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Research suggests that repeated exposure to heatwaves accelerates aging in individuals, with effects comparable to smoking, alcohol consumption, or a lack of exercise. A new study reveals the long-term consequences of heatwave exposure, going beyond the previously established link to increased mortality. The study analyzed health data from nearly 25,000 adults in Taiwan over the course of 15 years and concluded that just four extra days of heatwave exposure over two years can increase biological age by approximately nine days. Risk factors include manual labor, rural residence, and areas with limited air conditioning. The study advises taking steps to mitigate heat effects, such as using air conditioning and seeking shade. Dr. Cui Guo of the University of Hong Kong, the study’s lead author, states that the health impact of heatwave exposure could be much greater if it accumulates over several decades. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and prolonged, making their health impacts potentially more severe in the future. A heatwave is defined as an extended period of unusually high temperatures and can cause immediate stress on the body’s cooling systems. Over the long term, repeated exposure can worsen chronic health conditions. The new study is especially relevant amid a global climate crisis, with Europe experiencing longer, hotter, and more frequent heatwaves. The International Labour Organization estimates that more than 2.4 billion people are exposed to workplace heat stress, contributing to millions of occupational injuries and deaths each year. Climate change is now considered a public health emergency, and the study calls for policies that address environmental inequalities, strengthen heatwave resilience, and protect vulnerable populations. This context highlights the importance of targeted protection and efficient healthcare planning in response to extreme heat. The new research charts the need for urgent, comprehensive action to mitigate the health risks associated with heat exposure and underscores the significance of climate change as a pressing public health issue.
