The Government of Navarra, through the Department of Health, has activated the Plan for the Prevention of the Health Effects of Excess Temperatures and Air Pollution for 2024, which will remain active until next September 30 and in which For the first time, air pollution will also be monitored to reduce the effects it has on the population’s health.
The managing director of the Institute of Public and Occupational Health of Navarra (ISPLN), Marían Nuin, chaired this Thursday the coordination meeting of this plan, which contemplates, in addition to environmental and epidemiological surveillance, a series of preventive actions associated with the different risk levels in order to “prevent the negative effects that excess temperatures and air pollution have on the health of citizens.”
Representatives of the Navarra Health Service-Osasunbidea (SNS-O), the Navarra Agency for Autonomy and Development of People, the General Directorate of the Interior, the Navarra Federation of Municipalities and Councils participated in the meeting, held electronically with the agents involved. (FNMC), the town councils of Pamplona / Iruña and Tudela, the Navarro Institute of Sports and Physical Activity (INDAF), the General Directorate of Culture, the Navarro Youth Institute (INJ), the General Directorate of Tourism, the General Directorate of Education, the General Directorate of Social Economy and Labor, Red Cross and the General Directorate of Social Protection and Development Cooperation.
Regarding air pollution, which is an environmental factor that also has a great impact on health, the ISPLN is participating together with the Department of Rural Development and Environment in the development of a short-term action plan for these cases. Pollution, which is also closely related to high temperatures, produces in the short term eye and respiratory tract irritation, difficulty in inhaling and, in the long term, a greater risk of both heart and respiratory diseases, as well as some cancers. .
In this way, when certain thresholds and criteria established in the regulations are expected to be exceeded, the institute will inform the population of the unfavorable air quality forecasts with the aim of minimizing the impact that this pollution may have on health. . The sources of information for this will be the forecasts of the Aemet (State Meteorological Agency) and the data from the 11 stations of the Navarra air quality network, which will measure different pollutants, among which ozone and particulate matter stand out. suspension.
Updating maximum temperature thresholds
This year’s heat plan includes a new geographic reorganization. The Ministry of Health has updated the threshold temperature of the Foral Community (34.8ºC) and during the season it plans to establish a geographical scope of application based on meteohealth zones – which coincide with the meteoalert zones defined by Aemet -, with maximum temperature thresholds for each of them.
Thus, in the Cantabrian Slope the maximum temperature threshold – that temperature above which an increase in mortality is observed – is 29.8ºC; in the Pyrenees, 31ºC; in the center of Navarra, 31.9ºC; and in the Ribera del Ebro, 34.1ºC.
35% of cases treated for heat pathology at work
The ISPLN emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures against the high temperatures that can be recorded at this time of year, focusing on the most vulnerable groups: the population over 65 years of age, people who have a chronic illness, infants and minors. 4 years old, as well as pregnant women and workers who remain exposed to heat during their shift.
However, remember that anyone can be affected. Excessive heat can cause an insufficient physiological response, affecting vital functions and causing, among other changes, cramps, exhaustion, dehydration, hot and red skin, etc. If, despite having ceased exposure, the symptoms persist or alterations in consciousness appear, rapid and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, you must call the emergency telephone number (112) to avoid possible heat stroke, says Public Health. .
Last year, 92 cases of heat-related pathology were reported (62 in men and 30 in women), of which 66% were between 19 and 64 years old. After considering that it was “a more benign summer than the previous one” in that sense, Nuin highlights that 35% of the cases treated occurred during work activity; 30%, for doing recreational activities such as sunbathing, going for a walk or going to the garden; 17% were at home; and 13%, doing physical exercise. Of the 92 cases recorded, six required admission and there were no deaths due to heat stroke. “56.5% of the people treated did not have any added risk factors,” says Nuin.
Special attention to vulnerable people
For all these reasons, to prevent the health effects of high temperatures, Public Health emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding going outside and doing physical exertion during the hottest hours, drinking more water and cool liquids without wait until you are thirsty; avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and sugary drinks; as well as wearing loose clothing with light fabrics.
It also advises contacting older people at least twice a day to ensure that they are following these measures, mainly reminds this group of the risk of sitting on a bench in the sun and points out that all the materials with recommendations are available on the page ISPLN website.
In the workplace, it recommends, among other guidelines, planning work taking into account the forecasts to schedule the heaviest tasks in times of less heat; ensure the correct functioning of air conditioning and ventilation indoors; and, outdoors, enable shaded areas.
In addition, workers must be able to adapt the pace of work to their tolerance for heat, rest in cool places several times throughout the day, cease activity if they notice the symptoms prior to heat stroke (cramps, dizziness, cold, sweaty skin, excessive fatigue, nausea…), hydrate and protect yourself from the sun, among other actions.
Finally, it is very important that companies guarantee specific health surveillance in relation to exposure to extreme temperatures, with special attention to the vulnerable working population.
This plan has been promoted every year since 2004, following the heat wave recorded in Europe in 2003, which produced a significant increase in mortality. Its content is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the health network, social services, town councils and entities. In addition, we are working jointly with the European project LIFE-IP NAdapta-CC (2017-2025), which focuses on preventing the effects of climate change in different areas, such as health and, in this case, exposure to high temperatures.
It is also part of the Strategic Health and Environment Plan of the Ministry of Health, which in its 2024-2025 action program establishes among its actions to be developed within the framework of extreme temperatures, the characterization and evaluation of meteohealth zones, as well as integrating air quality into the information system on extreme temperatures, in order to consider the synergistic effect between extreme temperatures and air quality on the health of the population.