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Who Is Most Vulnerable During A Heat Wave?

The document discusses who is most vulnerable during heat waves. It states that the elderly, aged 65 and older, are the most at risk population as evidenced by 73% of deaths during a 1995 Chicago heat wave being among those aged 65 and older. This is due to their reduced ability to sweat and cool down. Other vulnerable groups mentioned are infants, children, those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, and those on certain medications. The National Weather Service uses the heat index to measure how hot it feels to a person based on temperature and humidity levels.

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26 views2 pages

Who Is Most Vulnerable During A Heat Wave?

The document discusses who is most vulnerable during heat waves. It states that the elderly, aged 65 and older, are the most at risk population as evidenced by 73% of deaths during a 1995 Chicago heat wave being among those aged 65 and older. This is due to their reduced ability to sweat and cool down. Other vulnerable groups mentioned are infants, children, those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, and those on certain medications. The National Weather Service uses the heat index to measure how hot it feels to a person based on temperature and humidity levels.

Uploaded by

mynamekhan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Who is Most Vulnerable During a Heat Wave?

The elderly population segment is the most vulnerable to the dangers of heat. Of the
522 deaths that occurred in Chicago during the July 12-16, 1995 heat wave, 371 (73
percent) were age 65 or older. The elderly suffer due to the diminished ability to
perspire. Since the function of perspiration is to provide evaporation, which in turn
provides cooling, the elderly have a reduced capacity to release heat from the body.

In addition to the elderly, infants, young children, and people with chronic health
problems (especially pre-existing heart disease) or disabilities are more vulnerable to
the effects of heat waves. People who are not acclimated to hot weather, overexert
themselves, are obese, or use alcohol or drugs (including drugs such as antipsychotics,
tranquilizers, antidepressants, certain types of sleeping pills, and drugs for Parkinson's
disease) are at great risk. (Source- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Measuring the Combined Effects of Heat and


Humidity
The National Weather Service uses the Heat Index (HI) to compute the "apparent
temperature," which is a measure of how hot it feels to people at a certain combination
of temperature and humidity. The heat index values used in forecasts, advisories, and
warnings assume an average size adult, with light clothing, in the shade, with a 5 mile
per hour wind. Being in full sun, or in an area with little air movement, can increase the
apparent temperature, and thus increase the risk for adverse effects from the heat and
humidity. Winds greater than 5 miles per hour usually enhance evaporative cooling and
decrease the apparent temperature and the health threat from the heat. As noted, the
impacts of heat are cumulative over time. The greatest number of heat-induced
illnesses and fatalities usually peak two days after the maximum heat index values
occurred.
Heat Index
The Heat Index (Apparent Temperature) can be found by taking the temperature
(number on the left) and relative humidity value (number at the top) and matching them
on this table. For example, a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative
humidity of 45 percent gives you a heat index of 93 degrees.

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