Summary
Thermal stress can have significant impacts on various aspects of our daily lives, from the performance of athletes to the disruption of essential health services. This comprehensive guide delves into the top 10 examples where the effects of thermal stress can be observed, providing detailed technical specifications and quantifiable data to help you understand the magnitude of this pressing issue.
1. Performance of Soccer Players
Thermal stress can lead to a decrease in the psychomotor skills, reduction in speed and precision of movement, and impaired concentration of soccer players. A study conducted during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia found that the number of passes made by players was significantly lower in thermal stress (TS) conditions compared to non-thermal stress (NTS) conditions. Specifically, the study reported a 15% decrease in the number of passes made by players in TS → TS situations compared to TS → NTS situations.
The impact of thermal stress on soccer players’ performance can be measured using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which takes into account air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. A UTCI value above 32°C is considered to be indicative of high thermal stress, which can lead to a decline in physical and technical performance.
2. Heat-related Mortality
The number of individuals exposed to extreme heat is escalating at an alarming rate due to climate change. Between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021, the heat-related mortality rate for those aged 65 and above increased by approximately 85%. This staggering statistic highlights the growing threat of thermal stress to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that heat-related mortality is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, with the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions being the most at risk. The WHO estimates that by 2050, heat-related deaths could reach over 250,000 per year globally.
3. Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
The body’s inability to regulate internal temperature and eliminate heat gain in hot weather increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In the United States, heatstroke is the leading cause of weather-related deaths, with an average of 702 deaths per year between 2004 and 2018.
The risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is directly related to the body’s core temperature. Ideally, the body’s core temperature should be around 37°C. However, when the core temperature rises above 39°C, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke increases significantly. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a commonly used metric to assess the risk of heat-related illnesses, with a WBGT above 28°C considered to be high-risk.
4. Health Risks from Chronic Conditions
Heat extremes can worsen health risks from chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, mental, respiratory, and diabetes-related conditions. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a 1°C increase in ambient temperature was associated with a 1.1% increase in hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease and a 1.3% increase in hospitalizations for respiratory disease.
Furthermore, the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is also elevated during heat extremes, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing kidney disease. A study conducted in the United States found that the incidence of AKI increased by 20% during heatwave events.
5. Acute Kidney Injury
Heat extremes can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing kidney disease. A study conducted in the United States found that the incidence of AKI increased by 20% during heatwave events.
The risk of AKI is directly related to the body’s core temperature and the ability to maintain fluid balance. When the body is unable to regulate its temperature and loses excessive fluids through sweating, the kidneys can become overwhelmed, leading to AKI. The WBGT index can be used to assess the risk of heat-related kidney injury, with a WBGT above 28°C considered to be high-risk.
6. Reduced Working Productivity
Heat can reduce working productivity and increase the risk of accidents. A study of small ruminants found that thermal stress can lead to a decrease in productivity and intake. Specifically, the study reported a 12% decrease in milk yield and a 15% decrease in feed intake in small ruminants exposed to high thermal stress conditions.
The impact of thermal stress on worker productivity can be measured using the Heat Stress Index (HSI), which takes into account air temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. A HSI value above 30°C is considered to be indicative of high thermal stress, which can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in the risk of accidents.
7. Disrupted Health Services
Heat can disrupt and compromise essential health services, such as the loss of power supply and transport. During the 2003 heatwave in Europe, for example, 70,000 people perished due to the event, which overwhelmed healthcare systems and led to the loss of power and transportation.
The disruption of health services during heatwave events can be measured by the number of hospital admissions, the availability of emergency medical services, and the loss of power and transportation infrastructure. A study conducted in the United States found that during a heatwave, hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses increased by 35%, and the demand for emergency medical services increased by 25%.
8. Increased Energy Consumption
Warmer conditions may lower the risk of health consequences among segments of the population that have difficulty in paying for heating during winter, but it may also increase energy consumption for cooling. A study conducted in the United States found that a 1°C increase in average temperature led to a 2.5% increase in residential electricity consumption.
The impact of thermal stress on energy consumption can be measured using the Cooling Degree Days (CDD) metric, which quantifies the energy required to cool a building. A higher CDD value indicates a greater need for cooling, which can lead to an increase in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Thermal Discomfort
Thermal discomfort can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in sick leave. A study found that thermal discomfort can lead to a productivity loss of up to 10%.
The level of thermal discomfort can be measured using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, which takes into account air temperature, humidity, air velocity, and clothing insulation. A PMV value between -0.5 and +0.5 is considered to be within the comfort zone, while values outside this range indicate thermal discomfort.
10. Adaptation Measures
Adaptation measures such as air conditioning and cooling systems can help mitigate the effects of thermal stress. However, these measures can also lead to an increase in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The effectiveness of adaptation measures can be evaluated using the Cooling Energy Efficiency (CEE) metric, which measures the energy efficiency of cooling systems. A higher CEE value indicates a more energy-efficient cooling system, which can help reduce the environmental impact of adaptation measures.
References:
- Mohr et al., 2020, The influence of thermal stress on the physical and technical activity profiles of soccer players during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, NCBI.
- World Health Organization, 2024, Heat Hazards: A Growing Threat to Global Health and Well-being.
- Institute of Medicine, 2011, Climate Change, the Indoor Environment, and Health, National Academies Press.
- Bouchama, A., & Knochel, J. P. (2002). Heat stroke. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(25), 1978-1988.
- Kovats, R. S., & Hajat, S. (2008). Heat stress and public health: a critical review. Annu. Rev. Public Health, 29, 41-55.
- Kjellstrom, T., Holmer, I., & Lemke, B. (2009). Workplace heat stress, health and productivity-an increasing challenge for low and middle-income countries during climate change. Global health action, 2(1), 2047.
- Lundgren, K., Kuklane, K., Gao, C., & Holmér, I. (2013). Effects of heat stress on working populations when facing climate change. Industrial health, 51(1), 3-15.
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