Fatal Heat Strokes Before Air Conditioning Became Commonplace

Heat-related deaths are a significant issue, and while cold-related deaths outnumber those caused by heat, most heat-related deaths are due to moderate rather than extremely cold conditions. People typically die from conditions like cardiovascular or kidney disease, respiratory infections, or diabetes, which are exacerbated by high temperatures. It is challenging to determine the precise number of heat-related deaths, as factors such as pre-existing medical conditions and varying temperature thresholds across regions contribute to the complexity. However, studies indicate that air conditioning has played a crucial role in reducing American death rates.

In the US, heat-related deaths fell by 80% since 1960, thanks to air conditioning

Heat-related deaths in the US have decreased by 80% since 1960, thanks to the increased installation of air conditioning in people's homes. This is according to a study by researchers from Tulane University, Carnegie Mellon University, the National Bureau of Economic Research, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which examined patterns in heat-related deaths between 1900 and 2004.

The likelihood of a premature death on an extremely hot day between 1929 and 1959 was 2.5%, but this dropped to less than 0.5% after 1960. The study found that days with temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C) accounted for about 600 premature deaths annually between 1960 and 2004, a significant reduction from the number of deaths that would have occurred under pre-1960 conditions.

The findings suggest that the spread of air conditioning could play a major role in preventing future heat-related deaths, especially in developing countries where only a small portion of the population has access to residential air conditioning. For example, in India, the typical person experiences 33 days per year where the temperature rises above 90°F, and this number could increase to 100 days by the end of the century due to climate change.

While air conditioning has helped reduce heat-related deaths, it also has some negative impacts. Many air conditioning units are powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to the world's carbon output and can exacerbate the problem of increasing temperatures. As a result, policymakers are exploring "ecological" adaptation strategies that yield environmental benefits.

Heat-related illnesses and deaths are still a significant issue in the US, with certain population groups facing higher risks. These include adults aged 65 and older, children, people with certain diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and the economically disadvantaged. Additionally, heat-related deaths may be underreported, as they are not always properly coded on death certificates or recognized as a contributing factor by medical examiners.

Overall, the increased use of air conditioning in the US since 1960 has played a crucial role in reducing heat-related deaths, but it is important to balance this with the need for more sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of increasing temperatures.

In the years 1980, 1983, and 1988, heat waves caused 1700, 556, and 454 deaths, respectively

Heat waves in 1980, 1983, and 1988 caused 1,700, 556, and 454 deaths, respectively. The 1980 heat wave, which affected the South, Midwest, and East of the United States, is considered one of the nation's deadliest weather events. The National Centers for Environmental Information lists the direct death toll from the 1980 heat wave as 1,260, but the estimated indirect death toll from heat stress may have been as high as 10,000. The 1980 heat wave was also particularly devastating for the poultry industry, with millions of birds dying from extreme temperatures.

The 1983 heat wave saw temperatures over 38°C (100°F) across several states, including Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. The summer of 1983 remains one of the hottest summers ever recorded in many of these states.

The 1988 heat wave, in combination with the drought of 1988, caused deadly results across the United States. Official estimates report that between 5,000 and 10,000 people died due to constant heat. Some estimates put total deaths at close to 17,000.

While heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, exposure to extreme temperatures causes at least 240 deaths during years without heat waves. The installation of air conditioning has played a crucial role in reducing death rates associated with heat waves. Research suggests that the availability of air conditioning has decreased the likelihood of dying on extremely hot days by 80% over the past half-century.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, requiring immediate medical attention

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening form of heat-related illness that requires immediate medical attention. It is characterised by a body temperature of 104°F or above, and symptoms such as disorientation, delirium, and coma. The onset of heat stroke can be rapid, progressing to a life-threatening illness within minutes. It often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, but it can also strike without warning.

Heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, typically in combination with dehydration, which leads to a failure of the body's temperature control system. It can also be brought on by intense physical activity that generates a lot of body heat. This type of heat stroke, known as exertional heat stroke, is more common in young, healthy adults. Classic heat stroke, caused by environmental heat, typically affects children and adults over 65.

