Heat a killer: kills more Australians annually than road accidents

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.

http://health.ninemsn.com.au/family/8591843/heatwaves-are-deadlier-than-highways-ways-to-cope-this-summer

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