How Does 125 Degree Temperature Kill People

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There are several scientific theories about the point at which heat makes humans extremely sick and eventually kills them. Over 550 million people have died in Mecca this week. That figure is probably wildly undercounted. A new study shows that about 100 people have died in Mexico due to the heat in the last three weeks. That is undercounted as well. The heat in and around Mecca has reached 125 degrees F in Saudi Arabia. At that number, it can take only a few hours for a human to die.

American Heat Deaths –As High As 11,000?

Heat News –Hundreds Die In Mecca

At least three factors are involved besides temperature itself. One is the length of exposure, in minutes or hours. Another is whether the heat is humid or dry. Finally, the individual’s health can cause some people to get sicker faster. These factors include obesity and heart disease.

CDC Warning

According to the CDC, there are two levels of heat-related symptoms before the effects can become fatal. The first is “heat exhaustion.” At this level, people can become nauseous, dizzy, and have muscle cramps. Worse, “heat stroke” can cause a body temperature of 103 degrees F and unconsciousness.

Death from heat is not uncommon in the US. One study showed that 11,000 people died from heat illnesses last year.

The deaths of hundreds of pilgrims at Mecca occurred as the temperature reached 120 degrees F. Scientists say that at about 95 degrees F, the body, if in the heat for more than a few minutes, can longer cold itself. According to MIT, “With no wind and sunny skies, an area with 50% humidity will hit an unlivable wet-bulb temperature at around 109 °F, while in mostly dry air, temperatures would have to top 130 °F to reach that limit.”

So, although there is no exact number, people die at some point between 100 degrees F and 130 degrees, depending on the temperature.