Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Working For More Than 52 Hours Could Alter Your Brain Structure

Working for more than 52 hours could alter your brain structure

A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environment Medicine has found evidence that working excessively long hours could in fact alter the physical structure of the brain. The research was conducted by scientists from Chung-Ang University and Yonsei University in South Korea. The research offers a rare glimpse into how chronic overwork may affect not just one's <span>mental wellbeing</span>, but also alter the brain anatomy, 

In South Korea, the legal maximum weekly working hours is 52. However, overwork there has become a pressing public health issue. The study thus tracked 110 healthcare workers, and divided them into two groups: "overworked" - individuals who worked for 52 hours or more and "non-overworked" - individuals who worked for standard hours. 

The study also used a neuroimaging technique and MRI scans, where researchers were able to examine differences in gray matter between the two groups. 

"People who worked 52 or more hours a week displayed significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, unlike participants who worked standard hours," the researchers said in a press release.

<h4>What Are The Changes Noted In Brain?</h4>

The analysis also revealed that overworked individuals had notable increases in the volume of them idle frontal gyrus. This part plays a role in attention, memory and cognitive control. 

There were also changes observed in the insula, which is responsible for emotional processing, self-awareness and understanding social context. 

These changes point a biological basis for the cognitive fog, mood shifts, and emotional fatigue that is commonly reported in people who work for excessively long hours. Coauthor Joon Yul Choi from Yonsei University told CNN that these brain changes "might be at least in part, reversible" if environmental stressors like overwork are reduced—though he cautioned that a full return to baseline brain function could take time.

This research builds upon previous findings. A 2021 joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that long working hours led to over 745,000 deaths annually, making overwork a leading occupational risk factor.

Frank Pega, who led the WHO-ILO study, told CNN that this new research provides “important new evidence” of how long working hours “radically” impact physical health. He stressed that governments, employers, and workers need to act collectively, citing laws and policies that can protect against health risks associated with overwork.

While the study’s small sample size and exclusive focus on Korean healthcare workers limit its generalizability, experts believe it opens the door to deeper exploration. Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies in the UK, told CNN that the findings "confirm some physiological reasons that working long hours affects our wellbeing."

He emphasized that although the study is preliminary, its use of neurological imaging lends "powerful new evidence linking overwork with structural changes in parts of the brain involved in executive function and emotional regulation."

In the words of the study’s authors, “The results underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern.”

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A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environment Medicine has found evidence that working excessively long hours could in fact alter the physical structure of the brain. The research was conducted by scientists from Chung-Ang University and Yonsei University in South Korea. The research offers a rare glimpse into how chronic overwork may affect not just one's mental wellbeing, but also alter the brain anatomy, What Does The Study Say?In South Korea, the legal maximum weekly working hours is 52. However, overwork there has become a pressing public health issue. The study thus tracked 110 healthcare workers, and divided them into two groups: "overworked" - individuals who worked for 52 hours or more and "non-overworked" - individuals who worked for standard hours. The study also used a neuroimaging technique and MRI scans, where researchers were able to examine differences in gray matter between the two groups. "People who worked 52 or more hours a week displayed significant changes in brain regions associated with executive function and emotional regulation, unlike participants who worked standard hours," the researchers said in a press release.What Are The Changes Noted In Brain?The analysis also revealed that overworked individuals had notable increases in the volume of them idle frontal gyrus. This part plays a role in attention, memory and cognitive control. There were also changes observed in the insula, which is responsible for emotional processing, self-awareness and understanding social context. These changes point a biological basis for the cognitive fog, mood shifts, and emotional fatigue that is commonly reported in people who work for excessively long hours. Coauthor Joon Yul Choi from Yonsei University told CNN that these brain changes "might be at least in part, reversible" if environmental stressors like overwork are reduced—though he cautioned that a full return to baseline brain function could take time.Why Does It Matter?This research builds upon previous findings. A 2021 joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that long working hours led to over 745,000 deaths annually, making overwork a leading occupational risk factor.Frank Pega, who led the WHO-ILO study, told CNN that this new research provides “important new evidence” of how long working hours “radically” impact physical health. He stressed that governments, employers, and workers need to act collectively, citing laws and policies that can protect against health risks associated with overwork.While the study’s small sample size and exclusive focus on Korean healthcare workers limit its generalizability, experts believe it opens the door to deeper exploration. Jonny Gifford, principal research fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies in the UK, told CNN that the findings "confirm some physiological reasons that working long hours affects our wellbeing."He emphasized that although the study is preliminary, its use of neurological imaging lends "powerful new evidence linking overwork with structural changes in parts of the brain involved in executive function and emotional regulation."In the words of the study’s authors, “The results underscore the importance of addressing overwork as an occupational health concern.”

working for more than 52 hours could alter your brain structure

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Brain health has been highlighted in many recent conversations. Many studies have highlighted things like what food affects our brains negatively. Whether it is how our activities or lack thereof could change our brain function as well as how different psychological factors like stress and anxiety can hurt our brain. However, have you wondered what things positively affect your brain health and age? A new study found that the natural curiosity that we have could be the answer to healthy brain aging. 

