ABSTRACT
Whether conscious of it or not, people continuously respond to their environment to pursue or maintain an optimum thermal condition. It is reasonable to assume, therefore, that there are mechanisms in the body for detecting conditions, interpreting their consequences and taking action. This is the system of human thermoregulation. Action can lead to a change in the environment to which the person is exposed (e.g. by moving around) and in the state of the body (e.g. by sweating). Both of these will adjust the heat transfer between the person and the environment towards a heat balance, an optimum state and hence survival, health, comfort and satisfaction.
