Heatwaves pose risks, immunologist Minelli says, with particulate matter boosting the risk.

It's not just a problem of dysregulation of our physiological cooling system. The scorching temperatures expected in the coming hours, in addition to inhibiting the physiological mechanisms of defervescence related to sweat evaporation, due to the stifling humidity associated with the heat, can also have a powerful impact on other risk factors for human health. Heat waves, especially if frequent and frequent, lead to dangerous air stagnation, resulting in increased levels of ozone, but also, and above all, particulate matter (PM), including nitrogen oxides and fine particles. It's estimated that concentrations of the latter on days of air stagnation are approximately 2.5 µg/m3 higher than the annual daily average. This 'booster' effect on the heat increases health risks. This is what clinical immunologist Mauro Minelli told Adnkronos Salute.

"And this is due to a whole series of reasons that include high pressure, strong solar radiation, a greater presence of dust generated by the very frequent fires of these times, the increase in harmful emissions related, perhaps, to a greater consumption of energy to air-condition our environments. If to all this - warns Minelli - we add the activation, by our body, of adaptation measures, such as increased breathing frequency, we understand how the heat can more easily expose us to the harmful action of environmental pollutants. And it will be the cities, the large urban centers and their inhabitants, especially the elderly or the frail, who will be the worst hit in this sequence of events that is anything but theoretical, precisely because, in such circumstances, urban areas tend to transform into real "heat islands". Responsibilities in this sense seem to be the materials used for construction, the asphalt of the streets that does not allow the heat accumulated during the day to transpire at night, the lack or, in any case, insufficient availability of of public greenery".

A Decalogue for Protecting Yourself from the Summer Heat

To limit the impact of these agents, which, though apparently different, "intervene synergistically and significantly on our health during the hot summer days, it would be best to follow some suggestions provided, among others, by the Ministry of Health," reminds immunologist Minelli.

1) Ensure frequent air exchange at home and in confined spaces, perhaps by facilitating natural ventilation;

2) For newborns and children, if you really have to let them out on hot days, it would be much better to choose areas away from traffic for short stops, even if they are short;

3) Similar recommendations apply to the elderly, for whom, especially on hot days, it is always a good idea to keep medications handy to treat any worsening of respiratory symptoms associated with asthma or COPD;

4) Another category of people at risk is that of pregnant women, especially if affected by pre-existing medical conditions (blood pressure disorders, metabolic disorders) or by complications that arose during pregnancy;

5) When traveling by car, with the air conditioning set to temperatures not significantly different from the outside (ideally, the indoor temperature should be between 23 and 25°C), it's always a good idea to activate the particulate filter to reduce the entry of traffic-related pollutants into the passenger compartment. The same care should be taken to clean the filters of air conditioning units located inside living and/or working areas.

Special protection, with the use of specific personal protective equipment, for traffic police, asphalt pavers, and road construction workers.

6) While avoiding passive exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, scented candles, or incense is a rule that should always apply, especially in places frequented by asthmatics or those with chronic respiratory problems, on days when the air quality is poorest because it is more stagnant, that rule becomes mandatory, precisely to avoid worsening respiratory symptoms;

7) People with cardiovascular diseases must also pay particular attention to the consequences of the heat. In addition to carefully adhering to any treatments they are currently undergoing, they should monitor their blood pressure, and if necessary, avoid going out on days that are expected to be both hot and polluted.

8) Special protection, with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, must be guaranteed to those who, such as traffic police or traffic wardens, asphalt pavers, or road construction workers, work outdoors and are exposed to multiple occupational risks related not only to heat and humidity, but also to the impact of various air pollutants.

9) A good rule of thumb for everyone is to avoid prolonged outdoor physical exertion on days when the scorching heat is combined with high humidity. Instead, take supplements to combat heat-induced weakness. Magnesium can be beneficial in this regard, helping prevent muscle cramps and maintain electrolyte balance. B vitamins can also support energy and metabolism.

10) Finally, don't overlook the "solastalgia" effect, that subtle feeling of melancholy that drastic climate changes seem to foster, especially in the most sensitive individuals, often generating anxiety and stress, as well as a dulling and slowing of thought and physical activity. Prudence and patience, in these cases, may be among the most effective antidotes to the sweltering seasonal ailments.