Most of the Earth's surface is covered by water, desert, ice or mountains. Thus for humans (a sub-tropical, low altitude, air-breathing animal) most of theplanet represents a hostile environment. This important new book presents an in-depth introduction to human physiological and psychological responses to extreme environments, as well as methods for selecting, preparing and protectingindividuals that enter those environments. Drawing on a wide range of cuttingedge scientific sources, including the latest research in molecular biology, the book examines human responses to short and long term exposure to heat, cold air and water, pressure, altitude, microgravity and environmental pollution.Each section contains a detailed introduction to the core science; outlines the typical hazards associated with each environment; and includes recommendations for mitigating decrements in performance and threats to life, such as acclimatization and protective clothing. The book also traces an important evolutionary theme, explaining the physiological implications of mankind's migration from sub-tropical origins to all corners of the planet and into space. Human Environmental Physiology contains case studies, data, summaries and illustrations throughout, as well as an appendix outlining the most important methodologies and techniques employed environmental research. It is essential reading forall students and researchers working in sport and exercise, physiology, medicine or biomedical science. INDICE: 1. The Environment, Ecology and Evolution 2. The Maintenance of Balance: Homeostasis 3. Origins: Heat 4. Moving North and South: Cold Air 5. Entering Cold Water 6. Diving Down for Food, Fun and Oil: Physics and Physiology 7. Climbing High: Because its There! 8. Stepping into Space 9. Man-made Environments: Indoor Environments and Pollution 10. Principles of Protection 11. Postscript: where we have been, where we are and where we may go.
- ISBN: 978-0-415-49101-3
- Editorial: Routledge
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 376
- Fecha Publicación: 01/07/2012
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés