Impact of Tent Shade on Heat Exposures and Simulated Heat Strain for People Experiencing Homelessness

Concurrent increases in homelessness and heat intensity, duration, and frequency translate to an urban heat risk trap for the unsheltered population. Homelessness is both a driver and consequence of poor health, co-creating distinct geographies with various risk factors that exacerbate heat vulnerability. We tested the efficacy of different tent shadings over identical tents often observed in the Phoenix area (white bedsheet, mylar, tarp, and aluminum foil) and compared them to a control tent (uncovered) and ambient conditions. We monitored all meteorological variables at all six locations, notably Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT). The in-tent microclimate variability was applied to complete statistical and physiological modeling including substance use on heat strain. Findings indicate that tent shadings resulted in significantly lower in-tent MRT during the day (p < 0.05), but exacerbated in-tent thermal risk during the night compared to the control tent and ambient conditions. Furthermore, we found evidence that the temperature metric matters, and using only either MRT or air temperature (Tair) to assess “heat” could lead to inconsistent conclusions about in-tent microclimate. Interactions between shade types and time significantly amplified in-tent thermal risk. Physiological modeling indicates a higher risk of heat strain (core temperature beyond 40˚C) for people using substances. Decision makers should promote testing different heat intervening strategies toward realizing effective means of protecting human life and preventing heat illnesses. This study illuminates the need for an interdisciplinary approach to studying tents as shelters that considers the total heat load with heat strain modeling.