As record-breaking heat continues with temperatures hovering around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that using fans in high-temperature environments can actually increase the body's heat burden. Fans, typically seen as a go-to cooling device in summer, can circulate hot air when temperatures exceed a certain threshold.
Recently, WHO advised in its report on 'Heat and Health' that fans should only be used when the surrounding air temperature is below 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a fan in conditions where the air temperature exceeds this limit can transfer hot air to the body, hindering the cooling process and potentially raising body temperature.
The 104-degree threshold refers to the air temperature in the indoor or surrounding environment where the fan is operating, not the human body temperature. If the outdoor temperature reaches 104 degrees, using air conditioning to sufficiently cool indoor spaces can make using a fan beneficial for lowering perceived temperature.
WHO's principles for coping with extreme heat include four main strategies: 'Avoiding the heat,' 'Keeping homes cool,' 'Cooling the body and staying hydrated,' and 'Protecting infants and children.'
According to Yonhap News, it is advisable to avoid outdoor activities or strenuous physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If going outside is unavoidable, individuals should seek shade rather than direct sunlight. WHO explains that the temperature felt by a person in direct sunlight can be 10 to 15 degrees higher than the officially recorded temperature. Spending at least 2 to 3 hours in air-conditioned public facilities or cooling spaces is recommended, and caution should be exercised to avoid drowning when swimming alone.
During the day, it is best to use windows and blinds to block direct sunlight from entering homes and to open windows at night when outside temperatures drop.
Minimizing the use of electrical appliances is also advised, and fans should only be used when temperatures are below 104 degrees. At temperatures above this, fans can actually raise body temperature.
Taking direct actions to lower body temperature is crucial. WHO recommends wearing loose, lightweight clothing, taking cool showers or baths, and using damp cloths or sprays to cool the skin.
Regular hydration is essential. WHO advises drinking a cup of water every hour and consuming at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids daily.
WHO emphasizes that children and pets should never be left alone in parked vehicles. The internal temperature of a parked car can rise rapidly, making it imperative to keep children and pets safe from direct sunlight during peak heat hours.
Covering strollers with dry cloths should be avoided, as this can raise internal temperatures. Instead, using a thin, damp cloth and rewetting it as needed is recommended. A portable fan can enhance the cooling effect.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from May 15 to August 3 of this year, there have been a total of 2,221 reported cases of heat-related illnesses, with 19 fatalities. The agency advises that symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and altered consciousness should raise suspicion of heat-related illness. In response, some internet users expressed concerns, saying, 'I thought the hotter it gets, the stronger the fan should be,' and 'I'm worried about my parents who only use a fan without air conditioning,' while others noted, 'I need to check the indoor thermometer first.'
Concerns about electricity bills and cooling disparities have also been raised. Users commented, 'What should those without air conditioning or in small rooms do if they turn off the fan?' and 'Instead of just emphasizing personal guidelines, we need to extend the operating hours of cooling centers,' and 'If extreme heat is a disaster, we should also discuss support for cooling costs for vulnerable populations.'
On the other hand, some expressed that sensational headlines could create confusion. 'Just because the outdoor temperature is 104 degrees doesn't mean all homes should turn off their fans,' and 'Using a fan after lowering indoor temperatures with air conditioning is helpful,' were among the responses. Others noted, 'The warning that fans are dangerous should be clarified to mean not to rely solely on fans.'
Particularly, some users pointed out that 'seeing only the statement that fans are dangerous at temperatures above 104 degrees could lead to abruptly turning off fans during a heatwave,' emphasizing the need to explain the context of usage, indoor temperature, humidity, and cooling methods.
Ultimately, the core of the warning that 'fans become dangerous above 104 degrees' is not to instill fear of fans themselves. It serves as a reminder that in extreme heat, even familiar cooling methods may be ineffective, and a combination of strategies such as moving to cooler spaces, staying hydrated, and directly cooling the body should be employed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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