Hyperthermia Hyperthermia Deaths of Children Deaths of Children

in Hot Vehiclesin Hot Vehicles

Jan Null, CCMJan Null, CCM

San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco State University

Golden Gate Weather ServicesGolden Gate Weather Services

BackgroundBackground 1990-1995: Airbag deaths in the headlines.1990-1995: Airbag deaths in the headlines.

Nat’l Safety Council called it a “CRISIS”Nat’l Safety Council called it a “CRISIS” Total Fatalities = 41Total Fatalities = 41

2002-2003: SARS deaths in the United States:2002-2003: SARS deaths in the United States: Daily headlinesDaily headlines Total Fatalities = ZERO!Total Fatalities = ZERO!

1998-2003: Vehicular hyperthermia deaths 1998-2003: Vehicular hyperthermia deaths of US children:of US children:

Total fatalities = 190Total fatalities = 190 2003 fatalities = 422003 fatalities = 42

Since 1998Since 1998

Legislation Proposed Only w/ Injury

2003 Fatalities & Legislation2003 Fatalities & Legislation

HyperthermiaHyperthermia Child’s thermoregulatory system Child’s thermoregulatory system less capable of cooling their bodies.less capable of cooling their bodies.

Their body temperature rises 3 to Their body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adults.5 times faster than an adults.

Heat stroke at body temperature Heat stroke at body temperature of 104of 104 degrees F. degrees F.

Death at 107 degrees F.Death at 107 degrees F.

How Hot? How Fast?How Hot? How Fast?

Summer 2002 Observational studySummer 2002 Observational study

Equipment donated by Davis Equipment donated by Davis InstrumentsInstruments

16 study days with ambient 16 study days with ambient temperatures from 72-96 degrees Ftemperatures from 72-96 degrees F

On two days, measurements were On two days, measurements were also made with the windows opened 1.5 also made with the windows opened 1.5 inchesinches

How Cars Get HotHow Cars Get HotIncoming Shortwave Radiation Warms Interior Objects

How Cars Get HotHow Cars Get HotOutgoing Longwave Radiation Heats the Air

How Hot? How Fast?How Hot? How Fast?

How Hot? How Fast?How Hot? How Fast?

How Hot? How Fast?How Hot? How Fast?

2004 Headlines2004 Headlines▫ Roseburg baby dies after left in hot car

▫ Father arrested after 9-month-old daughter dies inside parked car

▫ Mother charged in 4-month-old's death

▫ Unattended infant found dead in a car in Newport

▫ 5-month-old infant dies after being left in car

▫ Doctors can't save baby found in hot car

▫ Baby Dies After Being Left In Car

▫ Tot dies inside car at auto dealership

2004 Headlines2004 Headlines

Contact InformationContact Information

Jan Null, CCM

Dept. of Geosciences, SF State University

Golden Gate Weather Services

510-657-2246

www.ggweather.com/heat/

jnull@ggweather.com