Daily Herald opinion: This week's heat wave emphasizes links between climate change, health
This editorial is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Last week's reports of the extreme heat in the Southwest elicited some thoughts of, "Sure glad we're here and not there."
But it's not so comfortable to be here now.
Through Friday, we'll see temperatures in the 90s with high humidity. Maybe "see" isn't the right verb here, as the skies are hazy again because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. "Feel" is more appropriate, given the effects of climate change on our bodies.
We published two stories on that topic on Sunday's front page.
Environmental writer Jenny Whidden's piece explained why outdoor allergies are worse: Warmer weather causes some plants to bloom earlier, extending pollen season and the headaches (and runny noses, scratchy throat and watery eyes) that come with it.
That effect of climate change is on the nuisance end of the spectrum. Extreme heat and humidity, however, are life-threatening, as The Washington Post report we published as our "Sunday Think Piece" explained.
Our bodies cool down by sweating, but sweating becomes less effective as the humidity rises. If your sweat pools on your skin or drips off instead of evaporating, Penn State professor Larry Kenney told The Washington Post, then you're just dehydrating without any cooling effect.
Studies have shown the body loses the ability to cool itself at 95 degrees on a wet-bulb globe scale, measured by a special thermometer wrapped in wet cloth. The wet-bulb globe temperature, which takes wind speed, cloud cover and the angle of the sun into account, is a better indicator of potential health risks than the heat index, which measures the temperature in the shade.
Blood pressure medication and antidepressants can affect your internal thermostat, as can the antihistamines you might be taking for those worsening seasonal allergies.
As your body temperature rises, so does the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness, while the more serious heat stroke can be fatal without treatment. The CDC lists some its symptoms as confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and seizures.
The best way to avoid heat-related illnesses is to stay inside in the air-conditioning. If you don't have air-conditioning, you can go to a public library, a police department lobby or a cooling center that municipalities across the suburbs will offer this week. Remember, too, to check on your elderly neighbors.
If you have to be outside, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks, wear loose clothing and try to stay in the shade.