On hot, sunny days, surface temperatures on roofs and pavement can be from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the air temperature! These hot surfaces contribute to "urban heat islands" where temperatures in cities are hotter than surrounding, less developed areas. The urban heat island effect can be particularly pronounced at night, when city temperatures may be as much as 22 degree Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas. Higher temperatures in cities have a number of impacts, including increased energy use for air conditioning, increased emissions of air pollutants and impacts on human health.
Viewer Tip: Older individuals are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The body's cooling mechanism doesn't work as efficiently as we age and living alone or being confined to a bed can further increase vulnerability. Keep these tips in mind to help older family members and friends stay healthy:
Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/epareportst.htm#temp and be sure to visit Earth Gauge for more tips!
Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Heat Island Impacts and It’s Too Darn Hot – Planning for Excessive Heat Events.
Whether you want to learn how to grow and raise your own food, build your own root cellar, or create a green dream home, come out and learn everything you need to know — and then some!LEARN MORE