Rising Death Toll: Heat Waves Pose Major Health Risk Worldwide
As global climate change accelerates, the devastating impact of heat waves on human health is becoming increasingly apparent. A recent study published in The Lancet estimated that approximately 500,000 individuals die each year from heat waves worldwide, with the actual number potentially higher due to under-aggregation of data from low-income countries. Last summer’s heat wave alone claimed the lives of an estimated 61,000 people in Europe, raising concerns about the ongoing threat.
Most Vulnerable to Heat-Related Illness
Those particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses include individuals who are homeless or engaged in outdoor occupational activities. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Additionally, individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes, must exercise caution as their existing symptoms may worsen in hot weather. Professor Riff Stephens, a climate risk and resilience researcher at the University of Reading, warns that heat waves act as a silent, invisible killer.
Moreover, studies have revealed that heat waves increase the risk of premature births, low birth weights, and mental health issues. Dr. Vicki Thompson, a climate scientist at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, highlights the correlation between hotter temperatures and poorer mental health, alongside a rise in car accidents and drownings. Thompson emphasizes that heat waves rank among the deadliest natural disasters.
Concerns are growing that areas previously unaffected by heat waves will now witness a surge in heat-related illnesses as a result of climate change-induced extreme weather conditions. This puts individuals worldwide, particularly those engaged in manual labor, at significant risk. Dr. Modi Wassama, representing the Welcome Trust, stresses the need for various measures including providing shelter, whitewashing buildings, and establishing an early warning system for climate-sensitive infectious diseases to mitigate the health damage caused by heat waves.
Act Swiftly: The Key to Saving Lives in Heat Stroke Cases
In the event of excessive heat, individuals should take precautions to regulate their body temperature, such as avoiding strenuous physical activity and maintaining proper hydration. Recommendations for workers include taking more frequent breaks and changing clothing regularly to combat the heat. Heat stroke is a common occurrence during heat waves, presenting symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tremors, and thirst. While usually not serious, it is crucial to swiftly recognize and appropriately treat heat stroke to prevent it from progressing into a life-threatening condition. Suspected heat exhaustion calls for an immediate halt of all activities, with relocation to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area. Lowering body temperature through the use of a towel or cold water is essential for comfort and hydration. Encouraging the intake of water or electrolyte drinks is recommended, but if nausea is reported, forcing fluids should be avoided. Severe symptoms, including rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, and nausea, may indicate a more severe form of heat stroke where core temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Urgent medical attention is required as it can lead to long-term organ damage or even death.
Seizures and organ damage can occur… “Quick action is important”
Enter 2023.07.23 14:25 Hits 0 Enter 2023.07.23 14:25 Hits 0
Heat waves can have a devastating effect on our health. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]Amid accelerating global climate change, the number of deaths due to extreme heat is also increasing significantly. According to a study published in The Lancet in 2021, it is estimated that around 500,000 people die each year from heat waves worldwide, Reuters recently reported. Data from low-income countries is under-aggregated, so the actual number of deaths may be higher, the media added.
It is estimated that as many as 61,000 people died in Europe during last summer’s heat wave, and there are fears that this disaster could continue.
Heat waves increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight
Who are the most intoxicated by heat illness? Those who are homeless or have a job that requires them to continue outside activities should be especially careful about heat waves. In particular, it is good for those who are physically weak, such as the elderly and children, to avoid prolonged exposure to heat. Those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes should also be careful. This is because there is a risk that existing symptoms will get worse.
“Heat heat is a silent, invisible killer,” says Professor Riff Stephens, a climate risk and resilience researcher at the University of Reading, UK.
Heat waves have already been found to increase the risk of low birth weight and premature birth in several studies, Reuters noted.
There is also a study that heat waves affect the decline of mental health. Dr Vicki Thompson, a climate scientist at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, said hot weather often contributes to poorer mental health, and is also linked to more car accidents and drowning. “Heat heat is one of the deadliest natural disasters,” said Thompson Dassa.
Experts note that more patients with heat-related illnesses may appear in areas that have not been exposed to heat waves until now. In addition, the extremely hot weather caused by climate change is putting people all over the world at great risk, especially those who have to do manual labour.
Dr Modi Wassama of the Welcome Trust, a global health charity, said several measures were needed to reduce the health damage of heat waves, such as providing shelter, whitewashing buildings, and establishing an early warning system for climate-sensitive infectious diseases.
In the case of heat stroke, quick action is the ‘key’ to saving lives
When the temperature rises too much, you should take steps to maintain your body temperature, such as avoiding excessive exercise as much as possible and staying hydrated. Workers are advised to try different ways to cope with the heat wave, such as taking more breaks and changing clothes in between.
Heat stroke caused by heat waves is relatively common. Dizziness, headache, tremors and thirst are the main symptoms. It is usually not serious and subsides within 30 minutes.
It is very important to recognize the condition of heat stroke quickly and treat it appropriately. Otherwise, it could develop into life-threatening heat stroke. If heat exhaustion is suspected, stop all activity and move to a cool place. A shaded or air-conditioned place is good. You need to quickly lower your body temperature with a towel or cold water and make your body comfortable. It’s good to get them to drink water or electrolyte drinks, but if they complain of nausea, don’t force them. If the symptoms are severe, it is good to add fluids.
More severe heat stroke is a condition where the core temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius. It is a medical emergency and can lead to long-term organ damage and death. Symptoms include rapid breathing, confusion or seizures, and nausea.
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