Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1. Keep as cool as possible.
a. Avoid direct sunlight.
b. Stay in the coolest available location (it will usually be indoors).
c. Use air conditioning, if available.
d. Use electric fans to promote cooling.
e. Place wet towels or ice bags on the body or dampen clothing.
f. Take cool baths or showers.
2. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
3. Avoid strenuous physical activity, particularly in the sun and during the
hottest part of the day.
4. Increase intake of fluids, such as water and fruit or vegetable juices. Thirst is
not always a good indicator of adequacy of fluid intake. Persons for whom
salt or fluid is restricted should consult their physicians for instructions on
appropriate fluid and salt intake.
5. Do not take salt tablets unless so instructed by a physician.
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and liquor).
7. Stay in at least daily contact with other people.
Special precautions should be taken for certain higher-risk groups, including
those occupationally exposed. Safeguards may include increased efforts to keep
cool and close observation by others for early signs of heat illness. The high-risk
groups are infants and children less than 4 years of age, persons over 65 years of
age, alcoholics, persons who are less able to care for themselves because of mental
illness or dementia, persons with chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular or
kidney disease, and those taking any of the three classes of medication that reduce
the ability to sweat: diuretics (water pills), tranquilizers, and drugs used for the
treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Building insulation and ventilation help
control indoor temperature. Temperatures of 85 F(29 C) or less are usually no
cause for worry. High humidity and temperatures near 100 F(38 C) for several
days could be dangerous. Strenuous activity should be suspended when the wet
bulb temperature index is 90 F(32 C) and above. 79
Skin Damage from Sunlight
The ultraviolet light in sunlight can injure the skin and cause skin cancer
(melanoma), depending on the exposure. Melanoma appears as a pigmented
mole or tumor that may or may not be malignant. Melanomas are almost always
curable if detected early and can be usually removed by surgery or freezing
with liquid nitrogen. Cataracts can also result from too much sun.
Anyone exposed to the sun should take precautions to avoid the most intense
and most hazardous rays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the United States. A hat
and clothing that covers the body are advised. Bathers should use an effective
sunscreen lotion. The higher the sunscreen number, the higher the protection.
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