The risk of heat stroke is higher for people who do not have access to air conditioning or good airflow, particularly during heat waves. The likelihood of dying on extremely hot days fell by 80% between 1960 and 2004, thanks to the increased use of home air conditioning. This highlights the crucial role that air conditioning plays in reducing heat-related deaths.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat stroke, it is important to call emergency services immediately and provide first aid while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Move the person to a cooler area, remove any unnecessary clothing, and try to cool their body temperature using strategies such as fanning them with wet towels or applying ice packs to their armpits, groin, neck, and back. Do not give them any fluids to drink, as they may accidentally inhale the liquid, which can be dangerous.

Heat stroke can cause serious complications, including organ damage and failure, and even death. The longer the body temperature remains high, the greater the risk of these complications. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for anyone displaying symptoms of heat stroke.

The risk of heat-related deaths is higher among the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic illnesses

Heat-related deaths are a continuing public health concern. While heat-related deaths are preventable, certain groups are at a higher risk of dying from heat stroke. These include the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic illnesses.

The risk of heat-related deaths is higher among individuals over the age of 60, with 82-92% of excess mortality occurring in this age group. The body's ability to regulate its core temperature is compromised with age. This is due to a combination of factors, including changes in sweating, blood flow to the skin, and cardiovascular function. The elderly are also more susceptible to heat-related deaths because of their decreased thermoregulatory ability, which can be attributed to reduced sweating and skin blood flow during exposure to heat. Additionally, they may have a decreased ability to sense and adapt to dehydration, which prolongs their recovery and increases their risk of heat-related injuries during extended periods of heat exposure.

The very young, particularly infants, are also at an increased risk of heat-related deaths. Their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults, and they depend on others to keep them safe. Leaving children in closed vehicles during hot weather, for example, can lead to life-threatening heat stroke within 5-10 minutes.

People with chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and hypertension, are also at a higher risk of heat-related deaths. These conditions decrease the body's ability to adapt to changes in environmental conditions. For example, individuals with cardiovascular disease have a reduced ability to increase their cardiac output and maintain adequate skin blood flow when core body temperature rises. Those with respiratory diseases may experience physiological failures in thermoregulation as a result of their chronic conditions. Additionally, medications used to treat these chronic illnesses, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, can interfere with thermoregulation and reduce the body's ability to respond to heat stress.

The risk of heat-related deaths is further influenced by social determinants of health and access to healthcare, which vary with levels of urbanization. Individuals who are socially isolated, have lower incomes, or lack access to air conditioning are more vulnerable to heat-related deaths.

Overall, the risk of heat-related deaths is higher among the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic illnesses, and this vulnerability is related to physiological impairments in the regulation of body core temperature in hot conditions.

Heat-related deaths in the US have reached new highs in 2021 and 2022, two of the hottest years on record

Heat-related deaths in the US have reached new highs in recent years, with approximately 1,602 occurring in 2021 and 1,722 in 2022. These figures represent a significant increase from previous years, and the trend is expected to continue as extreme heat events become more frequent and intense.

Heat-related deaths occur due to illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as the contribution of heat to deaths from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Certain population groups are at higher risk of heat-related death, including adults aged 65 and older, children, people with chronic illnesses, and those with mental health conditions.

The impact of heat on human health has long been recognised, and the installation of air conditioning has played a crucial role in reducing heat-related deaths. A study found that the chances of dying on an extremely hot day fell by 80% between 1960 and 2004 due to the increased use of air conditioning. This reduction is especially significant given that very few US homes had air conditioning before 1960; by 2004, that figure had climbed to 85%.

Despite the protective effects of air conditioning, heat-related deaths continue to rise in the US. This trend is likely due to a combination of factors, including the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events and the lack of access to cooling resources for some vulnerable populations. Additionally, the classification of heat-related deaths on death certificates may not always accurately reflect the role of heat in contributing to mortality.

To address the rising number of heat-related deaths, it is essential to implement heat response measures such as early warning systems, public education, cooling centres, and improved access to air conditioning for vulnerable populations. These interventions can help reduce the impact of heat on human health and save lives.

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