Health and work at high altitude: a study at the Mauna Kea observatories

Author:

Forster, Peter J.G.

Title:

Health and work at high altitude: a study at the Mauna Kea observatories

Periodical:

Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Year:

1984

Volume:

99

Pages:

478-487

Subject:

High altitude physiology Altitude hypoxia Altitude mountain sickness (AMS) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

Summary:

The summit of Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaii, stands at 4200 meters above sea level and is an excellent site for astronomical observations. However, a major discomfort of work at high altitude is due to the low-oxygen environment. As a result, those who work on Mauna Kea represent a unique group of people who are exposed to the stress of hypoxia as they ascend rapidly to the 4200 meter elevation, with minimal provision for acclimatization above the 3000 meter level, or travel frequently between sea level and the summit. Therefore, this study discusses the effects of high altitude that one might experiencing while working at the summit such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). The subjects who worked various schedules, (i.e., shift workers vs. commuters), the methods that were used in this study, the signs and symptoms, the medications, and the precautions that one may take in an effort to prevent or treat AMS is discussed in this document.

Label:

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)

URL:

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1984PASP...96..478F

Date:

1984

Collection:

Periodicals