Japanese study finds heatstroke risk varies by age and day of the week
TOKYO -- A Toho University research team has found that the risk of heatstroke varies significantly according to age and the day of the week, highligh
Tokyo researchers discovered heatstroke risk varies greatly by age and day of the week, showing lifestyle and activity patterns impact heat-related illnesses. Japan's heatstroke emergency calls have been rising, and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) determines risk, but physical activity influences it. Daily routines fluctuate between weekdays and weekends/holidays, with new patterns appearing on holidays.
Using Fire and Disaster Management Agency data, Toho University scientists analyzed heatstroke ambulance transports in Tokyo from May to September 2015-2025, breaking days into regular weekdays, weekends, holidays, and the first weekday after weekends/holidays. Adjusting for heat using WBGT, they examined risks by age, illness severity, and location.
The study found adults 65+ had 13% higher heatstroke ambulance transports on the first weekday after a break compared to other weekdays, and 13% fewer on weekends/holidays. Children and teens under 18 faced 80% higher transports on weekends/holidays. Mild cases rose 11% on weekends/holidays, while moderate/severe cases dropped 17%.
Public outdoor spaces saw 76% more incidents on weekends/holidays, while educational institutions had 21% more, workplaces 69% fewer. Professor Yuji Nishiwaki noted delayed medical consultations could explain higher cases in seniors after holidays, and increased exposure to heat when resuming regular activities. The study published August 7 in an international journal from the Japanese Society for Hygiene.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
