What makes heat stress particularly dangerous for individuals working with hazardous materials?

Heat stress is particularly dangerous when individuals are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) that is heavy, hot, and constricting. PPE is designed to protect workers from hazardous materials, but its effectiveness can come at the cost of increased heat retention and reduced airflow around the body. This creates a risk for heat-related illnesses, as the worker's body has a more challenging time regulating its temperature.

When PPE is cumbersome and does not allow for adequate airflow, it can lead to elevated body temperatures, sweating, and dehydration more rapidly than in normal conditions. This is critical in environments where hazardous materials are involved because impaired physical and cognitive performance from heat stress can hinder a worker's ability to respond to emergencies or make safe decisions. Therefore, the combination of wearing heavy and restrictive PPE in a heated environment increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, making heat stress a serious concern for those working with hazardous substances.