Several heat waves this summer have given us a taste of what is anticipated to become commonplace as the state’s climate rises, but dangerous heat is still very uncommon in Maine.
The Portland Press Herald and Maine Public Radio have been covering how high heat will alter our way of life and the steps being taken to safeguard vulnerable groups.
Irwin Gratz, host of the Morning Edition, discussed the initiative with Peter McGuire, the climate reporter for the Maine Public, and Penny Overton, the Press Herald’s climate and environment reporter.
For clarity, this interview has been modified.
Gratz: Generally speaking, Penny, Maine is considered a cold weather state. Why did you choose to investigate instances of severe heat here?
Overton Well, I used to work in Arizona, where summer temperatures typically reach 105 degrees. At the time of my move, I didn’t believe that Maine was experiencing severe heat. I was corrected on that by Dora Mills, the former director of the CDC in Maine, who listed a dozen groups of people who were at risk from what I would describe as mild heat. Indeed, research indicates that individuals in colder climates have heat-related disorders at lower temperatures than those in warmer climates. All things considered, Maine heat can be harmful, especially for certain people, even before the thermometer reaches 105 degrees.
Were the figures consistent with that?
Overton Indeed, state data indicates that during a heat wave, hospitalizations and emergency room visits connected to heat increase. And that’s only for the illnesses and injuries like heat exhaustion and heat stroke that a hospital directly links to the heat. Even though it probably wouldn’t have happened in the absence of the heat wave, many people who arrive at the hospital following a fall, stroke, or heart attack will not be classified as heat cases. Bottom line, then? The actual health effects of our heat waves are unknown to us.
Did you find out which groups in Maine were at risk from heat shock unexpected?
Overton: Older Mainers, expectant mothers and infants, those with underlying medical issues, and those who work outside or in hot environments are among the most vulnerable, as you might anticipate. However, I was unaware that there is an increased risk for those on some very popular medications. The adverse effects of several antidepressants, ADHD drugs, antihistamines, and high blood pressure drugs might impair the body’s ability to regulate heat. The medication used to treat the illness or condition poses a greater danger than the ailment itself. Sadly, a lot of people who take them are unaware of it.
Some of your reporting, Peter, concentrated on how employees are coping with hazardous heat. In what ways are hotter days increasing the risk of accidents at work?
McGuire According to some preliminary statistics from the emergency room, working physical labor is a significant risk factor for heat illness, as Penny mentioned.
According to the persons I spoke with, the toughest days to work in were those that were hot. Several folks I spoke with claimed to have experienced heat illness on multiple occasions while working. and that Maine didn’t fully acknowledge how serious the problem was. There are still no federal or state laws requiring employers to give water, shade, or additional breaks on hot days, despite the fact that around 1,000 American workers have lost their lives to heat-related illnesses at work in the past 30 years. According to doctors, this is somewhat disheartening because heat-related illnesses can be prevented.
Isn’t a government regulation addressing heat in the works?
McGuire: Indeed, it is. When the heat index reaches 80 degrees, workers would essentially need drink, rest, and shade, according to the Biden-era Occupational Safety and Health Administration. and extra safety measures when it surpasses 90.
Although many advocacy groups believed the Trump administration would abandon that proposal, rulemaking is still ongoing as of right now.
According to science, it will only become hotter. What is Maine doing, Penny, to prepare for the impending warmer weather and assist people who are currently at risk?
Overton: During heat waves, towns in Maine like Dover-Foxcroft and Fairfield are beginning to set up cooling facilities. Recent legislation in Maine compels local Boards of Education to establish temperature ranges in schools and prohibits Maine utilities from turning off power during a heat wave. Heat pumps, however, appear to be its overarching plan. In addition to cooling buildings in Maine, heat pumps were originally developed as a strategy to cut pollution and save Mainers money by weaning people off of home heating oil. This is particularly crucial for states with low air conditioning rates.
McGuire Yes, and I would also add that county emergency managers around the state are creating plans to deal with dangerously high and low temperatures. Since heat waves are the most deadly type of extreme weather, I believe it may be a positive indication that people in Maine are beginning to consider and prepare for them as serious natural disasters on par with hurricanes and ice storms.
And I believe it’s working because Maine had the most open cooling centers ever in June, when temperatures reached above 100 degrees. Therefore, I believe it is promising that we are beginning to adjust and understand the dangers of heat waves, even in a state with chilly weather.
