteil dieses Verfahren ist, dass es aufgrund der Einbeziehung relativer, dh lokaler Bedingungen grundsätzlich in allen Klimaten angewendet werden ... In order to allow for sea-sonal variations in the total mortality data (high mortal-ity in winter and low mortality in ...
The objective of this study is to investigate the climate sensitivity of health in a moderate cli... more The objective of this study is to investigate the climate sensitivity of health in a moderate climate of SW Germany. Daily mortality rates for the 30 yr period 1968-1997 for Baden-Württemberg (SW Germany) have been investigated with regard to the possible impacts of the thermal environment. A complete heat budget model of the human being (Klima-Michel model with outcome 'perceived temperature') has been used to assess the atmospheric conditions of heat exchange. Mortality data show a marked seasonal pattern with a minimum in summer and a maximum in winter. During the seasonal minimum in summer, death rates rise sharply with increasing heat load, reaching highest values during pronounced heat waves. Under comfortable conditions, mortality data show the lowest rates. Increasing cold stress also causes death rates to rise. In addition, thermal changes on a time scale of 1 wk have been considered in comparison to short-term exposures. In all seasons changes towards 'warmer' conditions in terms of perceived temperature result in adverse effects, while changes to 'colder' conditions provide relief. This is unexpected for the winter. The daily correlation coefficients between the deviations of perceived temperature and the deviations of mortality rate from the smoothed values (Gaussian filter, 101 d) show a pronounced seasonal pattern with significant differences from zero between March and August. From the end of June to the beginning of July, about 25% of the variance in the deviations of mortality rate from the smoothed values can be explained by the effects of the thermal environment. The winter values show only non-significant correlations, strong day-today variability, but marked time lags of 8 d and more, while in summer there is practically no difference in the results between the zero and 1 d lags. Cold spells lead to excess mortality to a relatively small degree, which lasts for weeks. The mortality increase during heat waves is more pronounced, but is followed by lower than average values in subsequent weeks.
This paper deals with the different effects of climate, and the likely impact of climatic change,... more This paper deals with the different effects of climate, and the likely impact of climatic change, on the human being, his health and well-being. Those effects follow from consideration of the human energy budget and air pollution, including photooxidants and radiation, the latter especially in the UV-range. The development of tools to produce bioclimate maps, i.e. maps expressed in physiologically significant terms, in different scales up to the high resolution necessary for the microscale urban climate, will be discussed. The most important questions in bioclimate research and its application will be considered.
Background: The close relationship between human health, performance, well-being and the thermal ... more Background: The close relationship between human health, performance, well-being and the thermal environment is obvious. Nevertheless, most studies of climate and climate change impacts show amazing shortcomings in the assessment of the environment. Populations living in different climates have different susceptibilities, due to socioeconomic reasons, and different customary behavioural adaptations. The global distribution of risks of hazardous thermal exposure has not been analysed before. Objective: To produce maps of the baseline and future bioclimate that allows a direct comparison of the differences in the vulnerability of populations to thermal stress across the world. Design: The required climatological data fields are obtained from climate simulations with the global General Circulation Model ECHAM4 in T106-resolution. For the thermo-physiologically relevant assessment of these climate data a complete heat budget model of the human being, the 'Perceived Temperature' procedure has been applied which already comprises adaptation by clothing to a certain degree. Short-term physiological acclimatisation is considered via Health Related Assessment of the Thermal Environment. Results: The global maps 1971Á1980 (control run, assumed as baseline climate) show a pattern of thermal stress intensities as frequencies of heat. The heat load for people living in warmÁhumid climates is the highest. Climate change will lead to clear differences in health-related thermal stress between baseline climate and the future bioclimate 2041Á2050 based on the 'business-as-usual' greenhouse gas scenario IS92a. The majority of the world's population will be faced with more frequent and more intense heat strain in spite of an assumed level of acclimatisation. Further adaptation measures are crucial in order to reduce the vulnerability of the populations. Conclusions: This bioclimatology analysis provides a tool for various questions in climate and climate change impact research. Considerations of regional or local scale require climate simulations with higher resolution. As adaptation is the key term in understanding the role of climate/climate change for human health, performance and well-being, further research in this field is crucial.