As kids, all of us had our curiosity, the urge to find new things and learn interesting facts. People become less curious as they age, or that’s what most of us believe. However, the researchers pointed out that we don’t lose our curiosity, rather we focus on one aspect of interest and expand on that. 

<h2>Staying Curious Helps Your Brain Stay Healthy </h2>

The study published in the journal PLOS One 2025, found that some types of curiosity become even stronger as we age. Older people who keep wanting to learn new things might have a better chance of avoiding or delaying problems like Alzheimer's disease. 

The study looked at curiosity in two different ways. One type is called "trait curiosity." This is like a basic part of someone's personality that makes them want to find out new things in general. The study found that this type of curiosity tends to become less strong as people get older. The other type is "state curiosity." This is when you feel curious about something specific at a certain moment, like wanting to know the answer to a question someone asks you. This type of curiosity behaves differently as we age. 

<h2>You Become More Curious As You Age </h2>

What the researchers found interesting was that "state curiosity" often starts to increase quite a bit after people reach middle age. This feeling of wanting to know about specific things keeps getting stronger as people move into old age. In the UCLA news release the lead scientist of the study, Alan Castel from UCLA, said that this fits with his idea that older people don't stop wanting to learn, they just become more careful about what they choose to learn about. 

He gave examples of older people who go back to school, start new hobbies, or enjoy activities like watching birds. He believes that if older adults can keep this specific kind of curiosity alive, it can really help them stay mentally sharp as they age. This suggests that focusing on learning about things that interest you might be a key to keeping your brain active and healthy in your later years. 

<h2>Why Does ‘Specific Curiosity’ Rise Later In Life? </h2>

To understand this better, the researchers asked over 1,400 people in the age group of 20 and 84, to take a test online that measured their curiosity. Part of the test involved guessing the answers to difficult trivia questions. After guessing, the participants were asked if they wanted to know the correct answer. 

The results showed that people who had more general curiosity also tended to have more specific curiosity, and the other way around. However, they also found that while general curiosity tended to decrease as people aged, specific curiosity decreased in early adulthood but then started to increase significantly after middle age and continued to rise in older age. 

The researchers think this happens because younger adults are often very focused on learning what they need for their jobs, school, and raising families. This can make them curious early on, but it can also be stressful. 

As people get older, and perhaps after their children have grown up and they have retired, they have more time and energy to focus on things they personally enjoy learning about. This could be why their curiosity about specific topics becomes stronger in later life. This suggests that actively keeping your curiosity alive as you age could be an important way to help keep your brain healthy and maintain a good quality of life. 

Staying Curious Helps Your Brain Stay Healthy'

