Abstract:
BACKGROUND:
Outdoor and indoor air temperature affects human health and
wellbeing. Climate change projections suggest that global
temperatures will continue to increase, and this poses a threat to
health. Buildings (for housing and business purposes) that can protect
humans from the adverse effects of temperature are essential,
especially in the context of climate change.
METHOD:
In this cross-sectional study, we measured the indoor temperature
inside shipping containers comprising a seven-storey block of
apartments and businesses in Johannesburg, South Africa for 14 days.
We assessed indoor temperature and relative humidity; evaluated
measured temperatures in relation to thresholds known to be
associated with adverse health risks; and sought to understand heathealth perceptions and symptoms of people living and working in shipping container units.
RESULTS:
Median indoor apparent temperature (AT) (a combination of
temperature and relative humidity) was 16°C with values ranging from
6°C (observed at 8:00) to 42°C (observed at 17:00). Insulated units had
temperatures between 2°C and 9°C cooler than the uninsulated unit.
Heat-health risks from AT exposure were likely in all units, although
there was variation in the number of occurrences that AT
measurements exceeded the four symptom bands of caution,
extreme caution, danger and extreme danger. Indoor AT was found to
be 7°C higher on average when compared to outdoor AT. Some
participants believed that their units were hot during hot weather and
most people opened windows or did nothing during hot weather. Few
participants reported experiencing adverse heat-health impacts,
except for experiencing headaches (58%) and feeling tired or weak
(40%).
CONCLUSION:
Residents, tenants, or business owners using shipping containers
should consider insulation installation and adequate windows/air
conditioning for ventilation, especially in hot climates. Further
research and awareness regarding heat-health risks of living or
working in these spaces is needed.
