“The humidity is worse than his own heat” is one of the star phrases of the summer when it comes to discussing how the embarrassment which is usual in coastal populations. as is the case with Barcelona, where this Saturday, despite a slight drop in temperatures -maximum of 27ºC-, the sensation of embarrassment is even more present due to the high percentage of humidity. The physical consequences are instantly visible and are reflected by the body perspiration. In short: we drip in sweat both day and night.
The sweating It is the body’s natural mechanism to regulate body temperature, since its evaporation from the skin reduces temperature.
And even so, sweating alone does nothing to cool the body unless the water evaporates. The sticky pseudo-tropical climate combined with high temperatures ostensibly makes it difficult for us to regulate our body’s temperature normally and that has repercussions in making it a greater risk to health.
The risks of mixing heat and humidity
The AEMET classifies heat risk into four levels from the thermal sensation that a person perceives.
The wind chill is calculated by combining the temperature in the air -normally recorded in thermometers- with the percentage of humidity present.
Thus, from 27ºC and up to 32ºC of thermal sensation we will notice fatigue from prolonged exposure or physical activity. From 33ºC to 40ºC of thermal sensation there is already risk of sunstroke, heat stroke and cramps, which are accentuated and more likely when they go from 41ºC to 53ºC. Lastly, heat stroke and sunstroke is imminent when the wind chill exceeds 53ºC.
These consequences for our health have been recorded in a research presented by the National Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) called ‘The appearance of heat and humidity too severe for human tolerance’, where it is explained that a humid temperature that reports a wind chill of 35°C marks our physiological limit higher.
And even, much lower values can have serious health impacts and productivity in those with preexisting health conditions (such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and kidney disease), the elderly, as well as those who perform strenuous outdoor work and athletic activities, are at high risk).
“When wet bulb temperatures – an indicator of how much the human body can cool itself by sweating – are extremely high, there is so much humidity in the air that sweating becomes ineffective at removing excess heat from the body, like in a steam room,” said Colin Raymond, lead author of the study. time after six or more hours, this will lead to organ failure and death in the absence of access to artificial cooling & rdquor ;.
Tips to relativize the effects of sweating
You cannot change the weather itself, but you can apply a series of daily actions that can help us mitigate sweating.
The main is avoid going outside and exposing yourself in the hottest and most humid hours of the day It is also important to keep our stay as dry and ventilated as possible possible.
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When it comes to dressing, you have to prioritize clothing that is loose-fitting, finely woven, and highly breathable.
On the other hand, showers and personal hygiene They help reduce that body heat. When it comes to eating, you have to limit frugal and spicy foods Y avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages and hydrate frequently with water to replenish fluid that we are losing through sweating.