23 of the 30 worst heat waves recorded in Europe have occurred in the current century , and heat-related deaths have jumped 30% in the past 20 years. Last year was the warmest in global weather history
Dr. Zornitsa Spasova from the National Center for Public Health and Analyzes at the Ministry of Health stated that hot weather increases mortality from cardiovascular diseases. People with mental disorders are also more likely to die in the heat. People with chronic diseases, children and pregnant women who should not go out in the hot weather are also at risk.
"Globally, it is believed that the "Global South" will be more affected and poorer countries will be more affected. They are in a warmer belt that will become uninhabitable under global warming. Half a million people fall victim to the hot weather. The worst heat wave in Europe has been since 2003, when 70,000 people died," she explained to Bulgaria ON AIR.
In Europe, winter mortality is decreasing and summer mortality is increasing, it became clear from the words of Dr. Spasova. 1100 people a year are killed by the heat in Bulgaria.
She emphasized that hot weather affects labor productivity and outdoor work should be stopped. Interpersonal conflicts and domestic violence are on the rise as hot temperatures make people more aggressive.
How to protect ourselves from the heat?
"Air conditioners in a heat wave are lifesavers. The benefits are more than the harms", believes Dr. Spasova, who added that distributing water is a good but not sufficient measure. We need a targeted policy towards the population.
"Clothes must be made of natural materials and breathable. If the garment is tight on you, the white will reflect more light. If it is a robe, then it turns out that there is no difference between black and white. Black absorbs radiation from the sun and radiation from the body. It is good to moisturize the skin", Dr. Spasova also pointed out.
She specified that heatwaves are not equivalent to heatwaves, which can occur throughout the summer period - with the greatest frequency in July and August. It is possible that there will be heat waves in August as well.