The atmosphere is part of the environment with which the human organism is permanently confronted... more The atmosphere is part of the environment with which the human organism is permanently confronted. Epidemiological research investigates the occurrence of effects on morbidity and mortality due to heat, cold, air pollution and changes in the weather. Concentrating on aspects of the environment relevant for medical questions, three major complexes of effects can be discriminated: the complex conditions of heat exchange, the direct biological effects of solar radiation, and air pollution. Biometeorological knowledge can serve to assess the atmospheric environment, and can also be of help in the field of preventive planning, to conserve and develop the climate as a natural resource with regard to man's health, well-being and performance.
Due to the need for human beings to adapt their heat budget to the thermal environment in order t... more Due to the need for human beings to adapt their heat budget to the thermal environment in order to optimise comfort, performance and health the adaptation issue is a question of vital importance. Balancing the human heat budget, i.e. equilibration of the organism to variable environmental (atmospheric) and metabolic heat loads is controlled by a very efficient (for healthy people)
Of the numerous factors which can be held responsible for the frequency of industrial accidents, ... more Of the numerous factors which can be held responsible for the frequency of industrial accidents, the influence of the weather plays a certain role. Accidents occur more frequently during warm air advection with climatic instability (heat thunderstorms), they occur less frequently in north west weather conditions with cold air advection and particularly in east weather conditions. Germans and foreigners are similarly affected by the weather.
Hemophilic hemarthroses occur more frequently in spring and autumn. In the present study, possibl... more Hemophilic hemarthroses occur more frequently in spring and autumn. In the present study, possible weather situations are investigated which are characterized by a particular action on the increasing of hemorrhagic tendency. In 574 hemarthroses in 45 patients, the regional weather events were set in relation to the hemarthroses by means of a computer program. The following weather constellations significantly increase the tendency to bleed: Regional west weather conditions combined with longer lasting ascending procedures. The weather dynamics are dominated by the warm face of weak frontal zones with formation of a warm front. The biotropic weather elements demonstrated are also shown to be biotropic in other disease processes.
Many problems in bioclimatology require an accurate knowledge of the variations of all meteorolog... more Many problems in bioclimatology require an accurate knowledge of the variations of all meteorological parameters which influence the thermal environment of man (i.g. short- and long-wave radiation, air temperature, wind velocity and air humidity). In addition to that a method for determining this thermal environment by a biometeorological index has to consider thermophysiologically relevant factors so as activity level and thermal resistance of the clothing. By means of the comfort equation (Fanger, 1970) it is possible, for any activity level and clothing to calculate all combinations of meteorological parameters, which will create optimal thermal comfort. The parametrization of the fluxes of short- and long-wave radiation permits to applicate this equation to outdoor conditions (Jendritzky, Sönning and Swantes, 1977). Examples for calculating some given conditions (i.g. street in the city, cross-country kinesitherapy, special land-use areas within a city) are demonstrated.
Die hohe Warmekapazitat des Wassers wirkt ausgleichend auf den Jahresgang der Temperatur der daru... more Die hohe Warmekapazitat des Wassers wirkt ausgleichend auf den Jahresgang der Temperatur der daruberlagernden Luft. Dadurch entstehen — insbesondere im Sommer und Winter — Temperaturgegensatze zwischen Meer und Kontinent. Die Zirkulation der Atmosphare ist bestrebt, diese Gegensatze durch monsunale Effekte (Flohn 1954) abzubauen. Fur den Nordseekustenbereich resultiert daraus ein ausgepragt fremdburtiger Klimatyp mit einem Maximum der Maritimitat im Sommer (Purschel u. Pahl 1978). Das Uberwiegen maritimer Luftmassen und die geographischen Gegebenheiten der Insel vor der, die Windgeschwindigkeit nur relativ gering beeinflussenden, Norddeutschen Tiefebene pragen das Klima Norderneys durch geringe Tages- und Jahresgange von Lufttemperatur und -feuchte; hohe Windgeschwindigkeiten; hohe Luftreinheit; im Vergleich zum Binnenland verbesserte Strahlungsbedingungen durch geringeren Bedeckungsgrad, weiten Horizont, Luftreinheit und Reflexstrahlung des hellen Sandes. Insbesondere im Juli und August erhohter UV-Anteil (Leistner 1966).
