Keep your cool this summer

Summer is a great time to complete outdoor projects, participate in outdoor recreation activities or spend hours in the garden. But as the summer heats up, reaching record highs in some areas, so, too, does the risk of heat-related illness.

“We are very cognizant of the risks of heat stroke and heat exhaustion,” said Larry Jaudon, director of the Environment, Safety and Health Department at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. “We have team members who work outside or whose work takes them to areas of the facility that are hot and humid. We have training modules and a wellness initiative that directly address heat stroke and exhaustion.”  

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, occurring when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: when the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or serious complications such as damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles if emergency treatment is not provided.

Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is a milder heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. 

According to the South Dakota State University Extension Office, “heat exhaustion has similar symptoms and should also be taken seriously as it may worsen and lead to heat stroke if not treated. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen or last for more than an hour."

Who is most at risk?

Non-environmental factors

According to the CDC, more than 600 people die every year from heat-related issues. Those at the greatest risk include infants and children up to 4 years old; people 65 years of age and older; people who are overweight or have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease; people who are socially isolated; and the poor. But even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Additionally, drinking alcohol and taking medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration can be factors.

Environmental factors

Those living in the Midwest and Northeast where fewer buildings are equipped with air conditioning are at higher risk as summer temperatures soar above normal. Additionally, the risk increases for those living in urban areas where concrete and asphalt absorb more of the heat from the sun. 

Finally, people working outdoors are at a much higher risk of heat stroke—especially those not used to high temperatures—and should hydrate frequently. 

Symptoms of heat stroke

• A high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating). The one exception is if heat stroke has been brought on by exercising; then the skin may feel moist.
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

How to prevent heat stroke

• Remain in shade or air conditioning as much as possible
• Cool off with moist sheets and a fan
• Take a cold shower or go swimming
• Drink lots of water to replace salt and minerals lost to sweating
• Avoid sugary beverages as they interfere with the body’s ability to control temperature
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing
• Check on high-risk friends and neighbors
• Don’t leave children alone in cars
• Limit sun exposure
• Use hats and umbrellas to create shade
• Increase frequency and length of rest periods while working outdoors or in other areas when heat and humidity are factors

If you see someone with heat stroke

• Call 911
• Take the victim to a cooler place
• Remove excess clothing
• Cool victim with cold water
• Watch breathing
• Stop treatment when body temperature lowers to 101 degrees

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.