For example, some medical conditions increase a person's risk of heat stress. Heart disease limits maximum cardiac output and impairs the body's capacity to increase cutaneous circulation. Diabetic or atherosclerotic vascular disease impairs vasodilatation. People with diseases of the spinal cord and central and peripheral nervous systems also exhibit impaired thermoregulatory responses. Antihistamines, phenothiazines, and cyclic antidepressants impair sweating.
Diuretics can limit cardiac output and affect heat tolerance and sweating.
24 Recommendations Issues concerning exposures of workers with developmental disabilities are complex, and research is needed to assess whether they are at greater risk of developing occupational illnesses than non disabled workers. Thus, when evaluating exposures of workers with developmental disabilities, occupational exposure limits should be used carefully and with an understanding that they may not be adequately protective. However, an informed decision based on a job placement evaluation should always be made before assigning workers with developmental disabilities to jobs involving exposures to chemical or physical agents. The worker should be involved in a job placement decision through discussion of risks and associated uncertainties.