Increased temp
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Impact of Increased Temperature on Human Health and Well-being
Physiological Reactions to Elevated Temperatures
Heat Perception and Physiological Responses
Exposure to high temperatures significantly affects human physiology. Studies have shown that as indoor temperatures rise, individuals experience increased eardrum and skin temperatures, heart rates, and moisture levels. For instance, sub-tropically acclimatized subjects reported feeling hot at 37°C, with significant physiological changes such as increased heart rate and weight loss. Similarly, another study found that at 37°C, subjects experienced significant increases in heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory flow, indicating that high temperatures can impair health and safety.
Exercise and Body Temperature
Exercise in warm environments further elevates body temperature, which can lead to increased levels of extracellular heat shock protein 72 (eHsp72) in the blood. This response is crucial for managing stress during physical activity. However, merely elevating body temperature without exercise does not induce the same eHsp72 response, highlighting the combined effect of exercise and heat.
Psychological and Cognitive Effects
Emotional Well-being
Increased ambient temperatures negatively impact emotional well-being. In the U.S., temperatures above 70°F (21°C) have been associated with reduced positive emotions such as joy and happiness, and increased negative emotions like stress and anger. These effects are particularly pronounced among less educated and older individuals.
Cognitive Performance
Moderately elevated indoor temperatures can also impair cognitive performance. Even when subjects adjusted their clothing to maintain thermal comfort, their performance on cognitive tasks was significantly worse at 27°C compared to 23°C. This suggests that higher temperatures increase mental load and stress, leading to reduced cognitive efficiency.
Health Risks and Mortality
Elderly Population
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to temperature-induced health risks. A 1°C rise in temperature increases cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular mortality among individuals aged 65 and older. Conversely, a 1°C drop in temperature also raises the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular mortality. These findings underscore the heightened sensitivity of the elderly to temperature fluctuations.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Urban areas, due to the "urban heat island" effect, experience higher temperatures than rural areas, exacerbating heat-related health risks. This phenomenon increases the risk of heat-related mortality, particularly among urban residents. As urbanization and climate change progress, the combined effect of these factors will likely lead to higher urban temperatures and increased heat stress.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Elevated ambient temperatures during pregnancy are associated with adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Studies have linked high temperatures to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. For example, a 10°F (5.6°C) increase in weekly average temperature was associated with an 8.6% increase in preterm deliveries in California .
Conclusion
Increased temperatures have profound effects on human health and well-being, affecting physiological responses, emotional states, cognitive performance, and mortality rates. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and pregnant women, are particularly at risk. As climate change continues to drive global temperatures higher, understanding and mitigating these impacts will be crucial for public health.
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