Extreme Heat is a Danger to our Health and Safety
Southern Californians have been suffering from a pattern of back-to-back heat waves in the last several months, with temperatures climbing to 110 degrees in some areas. The heat was so concerning that theNational Weather Service issued several extreme heat warnings across the region.
Local meteorologists tell us that we’ve seen a persistent ridge of high pressure parked over Southern California this season. This ridge of high pressure, also called a “heat dome,” has lingered over the region for weeks, pushing heat in waves rather than as one continuous blast. The high-pressure system pushes down cool air and pushes away the Pacific Ocean's cooling breezes, setting the stage for temps in the high 90s and triple-digits, even along the coast. Under high pressure our air compresses and heats up, blocking the onshore flow of cooler air that normally keeps SoCal basking in moderate temps.
Unfortunately, this isn't a one-off. We’ve experienced this same pattern repeatedly since March, when the heat shattered records. But we are not alone. What we’re experiencing in Southern California is part of a broader trend: more frequent and more intense heat across the continental U.S., Canada, and even Alaska. The number of extreme heat events have doubled over the past two decades, and the heat waves are lasting longer. And most experts blame our warming climate.
But the heat is not just making many people uncomfortable, it is also threatening their health and even their lives.
We know that those with chronic lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have more difficulty breathing since hotter temperatures can cause their airways to constricttriggering flare-ups, and exacerbating symptoms. For those with COPD, the combination of heat stress and decreased lung function can increase the risk of hospitalization and even death.
Even healthy people can be affected by extreme heat since their bodies need to work harder to regulate their internal temperature. Staying out in the heat too long, even with hydration, can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The heat also puts extra stress on key organs like our lungs, leading to lung strain, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms. It can also put extra stress on our heart and kidneys, raising the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and acute kidney damage.
In Los Angeles County during a typical year with moderate temperatures, approximately 900 people visit hospital emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses. But on days when temperatures are unusually hot, hospitals can see spikes of up to 1,500 emergency room visits per day for heat-related conditions. averages. Inland areas, such as the San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Antelope valleys, and neighborhoods with fewtrees, see the most ER visits.
The body needs extra oxygen to regulate its temperature in extreme heat, which can lead to abnormally rapid or deep breathing. And the hot air itself can irritate the airways and trigger coughing.
Studies on heatwaves have found significant connections between extreme heat events and respiratory mortality, particularly in older adults and people with COPD. In fact, the noted medical journal, The Lancet, reported in its Series on Heat and Health that after cardiovascular disease, heat-derived lung damage is the second leading cause of illness and death during heatwaves.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)01208-3/fulltext
So, what should we do if going outside is reminiscent of a sauna?
Breathe SoCal recommends that people follow the National Weather Service’s advice on heat waves:
Reduce Activity - Reduce or reschedule strenuous activities to the coolest time of day. Children, seniors, and anyone with health concerns should stay in the coolest available place.
Wear Light Clothes - Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and prevent overheating.
Eat light and choose easy-to-digest foods like fruit or salads.
Stay hydrated. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate, so drink plenty of fluids with a focus on water, and non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don't feel thirsty.
If your home or office isn't air conditioned, spend time in air-conditioned locations like malls, museums, theaters, and libraries.
Minimize direct sun exposure.
Don't take salt tablets unless a physician recommends them.
Watch out for children, senior, and pets, too. Never leave children, disabled adults, or pets in a parked car, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot. And when kids, pets or disabled adults are with you, make sure they are staying hydrated and staying in cool areas too.
Here’s to you staying cool for the rest of the year.
In health,
Marc Carrel
