ENANDER AE, HYGGE S. Thermal stress and human performance. Scand J Work Environ Health 1990;16(suppl 1):44-50. There is evidence that the thermal stress encountered in many work environments may negatively affect various aspects of human performance and behavior. Evaluation of the empirical research is, however, complicated by differences in both the methodology and the definition of the basic stimulus. Effects of heat and cold stress are briefly reviewed, with particular regard to theoretical considerations.Key terms: cold, heat, performance, social behavior.People are subjected to thermal stress in many work environments, as, eg, in outdoor work under intemperate climatic conditions or in the processing of products which require heat-producing technology or strict hygienic standards. While physiological limits of endurance are seldom reached in today's work environment, increasing interest is being focused on the possible negative effects on behavior. A relationship between thermal stress and accident occurrence was documented over 50 years ago, and a similar relationship to unsafe work behavior was recently demonstrated (1). These relationships form a background to the following discussion of the central issues in research on the behavioral effects of thermal stress.

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HEARING IN MENIBRES DISEASE A S t u d y of P u r e -T o n e A u d i o g r a n i s i n 334 P a t i e n t sIn 334 patients with Menibre's disease the pure-tone audiograms were analysed, and the age at onset, onset symptoms and bilaterality were studied. The flat curve was niost coninion ( S O % ) , followed next by the rising curve (17%) and then the falling curve ( 1 2 % ) . The average hearing loss for the whole material was 52 dB. Patients with flat, rising and falling curves had hearing loss of approximately the same order of magnitude. Patients with rising and trough curves had, on the average, the shortest duration of disease. The hearing loss progressed most rapidly during the first year of the disease, after which only minor deterioration took place. The mean age for patients with falling curves was on the whole the same as for the whole material.Fluctuation of the auditory threshold was recorded with all types of curves, but was somewhat more common with rising and trough curves. Fluctuations were recorded in approximately half of the patients, regardless of the duration of the disease, and they were noted more often within the frequency range 250-1000 Hz than at higher frequencies.The average size of the recorded fluctuations was 20-30 dB, this being independent, on the whole, of the frequency range.The disease was bilateral in 14%. In half of these cases the second ear was involved either simultaneously or during the first year of illness. In the other half the second ear was affected after varying intervals of up to 20 years. In 77% of the patients the disease was manifested before the age of 51 years. The most coninion forni of onset of the disease was simultaneous hearing loss and vertigo. Vertigo alone as the onset syniptom was noted in 37% of the patients, and hearing loss in 22%. In twothirds of the latter patients the first vertigo attack occurred after an interval of one year or longer.

Performance and sensory aspects of work in cold environments: a review Climatic Physiology and Psychophysiological Sections, De~artment of Occu~ational Medicine. National Board of ~L c u~a t i o n a l safeti and Health, ~1 7 i 84 Solna, SwedenMany people are occupationally exposed to cool or cold environments in which human performance and comfort may be affected. Research results on manual function and other performance measures together with certain subjective efiects relevant to work in moderate cold are reviewed. The considerable individual differences in reactions to work in the cold are highlighted. and the difficulties in establishing relationships between physiological measures of cooling, performance and sensory reactions are discussed. Ir is suggested that an integration of these three aspects is a necessary basis Tor understanding man's reactions to work in the cold and for improving equipment, training and work routines.

Investigates what people are prepared to do in the way of disaster preparation, and examines how these assessments may be related to personal factors and attitudes. Draws on a theoretical model of the area, developed in a previous study using a qualitative grounded theory approach. Surveys 925 persons representative of the Swedish population between the ages of 16 and 74. Data were collected in a postal questionnaire. Shows that the preparations for disasters which had been carried out by the greatest number were installation of smoke detectors, participating in practice at school or work, and learning first aid. The least performed preparations included joining a voluntary organization or training programme, stocking up with tinned food at home, taking extra insurance, and learning how to deal with psychological crisis reactions. Finds considerable subgroup differences; and that the two key dimensions of the model ‐ sense of personal meaningfulness and societal commitment ‐ account for the differences. Suggests actions to be taken by the Swedish authorities.