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The Effects of Warm Air on the Body

Everyone enjoys a day out in the sun or a comfortably heated environment. Unfortunately, overexposure to warm air can have adverse effects on the body. The problems can be so severe that "1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

  1. Sensory Effects

    • According to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), warm air at temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit will cause personal discomfort, and you could begin to feel hotter than you feel is tolerable. These feelings of unease can interfere with how you function. For example, in a work environment, being too hot will reduce your efficiency. You become irritable, unable to focus and prone to errors. While this can happen in virtually any workplace, it is particularly problematic in factories or other industrial settings where physical labor is required.

    Dehydration

    • The NOAA explains that the body needs to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In the presence of hot air, the body perspires. Ideally, the evaporation of sweat cools a person down. However, if it is consistently hot or humid, evaporation does not occur and the body continues to produce sweat in an effort to cool off. If water is not regularly consumed, the body will become dehydrated. Dehydration can be life-threatening.

    Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

    • As the body is exposed to warm air over long periods of time, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur. Age can be a determining factor on which of those three occur. For example, a 17-year-old may experience heat cramps, while a 60-year-old can have heat stroke from the same amount of exposure. Muscle pain is the main indicator of heat cramps. Heat exhaustion is a more severe form. Symptoms include weakness, strong sweating, pale skin, uneven pulse, fainting and nausea. Heat stroke is the worst of all three. The body temperature can reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The person's heart beats heavily and her skin dries. This can be fatal if not treated.

    First Aid

    • Considering the effects of warm air, it is important to know what to do in an emergency. For heat cramps, apply pressure and massage on the sore muscles. Additionally, provide the victim with small amounts of water, unless he feels nauseated. For heat exhaustion, get him out of sun. Have him lie down and loosen his clothes. Press cool, wet cloths on his body. Give him small amounts of water. If the person is nauseated or constantly vomiting, obtain medical assistance. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call for help immediately. Meantime, move the victim to a cooler area and bathe or sponge him with cold water. Take off his clothes but do not give him any fluids. Wait for paramedics to arrive.

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