HOUSTON: Using electric fans to relieve high levels of heat and humidity may, surprisingly, have the opposite effect for seniors, a new study suggests.
The heart rate and internal temperature of seniors exposed to 42 degree Celsius temperatures and increasing humidity levels climbed even higher when they tried to cool off with fans – instead of falling as expected, researchers said.
“Although differences were small, the cumulative effect could become clinically important during prolonged heat exposure, such as during extreme heat waves,” said Craig Crandall, Professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre in the US.
“We know that fans keep young adults cooler by increasing the evaporation of sweat,” Crandall said.
“We surmise that age-related impairments in sweating capacity make fans an ineffective means of cooling for the elderly during exceptionally hot days, and may, in fact, increase thermal and cardiac strain,” said Crandall.
Researchers studied the physiological responses of a small group of elderly patients in a high-heat, high-humidity environment. (AGENCIES)
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