Curiosity trait helps our brain

Brain health and curiosity

curiosity can delay Alzheimer's

curiosity can delay cognitive decline

you grow more curious as you age

Brain health has been highlighted in many recent conversations. Many studies have highlighted things like what food affects our brains negatively. Whether it is how our activities or lack thereof could change our brain function as well as how different psychological factors like stress and anxiety can hurt our brain. However, have you wondered what things positively affect your brain health and age? A new study found that the natural curiosity that we have could be the answer to healthy brain aging. As kids, all of us had our curiosity, the urge to find new things and learn interesting facts. People become less curious as they age, or that’s what most of us believe. However, the researchers pointed out that we don’t lose our curiosity, rather we focus on one aspect of interest and expand on that. Staying Curious Helps Your Brain Stay Healthy The study published in the journal PLOS One 2025, found that some types of curiosity become even stronger as we age. Older people who keep wanting to learn new things might have a better chance of avoiding or delaying problems like Alzheimer's disease. The study looked at curiosity in two different ways. One type is called "trait curiosity." This is like a basic part of someone's personality that makes them want to find out new things in general. The study found that this type of curiosity tends to become less strong as people get older. The other type is "state curiosity." This is when you feel curious about something specific at a certain moment, like wanting to know the answer to a question someone asks you. This type of curiosity behaves differently as we age. You Become More Curious As You Age What the researchers found interesting was that "state curiosity" often starts to increase quite a bit after people reach middle age. This feeling of wanting to know about specific things keeps getting stronger as people move into old age. In the UCLA news release the lead scientist of the study, Alan Castel from UCLA, said that this fits with his idea that older people don't stop wanting to learn, they just become more careful about what they choose to learn about. He gave examples of older people who go back to school, start new hobbies, or enjoy activities like watching birds. He believes that if older adults can keep this specific kind of curiosity alive, it can really help them stay mentally sharp as they age. This suggests that focusing on learning about things that interest you might be a key to keeping your brain active and healthy in your later years. Why Does ‘Specific Curiosity’ Rise Later In Life? To understand this better, the researchers asked over 1,400 people in the age group of 20 and 84, to take a test online that measured their curiosity. Part of the test involved guessing the answers to difficult trivia questions. After guessing, the participants were asked if they wanted to know the correct answer. The results showed that people who had more general curiosity also tended to have more specific curiosity, and the other way around. However, they also found that while general curiosity tended to decrease as people aged, specific curiosity decreased in early adulthood but then started to increase significantly after middle age and continued to rise in older age. The researchers think this happens because younger adults are often very focused on learning what they need for their jobs, school, and raising families. This can make them curious early on, but it can also be stressful. As people get older, and perhaps after their children have grown up and they have retired, they have more time and energy to focus on things they personally enjoy learning about. This could be why their curiosity about specific topics becomes stronger in later life. This suggests that actively keeping your curiosity alive as you age could be an important way to help keep your brain healthy and maintain a good quality of life. 

curiosity killed the cat, but it could save your brain

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The US Health Secretary <span>Robert F Kennedy Jr</span>, has been very vocal about his stance on vaccines, causing a stir among citizens who stands unsure of how this will affect the healthcare system. While he has time and again appealed to people with various health claim, including seeking refuge to faith and prayers for drug addiction, recently he said, “I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” 

During a House committee hearing, <span>RFK Jr</span>. sidestepped direct answers regarding his personal views on childhood vaccinations, despite his history of controversial statements on the topic. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) pressed Kennedy on whether he would vaccinate a child against measles. 

Initially, Kennedy responded, "Probably for measles," but quickly retreated, stating, "What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant." He further emphasized, "I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me," a sentiment he repeated when Pocan continued to press for clarity. 

Kennedy's long-standing skepticism towards vaccines, including promoting debunked claims linking them to autism, has drawn significant criticism. His recent assertion that measles vaccines are "leaky" due to waning effectiveness was also disputed by medical experts. 

<h2>How Have Statements Influenced People? </h2>

Though his statement clearly echoes the feelings that what he says regarding health should not be considered seriously, or as a medical advice, it is undeniable that his statements have in fact, influenced many people, making health choices. 

As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats. 

About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation. 

Adding to the confusion is RFK Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization. 

At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines. 

In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction. 

<h2>The Measles Outbreak And Vaccines </h2>

Previously also, the Health Secretary’s actions came under scrutiny again due to the measles outbreak. RFK Jr. has openly endorsed a measles-infected Texas physician who saw children. He had also doubled down on his views of natural immunity, explaining how ‘everyone got measles’ and acquired lifelong immunity. 

His previous work with anti-vaccine activists who work with his non-profit group Children’s Health Defense. However, in the speeches following his nomination as the health secretary, he claimed he was never ‘anti-vax’ and has never told the public to avoid vaccinations. This goes against many of his previous statements where he criticized vaccines. In a podcast interview he said “There is no vaccine that is safe and effective” as well as told Fox News his persistent belief in the idea that <span>vaccines cause autism</span>. In Another podcast interview he urged people to resist CDC guidelines, which asked parents to vaccinate their children in view of public health. 

During the Bird Flu outbreak, RFK Jr’s suggestions caused an uproar, as suggested to allow bird flu to spread naturally through poultry farms, rather than culling infected birds. This suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from scientists, who warn of potential animal cruelty and heightened public health risks. 

Kennedy's plan, outlined in a Fox News interview, involves identifying and preserving naturally immune birds after the virus has run its course. "We can identify the birds and preserve the birds that are immune to it," he stated. While Kennedy lacks direct control over agricultural practices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had expressed interest in piloting the idea, suggesting to CBS, "There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity." 

