What effect does wearing PPE have on the body's ability to regulate temperature?

What effect does wearing PPE have on the body's ability to regulate temperature?

• A. PPE prevents evaporative cooling
• B. PPE enhances evaporative cooling
• C. PPE has no effect
• D. PPE accelerates cooling

Answer: (A)

Wearing PPE creates a barrier to heat loss by trapping heat and moisture close to the body, which reduces the body's ability to cool itself. Evaporative cooling—sweat evaporating off the skin—is the primary way we shed heat, and PPE slows this process by limiting air flow and keeping humidity near the skin. That means heat builds up more quickly and overheating is more likely. This is why the effect is that PPE prevents evaporative cooling. It doesn’t enhance cooling, have no effect, or accelerate cooling. To manage this, choose breathable PPE when possible, take breaks, stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat stress.