International Journal of Biometeorology, Feb 26, 2012
In the present study, we investigate the determination accuracy of the Universal Thermal Climate ... more In the present study, we investigate the determination accuracy of the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). We study especially the UTCI uncertainties due to uncertainties in radiation fluxes, whose impacts on UTCI are evaluated via the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt). We assume "normal conditions", which means that usual meteorological information and data are available but no special additional measurements. First, the uncertainty arising only from the measurement uncertainties of the meteorological data is determined. Here, simulations show that uncertainties between 0.4 and 2 K due to the uncertainty of just one of the meteorological input parameters may be expected. We then analyse the determination accuracy when not all radiation data are available and modelling of the missing data is required. Since radiative transfer models require a lot of information that is usually not available, we concentrate only on the determination accuracy achievable with empirical models. The simulations show that uncertainties in the calculation of the diffuse irradiance may lead to Tmrt uncertainties of up to ±2.9 K. If long-wave radiation is missing, we may expect an uncertainty of ±2 K. If modelling of diffuse radiation and of longwave radiation is used for the calculation of Tmrt, we may then expect a determination uncertainty of ±3 K. If all radiative fluxes are modelled based on synoptic observation, the uncertainty in Tmrt is ±5.9 K. Because Tmrt is only one of the four input data required in the calculation of UTCI, the uncertainty in UTCI due to the uncertainty in radiation fluxes is less than ±2 K. The UTCI uncertainties due to uncertainties of the four meteorological input values are not larger than the 6 K reference intervals of the UTCI scale, which means that UTCI may only be wrong by one UTCI scale. This uncertainty may, however, be critical at the two temperature extremes, i.e. under extreme hot or extreme cold conditions.
The frequency of extreme heat events, such as the summer of 2003 in Europe, and their correspondi... more The frequency of extreme heat events, such as the summer of 2003 in Europe, and their corresponding consequences for human beings are expected to increase under a warmer climate. The joint collaboration of institutional agencies and multidisciplinary approaches is essential for a successful development of heat-health warning systems and action plans which can reduce the impacts of extreme heat on the population. The present work constitutes a state-of-the-art review of 16 European heat-health warning systems and heat-health action plans, based on the existing literature, web search (over the National Meteorological Services websites) and questionnaires. The aim of this study is to pave the way for future heat-health warning systems, such as the one currently under development in the framework of the Horizon 2020 HEAT-SHIELD project. Some aspects are highlighted among the variety of examined European warning systems. The meteorological variables that trigger the warnings should present a clear link with the impact under consideration and should be chosen depending on the purpose and target of the warnings. Setting long-term planning actions as well as pre-alert levels might prevent and reduce damages due to heat. Finally, education and communication are key elements of the success of a warning system.
... Ein weiterer Vorteil dieses Verfahren ist, dass es aufgrund der Einbeziehung relativer, dh lo... more ... Ein weiterer Vorteil dieses Verfahren ist, dass es aufgrund der Einbeziehung relativer, dh lokaler Bedingungen grundsätzlich in allen Klimaten angewendet werden ... In order to allow for sea-sonal variations in the total mortality data (high mortal-ity in winter and low mortality in ...