However, veterinary experts strongly oppose the proposal, citing significant risks. Dr. Gail Hansen, former state veterinarian for Kansas, told The New York Times, "that's a really terrible idea for any one of a number of reasons. 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr

robert f kennedy jr

RFK Jr

rfk jr says people shouldn't take advice from him

rfk jr and vaccine skepticism

vaccines cause autism

The US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, has been very vocal about his stance on vaccines, causing a stir among citizens who stands unsure of how this will affect the healthcare system. While he has time and again appealed to people with various health claim, including seeking refuge to faith and prayers for drug addiction, recently he said, “I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” During a House committee hearing, RFK Jr. sidestepped direct answers regarding his personal views on childhood vaccinations, despite his history of controversial statements on the topic. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) pressed Kennedy on whether he would vaccinate a child against measles. Initially, Kennedy responded, "Probably for measles," but quickly retreated, stating, "What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant." He further emphasized, "I don’t want to seem like I am being evasive, but I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me," a sentiment he repeated when Pocan continued to press for clarity. Kennedy's long-standing skepticism towards vaccines, including promoting debunked claims linking them to autism, has drawn significant criticism. His recent assertion that measles vaccines are "leaky" due to waning effectiveness was also disputed by medical experts. How Have Statements Influenced People? Though his statement clearly echoes the feelings that what he says regarding health should not be considered seriously, or as a medical advice, it is undeniable that his statements have in fact, influenced many people, making health choices. As per a new survey by KKF, a nonprofit health information group, only one-third of Republican-leaning parents were aware of the current measles outbreak. This was in comparison with the two-thirds of aware Democratic parents. The survey also found and 1 in 5 Republicans believes that measles vaccine is more dangerous than the diseases itself, this is double the rate of Democrats. About 35% of Republicans surveyed believe the discredited theory that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism—a belief held by just 10% of Democrats. While belief in this theory has not increased significantly, public awareness of the claim has grown, reflecting the impact of persistent misinformation. Adding to the confusion is RFK Jr., who has long been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric. Since taking office, he has supported an investigation into environmental contributors to autism and has floated unproven theories, such as vitamin A being a preventative measure against measles. These statements, while not outright opposing vaccines, muddy public understanding and can discourage immunization. At a time when clear public health messaging is critical, conflicting remarks from top officials are exacerbating distrust. Advocacy organizations like Immunize.org and The Immunization Partnership warn that such mixed messaging, especially when it originates from high-ranking leaders, undermines public confidence in vaccines. In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, anti-vaccine activism has gained traction within state legislatures. Studies show that even lawmakers with medical backgrounds have not always supported public health measures, often influenced by political considerations and public pressure. Testimony from vaccine opponents at legislative hearings further amplifies misinformation, making it more difficult for facts to gain traction. The Measles Outbreak And Vaccines Previously also, the Health Secretary’s actions came under scrutiny again due to the measles outbreak. RFK Jr. has openly endorsed a measles-infected Texas physician who saw children. He had also doubled down on his views of natural immunity, explaining how ‘everyone got measles’ and acquired lifelong immunity. His previous work with anti-vaccine activists who work with his non-profit group Children’s Health Defense. However, in the speeches following his nomination as the health secretary, he claimed he was never ‘anti-vax’ and has never told the public to avoid vaccinations. This goes against many of his previous statements where he criticized vaccines. In a podcast interview he said “There is no vaccine that is safe and effective” as well as told Fox News his persistent belief in the idea that vaccines cause autism. In Another podcast interview he urged people to resist CDC guidelines, which asked parents to vaccinate their children in view of public health. Bird Flu and Herd Immunity During the Bird Flu outbreak, RFK Jr’s suggestions caused an uproar, as suggested to allow bird flu to spread naturally through poultry farms, rather than culling infected birds. This suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from scientists, who warn of potential animal cruelty and heightened public health risks. Kennedy's plan, outlined in a Fox News interview, involves identifying and preserving naturally immune birds after the virus has run its course. "We can identify the birds and preserve the birds that are immune to it," he stated. While Kennedy lacks direct control over agricultural practices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had expressed interest in piloting the idea, suggesting to CBS, "There are some farmers that are out there that are willing to really try this on a pilot as we build the safe perimeter around them to see if there is a way forward with immunity." However, veterinary experts strongly oppose the proposal, citing significant risks. Dr. Gail Hansen, former state veterinarian for Kansas, told The New York Times, "that's a really terrible idea for any one of a number of reasons.  

robert f. kennedy jr. says " i don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me"

Tanya Dutt

What Is The Hottest Temperature A Human Body Can Handle?

