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Heatstroke Prevention: What to Wear

British Columbia Specific Information

Too much heat can be harmful to your health. It can lead to weakness, disorientation, exhaustion, and in severe cases, it can lead to heat stroke. To learn more about heat-related illnesses, see HealthLinkBC File #35 Heat-related Illness.

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Topic Overview

Make good clothing choices in hot environments to help prevent heat-related illnesses. Clothing should be light-coloured, lightweight and draw sweat from the skin. The evaporation of sweat will decrease the body's temperature.

The upper body sweats more than the lower half, so wearing clothing that is loose-fitting and allows for more air circulation from the waist up is a good way to transfer heat away from the body.

We lose 50% of our body heat from our scalp and our face. Wide brimmed hats used for sun protection should be designed to allow for good ventilation of the body's heat from the head.

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Credits

Adaptation Date: 11/6/2019

Adapted By: HealthLink BC

Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

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Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control