Indoor Overheating for Heat Stress in Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if maintaining indoor temperatures at 26°C can protect children from heat stress during a simulated heatwave. Researchers will observe physiological and cognitive responses in children aged 10 to 15 under two conditions: a comfortable 26°C and a much hotter 36°C, both with similar humidity levels. The study seeks to discover if the temperature limit that benefits older adults can also prevent heat-related issues in children. Suitable participants are generally healthy, speak English or French, and do not engage in intense exercise regularly. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance children's health during heatwaves.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications. However, since children with chronic health conditions are excluded, it's possible that those on regular medication might not be eligible.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for children?
Research has shown that maintaining indoor temperatures at 26°C is generally safe for children. One study found that spending six hours at 26°C did not significantly raise their body temperature or strain their heart. Thus, children can comfortably handle this temperature during a typical school day.
In contrast, higher temperatures, like 36°C, pose more challenges. Studies have indicated that such heat can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of heat-related issues. Drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in cooler areas is important if possible.
Overall, while the lower temperature is considered safe, exercise caution with higher temperatures due to potential health risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it's exploring how different levels of indoor heat affect children, which is a fresh approach to understanding heat stress. Unlike traditional studies that might focus on outdoor heat exposure or physiological responses without controlled environments, this trial simulates real-life indoor conditions at 26°C and 36°C. By examining how children respond to these specific indoor temperatures during light exercise, the trial aims to provide insights that could lead to better guidelines for managing indoor environments and protecting children from heat-related health issues.
What evidence suggests that maintaining indoor temperatures at 26°C could effectively prevent heat stress in children?
Research shows that children face a higher risk of heat-related illnesses because they cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults. Studies indicate that extreme heat can lead to dehydration and other health issues in children. This trial will compare two different indoor temperature exposures. One group will experience an indoor temperature upper limit of 26°C, which may help reduce these risks by preventing dangerous increases in body temperature. Another group will be exposed to a hot indoor environment of 36°C. A review of studies found that temperatures above 24°C can harm health, suggesting that cooler indoor spaces might protect children during heatwaves.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Glen P Kenny, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Ottawa
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children aged 10 to 15 who can safely participate in a study simulating indoor heat exposure. It aims to understand how high temperatures affect their bodies and minds during activities like a school day.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Exposure
Participants are exposed to two indoor temperature conditions (26°C and 36°C) for 6 hours, simulating a typical school day. They perform light exercise every hour except during lunch.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for physiological and cognitive responses after exposure to indoor overheating.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Simulated exposure to indoor overheating
Trial Overview
The study tests if keeping indoor temperatures at or below 26°C with moderate humidity prevents harmful stress on the body and mind of children, compared to higher temperatures typical in non-air-conditioned spaces.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants exposed daylong (6 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 26°C and 45% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 29).
Participants exposed daylong (6 hours) to an indoor temperature maintained at 36°C and 45% relative humidity (humidex equivalent of 45).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Ottawa
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Impact of Indoor Overheating on Physiological Strain in ...
Children exposed to a 6-hour simulated heat exposure ... temperature is measured continuously throughout the 6 hour exposure to the simulated indoor overheating.
Characterizing pediatric discharge diagnoses associated ...
Our study results reveal that extreme heat exposure correlates with an increased incidence of discharge diagnoses for dehydration, general ...
Effects of heat exposure on the thermoregulatory ...
The purpose of this study was to determine whether young children's thermoregulation during heat exposure varies with age and body size.
Characterizing pediatric discharge diagnoses associated ...
Study finds extreme heat increases pediatric health risks, highlighting the need for awareness and policy-driven protections.
Report of the systematic review on the effect of indoor heat on ...
This report assesses the effects of indoor temperatures above 24°C on health. We have conducted a systematic review of this topic to support the development ...
Extreme Temperatures: Disaster Management Resources
Heat extremes can produce several health effects in children, the most common of which is dehydration. Heat extremes can also lead to heat ...
Effects of Daylong Exposure to Indoor Overheating on ...
Core temperature and cardiovascular strain were not appreciably altered following 8-h exposure to 26°C but increased progressively in conditions above this ...
Review article Surviving indoor heat stress in United States ...
Exposure to high temperatures and humidity levels can cause heat stress, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and other health issues ...
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