Heat Wave Alert: This time the heat is making new records in the country in April itself. The Meteorological Department estimates that by the last week of April, there will be severe heat in the country. After this, the period of heat wave will start. At the same time, the Meteorological Department is already advising people not to go out of the house in the afternoon. Every year during the summer season, information comes from different parts of the country that some people died due to heatstroke or heatwave. As you know In the capital Delhi, the mercury rose rapidly in February last year. Have you ever wondered what is the maximum temperature a human can tolerate? At the same time, what does the body do to keep itself cool against the scorching heat?
Have you ever wondered what is the maximum temperature a human can tolerate? At the same time, what does the body do to keep itself cool against the scorching heat?
Most people must have experienced that high temperature is harmful for both our body and health. For some people, high temperature can prove fatal. Those who cannot bear the scorching heat, even die. However, most people’s bodies can withstand both scorching heat and bone-chilling cold. In summer, the temperature in many parts of the country goes up to 50 degrees Celsius or even above. In such a situation, this question must have arisen in your mind that how can a person survive in such heat? At what temperature can a crisis situation arise for a person?
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How much temperature can the human body tolerate?
Scientists say that the normal temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This is equal to the outside temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. According to science, the maximum temperature a human can easily survive is 42.3 degrees Celsius. According to science, humans are warm-blooded mammals. Humans are protected by a special mechanism called ‘homeostasis’. Through this process, the human brain is auto-controlled by the hypothalamus to maintain the body temperature within the survival limit.
How much temperature becomes intolerable?
A report by the London School of Hygiene says that by 2050, heat-related deaths will increase by 257 percent in Britain. In fact, science says that the human body can tolerate a temperature of 35 to 37 degrees without any problem. When the temperature starts exceeding 40 degrees, people start having problems. According to studies, it is difficult for humans to tolerate a maximum temperature of 50 degrees. Temperatures higher than this pose a risk to life. According to a report in the medical journal Lancet, there was a severe heat wave in India during the 8 years between 2000-04 and 2017-21. During this period, there was a 55 percent increase in deaths due to heat in India.
How the body tolerates high temperature
The hypothalamus gets energy from the expansion of blood vessels in humans, sweating, breathing through the mouth, and going to open places for fresh air. With this energy, the hypothalamus keeps the temperature of the human body under control. That is why humans can tolerate and survive even when the temperature is high. However, in places where the weather is not consistent, a temperature of more than 45 degrees Celsius is considered dangerous for humans. However, no concrete answer has been found so far as to what is the maximum temperature in which a human can survive? There are different types of environments on our earth and bodies with different capabilities. Still, it is better to take precautions in high temperatures.
When does rising heat become the cause of death?
While talking about the effect of rising temperatures on the human body, doctors and researchers often use the term ‘heat stress’. When our body is in extreme heat, it tries to maintain its core temperature. The extent to which the body is able to maintain its core temperature depends on the environment and physical conditions. We feel tired in this. Health experts say that if the mercury is 45 degrees, fainting, dizziness or low blood pressure due to complaints like nervousness are common complaints. On the other hand, if you stay in a temperature of 48 to 50 degrees or more for a long time, the muscles can completely stop working and death can also occur.
How does the body keep itself cool even in extreme heat?
According to clinical research, the body reacts in a special way when the external temperature increases. In fact, more than 70 percent of the body is made up of water. In other words, the water present in our body fights the heat to keep the core temperature of the body stable in the increasing outside temperature. We sweat in this process. This keeps the body cool. But, if the body undergoes this process for a long time, then there is a shortage of water. Due to lack of water, some people start feeling dizzy while others get headaches. Some people may even faint. Actually, lack of water affects the breathing process. In such a situation, there is more pressure on the heart and lungs to maintain blood flow. This affects the blood pressure.
