Scientists have figured out what the maximum temperature and humidity a person can withstand
Miscellaneous / / July 07, 2022
A laboratory experiment showed that the human ability to endure heat has always been exaggerated.
As the climate changes, heatwaves are becoming more intense: they last longer, come more often and get hotter. Many scientists are wondering to what constant temperature people can live a normal daily life? The answer to this question is beyond the scale of the thermometer, since humidity is also very important to consider. About it says in a new study by scientists from Pennsylvania.
Hot, humid weather is usually measured using a so-called wet bulb thermometer, which is wrapped in a breathable cloth soaked in water. At 100% relative humidity, the wet bulb temperature is equal to the air temperature (dry thermometer), but at lower humidity, the temperature on it will be lower due to evaporative cooling.
Usually, in works on heat waves, scientists refer to studyAn adaptability limit to climate change due to heat stress 2010, which states that 35°C wet bulb at 100% humidity or 46°C at 50% humidity is the upper safe limit for humans. In hotter conditions, the body will not be able to cool itself in the usual way by evaporating sweat.
Only recently has this limit been tested in humans in the laboratory. The test results showed that the safety limit is too high.
The test was conducted in Pennsylvania State University's Knoll Laboratory on young, healthy men and women. The subjects ingested a miniature telemetry device that monitored core body temperature. After they were placed in special chambers, where they moved just enough to simulate minimal daily activity.
The researchers slowly raised either the temperature in the chamber or the humidity and monitored when the temperature of the participants in the experiment began to rise. Based on the results of all tests, scientists have proven that the upper safe limit is 31°C at 100% humidity or 38°C at 60%.
Scientists note that these limits are based solely on preventing an excessive increase in body temperature. Even colder temperatures and humidity can put a serious strain on the heart and other body systems. And while exceeding these limits is not necessarily the worst-case scenario, prolonged exposure can become detrimental to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
As a means of escape from the sweltering heat, the authors of the study advise to always carry a sufficient amount of liquid and often hide in the shade, where you can cool down, at least for a short time.
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