Extreme Heat is a
Potential Health Concern

During the summertime, heat waves can bring unusually high temperatures (10 degrees or more above the average high temperature) that last for days or weeks.

Extreme heat pushes your body beyond its normal limits. Under normal circumstances your internal thermostat sends signals to make you sweat. The sweat evaporates and cools your body.

However, extreme heat, especially when combined with high humidity, causes the evaporation process to slow and the body to work harder to maintain a normal temperature.

These conditions can overload your system and lead to heat-related illness and even death. According to the Las Vegas National Weather Service, in 2005 there were more people killed by heat in Clark County than by tornadoes across the entire country.

People at greater risk of experiencing illnesses associated with extreme heat include:

Older people

• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.

Infants and Children

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

People with conditions such as:

• Obesity - People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  
  
• Heart disease - People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, may be affected by extreme heat.

People on medication:

• People who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

People who overexert themselves may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness, such as:

• People who work outdoors.
• People who exercise outside.
• People who use drugs or alcohol.

Visit the National Weather Service Forecast website for information on excessive heat warnings in Las Vegas and surrounding communities.

Additional Information

• Clark County’s dry climate is beneficial as humid conditions intensify the health effects of extreme heat conditions.
  • In a normal year, approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat.
  • Most at risk are young children, the elderly, and those who are sick or overweight.
  • Between 1936 and 1975, nearly 20,000 people succumbed to the effects of heat and solar radiation.
• Because men sweat more than women, men are more susceptible to heat illness because they become dehydrated more quickly.
• People living in urban areas may be at a greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than people living in rural regions.
  • Increased health problems can occur when stagnant atmospheric conditions trap pollutants in urban areas, thus adding contaminated air to excessive hot temperatures.

Self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble.

Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

For more information on the health concerns of extreme heat visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat webpages.