Heat, Humidity and Air Pollution – A Deadly Combination

It continues to be a very hot summer in Minnesota. High temperatures, high levels of humidity and now air pollution make it difficult to do tasks we normally do easily. This week we are expected to have temperatures in the high 80s to mid-90s with high humidity. Even though we have had some time to acclimate to higher temperatures, this extreme weather can tax the most fit of us. We need to take extra precautions to stay safe in these extreme conditions.

Smoke from wildfires adds to the stress. That smoke is putting air pollution levels into the unhealthy category. As of Tuesday, July 20th, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air Quality Alert for northern, central and southeast Minnesota that will last until Thursday, July 22nd. Anyone with respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, could be more prone to health issues, including strokes.

In a warm environment, the human body relies on its ability to release heat through sweat and increased blood flow to the skin. Extremely hot weather prevents our bodies from being able to release this heat quickly enough. That’s worse when it is humid because the air cannot absorb as much of our sweat. This results in symptoms such as thirst, irritability, rashes, cramping, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat related illnesses do not discriminate: they can affect anyone of any age or physical condition. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. Look out for each other – employees may not realize they’re suffering from the heat until it becomes a medical emergency. If you see anyone displaying any symptoms, act accordingly.

Keep Your Employees Safe

Working consecutive days in the heat, especially when performing strenuous work, puts workers at an increased risk for these heat illnesses.  Both those working outside and those working inside in areas without air conditioning can become ill. Because of this, breaks should be taken in the shade and in air-conditioned areas. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk of heat related illness.

Keep your employees safe from heat by:

• Giving frequent breaks (in air-conditioning!)
• Slowing the pace of work
• Making sure workers stay hydrated and are not skipping meals.
• Supplying electrolyte beverages, electrolyte freeze pops and cooling towels.
• Dressing for the heat – lightweight, moisture-wicking, loose clothing.
  

Heat Related Illnesses:

	SYMPTOMS	TREATMENT
HEAT STROKE	High body temperature (103 degrees or higher) Hot, red, dry or damp skin Fast, strong pulse Headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Losing consciousness (passing out)	Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place. Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.
HEAT EXHAUSTION	Heavy sweating Cold, pale, clammy skin Fast, weak pulse Nausea or vomiting Muscle cramps Tiredness or weakness Dizziness Headache Fainting/passing out	Move to a cool place Loosen  your clothes Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath Sip water Get medical help right away if: You are throwing up Your symptoms get worse Your symptoms last longer than one hour.
HEAT CRAMPS	Heavy sweating during intense exercise Muscle pain or spasms	Stop physical activity and move to a cool place Drink water or a sports drink Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity. Get medical help right away if; Cramps last longer than one hour. You’re on a low-sodium diet. You have heart problems.
SUNBURN	Painful, red and warm skin Blisters on the skin	Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals Put cool cloths on sunburned area or take a cool bath Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas Do not break blisters
HEAT RASH	Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on skin (usually on the neck, chest groin on in elbow creases)	Stay in a cool dry place Keep the rash dry Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash

Remember: Water.  Rest.  Shade.

When planning outdoor work activities, follow the OSHA heat index (HI) guidelines.

Heat Safety App

Consider using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool as a resource to help you determine which work activities are safe based on the current weather conditions. This app displays the real-time heat index, hourly forecasts and occupational health and safety recommendations.

The OSHA-NIOSH Health Safety Tool features include:

• A visual indicator of the current heat index based on your location
• Precautionary measures to take based on the current HI
• Hourly forecast of HI values
• Signs and symptoms and first-aid information for heat-related illnesses

To download the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool, go to https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatapp.html

For more information on staying safe in this extreme heat, go to

https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure or https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

To read more about the MPCA Air Quality Alert, go to https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/air-quality-alert-tuesday-july-20-%E2%80%93-thursday-july-22

If you have questions or need help with handling heat in your workplace, or for other safety and health questions, let us know.