circumpolar areas are associated with prolonged cold exposure where wind, precipitation, and darkness further aggravate the environmental conditions and the associated risks. Despite the climate warming, cold climatic conditions will prevail in circumpolar areas and contribute to adverse health effects. Frostbite is a freezing injury where localized damage affects the skin and other tissues. It occurs during occupational or leisure-time activities and is common in the general population among men and women of various ages. Industries of the circumpolar areas where frostbite occurs frequently include transportation, mining, oil, and gas industry, construction, agriculture, and military operations. Cold injuries may also occur during leisure-time activities involving substantial cold exposure, such as mountaineering, skiing, and snowmobiling. Accidental situations (occupational, leisure time) often contribute to adverse cooling and cold injuries. Several environmental (temperature, wind, wetness, cold objects, and altitude) and individual (behavior, health, and physiology) predisposing factors are connected with frostbite injuries. Vulnerable populations include those having a chronic disease (cardiovascular, diabetes, and depression), children and the elderly, or homeless people. Frostbite results in sequelae causing different types of discomfort and functional limitations that may persist for years. A frostbite injury is preventable, and hence, unacceptable from a public health perspective. Appropriate cold risk management includes awareness of the adverse effects of cold, individual adjustment of cold exposure and clothing, or in occupational context different organizational and technical measures. In addition, vulnerable population groups need customized information and care for proper prevention of Frostbites.

Related Articles
The epidemiology of cold injury in Antarctica.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1999
The epidemiology of cold injury in Antarctica.
Cattermole TJ. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1999 Feb; 70(2):135-40.
Review Work in the cold. Review of methods for assessment of cold exposure.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1993
Review Work in the cold. Review of methods for assessment of cold exposure.
Holmér I. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1993; 65(3):147-55.
Occurrence of frostbite in the general population--work-related and individual factors.
Scand J Work Environ Health. 2009
Occurrence of frostbite in the general population--work-related and individual factors.
Mäkinen TM, Jokelainen J, Näyhä S, Laatikainen T, Jousilahti P, Hassi J. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2009 Oct; 35(5):384-93.
Review Predisposing factors and prevention of frostbite.
Int J Circumpolar Health. 2000
Review Predisposing factors and prevention of frostbite.
Rintamäki H. Int J Circumpolar Health. 2000 Apr; 59(2):114-21.
Frostbite: incidence and predisposing factors in mountaineers.
Br J Sports Med. 2005
Frostbite: incidence and predisposing factors in mountaineers.
Harirchi I, Arvin A, Vash JH, Zafarmand V. Br J Sports Med. 2005 Dec; 39(12):898-901; discussion 901.

To top • Home

---

Show map | Diseases | Vaccination | Chronic disease | Medicine | Pregnancy | Heat & Sunburn | Cold | Security | Useful tips | Faq | News

TraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster