DETERMINATION OF WATER AND SALT REQUIREMENTS FOR DESERT OPERATIONS
Abstract
Four studies were carried out on a total of fifty-six enlisted men living in a laboratory hot room. Dry bulb temperature was maintained at 120F from 0800 to 1700 hours and at 90F during the remainder of each 24 hours. Conclusions: Daily water requirements are contingent upon the environmental temperature and the severity of physical work. Water requirements therefore vary with the duties of troops, and the locale and season. In a hot climate man dissipates the greater portion of his heat by the evaporation of sweat. Failure to supply sufficient water to make up for that lost in sweating results in the depletion of body water. If continued, this results in progressive loss in weight, physical deterioration, reduced efficiency and capacity for work, and greatly impairs morale and motivation. Reduction of water consumption to levels below that required to maintain water balance will be followed by incapacitation, whether the reduction is gradual or abrupt. The requirement of salt is in direct proportion to the amount of water taken. With exposure to heat, the need for extra salt is greater during the early days than after acclimatization is established.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1943
- Accession Number
- AD0652256
Entities
People
- Ludwig W. Eichna
- Norton Nelson
- William B. Bean
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory