The Dangers of Heat Waves

Written By Laura Becker

At the peak of summer in July and August, many Gwangju residents seek out beaches, water festivals, and air-conditioned oases during the hottest days. The high heat is energy-sapping for everyone, but for some it can be deadly. In August, the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 610 people had suffered from heatstroke this year, with half of the cases diagnosed between July 26 and August 1. The heat wave of that week caused a 7.3 percent jump in heat illnesses from the same week of the previous year. The figure includes anyone who visited the emergency room due to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or heat convulsions. These conditions can be life-threatening if not rapidly treated: at least seven people have died from heat-related causes this year.

The most vulnerable are the elderly, who made up 60 percent of those hospitalized. Men accounted for 74 percent of the total, and 80 percent of the cases occurred outdoors. Farmers are especially at risk: Among the seven fatalities, six were elderly farmers working outside in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Without the luxury of being indoors, farmers can overwork themselves and quickly become weak. In addition, those with existing medical conditions are at elevated risk for heat-related illnesses. When the degree of environmental heat exceeds the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, the body’s core temperature rises and exerts stress on the organs, particularly the cardiovascular system. For this reason, heart and respiratory conditions, along with a wide range of other pre-existing diseases and chronic conditions, can leave people more susceptible to extreme heat spells.

Recognizing the danger of heat waves to elderly people, a number of senior district centers in Korea provide air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Older adults can access these spaces for free in their communities. However, elderly people who are mostly or completely homebound due to poor health are unlikely to be able to get to a community center without help. Those who are more socially isolated, without neighbors or family members checking on them regularly, can become ill from the heat and be unable to get help on their own.

The present heat wave watch and warning system, launched in 2007, issues a warning if the temperature is expected to remain above 35 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days. The system concentrates on servicing the elderly, nursing homes, and childcare professionals, but with heat waves continuing to claim lives and make hundreds ill, there is a need for further development and implementation of mortality prevention policies and programs. Keeping the community informed and healthy during the summer months is an important part of making the city accessible and safe for everyone.