Too Hot to Function
Human innovation has enabled humanity to withstand a wide range of temperatures, allowing us to live in just about any climate, but the human body does have limits. Just as the body will begin shutting down when left unprotected in severely cold climates, severe heat can cause an equally dangerous chain of events.
Research suggests that some human beings will start to experience issues in heat above 104℉. Though our bodies work hard to cool our body through sweat and circulation, 104℉ is thought to be the point at which this system begins to be less effective. Our bodies are no longer at rest and are working overtime to bring our internal temperature down.
Just about every state in the US is experiencing temperatures over 75℉ today. That means that the internal temperature inside your vehicle can rise to over 100℉ in just 20 minutes. If you are living anywhere where the temperature is more like 85℉ or 95℉ degrees, that 20 minute mark will see temperatures of 114℉ to 120℉ or more! If you are somewhere like Arizona, where the temperature outside has been over 110℉ for weeks, it will only take about 10 minutes for the internal temperature of your car to reach about 130 degrees! Below is a chart with a few other combinations.
Fig. 1. Example of Temperatures within a Vehicle Based on Time
Over 400,000 people die each year from heat related deaths. There are many that are in a more vulnerable position without access to cool water or air conditioned environments during the hottest months of the summer. Additionally, humans aren’t the only ones that are vulnerable to the heat. Our pets are also at risk. Dogs are vulnerable to fatal heat stroke when the temperature reaches about 105℉. Cats are even more vulnerable and can be in real trouble if the temperature inside your home exceeds 90℉. They too are at risk of fatal heat stroke when the temperature outside approaches 100℉.
All this to say, two, maybe three, very important things. One, pay attention to the temperature in your environment and be mindful of those who may depend on you (i.e. children, the elderly, and animals). Two, do not under any circumstances, leave anything or anyone living in your parked vehicle this summer. Three, vote for the reduction and elimination of fossil fuel use and deforestation. We are getting to the point where the best advice for summer will simply be, “Stay inside.” Let’s not lose access to the outdoors. It’s not too late to salvage our home while we still recognize it.