The objective of this study is to investigate the climate sensitivity of health in a moderate cli... more The objective of this study is to investigate the climate sensitivity of health in a moderate climate of SW Germany. Daily mortality rates for the 30 yr period 1968-1997 for Baden-Württemberg (SW Germany) have been investigated with regard to the possible impacts of the thermal environment. A complete heat budget model of the human being (Klima-Michel model with outcome 'perceived temperature') has been used to assess the atmospheric conditions of heat exchange. Mortality data show a marked seasonal pattern with a minimum in summer and a maximum in winter. During the seasonal minimum in summer, death rates rise sharply with increasing heat load, reaching highest values during pronounced heat waves. Under comfortable conditions, mortality data show the lowest rates. Increasing cold stress also causes death rates to rise. In addition, thermal changes on a time scale of 1 wk have been considered in comparison to short-term exposures. In all seasons changes towards 'warmer' conditions in terms of perceived temperature result in adverse effects, while changes to 'colder' conditions provide relief. This is unexpected for the winter. The daily correlation coefficients between the deviations of perceived temperature and the deviations of mortality rate from the smoothed values (Gaussian filter, 101 d) show a pronounced seasonal pattern with significant differences from zero between March and August. From the end of June to the beginning of July, about 25% of the variance in the deviations of mortality rate from the smoothed values can be explained by the effects of the thermal environment. The winter values show only non-significant correlations, strong day-today variability, but marked time lags of 8 d and more, while in summer there is practically no difference in the results between the zero and 1 d lags. Cold spells lead to excess mortality to a relatively small degree, which lasts for weeks. The mortality increase during heat waves is more pronounced, but is followed by lower than average values in subsequent weeks.
This paper deals with the different effects of climate, and the likely impact of climatic change,... more This paper deals with the different effects of climate, and the likely impact of climatic change, on the human being, his health and well-being. Those effects follow from consideration of the human energy budget and air pollution, including photooxidants and radiation, the latter especially in the UV-range. The development of tools to produce bioclimate maps, i.e. maps expressed in physiologically significant terms, in different scales up to the high resolution necessary for the microscale urban climate, will be discussed. The most important questions in bioclimate research and its application will be considered.
Background: The close relationship between human health, performance, well-being and the thermal ... more Background: The close relationship between human health, performance, well-being and the thermal environment is obvious. Nevertheless, most studies of climate and climate change impacts show amazing shortcomings in the assessment of the environment. Populations living in different climates have different susceptibilities, due to socioeconomic reasons, and different customary behavioural adaptations. The global distribution of risks of hazardous thermal exposure has not been analysed before. Objective: To produce maps of the baseline and future bioclimate that allows a direct comparison of the differences in the vulnerability of populations to thermal stress across the world. Design: The required climatological data fields are obtained from climate simulations with the global General Circulation Model ECHAM4 in T106-resolution. For the thermo-physiologically relevant assessment of these climate data a complete heat budget model of the human being, the 'Perceived Temperature' procedure has been applied which already comprises adaptation by clothing to a certain degree. Short-term physiological acclimatisation is considered via Health Related Assessment of the Thermal Environment. Results: The global maps 1971Á1980 (control run, assumed as baseline climate) show a pattern of thermal stress intensities as frequencies of heat. The heat load for people living in warmÁhumid climates is the highest. Climate change will lead to clear differences in health-related thermal stress between baseline climate and the future bioclimate 2041Á2050 based on the 'business-as-usual' greenhouse gas scenario IS92a. The majority of the world's population will be faced with more frequent and more intense heat strain in spite of an assumed level of acclimatisation. Further adaptation measures are crucial in order to reduce the vulnerability of the populations. Conclusions: This bioclimatology analysis provides a tool for various questions in climate and climate change impact research. Considerations of regional or local scale require climate simulations with higher resolution. As adaptation is the key term in understanding the role of climate/climate change for human health, performance and well-being, further research in this field is crucial.
The atmosphere is part of the environment with which the human organism is permanently confronted... more The atmosphere is part of the environment with which the human organism is permanently confronted. Epidemiological research investigates the occurrence of effects on morbidity and mortality due to heat, cold, air pollution and changes in the weather. Concentrating on aspects of the environment relevant for medical questions, three major complexes of effects can be discriminated: the complex conditions of heat exchange, the direct biological effects of solar radiation, and air pollution. Biometeorological knowledge can serve to assess the atmospheric environment, and can also be of help in the field of preventive planning, to conserve and develop the climate as a natural resource with regard to man's health, well-being and performance.
