Reference: https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32310/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Living in rooms with temperatures below 18°C increases mortality rate!
In January 2020, Professor Toshiharu Ikaga of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University reported in the “Handbook for Healthy Living through Optimal Thermal Environment – Healthy Homes with Appropriate Temperatures” that data showed a higher mortality rate during the winter season, which is November to March, in warmer regions compared to colder regions. The leading causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, brain-related issues, and respiratory diseases, accounting for 60% of the cases. The average nationwide increase in mortality during the winter season was 17.5%.
In Japan, Aomori Prefecture, known for its cold climate, ranked 46th with a 10.8% increase, and Hokkaido ranked 47th with a 10.3% increase. These values are significantly lower compared to the national average. This difference can be attributed to the awareness of cold weather precautions and the widespread use of well-insulated homes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about living in temperatures below 18°C. Nineteen out of the 47 prefectures in Japan have temperatures below 18°C, affecting approximately 40% of the population.
The movie “Mount Hakkoda” is a Japanese film released in 1977, based on the novel “Hakkoda Mountain: Death Struggle” by Jiro Nitta. It depicts the tragic event of the Hakkoda Mountain snow marching accident. It portrays the mental destruction and freezing deaths caused by the extreme cold during a winter military exercise. People living in regions with sub-zero temperatures are more aware of the dangers of cold weather, so they spend their winters ensuring they are in warmer rooms. It seems that people in warmer regions may not be as familiar with the dangers of extreme cold to their overall health and well being.
Prolonged exposure to a cold environment can lead to various illnesses. There are numerous diseases that can be caused by chilling the body. While blood pressure rises to prevent a decrease in body temperature, prolonged exposure can lead to impairments in the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to have adequate heating and maintain a suitable living environment. In addition to the temperature living in a poorly lit room can also affect one’s health.
Room temperature varies across different areas of the room. Pay attention to the temperature of the floor surface!
During winter, the recommended room temperatures are around 19-21°C during activity, 22-25°C during meals, and 26-28°C during rest. The WHO has emphasized the health risks associated with different room temperatures.
- Below 18°C: We see increased blood pressure and circulatory disorders
- Below 16°C: we see respiratory system disorders
- 5°C:we begin to see the serious impacts of hypothermia begin to set in
To avoid the above conditions, it is recommended to ensure you have access to well insulated houses where possible or at minimum multiple layers of clothing. Well-insulated homes maintain consistent room temperatures, whereas homes with poor insulation have lower temperatures on the floor and walls. In rooms with poor insulation, measures to combat the cold are necessary. Even if the room temperature is high, the cold air from the floor, walls, windows, and ceiling can still have an impact. If the temperature within 1 meter from the ground is below 16°C, the following symptoms increase:
- Diabetes: 1.6 times higher
- Hypertension: 1.5 times higher
- Hearing difficulties: 1.3 times higher
The likelihood of injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and sprains also increases
- Fractures, dislocations, and sprains: 1.65 times higher
To achieve even room temperatures, it is necessary to use floor heating and circulators. However, it is not advisable to sit directly on heating appliances as it can cause the body to dissipate heat, leading to cooling rather than warmth.