The
Australian summer has been breaking temperature records, with most states
recording the highest ever temperatures on record. Temperatures of over 40C,
especially the record number of consecutive days over 40C, have been recorded to
date in the summer of 2013.
An article in
Health & Wellbeing (January 11, 2013) said that heat alone kills more
Australians that road accidents. Figures from the government’s Climate Change
Health Risk Assessment show that thermal extremes currently contribute to 1,121
deaths a year in major Australian cities. The figure is expected to reach 2,030
by 2020.
Dr. Liz Hanna
of the Climate Change Adaptation Research Network – Human Health, at the
Australian National University, says Australians vastly over-estimate their
ability to cope with heat. She says people begin to feel ill when their body
temperature reaches 38 degrees Celsius. Metabolism and moving muscles generate
heat and this starts to become difficult when the air temperature rises above
30 degrees, and the human body is compromised when the air temperature reaches
35 degrees. However, the temperature at which people are at risk varies with
humidity, their familiarization with hot conditions, and their level of
exposure to the heat.
The article
says most people cannot sustain physical exercise beyond a few minutes in very
high temperatures without experiencing “heat gain” which is when people lose the
ability to cool themselves naturally (called thermo-regulate). Heat gain places
strain on the heart. Over-heating not only affects the young and elderly (whom
are most at risk), but also the young and fit if they are in prolonged conditions
or have consumed excessive alcohol or other substances which affect the body’s
metabolism and health.
In high
temperatures, the body’s natural reaction is to slow down and to become
lethargic. It increases perspiration and thirst. Therefore to reduce the risk
of over-heating, the article recommends accessing cool environments, slowing
down, drinking adequate water, and wearing non-restrictive light clothing.
Comments
Post a Comment