Due to the need for human beings to adapt their heat budget to the thermal environment in order t... more Due to the need for human beings to adapt their heat budget to the thermal environment in order to optimise comfort, performance and health the adaptation issue is a question of vital importance. Balancing the human heat budget, i.e. equilibration of the organism to variable environmental (atmospheric) and metabolic heat loads is controlled by a very efficient (for healthy people)
Of the numerous factors which can be held responsible for the frequency of industrial accidents, ... more Of the numerous factors which can be held responsible for the frequency of industrial accidents, the influence of the weather plays a certain role. Accidents occur more frequently during warm air advection with climatic instability (heat thunderstorms), they occur less frequently in north west weather conditions with cold air advection and particularly in east weather conditions. Germans and foreigners are similarly affected by the weather.
Hemophilic hemarthroses occur more frequently in spring and autumn. In the present study, possibl... more Hemophilic hemarthroses occur more frequently in spring and autumn. In the present study, possible weather situations are investigated which are characterized by a particular action on the increasing of hemorrhagic tendency. In 574 hemarthroses in 45 patients, the regional weather events were set in relation to the hemarthroses by means of a computer program. The following weather constellations significantly increase the tendency to bleed: Regional west weather conditions combined with longer lasting ascending procedures. The weather dynamics are dominated by the warm face of weak frontal zones with formation of a warm front. The biotropic weather elements demonstrated are also shown to be biotropic in other disease processes.
Blazejczyk K, Jendritzky G, Broede P, Fiala D, Havenith G, Epstein Y, Psikuta A, Kampmann B. An i... more Blazejczyk K, Jendritzky G, Broede P, Fiala D, Havenith G, Epstein Y, Psikuta A, Kampmann B. An introduction to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) Geographia Polonica 86(1):5-10 2013.
The assessment of the thermal environment is one of the main issues in bioclimatic research, and more than 100 simple bio-climatic indices have thus far been developed to facilitate it. However, most of these indices have proved to be of limited applicability , and do not portray the actual impacts of thermal conditions on human beings. Indices derived from human heat-balance models (one-or two-node) have been found to offer a better representation of the environmental impact in question than do simple ones. Indeed, the new generation of multi-node models for human heat balance do allow full account to be taken of heat transfer and exchange, both within the human body and between the body surface and the surrounding air layer. In this paper, it is essential background information regarding the newly-developed Universal Thermal Climate Index UTCI that is presented, this in fact deriving from the Fiala multi-node model of human heatbalance. The UTCI is defined as the air temperature (Ta) of the reference condition causing the same model response as actual conditions. UTCI was developed in 2009 by virtue of international cooperation between leading experts in the areas of human thermophysiol-ogy, physiological modelling, meteorology and climatology. The necessary research for this had been conducted within the framework of a special commission of the International Society of Biometeorology (ISB) and European COST Action 730. UTCI • human heat balance • multi-node model • bioclimatic index •
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Papers by Gerd Jendritzky
The assessment of the thermal environment is one of the main issues in bioclimatic research, and more than 100 simple bio-climatic indices have thus far been developed to facilitate it. However, most of these indices have proved to be of limited applicability , and do not portray the actual impacts of thermal conditions on human beings. Indices derived from human heat-balance models (one-or two-node) have been found to offer a better representation of the environmental impact in question than do simple ones. Indeed, the new generation of multi-node models for human heat balance do allow full account to be taken of heat transfer and exchange, both within the human body and between the body surface and the surrounding air layer. In this paper, it is essential background information regarding the newly-developed Universal Thermal Climate Index UTCI that is presented, this in fact deriving from the Fiala multi-node model of human heatbalance. The UTCI is defined as the air temperature (Ta) of the reference condition causing the same model response as actual conditions. UTCI was developed in 2009 by virtue of international cooperation between leading experts in the areas of human thermophysiol-ogy, physiological modelling, meteorology and climatology. The necessary research for this had been conducted within the framework of a special commission of the International Society of Biometeorology (ISB) and European COST Action 730. UTCI • human heat balance • multi-node model • bioclimatic index •