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As temperatures around the world rise because of climate change, the human body is increasingly confronting a little-understood and increasing hazard: excessive heat. From enduring heatwaves to sweltering heat waves with high humidity, what used to be a seasonal annoyance is now a worldwide health risk. But <span>how hot is too hot</span> for the human body? At what point does heat become deadly—and why?

In 2020, an article published in Science Advances identified a precise threshold by which the human body cannot survive: 95°F (35°C) wet-bulb temperature. Unlike regular temperature readings, wet-bulb temperature takes into consideration both heat and humidity. It is measured with a thermometer covered in a cloth soaked in water, replicating the way the human body dissipates heat—by evaporating sweat.

If the air surrounding the body is too moist, sweat does not evaporate. When this system breaks down, so does the body's control over internal temperature. The result? A speedy and potentially dangerous increase in core temperature.

In perspective, 115°F (46.1°C) air temperature with 30% humidity yields a wet-bulb temperature of approximately 87°F (30.5°C)—still survivable. However, a seemingly "cooler" 102°F (38.9°C) day with 77% humidity brings the wet-bulb temperature to the lethal 95°F (35°C) mark.

Once wet-bulb temperatures reach this tipping point, sweat can no longer evaporate fast enough to cool the body. Even if the skin is wet, the internal temperature continues to climb. At this stage, hyperthermia sets in—defined by a body temperature above 104°F (40°C)—leading to symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, organ failure, and even death.

Although no human can live above a wet-bulb temperature of 95°F, not all people are equally at risk in lower heat exposures.

<ul><li>Older people, because of impaired thermoregulation.</li><li>Obese or chronically ill people, such as those with cardiovascular disease.</li><li>Those on certain medications, e.g., antipsychotics or beta-blockers.</li><li>Workers outdoors and athletes, whose exertion increases body heat.</li></ul>

Even healthy individuals can succumb to lower wet-bulb temperatures if they are exerting themselves in direct sun or in poorly ventilated environments.

<h2>What Happens Inside the Body During Heat Exposure?</h2>

The human body contains approximately 60% water, and fluid balance is inextricably linked with temperature regulation. In hot temperatures, the body loses water quickly through sweat and respiration. If it is not replaced, dehydration occurs, causing blood volume to decrease. This affects anything from organ function to delivery of oxygen at the cellular level.

Meanwhile, the thermoregulatory system, which depends on blood flow to shuttle heat from internal organs out to the skin, starts to fail. If this cooling circuit fails, internal organs become overheated, cells start dying, and a chain of failure results in heat stroke or cardiovascular collapse.

Whereas wet-bulb temperature gives us one measurement, research indicates the ambient air temperature limit of human survival is probably between 104°F and 122°F (40°C–50°C). 122°F is at the limits of what the body can withstand while keeping its core temperature stable, says a 2021 Physiology Report.

A different approach to research implies that the temperature at which the body begins to sweat is 89.6°F (32°C)—the beginning of heat strain. Thus, danger doesn't begin at extreme temperatures only; it accumulates with time, particularly due to long exposure and high humidity.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has documented that heat directly caused 11,000 fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 2018, although the actual number is probably much greater because underreporting is likely to have occurred. While hurricanes or flooding may be dramatic, they kill openly, but heat waves are deadly killers that silently take victims in poor communities, older people, and those not having air conditioning.

Moreover, heat exacerbates existing conditions, increasing the possibility of strokes, heart attacks, and breathing difficulties during heat waves.

We may not be able to manipulate the weather, but we can manage our environment and lifestyle. Experts advise:

<ul><li>Rehydrate with electrolytes, not plain water. Sweating excessively loses salt and minerals necessary for cellular processes.</li><li>Lower internal body temperature by bathing or showering with cool water.</li><li>Avoid sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.</li><li>Dress in light, loose clothing and have lighter, more frequent meals.</li></ul>

Use extra caution with electric fans during high heat; they can accelerate evaporation and boost dehydration.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting during heatwaves susceptible populations—i.e., people who are frail or have disability and ensuring air conditioning, shades, or available cooling resources like fans or air conditioning are at their disposal.

