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i Haight Road Tank Removal NOA Project Number: E07174A January 2008 if proper precautions are taken, heat stroke is completely preventable. Exertion should be limited when temperatures and humidity are high, and activities in direct sunlight should be avoided. Adequate hydration is an absolute necessity and may be the single most important prerequisite for avoiding heat illness. Both fluids and electrolytes should be replaced after any activity in the heat; water itself is usually sufficient during exertion. A period of acclimatization is recommended before vigorous activity is undertaken. At Least two weeks in a hot environment are needed to bring, heat control mechanisms to maximum efficiency, and even this period may be inadequate if temperature and exertion are extreme. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion, the most common heat injury, occurs in an otherwise fit person who is involved in extreme physical exertion in a hot, humid environment. This condition results from a serious disturbance of the blood flow, similar to the circulatory disturbance of shock. Heat exhaustion is, in fact, a mild state of shock brought on by the pooling of blood in the vessels just below the skin, causing blood to flow away from the major organs of the body. Due to prolonged and profuse sweating, the body loses large quantities of salt and water. When the water is not adequately replaced, blood circulation diminishes, affecting brain, heart, and lung functions. Heat exhaustion is sometimes, though not always, accompanied by heat cramps due to salt loss. There are two basic kinds of heat exhaustion. The first is salt depletion (sodium depletion), which occurs when un -acclimatized individuals exert themselves and drink enough water but do not replace the sodium. Second, there is water depletion, which occurs when individuals do not drink enough water during extreme heat. This type of heat exhaustion is characterized by extreme anxiety and agitation, intense thirst, headache, weakness, fever, lack of muscle coordination, and decreased sweating. The most critical problem in heat exhaustion is dehydration; salt loss poses an additional problem. Heat exhaustion normally strikes those who are poorly acclimatized and who suddenly participate in strenuous exercise in a hot climate. Their water and salt levels become unbalanced: either the salt depletion is greater than the water depletion, or vice versa. Primary signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are much like flu symptoms. They include the following: • Headache, giddiness, and extreme weakness • Nausea and possible vomiting • Dizziness and faintness • Profuse sweating • Loss of appetite • Fatigue • Diarrhea