Australia is experiencing record-breaking summer heat, La Niña-induced humidity, and storms that many experts say are a recipe for serious health crises that may cause several premature deaths.
Both high heat and high humidity are silent killers and, when combined, can be a direct cause of death through heatstroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and worsened kidney disease. With the increasing temperature due to climate change, this year's summer could also cause stillbirths and increase mental health problems.
Much of Australia is experiencing a heatwave with the New South Wales weather bureau is predicting that February 11 could become the hottest February day on record for the state.
Heatwave and High Humidity are Changing Summers
Australians have noticed that their summers are changing every year. News.com.au reported that for every one-degree increase in the country's average temperature, there is also a four times increase in extreme summer maximum temperatures. Experts said temperatures will continue to rise and longer, hotter days are expected.
But heat is only one part of the equation because high humidity also plays a big part. When it is hot, sweat evaporates to help the body cool. But high humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate, making it more difficult for the body to cool itself. Likewise, it is difficult for the body to regulate its temperature when outside under very high humidity and heat. Too much exposure to heat waves could lead to death.
Health professionals have been reminding the public of the actual health threats of heatwaves to ensure that the most vulnerable are not exposed to it. These people are the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women, and those with mental health problems.
The news outlet cited a study that showed 36,000 Australians died due to extreme heat between 2006-2017, which means an average of 3,000 people die annually due to the warming climate and aging population.
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Health Effects From Heatwave and High Humidity
Heatwaves are among the most dangerous health hazards but rarely receive attention because their mortality rate is not noticeable. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 166,000 people have already died due to heatwaves and 70,000 of those were during the 2003 heatwave in Europe.
In a separate report, WHO identified the indirect and direct health effects of heatwaves. Indirect health effects include the impact on health services, increased risk of accidents, increased transmission of food and waterborne diseases like marine algal blooms, and potential infrastructure disruption.
Meanwhile, direct health impacts of heatwaves include dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke, hospitalization, and premature death due to chronic disease in the heart and lungs.
On the other hand, NBC News reported that high humidity also brings adverse health effects, including lethargy, fatigue, dehydration, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and hyperthermia because the body cannot release heat. Psychologists also said that it could affect brain chemicals that regulate the mood, resulting in a bad mood.
To avoid feeling these health effects brought by heatwaves and high humidity, experts advise to slow down on activities, dress appropriately, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, spend time in cool environments, and avoid too much exposure to the Sun.
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