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News India Live, Digital Desk: Heat records are being broken all over the world including India. The rising mercury is not only disturbing our comfort, but it is also directly becoming a threat to our lives. In such a situation, a big question arises that what is the maximum heat that the human body can tolerate? Scientists have recently discovered the final limit of the body through ‘Wet-Bulb Temperature’, beyond which the body organs can stop functioning and the risk of death increases manifold.
What is ‘wet-bulb’ temperature? At which the body’s cooling system fails
Usually the temperature we see is the heat of the air, but the effect of heat on the body increases with humidity. According to scientists, if the wet-bulb temperature 35°C Even the healthiest person cannot survive more than 6 hours. Actually, when there is more humidity outside, the sweat of the body is not able to dry. Sweat not drying up means that the body is unable to cool itself, causing the core temperature to rise to dangerous levels.
Rising heat attacks the organs: this is how multi-organ failure occurs
When the body is exposed to heat beyond its limits, the heart has to work harder to keep the body cool. This increases heart rate and blood pressure may fall. If the internal temperature of the body goes beyond 40°C, then delicate organs like brain, kidney and liver start swelling. This is called ‘heat stroke’. In this condition, if immediate treatment is not given, the internal proteins of the body start ‘ripening’ and the cells start getting destroyed.
This ‘danger line’ is less for the elderly and children
35°C is the wet-bulb temperature range for a healthy young. But this limit may be even lower for the elderly, children and people already suffering from any disease. With increasing age, the body’s ability to sweat decreases, putting them at risk of heat stroke or heart attack even in low temperatures. Recent research shows that in many cases even a wet-bulb temperature of 31°C can prove fatal for the human body.
How to keep yourself safe in the scorching heat?
To avoid this deadly heat wave, it is most important to stay hydrated. Drink water, ORS or coconut water not only when you feel thirsty, but at regular intervals. Avoid going out during the afternoon when the sun is at its peak. Wear loose and cotton clothes so that the body keeps getting air. Remember, rising temperatures are no longer just a weather change but a serious medical emergency that can be costly if taken lightly.