Four influential models that predict human responses to the thermal environment are briefly described. The models considered are the Pierce 2-node model of human thermoregulation, the Stolwijk and Hardy 25-node model of human thermoregulation, the Givoni and Goldman model of rectal temperature response, and ISO/DIS 7933. The models' predictions of human responses to a wide range of thermal conditions have been compared with the responses of human subjects as described in reports of laboratory experiments. This paper discusses representative examples from these comparisons. These examples suggest that few of the models’ predictions are wildly inaccurate and that often at least one of the models is able to provide predictions of sufficient accuracy for them to be of practical use. Possible reasons for discrepancies between the observed data and the models’ predictions are discussed.

Units: SI