Heat waves and how they impact children
Climate change is raising global temperatures and causing historic heat waves. More countries are facing hotter days more frequently, with more intensity and for longer periods. The heat stress caused by exposure to heat waves can negatively affect health and well-being, especially for infants and young children. A third of the world’s children…, Heat waves: Fast facts, What is a heat wave?, A heat wave is any period of three days or more during which the maximum temperature is higher than normal (in the top 10 per cent of the local 15-day average. Humidity can add to the temperature causing it to feel much hotter., What is heat stress?, Heat stress is the stress caused to the body when it is unable to remove excess heat. Exposure to high temperatures and humidity, which when intensified by physical exertion, overwhelms the body’s ability to cool itself. This can lead to heat-related illnesses which can range from mild, like heat rashes in infants, to more serious life-threatening…, Why are children more at risk?, Children are more vulnerable to the short- and long-term effects of heat stress. Children sweat less per kilogram than adults and have a higher metabolism, which means they get hot quicker. They also spend more time outdoors than adults for play, sports and other activities, putting them at greater risk for heat exposure and injury. While playing…, How do heat waves impact infants and babies?, Infants and young children cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults because their bodies have more internal heat to begin with and absorb more heat from the environment. Babies’ immune systems are still developing, making them less capable of fighting off the symptoms of heat stress. Heat stress in pregnancy can put the baby at…, How extreme heat affects children, Extreme heat poses unique risks at different stages of childhood. For example, babies and young children under age 5 are the most at risk of increased heat-related mortality and morbidity, while adolescents are more likely to experience exertional heat-related injuries. Extreme heat can have serious effects on children’s health, mental well-being…, Health, Heat stress can lead to heat strokes and diarrhoea caused by dehydration. It can lead to an increased risk of chronic respiratory conditions, organ dysfunction like kidney failure, and chronic issues due to congenital defects., Nutrition, Heat waves make droughts worse, adding to crop failure and threatening children’s access to food and water. Food insecurity caused by heat waves has severe impacts on child nutrition., Education, Heat waves are linked to lower school attendance. High air temperatures and lower hydration are known to affect children’s ability to concentrate. These can impact overall school achievements., Mental health, High temperatures are linked to increases in mental health problems in children and adolescents. Heat can lead to high stress and poor sleep. These in turn can make episodes of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder more likely to occur. >> For parents: how to talk to your child about mental health Back to menu>>, How to keep children safe from heat stress, Recognizing early signs of heat-related illness and prevention are key Here are some ways to keep children safe and comfortable during a heat wave: Keep a close eye on their activities even if they are playing indoors. Monitor for early signs and symptoms of heat illness. Avoid the outdoors during the hot midday and afternoon hours. Help them to…, What needs to happen, UNICEF calls on governments and partners to take urgent action Mara, 5, is having her daily shower after school, in Bateay, Cambodia. As heat waves become more frequent and last longer, the need for urgent action grows stronger. Preparedness can protect vulnerable populations, especially children. UNICEF and partners are calling on governments to…
