![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/shocking-ways-human-body-rapidly-falls-apart-at-40c-as-brits-get-grim-heatwave-warning/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_NORTH-MACEDONIA-WEATHER-HEATWAVE.jpg&description=Record-breaking temperatures in the UK and across the world are leading to a public health catastrophe - now scientists explain why heatwaves lead to hospitalisation and even deaths While our grey skies and summer downpours may not feel like summer, recent weeks have smashed temperature records. China and the US have seen temperatures soar above the 50C mark, while Greece has been blighted by wildfires wreaking havoc upon nature and sending tourists fleeing. And although the jet stream has kept the UK on the fringes of the heatwave, Brits still saw the warmest June on record, according to scientists For those who remember last July's unprecedented heatwave where the mercury touched 40C for the first time ever, scientists estimate the temperatures resulted in 60,000 deaths across the continent. But what is the human impact of such extreme temperatures? Dehydration, exhaustion and even organ failure are all a possible risk of dangerous heat. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the extreme temperatures, with anything over 40C declared the upper limit humans can survive in. Deaths from the heat have already been recorded this summer, with one road worker in Italy tragically passing away after collapsing in the heat in Milan. Another 61-year-old man is reported to have died after struggling at his job as a cleaner in Florence earlier last month. A heatwave in Pakistan and India last year also saw sweltering temperatures and humidity lead to a human health catastrophe. Researcher Rachel Cottle said deaths as a result of climate change were a "now problem, not a future problem". Using what's called a "wet bulb" test where a wet cloth is placed on a thermometer bulb, scientists can see the exact temperature the human body begins to fail based on the humidity levels. It's previously thought the limit was 35C in 100% humidity, and 46C in 50% humidity. After this mark, our bodies struggle to cool themselves, which can lead to organs such as the liver){kind=link}
Record-breaking temperatures in the UK and across the world are leading to a public health catastrophe – now scientists explain why heatwaves lead to hospitalisation and even deaths
While our grey skies and summer downpours may not feel like summer, recent weeks have smashed temperature records.
China and the US have seen temperatures soar above the 50C mark, while Greece has been blighted by wildfires wreaking havoc upon nature and sending tourists fleeing. And although the jet stream has kept the UK on the fringes of the heatwave, Brits still saw the warmest June on record, according to scientists
For those who remember last July’s unprecedented heatwave where the mercury touched 40C for the first time ever, scientists estimate the temperatures resulted in 60,000 deaths across the continent. But what is the human impact of such extreme temperatures?
Dehydration, exhaustion and even organ failure are all a possible risk of dangerous heat. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the extreme temperatures, with anything over 40C declared the upper limit humans can survive in.