How hot is TOO hot? As extreme heatwaves sweep across Europe, experts reveal the upper temperature...
It may be balmy in Britain but the rest of Europe has been roasting in record-breaking heat over the last few days. And it's not just on the continent where millions of people have been sweltering in temperatures well above 'normal' - the also went over 122F (50C) in parts of the US and earlier this week. It has sparked concern not only about the elderly, youngsters or those with health problems, but also what impact this record-breaking heat will have on young, healthy adults as continues to wreak havoc. So how hot is too hot? Well, experts have revealed the upper temperature limit for human safety - and it's actually much lower than we thought. The key point to note is that it is not just about what the thermometer says. Instead, it is the combination of heat and humidity - known as the 'wet-bulb temperature'. This is measured by attaching a wet cloth to the bulb of a thermometer. It is a direct indicator of how well sweating is cooling the body. Previously it had been thought that a wet-bulb temperature of 95F (35C) equal to a temperature of 95F at 100 per cent humidity, or 115F at 50 per cent humidity was the upper limit of safety for humans. At this point the human body would no longer be able to cool itself by evaporating sweat from the surface of the body to ensure a stable body core temperature. However, new research now suggests that the upper limit is actually It can damage organs such as your lungs, kidneys and liver. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Heat stroke can happen during heatwaves or long spells of very hot weather. Some people - such as children, older people and those with long-term health conditions (such as diabetes or heart problems) - are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. As a result, they have to take extra care in hot weather. Following their latest research, experts now want to test older men and women to see what their upper safety limit is. Due to their increased risk of heart disease and respiratory issues, it is likely to be much lower. Such insight is important because as the world's average temperature continues to rise and heatwaves become stronger and more intense, the impact this will have on human health is yet to be truly seen.