by Clarissa Grunwald
It’s another hot summer in Lancaster County, and we can expect it to remain hot until well into September. While heat can seem like little more than a nuisance for those with easy access to air conditioning, it can be a dangerous time of year for those without, or for those who work outside. Here are some things to keep in mind when the temperature spikes.
1. Don’t let the cool escape.
Air conditioning is energy-intensive, and shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you have AC, maximize its impact by keeping doors and windows shut while it is in use. Additional strategies, such as covering windows with blackout curtains or aluminum foil, help keep heat out regardless of what your climate control situation is.
2. Watch out for the vulnerable.
Heat is more dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. If you have friends, family, or neighbors whose health puts them at higher risk, make sure they have somewhere to go to cool off when the temperature rises.
3. Check your medication.
Certain medications put you at higher risk for heatstroke, including many used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, ADHD, and psychosis. It’s important to be aware of potential side effects from any medications you use, and tailor your behavior accordingly.
4. Pay attention to your body.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which can include dizziness, tiredness, headaches, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, you can usually alleviate them by taking a break in a cool place and replenishing water and electrolytes. However, if not caught quickly heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke, which is very dangerous.
5. Take breaks.
On that note, nothing—not sunscreen, not water, not electrolytes—substitutes for time out of the sun. If you work in the sun, take full advantage of any breaks that are offered by your employer.
It is worth noting that Pennsylvania law does not require that breaks be given to workers age 18 or older. As extreme temperatures become more common, that legal gap becomes more dangerous and inhumane. Unfortunately, it will likely take pressure from individuals, unions, and other activist groups to get these laws changed. Workers engaging in collective bargaining for breaks and other protections against the temperature should be supported.
6. It really is the humidity.
The evaporation of water from the skin releases heat and helps keep the body cool. But as humidity rises, sweating becomes less effective, because the air is not as able to accept more water. The “wet bulb temperature” describes the lowest temperature that can be reached through water evaporation, taking both the ambient temperature and the humidity level into account. According to the national weather service, a wet bulb temperature of 80 degrees stresses the body of a healthy adult after 45 minutes of exposure. A wet bulb temperature of 90 degrees stresses the body after only 15 minutes. In humid conditions, regular breaks become even more important.
Clarissa Grunwald
Clarissa Grunwald lives in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where she works as a librarian. She is interested in environmental and housing justice. She also loves writing, playing viola, and TTRPGs.
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