The highest temperature that a human can tolerate is not one number—it's a function of heat, humidity, and time. Wet-bulb temperatures over 95°F are universally lethal within a few hours, but even lower temperatures can be severely dangerous under the right conditions. As climate change accelerates, our knowledge of and readiness for extreme heat must keep pace. This isn't merely a meteorological issue—it's a public health emergency in the making.

heatwave health risk

hottest temperature human survive

wet bulb temperature

extreme heat effects

climate change heatwave

how hot is too hot

body temperature heatstroke

As temperatures around the world rise because of climate change, the human body is increasingly confronting a little-understood and increasing hazard: excessive heat. From enduring heatwaves to sweltering heat waves with high humidity, what used to be a seasonal annoyance is now a worldwide health risk. But how hot is too hot for the human body? At what point does heat become deadly—and why?In 2020, an article published in Science Advances identified a precise threshold by which the human body cannot survive: 95°F (35°C) wet-bulb temperature. Unlike regular temperature readings, wet-bulb temperature takes into consideration both heat and humidity. It is measured with a thermometer covered in a cloth soaked in water, replicating the way the human body dissipates heat—by evaporating sweat.If the air surrounding the body is too moist, sweat does not evaporate. When this system breaks down, so does the body's control over internal temperature. The result? A speedy and potentially dangerous increase in core temperature.In perspective, 115°F (46.1°C) air temperature with 30% humidity yields a wet-bulb temperature of approximately 87°F (30.5°C)—still survivable. However, a seemingly "cooler" 102°F (38.9°C) day with 77% humidity brings the wet-bulb temperature to the lethal 95°F (35°C) mark.Once wet-bulb temperatures reach this tipping point, sweat can no longer evaporate fast enough to cool the body. Even if the skin is wet, the internal temperature continues to climb. At this stage, hyperthermia sets in—defined by a body temperature above 104°F (40°C)—leading to symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, organ failure, and even death.Who’s Most at Risk?Although no human can live above a wet-bulb temperature of 95°F, not all people are equally at risk in lower heat exposures.Older people, because of impaired thermoregulation.Obese or chronically ill people, such as those with cardiovascular disease.Those on certain medications, e.g., antipsychotics or beta-blockers.Workers outdoors and athletes, whose exertion increases body heat.Even healthy individuals can succumb to lower wet-bulb temperatures if they are exerting themselves in direct sun or in poorly ventilated environments.What Happens Inside the Body During Heat Exposure?The human body contains approximately 60% water, and fluid balance is inextricably linked with temperature regulation. In hot temperatures, the body loses water quickly through sweat and respiration. If it is not replaced, dehydration occurs, causing blood volume to decrease. This affects anything from organ function to delivery of oxygen at the cellular level.Meanwhile, the thermoregulatory system, which depends on blood flow to shuttle heat from internal organs out to the skin, starts to fail. If this cooling circuit fails, internal organs become overheated, cells start dying, and a chain of failure results in heat stroke or cardiovascular collapse.How Hot Is Too Hot, Really?Whereas wet-bulb temperature gives us one measurement, research indicates the ambient air temperature limit of human survival is probably between 104°F and 122°F (40°C–50°C). 122°F is at the limits of what the body can withstand while keeping its core temperature stable, says a 2021 Physiology Report.A different approach to research implies that the temperature at which the body begins to sweat is 89.6°F (32°C)—the beginning of heat strain. Thus, danger doesn't begin at extreme temperatures only; it accumulates with time, particularly due to long exposure and high humidity.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has documented that heat directly caused 11,000 fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 2018, although the actual number is probably much greater because underreporting is likely to have occurred. While hurricanes or flooding may be dramatic, they kill openly, but heat waves are deadly killers that silently take victims in poor communities, older people, and those not having air conditioning.Moreover, heat exacerbates existing conditions, increasing the possibility of strokes, heart attacks, and breathing difficulties during heat waves.How to Survive Extreme Heat?We may not be able to manipulate the weather, but we can manage our environment and lifestyle. Experts advise:Rehydrate with electrolytes, not plain water. Sweating excessively loses salt and minerals necessary for cellular processes.Lower internal body temperature by bathing or showering with cool water.Avoid sun exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM.Dress in light, loose clothing and have lighter, more frequent meals.Use extra caution with electric fans during high heat; they can accelerate evaporation and boost dehydration.In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting during heatwaves susceptible populations—i.e., people who are frail or have disability and ensuring air conditioning, shades, or available cooling resources like fans or air conditioning are at their disposal.The highest temperature that a human can tolerate is not one number—it's a function of heat, humidity, and time. Wet-bulb temperatures over 95°F are universally lethal within a few hours, but even lower temperatures can be severely dangerous under the right conditions. As climate change accelerates, our knowledge of and readiness for extreme heat must keep pace. This isn't merely a meteorological issue—it's a public health emergency in the making.

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