Scientists have recently discovered that the critical limit of heat tolerance for humans is between 40 and 50°C.
- Past 40 degrees, the human body no longer functions normally.
- Heat can have negative impacts on health.
- In France, the number of deaths due to heat waves increases every year.
According to a new study, presented at the SEB Centenary Conference 2023, the maximum human tolerance for heat is between 40 and 50°C. This conclusion is based on measuring the resting metabolic rate, which increases in conditions of intense heat.
Understanding this limit is crucial to ensuring safe working conditions, especially as global temperatures continue to rise.
Excessive heat can have negative health impacts
Excessive heat can have many negative impacts on human health. Heat stroke, for example, occurs when the body fails to regulate its internal temperature and can lead to serious symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and even loss of consciousness. Additionally, prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection can lead to sunburn, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of cancer.
It is important to note that men and women show significant differences in their cardiovascular responses to heat. Men tend to sweat more than women, which can lead to faster dehydration in excessive heat. Additionally, women generally have lower body mass, which means they may feel the effects of heat more quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to take these differences into account when taking measures to prevent adverse health effects from heat.
This July could be the hottest on record
In France, the number of deaths due to heat waves increases every year. Over the summer periods from 2014 to 2022, nearly 33,000 deaths are attributable to the heat between June 1 and September 15 each year, including 23,000 people aged 75 and over.
As we enter the summer season, forecasts indicate that this month of July could be the hottest on record. To protect your health, stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, wear light clothing, hydrate regularly and avoid strenuous physical activity.